Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz, Greek-Polish swimmer and water polo player (b. 1911)

Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz: A Life of Athletic Prowess and Resistance

Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz, known in Greece as Georgios Ivanof-Sainovits (Γεώργιος Ιβάνωφ-Σαϊνόβιτς), was a remarkable figure whose life intertwined athletic excellence with extraordinary acts of heroism during World War II. Born in Warsaw, then part of the Russian Empire, on 14 December 1911, he embodied a unique Polish-Greek heritage, being the son of a Polish father and a Greek mother. This dual background would later play a significant role in his identity and actions, ultimately shaping his destiny as a key figure in the Greek Resistance.

A Distinguished Athlete

Before the tumultuous years of the war, Iwanow-Szajnowicz was a highly accomplished sportsman, primarily excelling in water polo and competitive swimming. His athletic prowess was widely recognized; he represented Poland in water polo at the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, demonstrating his skill on an international stage. He was also a celebrated national champion swimmer, holding several Polish records in various swimming disciplines. This background not only honed his physical capabilities but perhaps also instilled in him the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking that would prove invaluable in his later clandestine activities against the Axis occupation.

Joining the Greek Resistance Movement

With the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent Axis occupation of Greece, Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz chose not to stand by as his adopted homeland suffered. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and an unwavering commitment to freedom, he joined the Greek Resistance. Operating as a highly effective saboteur, he became a formidable adversary to the German and Italian occupying forces. His intimate knowledge of the local terrain, combined with his physical strength, sharp intellect, and daring spirit, made him an invaluable asset to the resistance effort against the established military power.

Acts of Sabotage and Courage

Iwanow-Szajnowicz’s operations were marked by audaciousness and precision, inflicting significant damage on the Axis war machine and disrupting their control over strategic assets. His key actions included:

These acts, often performed under the cover of darkness and with immense personal risk, not only inflicted tangible damage on the Axis war effort in the region but also significantly boosted the morale of the local population, demonstrating that resistance was possible.

Capture, Trial, and Execution

Despite his remarkable successes and a string of narrowly avoided captures, the inherent dangers of his clandestine work eventually caught up with Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz. He was tragically betrayed and subsequently captured by the Germans in Athens. Following his arrest, he endured brutal interrogation at the hands of the Gestapo but reportedly never broke, steadfastly refusing to betray his comrades or divulge sensitive information about the resistance network. He was subsequently tried by a German war tribunal, which swiftly condemned him to death. On 4 January 1943, at the young age of 31, Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz was executed by firing squad at the notorious Kaisariani firing range in Athens, becoming a martyr for the cause of freedom and a symbol of defiant courage.

Legacy and Recognition

Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz is revered as a national hero in both Greece and Poland, the two nations to which he was inextricably linked. His extraordinary courage, unwavering patriotism, and ultimate self-sacrifice during World War II are remembered with profound respect and admiration. He received numerous posthumous honors, including the prestigious Gold Cross of the Virtuti Militari, Poland's highest military decoration for heroism and bravery in the face of the enemy, and the Cross of Valour. His inspiring story serves as a powerful testament to the bravery of those who actively resisted tyranny, highlighting the profound impact an individual can have in the face of overwhelming adversity and reminding future generations of the price of freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz

Who was Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz?
Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz was a Polish-Greek athlete who became a celebrated saboteur and resistance fighter in the Greek Resistance during World War II, renowned for his daring acts against the Axis occupation forces in Greece.
What was his background before the war?
Born in Warsaw in 1911 to a Polish father and a Greek mother, he had a dual national identity. He was also an accomplished water polo player and swimmer, notably representing Poland in the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics.
What were his key contributions to the Greek Resistance?
He carried out numerous high-impact acts of sabotage, including sinking German U-boats and other vessels in the critical port of Piraeus, destroying aircraft at military airfields, and disrupting vital Axis supply depots and fuel reserves.
How did he die?
He was tragically captured by the Germans in Athens after being betrayed. Following his unwavering refusal to betray his comrades during interrogation, he was tried by a German war tribunal and executed by firing squad on 4 January 1943, at the Kaisariani firing range.
How is Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz remembered and honored?
He is honored as a national hero in both Greece and Poland. He received high military decorations posthumously, including Poland's Gold Cross of the Virtuti Militari and the Cross of Valour, for his exceptional bravery and sacrifice in the fight against tyranny.