WWII Hero Dies Days After Walking Granddaughter Down The Aisle

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A World War II hero has died just days after proudly walking his granddaughter down the aisle at her wedding.

Bronislaw ‘Grom’ Karwowski was captured by the Nazis in WWII, but miraculously managed to escape from the Gestapo headquarters in Lomza, north-eastern Poland.

Heart-warming footage shows the moment Mr Karwowski accompanied his granddaughter, Joanna, down the aisle at her wedding in Bialystok, northern Poland.

Watch the moving video here:

The proud grandfather didn’t let his ailments stop him from adding to his granddaughter’s big day, and performed his duty for his family with the Armed Forces, saying he showed the same determination during his time serving his country.

Grom wore his military gear, which was heavily adorned with the many medals he’d won for his bravery, as he accompanied Joanna on her last walk as a single woman.

Wedding guests were left in tears as they watched the emotional scene unfold, while Joanna seemed to be trying to keep calm by taking deep breaths as she headed towards the new part of her life.

Joanna’s husband-to-be appeared to be fighting back tears as he bit his lip while waiting at the alter. Grom came to a halt with Joanna when they reached the end of the aisle, and let go of his crutch to shake hands with the groom.

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The emotional groom thanked Bronislaw for bringing his bride to him by kissing him on each cheek.

However, Grom sadly passed away just two days after the wedding.

Following his escape from the Gestapo headquarters, the veteran was arrested again in 1948, during the communist period, where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

He was eventually rewarded with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Rebirth of Poland for his efforts fighting for his country, as well as many other honours.

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The National Armed Forces announced Bronislaw’s death on social media, writing:

We regret to announce that today, on 1st September 2018, on the 79th anniversary of Germany’s assault on Poland, the national hero and insurgent of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, Major Bronislaw Karwowski retired to the eternal guard. He was 94 years old.

He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Rebirth of Poland, the Silver Cross of Merit with Swords, the Cross of the National Armed Deed and many others.

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Many people paid tribute to the veteran on social media and shared their responses to the heartwarming video.

One tweet read (translated):

Today, on September 1, 2018, Maj. Bronisław Karwowski aka “Grom” departed to eternal rank – a long-time member of the Supreme Council of the NSZ Soldiers’ Union, an officer of the Second Conspiracy of NSZ-NZW.

In March ’47 he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. He was arrested in ’48, tortured and imprisoned until 1953.

Another person added:

I watched this twice. It’s just something magnificent.

While a third commented:

God bless the bride and tribute to the soldier’s memory.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Bronislaw ‘Grom’ Karwowski at this difficult time.

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Emily Brown

Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.