The Journey
Our journey to uncover our family's roots has led us to various corners of the globe. From the enchanting landscapes of Belarus to the vibrant streets of Warsaw, and the serene fields of Makow Mazowiecki to the charming avenues of Ghent, each location a significant piece of our family's story. Even the often overcast skies of the UK contrast with the bright, sunny days in Australia, highlighting the diverse tapestry of our heritage. Each place we visit enriches our understanding of who we are and where we come from.
From Zahutyn huddled in the arms of the beautiful mountains of Poland, to the open poppy fields of Makow Mazowiecki; and from the bustling streets of cosmopolitan Warsaw to the expansive flats of Ostrow in what is now Belarus, these places are where the roots of our family began. Will Poland continue to run through our blood?
USSR
When the Ferenc's and Kaczynska's were deported from their homeland, they were sent by train to the wilds of Siberia. They survived, just...but they still had a heck of a journey ahead of them. Did they ever think they would have a normal life again?
Persia
Tehran was the capital of Persia in 1943, and it is here that our father, Vodek Keller, was born. How did the Polish refugees end up here?
Vodek spent his formative years in the mud huts of Tanganyika, Africa playing with snakes and monkeys. Was life here as idyllic as he recalls?
Belgium
When Krzysztof left the airforce in 1946, he emigrated to Belgium. He lived the remainder of his life in Ledeberg, Ghent before being laid to rest in 1975. Why did he chose to go to Belgium and not return to Poland? Why did he lose touch?
Where did the Ferenc's go after the war? Originally housed in Springhill Lodge upon arrival in the United Kingdom, the family built a life in Coventry, where Francziszka, Zofia, Ala and Bogdan lived for the remainder of their lives. Did the family ever met again?
From the port of Fremantle, via bus to their new life in the airfield barracks in rural Cunderdin, then on to life in suburban Perth, Lucyna and Vodek came to the vast expanse and never ending oceans of Australia to start their new lives. Was Australia what they expected for their new lives?
Belarus
Ostrow was home to the Ferenc's and Lucyna when the guards came knocking for deportation in the early hours of a wintery February in 1940. This self sufficient land holding was part of Poland back then, but what is left of it, is now located in Belarus. Did they ever return?
Lithuania
When WW2 started, Krzysztof was living in Wilno, Poland. As of 2018, the address of his last known location, still stands. This is where he was arrested by the notorious NKVD. Vilnius, as it is now known today, is the capital of Lithuania. How did he end up here after living in Warsaw?
Germany
When WW2 took hold of Poland, Michal ended up in various camps in Germany. Why did he end up here?
Italy
Italy was the port for many a displaced person to begin their journey to new lands, and this is where Michal began the wait for his journey to Australia. What was it like?
The Ships
One thing is for sure, our ancestors have done some travelling in their time. Many of these journeys occurred on ships. Read all about what these journeys would have been like here.