Janina Lewicka
Class 3
A part of a story entitled “My education during the occupation”
[…] A young professor entered the classroom and commanded in a slightly trembling voice:
“Kozłowska, take your Latin and history notes, leave through the side door, and go home.”
She did exactly that, quickly and without any surprise, because there was nothing to be surprised about. Everyone knew what was going to happen and only quick glances were cast at the window. And here comes the reason. We heard a truck in front of the white building of the Trade School in Legionowo. It was a German car. After a while we heard the heavy steps of the German boots, and two military policemen entered the office.
Meanwhile, the classroom was completely quiet. We looked calm, but that calmness was only a guise. It was difficult to stay calm when you knew that the hated military policemen were in the office. Maybe they had found the maps? Maybe a student had not managed to hide their books? We could only pray to God that everything would be alright. Nobody showed any emotions, we were hearing only the stern voice of our professor lecturing us on trading techniques.
We were studying in constant fear. Every history, geography, or Latin lesson we were haunted by the image of the hated military police. And yet, in addition to the secret classes, there were scouts, and half of the students were part of the conspiracy. Because of that, in such moments, which were happening more and more frequently, the eyes of the youth glistened, and their lips tightened. But the more we were persecuted by the military police, the more our hearts were burning to learn.
A moment later, the Krauts, and the strong voice of our brave principal could be heard in the corridor. Then the sound of a car. A sigh of relief left the lungs of many… The Krauts left!
The bell rang out. Students were leaving their classes, anxious and uncertain. Time and time again people were asking:
“Is the principal here? Did they find anything?”
The principal was there, and everything was fine. And again, hundreds of young voices were
heard in the white building, the secret classes were still taking place, only the faces of the
people were fiercer and more resolute. Their hearts had one desire – to get revenge! But
seemingly everything was alright, and nothing was happening.