Labaj family

[Adrian]

Hi I'm looking for any trace of the Labaj famimly from Kamenka-Bugskaya. My grandfather Michael (Mikhalo) Labaj was born around there in 1926 before ending up in England.
I believe that his parents were Ivan and Anna. Since being in England I know he has missed his family terribly and I would love to try and make it up to him by doing this research. So I would be extremely greatful if anyone can pass on any information

Thankyou

[Hannia]

You're a good Grandchild!!!

Did Grandfather arrive in UK after WW2 via Germany, Austria or Italy? Approximately when did he leave Ukraine? Are you sure Grandfather wants to know about his family?

Ask Grandfather for names of nearby villages.

If there are surviving relatives, it should be fairly simple to make the connection, once we ascertain the exact location of the village.

PS> Don't have the time now, but a little later will send you some links, which might help you understand Grandfather's background a little better. He comes with a great deal of history!
Don't do anything, until you read thru the links I will send. Are you in Manchester area?

[Hannia]

Surname LABAJ has some German, Polish & Czech flavor.

Does your Grandfather consider himself Ukrainian or Polish?

Once I get this specific question answered, will send you history links as promised.

[Adrian]

Hi Hannia
My grandad has always said he is Ukranian. I know of 2 brothers, Gregory and Peter, and three sisters, Katerina, Stefca and Filca (the latter two now live in Poland). But I believe there were others. He told me that he ws from Kamenka about 40 miles from Lvov.
My Grandad lives in Lincolnshire, but I couldn't tell you how he got there. I live in Sheffield (about 50 miles away)but I can ask when I next see him

[Hannia]

Links for your perusal.

Pay special attn to sections of following link covering:

UPA UKRAINIAN INSURGENT ARMY (also called PARTIZANKA)
Grandfather could have been Ukrainian Partisan>Captured by Nazi's>Spent time in POW
concentration camp>Many starved to death>DP (Displaced Person) designation after WW2>Immigration

OSTARBEITER SLAVE LABOR
Grandfather could have been forcibly taken by Nazi's to work in German factories or as Bavarian agricultural worker>Saw bombing of Germany by Allies> Many factory workers killed in bombings>DP designation after WW2>Immigration

UKRAINIAN DIVISION GALICIA (HALYCHYNA DIVISION)
Grandfather was conscripted c 1944. Hitler used this division to fight the Soviet forces> Saw brutal battles against Russians>Captured by Allies> POW status in Rimini, Italy, Austria or UK>Vindication of Division by Allies> DP status

This is a very loose sketch of Grandfather's history. His personal experience could be some variation of one the three.

He never returned to Ukraine, because death or exile to hard labor camps awaited him and his immediate family in the hands of Stalin.

World War II in Ukraine
http://www.infoukes.com/history/ww2/

Litopys UPA - Chronicle of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army
http://www.infoukes.com/upa/

Click to Slave Labor Home Page.
Ukrainian Forced Labor Class Action Litigation
http://www.smorodsky.com/forcedlabor/

Brotherhood of Veterans of the 1st-Division of the Ukrainian National Army
http://www.infoukes.com/galiciadivision/

PS> Read thru these before approaching Grandfather. Bare in mind, that no matter what his exp was, it was/is a very painful one for him. In next post will provide you with an address for your inquiry re surviving family.

[Edited by Hannia on 30th October 2001 at 05:09]

[Hannia]

Kaminka is a district center/large town.

Ask Grandfather whether he was from the town proper or from a nearby village.

Since most villages were small, immigrants will frequently refer to their district center as place of birth for the purpose of geographical orientation.

In either case, ask for some names of nearby villages.

Keep your fingers crossed that he was from a small village! That would make your task an easy one.

[Adrian]

Hi Hannia

Thankyou so much for your help I am looking forward to reading through the pages that you have provided

When I have spoken to my grandad I will be in touch


Adrian