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Józef Piłsudski in German prisons

Magdeburg is known in Poland above all as the place where Józef Piłsudski was interned. The fortress there is a frequent reminder of the imprisonment of the leader of the Polish legions and one of the fathers of Polish independence. But the city was not the only one where Piłsudski was held prisoner. Most of the buildings in which Piłsudski was imprisoned no longer exist today. The fortresses in Wesel and Magdeburg were destroyed years ago. The small wooden house in which Piłsudski was interned during his time in Magdeburg, also fell into disrepair before it was handed over to Poland in the 1930s and finally rebuilt near the Belvedere in Warsaw as a precious historical testimony to the work of the man who was already revered as a cult figure during his lifetime. The future Marshal of Poland was detained for almost one and a half years from 22nd July 1917 to 8th November 1918.

Piłsudski and Sosnkowski during their internment in the Magdeburg Fortress, 1918

Public domain

The return to Warsaw

On the evening of November 9th, accompanied only by Paul van Gülpen, Piłsudski and Sosnkowski left Berlin on a short train - it only had one wagon - from the station at Friedrichstrasse, which was located near the Hotel Continental. Some sources erroneously state that Count Kessler was also present. But he bade farewell to the Poles in the hotel and remained in the German capital for several more days. During the journey Piłsudski and van Gülpen enjoyed a number of relaxed conversations about the former's relationship with Germany and German-Polish relations (Piłsudski spoke German well, but is said to have had a strong Polish accent).

“The long trip to Warsaw and the situation we found ourselves in gave me the opportunity to talk about topical issues in a way that was more open than would normally have been the case. In our conversations I was able to convince myself that Piłsudski's attitude to us was basically friendly and deeply genuine. He repeatedly said that he had enjoyed fighting alongside the Germans, since we were always loyal neighbours and reliable comrades in arms. So why should two new nations not now be able to embark on a peaceful policy? Since each is dependent on the other it will be possible to come to an understanding with good will.”

In Thorn the German Revolution caught up with the travellers once again. The Soldiers and Workers Council had taken over command of the station. The train was stopped and the roles now changed. This time Piłsudski had to take over the responsibility for protecting van Gülpen.

In the morning hours of November 10th the train entered the Vienna station in Warsaw, to be welcomed by a small group of people, including Prince Zdzisław Lubomirski and a few POW officials. After breakfast some personal items had to be obtained quickly since the two returnees did not even have a change of clothes. After a short break Piłsudski turned to the gathered crowd who had already learnt of his arrival. His speech was neither long nor rousing, but gave him the opportunity to proclaim his will to fight and his ethos to his compatriots:

“Citizens! Warsaw welcomes me for the third time. I believe that we shall see each other many times under happier circumstances. I have always and will always continue to serve my homeland and the Polish people with my life and blood. I can only greet you briefly, since I have a cold. I have a sore throat and chest pains.”