Little Insurgent Monument, Warsaw

In Poland, there were constant efforts to commemorate the Warsaw Uprising. These efforts were continually being thwarted by the communist authorities. One of the most poignant monuments was unveiled on 1st October 1983 by the Barbakan walls. This was the Little Insurgent Monument, funded by scout collections and designed by Jerzy Jarnuszkiewicz.

Visitors from all over the world flock to this monument that depicts a boy soldier, weighed down by a huge adult helmet and holding a Sten gun. The statue is in memory of the 13 year old corporal Antek. He was killed in action on 8th August 1944 close to the scene. His statue is in memory of all those children who served as frontline troops and messengers.

The Little Insurgent Monument takes you right back to the Warsaw Uprising where many young children played a heroic role. Professor Jerzy Swiderski, the Boy Scout, unveiled this statue in 1983. He was a cardiologist and was a part of the Home Army’s “Gustaw” regiment. During the uprising, he acted as a message runner under the codename of “Lubicz”.

When you visit the Little Insurgent Monument, do not miss out the engraved song from that period on the wall behind the statue.