My father, Sergey Ponomarev( son of Princess Tamara Imeretinskaya ) was a friend of General Shkuro and was with him in Austria in the encampment near Lientz. My father over heard the British talking about the fact that the Cossacks were to be handed over to the Russians. My father tried to persuade Shkuro to flee with his men, but Shkuro did not believe him. My father then had Shkuro sign a document stating that Sergey was a civilian of Spanish Nationality and was employed by him only as his interpreter. Thus my father and my mother were not transported as were the rest of the Cossacks.

A Mr. Jan de Kloe from Belgium is in the process of writing a book about the life of my father, mother and also he has uncovered previous unknown documents that will also be disclosed in the book along with many photographs of his family and the Cossacks Horse Performers who performed all over Europe.

We hope that soon the manuscript will find it's way to a Publisher for Publication.

I just wanted to share this with whom ever might find this of interest.

Thank you,
Tamara Ponomareff

Hi Tamara-
I had the pleasure of meeting Jan over the internet and very much look forward to his book-for so many, Lienz and the atrocities of May/June 1945 will never be forgotten and so many had absolutely no choice as to where they would continue their existence-grateful for the fact that they could live out their lives in countries that offered them true freedom.
My family came to Sydney, Australia in 1949 -unfortunately my mother and sister have passed away-Juliana and Natalia Shevchenko-My brother Michael (Misha) is now 75 and still finds some aspects of that time difficult to relate to us. I was born in Lienz in August 1946. My mother served out the rations in the camp kitchen in Peggetz and my father was a cook there. My sister worked minding children in the kindergarten. As we came here with very few personal possessions I am trying to get some photographs of the camp kitchen in Peggetz in the hope that they may contain images of my parents - its a long story but we lost contact with my father and I would dearly love to find out where he eventually settled and even to know whether he is still alive-my brother is the only one left who could identify my father for me. If you happen to come across anyone who may have photos I would love to contact them and obtain copies if at all possible. My husband and I are going to Lienz this year for the 65th Anniversary.

Regards-Nadja (Shevchenko) Owen

Dear Nadja,

I trust that you are doing well. I just wanted to share with you that the progress of the book is on track. Mr. Jan de Kloe has discovered more very interesting items in reference to my father in a Russian Monastery in Up State New York. The information is truly amazing and will be added to the book. What was most endearing to me is the photo of my father that was included in the documents found.

I hope some day that we get the opportunity to meet in person.

Warm Regards,
Tamara Ponomareff

Hi Tamara

Yes, it would be lovely to meet and exchange stories-my husband and I are just back from our five week trip to Europe
during which time 6 days were spent in Lienz coinciding with the 65th Memorial commemorations-there were people from Russia, USA, Germany, Italy Prague, various cities in Austria and of course the local people of Lienz and about eight of us from Australia. There is a permanent Historical Museum being planned for Lienz exclusively to tell of the tragedy which is very close to the hearts of the locals. We had the pleasure of meeting the lady who goes to the cemetery every day to tend the graves (voluntarily)-there is not a blade of grass out of place-she was only two when it all happened but still remembers seeing all the cossacks horses being rounded up and shot-some 6,000 she said. Also another woman and gentleman, both orphaned by the events and brought up in Lienz by Austrians. It was a very humbling experience to be able to be there and one we will always treasure-I fully understand how wonderful it must be for you to be learning more about your father..............look forward to Jan's book. Take care and fond regards, Nadia