Following the German aggression against Poland on 1 September 1939 and the attack by the USSR on 17 September 1939, thousands of Poles, both civilians and soldiers, crossed the Hungarian border. Despite the difficult international situation and Hungary's affiliation with the Axis powers, the Hungarians were very sympathetic and provided assistance to the Polish refugees. The Poles were cared for - both by the Hungarian state and by Polish organisations operating in Hungary. The internees were placed in numerous military and civilian camps. The refugee camp in Nagykáta was located in a primary school.
The number of Polish internees in the initial period of exile is estimated at about 140,000, including about 33,000 privates and officers. Over time, the number of refugees, mainly military, decreased as a result of an organised evacuation campaign by Poles to France and the Middle East to Polish military units being formed there.
In the local cemetery, in sector VIII, in the 4th row from the main avenue, is the grave of Jozef Poprawski. The gravestone in the form of a plaque made of pink stone is topped with a cross. The plaque bears a porcelain photograph of the deceased, as well as the following inscription: "Józef Poprawski / Pvt. of the Polish Army / interned in Hungary / died a tragic death / 9 October 1939 aged 25 / colleagues".

Compiled by. A.Wojda, MKiDN, VII 2025.