DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2524-048X.2026.34.9

Abstract. The purpose of the article is to recreate the features of the daily life of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Cassino camp (Italy) based on the use of the memoirs of the lieutenant of the Austro-Hungarian army Osyp Yukhnovych from the handwritten «Almanach» (a collection of literary works authored by the prisoners themselves, which was produced in a single copy).

Research methodology. Preparation of the article included using the principle of historicism, systematicity, socio-cultural, anthropological and critical-analytical approaches was observed. It allowed authors to characterize the broader socio-cultural context of the studying era. The use of source analysis methods allowed also to conduct a thorough analysis of the document (memoirs) of a captured Ukrainian officer, and the use of the retrospective method and content analysis made it possible to highlight the features of the camp daily life of the Ukrainian camp community in Cassino.

The scientific novelty of the study lies in the introduction into scientific circulation of the essential source (the Almanac), including the memoirs of O. Yukhnovych. It allowed a much more complete presentation of various aspects of the life of Ukrainian prisoners of war (officers and soldiers) in the Cassino camp – from the moment of their capture and the dramatic circumstances of the prisoners’ transfer to the place of their detention, and to the establishment of community`s national life, which was realized through the organization of Ukrainian community institution.

Conclusions. The author of the memoirs analyzed all forms of activism of the captured officers (giving lectures, founding a library, participating in sports competitions, creating a theater, choir and orchestra and even musical instruments making). The captured Ukrainian officers tried to attract the attention of Ukrainian state activists, proposing to use the camp inmates as a resource for strengthening the armed forces of the UNR. However, their appeals were never heard by Ukrainian military diplomacy. Only in early September 1920 were the Ukrainian prisoners of war transported from Cassino to Czechoslovakia.

Keywords: Ukrainian prisoners of war, almanac, daily life, Cassino camp, Italy.

Submitted 08.11.2025

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