The Auschwitz survivor's son who played for Wales

Franciszek and Anna Krzywicki moved to Britain from Italy in 1946, never imagining that one day they would have a son who would represent Wales in international football.

After the Allied forces liberated them, the Polish couple ended up living in Italy towards the conclusion of World War II.

During the war, Franciszek was forced to go to the Auschwitz concentration camp, while Anna was taken by the Nazis from Poland and made to work on a farm in Austria.

The youthful duo was assisted by the Red Cross in moving to Britain. A year following their arrival, in the month of February 1947, their baby boy, Ryszard (Dick) Lech Krzywicki was born near Wrexham in Penley.

According to Dick Krzywicki, he acquired Welsh eligibility due to the circumstances of his birth. He was born in Wales because there was a hospital run by Polish medical professionals in Penley. Many Polish women who were expecting children were sent there for their medical needs.

Our home was situated at a location called Blackshaw Moor Camp in between Leek and Buxton. This camp catered to the needs of Polish citizens who were residing there after the war.

Dick's dad served as a soldier in the Polish Army, but after the Nazis took over, he got captured and got sent off to a concentration camp.

"I reckon he was expected to be armed with a firearm or some sort of weapon," Dick stated.

A man who worked as a builder decided to conceal a gun inside a wall and seal it off, resulting in his eventual arrest. He was initially sent to Mauthausen Concentration Camp, but later found himself imprisoned in Auschwitz.

When my mother was only 16 years old, she was captured by the Germans and forced to work on a farm in Austria. This was because her parents were living on a farm in Poland, and the Germans wanted to relocate their workers.

She was removed from the pavement and commanded to gather her possessions because she was being taken elsewhere.

As Dick was getting older, he upheld a robust Polish heritage, whereby language was at the heart of it.

He mentioned that in his earlier days, he used to be proficient in speaking Polish as he attended church and subsequently took Polish classes.

At the age of 15, I departed from my residence to West Brom, which created a challenging situation for me due to the distance from my parents.

After I got married, I found that I didn't use the language as much and as a result, my proficiency in it declined.

Dick started playing professional football at West Brom when he was 19 years old in 1966.

Dick remembers receiving a pleasant unexpected experience while playing for West Brom.

"I was approached by the manager who informed me that Dave Bowen, the manager from Wales, wished to have a conversation with me."

He expressed his desire for me to join the Under-23s team. This came as a complete surprise, but I was thrilled nonetheless and accepted the offer with enthusiasm.

However, the Polish Football Association had also noticed Dick's skills.

He remembers the time he was part of West Brom's team when they went to America to participate in a pre-season tournament against three or four other teams.

While we were returning, we found ourselves at the airport where we came across the Polish national team.

A group of people discovered that I was associated with West Brom, and around five or six of them approached me with inquiries pertaining to my salary, my experience playing in the English league, and whether I would be interested in joining the Polish team.

Naturally, the incident led to an official response.

However, Dick was resolute in his desire to represent Wales, and he achieved his first appearance for the senior team on October 29th, 1969, during a defeat of 3-1 against East Germany in Cardiff.

I have some memories of it, but since it was my initial appearance, I just wanted to finish it quickly as I was unaware of what would happen.

"It was truly an incredible encounter."

The next year, England, who were the world champions at that time, came to Ninian Park in Wales for a game. The match concluded with a score of 1-1, and Dick was the one who scored Wales' goal.

"The best moment of my professional life," he stated. "No matter where I travel, particularly when I'm vacationing in Wales, older individuals aged 60 to 70 often recall me for my goal against England."

It was an incredibly unique moment, as they were the reigning world champions at the time, and having the legendary Gordon Banks as their goalkeeper only added to the significance of the occasion.

Dick participated in a match with Wales on 26 May 1971, where he played alongside a fellow player who also had Polish heritage.

Ray Mielczarek, who was born in Caernarfon, was a part of the team that conquered Finland in Helsinki on that particular night due to John Toshack's goal.

Dick and Ray were teammates on the Huddersfield Town squad during the 1970s.

When thinking about his visibly Polish name, Dick expressed: "Having a name like mine feels like a novelty, especially since there aren't many Krzywickis representing Wales in sports!"

Every time I come across people who love football, there are always those who can recall the name.

One time, while I was lodged in a hotel, someone mentioned that a person with my name used to compete in football matches for Wales. It feels good to know that I am still remembered.

Krzywicki currently resides on the edges of Huddersfield together with his spouse Hazel, whom he tied the knot with in 1969.

He was a part of the midfield team of Huddersfield Town from 1970 to 1974 and then ended his career by playing two years with Lincoln City.

He stated that he made many good acquaintances in Huddersfield during his playing career and promised to return after its completion. Since then, he has resided in the town for half a century.

Dick's kids were really good at sports too. His daughter Tara earned six international football caps for Wales, and she was also a great athlete who competed for Great Britain in running the 5,000m, and doing steeplechase horse riding.

Nick is a trained golfer who works in Halifax.

"Our family loves sports. Although my wife claims to be a sports enthusiast, I often tease her and say that line-dancing is not exactly a sport," quips Dick.

When Wales goes against Poland on Tuesday for the Euro 2024 play-off final, which is the birthplace of his parents, will Dick have conflicting allegiances?

People have asked me that question multiple times, and my response remains consistent - I always identify as Welsh," Krzywicki maintains.

When Poland is playing against other teams, I support them because I feel a sense of loyalty towards them.

In my own opinion, I reckon Wales holds the upper hand. Although I have a soft spot for Poland, I don't believe they possess the same level of power. From my point of view, the match will likely be a tight one with a low amount of goals scored.

Looking back on his modest start and his folks' hardships, Krzywicki, who is 77 years old, holds a deep appreciation for the opportunities that have presented themselves to him.

"It's the realization of a lifelong aspiration," Dick expresses.

I never imagined that I would become a professional player, even though I was significantly better than my peers during my time playing football in school.

When I finished school, I was almost about to become a motor mechanic. However, unexpectedly, a local scout came up to me and invited me to attend West Brom.

At times, I criticize myself and ponder about the good fortune I've had. My journey has been profitable and I reflect on it with the realization that I have been a fortunate individual.