British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[TMZ]

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)




Sgt Józef Piałucha CGM 15 Jan 1915 - 2 Sep 1944

300 Squadron - 1944

One of the Squadron’s Lancasters, one of more than a thousand aircraft, was industriously bombing a target at Emieville near Caen on 18th July, when flak badly damaged it. The rear gunner was moving his turret round, searching for fighters at the time. The blast swung the turret beyond its usual position, ripped open the door at the gunner’s back and sucked him out of his seat. He fell out but his left foot jammed in the doorway and there he hung head downwards. The mid-upper gunner and the flight engineer went to his aid but could not pull him in. His foot began to slip out of the shoe, so one of them grabbed his trousers, which, however, began to tear. The flight engineer now did a risky piece of work; he clambered out (the aircraft was now over the sea) precariously held in place - and looped a length of rope round the rear gunner, which he then made fast to the seat. He then returned to his task of nursing the damaged Lancaster back to its base.


The Lancaster limped home with the rear gunner hanging head down from the tail and those watching on the airfield saw him swing his head to one side to avoid hitting the ground as the bomber touched down. He was bleeding from the ears and mouth but was not badly hurt. He still brags of being the only man to have flown upside down from Caen to Great Britain. Sgt. J. Piałucha, the flight engineer, was given the immediate award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his outstanding courage and initiative.


Later Sergeant Józef Piałucha was posted to 1586 (Polish) Special Duties Squadron, being involved in dropping arms and supplies to partisan units in Italy, Poland and the Balkans. On the night of 1/2 September 1944 his Halifax BB389 was hit by flak over Sombor and crashed just outside Belgrade with only the navigator managing to bale out, evading being captured for three days. Piałucha was buried in the Belgrade War Cemetery.

Lancaster JA922 Crew on 18th July 1944
F/S Z Stepien
Sgt J Piałucha
F/S J Jaś
Sgt T Jawor
Sgt K Staniewicz
F/S J Derewienko
F/S F Zentar

(I am afraid I am not certain of these last name spellings as the ORB is difficult to read clearly)

(Andrzej included this person on p4 of this thread, but without the story)

Update: on the crash in September 1944 were also his crew-mates from this same flight.

Sgt Józef Piałucha dob 15-01-1915 died 02-09-1944
F/S Józef Jaś dob 18-03-1918 died 02-09-1944
Sgt Konrad Staniewicz dob 23-11-1923 died 02-09-1944
F/S Józef Derewienko dob 18-03-1921 died 02-09-1944

[andrzejku98]

Hello TMZ,

Many thanks for your post on Sergeant Flight Engineer Józef Piałucha, the other members of the Crew that fateful night are as follows :

Pilot Sierz. 781204 Józef Nalepa KW x 3, ML.

Bombadier Plut. 784727 Józef Jaś, KW, ML x 2.

Radio Operator Kpr 704020 Konrad Staniewicz KW, ML.

Air Gunner Sierz Adam Szczepan Białoszewski, ML

Air Gunner Plut 704108 Józef Antoni Derewienko, ML.

The only survivor was Sierz 704092 Tadeusz Bronisław Jawor, KW, ML, who became a POW, he survived the war and died in Australia in 2003.



Sergeant Flight Engineer Józef Piałucha grave in Belgrade War Cemetery, his CGM was presented to the Podlaise Museum in 2004



Photograph of the CGM, from the Museum's website



Sierz 704092 Tadeusz Bronisław Jawor.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Today the 18th May 2019, marks to 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino and the Polish victory, one of those Polish soldiers was Plut. (Lance Sergeant) Jan Kukla, Army No 1914-39-III, Unit 7Carpathian Infantry Battalion.

"On the 9th May 1944, during the battle for Monte Cassino, he received serious wounds (head and left arm). Not wishing to leave his section, which he commanded he refused to be evacuated and after receiving first aid treatment, he remained in the line. He took part in the whole operation, always at the head of his troops, showing extraordinary courage calmness and the will to fight. Later in the attack against the River Chienti line he was wounded for the third time whilst leading his section. He was then evacuated. During the Spring 1945 offensive against Bologna he was wounded for the forth time, receiving 8 separate bullet wounds and insisted in remaining where he was, saying that he had not lost his capability to fight. However he lost consciousness and he had to be evacuated. As a commander and a fighting soldier he is outstanding, he possesses extraordinary courage, leadership, tenacity and willpower. His example draws everybody. Throughout his service , beginning with Libya, he has distinguished himself by his complete devotion to duty".

