On Sunday, 27 July 2025, ceremonial commemorations of the 81st anniversary of Operation Most III (Bridge III) took place in Wał-Ruda and Zabawa – one of the most daring and crucial intelligence operations of the Home Army during World War II.
The event brought together representatives of the Tarnów district and Radłów municipality local government, the veterans’ community, local residents and a large gathering of history enthusiasts. The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków was represented by Director Tomasz Kosecki, who on behalf of our institution:
The commemorations also had an exceptional educational and community-building character. After the official part, participants gathered at a tent next to the sanctuary, where a historical picnic was held with the participation of historical re-enactment groups, as well as an outdoor game that allowed participants to better understand the behind-the-scenes story and course of Operation Most III through play.
A special place in Zabawa is now occupied by the hangar next to the sanctuary, which houses military memorabilia, including fragments of a Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft, similar to the one that landed at the “Motyl” (Butterfly) airstrip near Tarnów on the night of 25–26 July 1944. The latest acquisition is a collection of historic parachutes, and thanks to the initiative of a local entrepreneur, the road leading to the hangar has recently been concreted to resemble a runway. This year, the Polish Aviation Museum donated life-size silhouettes of Polish partisans who took part in Operation Most III to the hangar.
This deeply moving event served as a reminder of the heroism of Home Army soldiers and the significance of an operation that had a direct impact on the course of World War II and the fate of Europe.
We invite you to view the photo report from the commemorations:
Photo: P. Topolski, archives of the Tarnów District Office / Photo: Town and Municipality of Radłów
