Alfreda Sarzyńska
Class 6
Elementary School no. 2 in Starachowice
Iłża district
My most memorable moment from the occupation
An unforgettable moment for me was the arrival of the Mongols [sic] to Starachowice, who organized a manhunt in the forest. A lot of men and women were hiding in the forests from German arrests and round-ups. The Germans did not want to endanger their army so they sent wild hordes of Mongols [sic]. I will never forget their scary faces, slanted eyes and bony cheeks. They simply organized a slaughter in the forest. Whoever did not die was taken prisoner. A lot of women and men were horribly murdered then. It is difficult to describe what happened that day. My beloved brother was in the forest at that time. I trembled at the thought of what had happened to him, whether he had escaped, or whether he had been captured. Actually, people were not led, but driven by the horses. It was a terrible sight. The memory terrifies me. The Poles had tired faces, indifferent to everything. All around were the Mongols [sic] on horses, with satisfied smiles, drunk, happy. At the sight of our horror, they laughed mockingly. I wanted to see my brother to make sure he was alive, but at the same time was afraid to see him among such wild people. Looking at my mother’s despair, my heart sank and I prayed to God to save my brother. God listened to me and saved him. One day brought so many tears of misfortune and despair. Mothers who lost their beloved children, orphans, and whole families in mourning are living proof of the invader’s cruelty.