Recommended by : Lt. Gen. W. Anders Commanding 2 Polish Corps.

Approved by Lt. Gen. R. L. McCreery, G.O.C. Eighth Army.

Award : D.C.M.



Distinguished Conduct Medal Obverse and Reverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

I found the following photographs whilst surfing and thought that I would share them with you,



Kpt.pil P0771 Jan Mioduchowski receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross from an Air Commodore, also awarded the Virtuti Militari Numbered 10311, KW x 2, ML x 3.

The following photograph shows an award ceremony at RAF Chedburgh, Suffolk on the 19th October 1946.



The presentation of awards was made by Air Marshal Sir Ralph Cochrane G.B.E., K.C.B., A.F.C.

The Pilots from Left to Right :

1st Left not identified

Kpt. P0651 obs. Kazimierz Karol Wünsche, D.F.C. Virtuti Militari Numbered 9550, KW x 4, ML x 3, 300 Squadron

Chor. 783090 pil. Jan Cholewa, D.F.C. Virtuti Militari Numbered 8469, KW x 4, ML x 4, 301 Squadron



Tunic and Cap of Chor. Jan Cholewa



Virtuti Militari Numbered 8469 and Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to Chor. pil Jan Cholewa

The Person being presented with his award by Air Marshal Cochrane

Chor. pil 780119 Piotr Mieczysław Nowakowski Distinguished Flying Medal, Virtuti Militari Numbered 9074, KW x 4, ML x 2, 300 Squadron.



Chor. pil. Piotr Mieczysław Nowakowski

Kpt. P1555 pil. Michał Goszczyński will receive his Air Force Cross, Virtuti Militari Numbered 10300, KW x 3, ML x 4, 301 Squadron.



Michał Goszczyński whilst a Plut.pchor.



Michał Goszczyński 3rd from left 1943



Michał Goszczyński centre at RAF Newton.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for the British Military Cross,



"Captain Wasilewski, Jerzy, C.O. Squadron in 10th Polish Mounted Rifles/Armd. Recce/, commanded his Squadron with outstanding courage and ability throughout the action between Caen and Falaise /August 7th-21st/. Especially in the action of securing the river crossing at Jort / August 16th-17th / and of taking Chambois / August 17th-18th.

His courageous action had a direct bearing on the action of the Regiment, which resulted in securing the river crossing at Jort, supplying the G.O.C. with precious information about the enemy, co-operating with the 10th Dragoons Regiment at Chambois, destroying a great number of enemy and thus enabling the Division to do its main task.

The personal courage of Captain Wasilewski displayed in these actions was a real inspiration to his men and officers".

Recommended by : Major General Maczek, GOC 1st Polish Armoured Division.

Approved by : Lieutenant General G.G. Simonds, Comd 2 Canadian Corps

Approved by : Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery, Commander-in-Chief 21st Army Group.

Rotmistrz Jerzy Wasilewski was in command of the 1st Squadron of 10PSK.

the following photograph shows Major Jerzy Wasilewski on his Wedding Day with his wife who had fought in the Warsaw Uprising



Best wishes

Andrzej

[greengriff]

Hello Everyone,

Whilst surfing last night I came across the following which I thought I would share with you all :

Attachment 1189219

Major Eugeniusz Piasecki M.B.E. (Mily)

Attachment 1189220

M.B.E. Recommendation

Attachment 1189221

M.B.E. (Mily) Royal Mint Case

Attachment 1189222

M.B.E. (Military Division) with inside of case

Attachment 1189223

Ribbon Bars of Major Eugeniusz Piasecki

Top Row : Cross of Valour 1918-1921, Gold Cross of Merit with Swords, Independence Medal, Silver Cross of Merit.

Middle Row : Army Medal, Monte Cassino Cross, 1918-1921 War Medal, 10th Anniversary of Independence Medal.

Bottom Row : British M.B.E. (Mily), 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, 1939-1945 War Medal.

Missing from the above and awarded are the 20 & 10 Years Long Service Medals and the British Defence Medal.

Best wishes

Andrzej

Hey. I found this guy's grave whilst walking in Lutterworth.

