>>212887614>>212889271>it's intelligencia wasn't physically removed. And even afterwards, the diaspora was incredibly strong and large.German reports noted that 96% of the intelligencia on the to-kill lists were exterminated, with 4% fleeing or going into hiding.
And then the communists came, Katyń happened, and for decades they were actively hunting down and executing people. Members of my family received a "pardon" in 1994, as previously there was a state issued death sentence on them. From being aristocrats and military officers they had to hide, live under fake identities and fling pig shit for a living. Still they fought in AK for as long as it was possible, rescued some jews (questionable decision) and even landed in german camps (got out thanks to a massive bribe paid in solid gold).
Along with a "pardon" in 1994 they received some medals and their graves got some extra decorations during a military ceremony to honor them. They never fled the country and they've lost everything.
Polish elites got absolutely blendered, and those who didn't flee the country either collaborated with russians (I know plenty of examples for that) or barely survived and lost everything in the process.