BOHDAN HAWRYLYSHYN IN CAMPS FOR DISPLACED PERSONS IN GERMANY (1945–1947)

Abstract

This article highlights part of the life of the Ukrainian scientist and well-known philanthropist Bohdan Dmytrovych Hawrylyshyn (1926–2016), related to his stay in the DP camps in Germany after the end of World War II. An analysis of scientific works dedicated to the study of Ukrainian displaced persons in post-war Europe is provided. Characteristic features of their daily life in the camps, household arrangements, establishment of education for children and youth, cultural and religious life, medical care, etc. are highlighted and described. Based on the study of memoirs, interviews and preserved archival sources, the key moments of Bohdan Gavrylyshyn’s life in the period under study have been established. The author seeks to trace the important factors that influenced the formation of his personality, outlook and further life. Negative phenomena associated with camp life are also considered, in particular, the risk of repatriation to the Soviet Union, political struggle within the camp, poor nutrition, insufficient conditions for training, lack of funds, etc. Considerable attention is paid to the general picture of events, the number and prevalence of camps, living conditions in them, obtaining an education, possible options for the future fate of a young person after leaving the camp, etc. Among the moments that provided certain positive opportunities for young people, a large percentage of the Ukrainian intelligentsia was noted, who had the desire and willingness to open schools and thus complete secondary education, which would give them the opportunity to enter universities in different parts of the world. Bohdan Gavrylyshyn also took advantage of this opportunity, later entering the University of Toronto in Canada. During his stay in the camps, as a plastun, he joined the “Forest Devils” camp, with whom he maintained contact throughout his later life. At a more mature age, already retired, he devotes himself to Ukraine, in particular, he became the head of the Regional Plastov Council (2006–2008) and founded the Plast Development Fund in 2008.