I was curious about his MBE. Googling bought me here. Where did you find the information that you posted?

Cheers,

Mark.

[andrzejku98]

Hello Mark,

Many thanks for your post and photograph of the grave of Major Eugeniusz Piasecki M.B.E., the Recommendation came from the National Archives. The photographs of Major Piasecki and his awards, I found on the internet.

I would like to welcome you to the Forum and wish you all the very best, once again many thanks for posting the photograph of the Gravestone.

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for the 1st Armoured Division :



3rd Brigade, 1st Polish Armoured Division, 2nd Canadian Corps, 9th Polish Rifle Battalion.

6569/16/I, Sergeant Major Cadet Officer Tadeusz Władysław Mogilski.

"On 7th September 1944, during the attack of Roulers by the 9th Polish Infantry Battalion, Cadet Officer Mogilski, by a courageous and decisive manoeuvre greatly contributed to the success of his Battalion in liberating the southern part of the Town. This manoeuvre was carried out with 3 sections of Bren Carriers (under strength) and 2 sections of the Anti Tank Platoon. Although the losses were heavy (One killed and seven wounded) he repulsed enemy counter attacks despite very difficult circumstances and displayed great personal valour and courage".

Recommended by Lt.Colonel Zdzisław Mateusz Lubicz-Szydłowski, C.O. 9th Infantry Battalion.

Approved by Major General Maczek, G.O.C. 1st Polish Armoured Division.

Approved by Lieutenant General G.G. Simonds, Commanding 2nd Canadian Corps

Approved by Lieutenant General G.G. Simonds, A/G.O.C., C-in-C, First Canadian Army

Approved by Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery, Commander in Chief 21st Army Group.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for the 1st Armoured Division :

3rd Polish Infantry Brigade, 1st Polish Armoured Division, 2nd Canadian Corps, 9th Polish Infantry Battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel Zdzisław Mateusz Lubicz-Szydłowski.

"Lt. Colonel Szydłowski, Zdzisław, C.O. 9th Polish Infantry Battalion, on August 19th, 20th, 21st 1944, the situation in the hills north of Chambois became temporarily critical owing to a local break through of enemy armour, which resulted in troops on these hills. 2nd Armoured Regiment, 9th Polish Infantry Battalion and 1st Anti Tank battery being cut off from the main body of the Division and from supplies. Strong enemy attacks followed with armour and artillery, both from East and West.

Lt. Colonel Szydłowski, by seniority, took command of the whole group, owing to his personal courage, example and coolness, the critical situation had been overcome, enemy attacks beaten off and the task of the Division performed".

Recommended by : Major General Maczek, G.O.C. 1st Polish Armoured Division.

Approved by : Lieutenant General G.G. Simmonds, Commanding 2nd Canadian Corps.

Approved by : Lieutenant General G.G. Simmonds, A/G.O.C-in-c, 1st Canadian Army.

Approved by Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery, Commander in Chief, 21st Army Group.

Pplk. Zdzisław Mateusz Lubicz-Szydłowski was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.



Plk Zdzisław Mateusz Lubicz-Szydłowski after being promoted to Plk.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for the Distinguished Service Order awarded to an Officer of the 17BS, 5KDP.



Major Mieczysław Baczkowski

Recommendation states :

"On the 17th May 1944, this officer led the attack on St. Angelo which was eventually captured against great odds. His troops inspired by his leadership, repulsed two counter attacks, before having to withdraw on being attacked a third time. He organised his unit on the slope of the hill in spite of very unfavourable ground and very heavy shell fire.

Finally on the 18th May his unit seized St. Angelo, his personal courage and unflinching character and inspiring example have in a decisive manner contributed to the success of the whole division. By the capture of Colle San Angelo, the acknowledged key to the position".

Recommended by : Lieutenant General W. Anders, Commanding 2 Polish Corps.

Approved by : Lieutenant general O.W. H. Leese, GOC Eighth Army.

Granted an Immediate D.S.O.

H.R. Alexander, General, Commander in Chief Allied Central Mediterranean Force.



Also awarded the Virtuti Militari Gold Cross Numbered 34, Virtuti Militari Silver Cross Numbered 6426, KN, KW X 5, MCC Numbered 18560.

Best wishes

Andrzej