On 10.02.1940, a transport of Poles deported by the NKVD deep into the USSR set off from Pruzhany (now in Belarus). They were brought to Kargovina. Approx. 650 people were accommodated in wooden barracks and forced to work. After the outbreak of the German-Soviet war in 1941, the harsh living conditions of the settlers worsened even further - hunger and disease reigned, deaths were frequent. Initially, the dead were buried close to the village estate, "behind the conjuncture". This cemetery quickly filled up, so the local authorities designated an area in the forest for a second cemetery. It was in operation from 1942. A total of around 200 people were buried in both cemeteries.
In 1996, the site was visited by former Polish exiles, including Wanda and Bolesław Dańko. For the occasion, the cemetery in the forest, then numbering 29 graves, was covered with bricks. A small metal monument was also erected with a plaque stating that Poles were buried here. Next to it lay old rotten crosses with knife-cut inscriptions. The cemetery "behind the koniusznia" in 1996 was built up with various buildings. Poles visiting the site were assured by local residents that the central place of the former cemetery would be permanently marked with a large stone. During their stay in Kargovina, Mr and Mrs Danko funded a metal cross with the following inscription: "Between 1940 and 1944, 600 deported Poles lived and worked in the village of Kargowina. Many of them died and were buried here. May the earth be light to them. Honour their memory".

Compiled by T. Zachara / MKiDN, VI 2025

Teresa Zachara (MKiDN)