Polish memorial

JUST one of the many mysteries of the Second World War was the death of Polish General Władysław Sikorski, whose plane crashed on July 4, 1943 as it took off from Gibraltar.

Conspiracy theories abound with suggestions that he could have been the victim of a successful assassination attempt organised by Britain, Russia or even Nazi Germany, although an investigation at the time found that his injuries were in accordance with a plane crash.

The crash saw the death of Sikorski, five crew and 10 other passengers including his daughter, although the pilot survived but this tragic loss saw a decline in the influence that the Polish Government in Exile had over the Allies.

Gibraltar’s Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia attended a special mass at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned and later delivered a speech at a wreathlaying ceremony at the Sikorski memorial at Europa Point on the 80th Anniversary of Sikorski’s death. Also present were the Governor, Sir David Steel as well as representatives of the Polish Government and Armed Forces.

Betty Henderson

IN a monumental meeting at Benalmadena Town Hall on Wednesday, June 28, the mayor welcomed representatives of several foreign residents’ associations to share his support for their work.

The purpose of this meeting was to create a direct link between the local administration and the vibrant international community who call Benalmadena their home.

With more than 140 nationalities living in the town and foreign residents making up around 30 per cent of the population, the international community is a key part of Benalmadena’s society.

Representatives from the various groups and inter­ preters from health centres and police stations attended the meeting.

The mayor thanked the groups for their work in helping new residents to settle in