Children who found sanctuary with the Anders’ Army

The Sikorski-Mayski agreement enabled the Polish Embassy to resume operations, and gave Polish people an opportunity to leave their places of exile. Moreover, it created a legal basis for the formation of the Polish Army in the USSR, under the command of Gen. Władysław Anders. Aid was provided to the masses of civilians who reached the army and sites where legations of the Polish Embassy were operating. Aid consisted mostly of providing food and medication supplied by the governments of the Republic of Poland, Great Britain and the US, as well as by the Polish, British and American Red Crosses. Thousands of children were among those in need. Hospitals, orphanages, community centers and army-run schools for members of boys' and girls' youth organizations were established. By late 1942, the Polish Embassy evacuated from Moscow to Kuybyshev had set up 807 care institutions.