He combined the qualities of teacher, publicist, writer, and legionnaire. Bertold Merwin fought for Polish independence and founded a school for Polish children in Zambia. As a Polish Jew, he advocated the assimilation of the Jewish community with the Poles.

He was born as Baruch Menkes on 13 November 1879 in Tarnow in what was then Austria-Hungary (Austrian partition). He was brought up in a family with literary interests and educated at secondary schools in Tarnów and Lwów (Lviv), he earned a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Lwów in 1907 and a graduate diploma from the Faculty of Law.

While still a student, Menkes was involved in social and professional activities. From 1902, he worked as a teacher at the Second Gymnasium in Lwów, where he taught history and geography. He was also known as an active publicist, collaborating with various newspapers and editing “Unity” – a magazine advocating the assimilation of Jews into Polish society. He was also the author of numerous publications, including the book ” Jews in the Uprising of 1863″ and reports from his travels to the United States.

In 1914. Merwin joined the Polish Legions and fought for Polish independence. Initially, he worked at headquarters, as press clerk and chief of food supplies, among other duties. He took part in numerous combat campaigns, travelling from Hungary to Volhynia. His courage was appreciated by his fellow soldiers, and his actions at the front reflected a deep commitment to Poland’s independence.

After the First World War and the restoration of the Polish state’s independence, Merwin continued his military service in the Polish Army, where he held various responsible positions, including lecturer at military schools. He retired with the rank of major in 1928 with numerous decorations, including the Cross of Independence and the Cross of Valour.

Returning to journalism, Merwin wrote for the ‘Kurier Warszawski’ and the ‘Tygodnik Ilustrowany’, and was also involved in the Legionary Union. His journalism often focused on Legion subjects.

In 1939, Merwin was appointed spokesman for the Polish Ministry of Information and Documentation. After the German attack on Poland and the start of the Second World War, he evacuated to Romania and then settled in Zambia, where he founded a secondary school for Polish refugee children. He died in Lusaka on 10 January 1946.