On July 11, 1993, Zofia Kłosowska, née Kozik, passed away. Born in Klewań, Volhynia, on November 24, 1922, and raised in a patriotic spirit, she joined the reborn Polish Army in the first days of April 1944 and served with the 1st Armored Brigade of Westerplatte Heroes, following its combat route.
She took part in the battles to liberate Gdańsk, the capture of the Pomeranian Wall and Kołobrzeg, and the blockade of Berlin, followed by the brigade’s fierce fighting near Studzianki, where it helped eliminate the armored units of Hitler’s army rushing to aid the besieged Berlin. After the war ended, she was transferred from the Armored Brigade to staff work with the 7th Heavy Tank Regiment in Modlin, where she was demobilized in March 1946. For her participation in the Battle of Studzianki, she was one of the few women awarded the “Studzianki” badge. Sergeant Zofia Kłosowska also received a number of other commemorative frontline medals, and for her professional and social work she was awarded the Gold Cross of Merit and the Knight’s Cross.
Together with her late husband, the renowned physician Józef Kłosowski, she settled in Bolesławiec in 1946, and the city was connected with her entire postwar professional and personal life. Zofia could not stand on the sidelines. From 1957, she was an active instructor in the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association. She led the first scout troop at the Władysław Broniewski General Secondary School. Later, on her initiative, troops were established, followed by the 1st Armored Brigade of Westerplatte Heroes Scout Unit at the Maj. H. Sucharski Vocational Schools Complex. She worked at this school as head of extracurricular activities. At the same time, for several years she served voluntarily as commander of the ZHP unit, combining this activity with work in the District Headquarters and the Banner Headquarters. She led numerous scout camps and winter camps, training courses for staff, and three times served as commander of the international “Malta” Camp. She knew how to attract young people to the organization. Her pedagogical tact, high personal culture and personality made her a well-known, respected and liked person.
For her active work in scouting, she received the highest instructor rank and the Golden Cross “For Merits to ZHP.” Mrs. Zofia, Scout Sister Zosia, or simply Zosia to those close to her—she was an extraordinary person. She radiated kindness, integrity and nobility. She could always be counted on. She inspired many interesting initiatives among young people, and thanks to her the school developed its traditions. Even after she retired, we knew that she would always help when needed. She was also modest and selfless. We will miss her greatly. She will remain in our memory forever.