British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Senior Officer in the Middle East Command

Lieutenant Colonel Michał Talikowski

"Lieutenant Colonel Talikowski, formerly Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General Polish Army in the East and Assitant Quartermaster General Polish Forces Middle East.

Is now serving as DAA & Quartermaster General Headquarters 3 Polish Corps.

Over a period of one and a half years this loyal and able officer has proved of great service to the British Staff in explaining and applying the British systems of Administration to the numerous Polish units under command of the Headquarters on which he has served.

Colonel Talikowski, whilst maintaining a high standard of Administrative ability among his Staff and the Polish Units under their control, he has invariably given evidence of his desire to be of assistance to and simplify the work of the British Staff".

Recommended by : Brigadier (ALS) (Brigadier Hon. J.M.G. Hennessy)

Award : O.B.E.



O.B.E. (Military Division) in case of issue obverse

Pulkownik Michał Talikowski was born on the 22nd September 1894 and during his Military service in the IIRP was awarded with the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar

2) Silver Cross of Merit

3) 1918-1921 War Commemorative Medal

4) 10th Anniversary of Independence Medal

5) 20 Years Long Service Medal

6) 10 Years Long Service Medal

French

7) Legion of Honour

8) World War I Victory Medal

Estonian

9) Cross of Liberty

Yugoslavian

10) Order of the White Eagle.

During WW2 he also received the following Awards and Medals :

Polish

11) Army Medal

British

12) O.B.E. (Military Division)

13) 1939-1945 Star

14) Africa Star

15) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

16) 1939-1945 War Medal



Major Dypl. Michał Talikowski



Plk.Dypl. Michał Talikowski with other 2nd Corps Officers.



Plk.Dypl. Michał Talikowski

After the end of the war in Europe he came to the UK were he died on the 22nd June 1956 in London and was buried in Streatham Park Cemetery, London.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer

Lieutenant Bolesław Rawicz

"Lieutenant Rawicz has served as Staff Lieutenant on the Polish Army Service Corps Directorate, and is the author of two books which have proved of great value in encouraging and simplifying the organization on British lines of the PASC in the Middle East.

The books referred to are "The Organization of the British Army" and "S and T Services in the British Army".

This work carried out by Lieutenant Rawicz in addition to his normal duties, has assisted in great measure the efforts of the British Staff in the Middle East in their endeavours to administer Polish Units on the British system.

In an arm of the service where misunderstanding and bad organization can cause great loss of valuable material, the work of this officer must be considered as having been of high value to the Allied effort in this theatre",

Recommended by : Brigadier (ALS) (Brigadier Hon. J.B.G. Hennessy)

Dated : 16th January 1945

Award : M.B.E. (Military Division)



M.B.E. (Military Division) in case of issue obverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O.

Lance Corporal Aleksander Korecki

"Lance Corporal Korecki is a member of the Political Warfare Executive, serving as a Technical Instructor in Radio at a British Military Training School in the Middle East.

This N.C.O. has consistently shown an efficiency and marked ability in carrying out his duty, much exceeding that normally required by his rank.

His work involves giving Technical Instruction to British Officers classes, at the same time maintaining liaison with Commissioned ranks in British and US military and civil organizations.

To this delicate and responsible duty he has brought a degree of tact and successful achievement deserving high praise".

Recommended by : Brigadier J.B.G. Hennessy

Dated : 16th January 1945

Award : B.E.M.



British Empire Medal (Military Division) obverse and reverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Staff Officer from the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division

Major Zdzisław Antoni Bukojemski

"During the operations against the river Senio & Saterno as General Staff Officer III(I) of his Division, Major Bukojemski constantly co-operated with the staff of arms under command of the division (7th British Armoured Brigade, 78th British Medium Regiment and 51st R.Tanks B assault Brigade R.E.) and by his very conscientious and enthusiastic work he gave these units much valuable information on the situation and the methods employed by the enemy.

This information often formed the basis for the tactical decisions of the various formation and unit Commands under the Division, at the same time facilitating to a large degree the successful culmination of the operations.

His close contact with all units, both British and Polish ensured the receipt of correct and up to date information.

By the excellent collection of such information he showed complete understanding of the tactical importance of his work and was outstandingly efficient in its distribution".

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

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R.L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army

Dated : 15th August 1945

Award : M.B.E.



M.B.E. (Military Division) case of issue



M.B.E. (Military Division) in case of issue obverse



Major Dypl.Zdzisław Antoni Bukojemski

Major Dypl. Zdzisław Antoni Bukojemski was born on the 2nd January 1911, during the September 1939 Campaign he was a Porucznik in the 27PP. In 1940 he made his way through Czechoslovakia to Hungary and onto Syria, during the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1911-333-III, he was also awarded the following Awards and Medals during WW2 :

1) Cross of Valour (1939-1945) with 1 Bar

2) Army Medal

3) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 1117 (whilst a Kapitan serving in 3DSK Headquarters).

British

4) M.B.E. (Military Division)

5) 1939-1945 Star

6) Africa Star

7) Italy Star

8) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

9) 1939-1945 War Medal

Having already served as an Infantry Officer in Tobruk, he knew what to expect from the enemy, after the end of the War in Europe he came to the UK with his Division and after being demobbed settled down to civilian life with his wife whom he had married in 1939.

Marta Masłoń (Born 2nd October 1912), in 1959 he applied for British Citizenship which was granted on the 15th February 1960, at that time he was working as a Machine Operator, living at 105 Rosebank Avenue, Wembley, Middlesex (BNA 58969) London Gazette dated 3rd May 1960.

Marta died in Milton Keynes on the 28th June 2005 and Podpulkownik Dypl. Zdzisław Antoni Bukojemski, died on the 7th June 2012 aged 101 in Milton Keynes.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Major of the 2nd Corps,

Major Władysław Godłowski

"Major Godłowski, in his capacity of Assistant Director Military Engineering, has been responsible for the selecting, training and organising of all workshops and personnel within 2 Polish Corps from 1942 onwards.

He has further been responsible for these workshops from the time of landing of 2 Polish Corps at Taranto and throughout the Italian campaign.

Due only yo his untiring energy and drive were able to surmount numerous difficulties and problems which confronted us during this period.

As a result of his outstanding work on the organisation and functioning of all workshops it has been possible for a high standard of repair and efficiency of equipment to be reached and maintained throughout the Italian campaign.

Due to his personality, the highest possible degree of cooperation has existed not only between all Polish Services with which it is his duty to come in contact, but those of our Allies.

Often confronted with what would appear to be unsurmountable difficulties, he would go far beyond the normal call of his duties to obtain a solution".

Recommended by : Lieutenant General Szyszko-Bohusz, Commanding 2 Polish Corps.

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army.

Dated : June 1945

Award : M.B.E. (Military Division)



M.B.E. (Military Division) in case of issue obverse

Major Władysław Witold Godłowski, was born on the 10th July 1902, he started his service in the Army with 18th Infantry Regiment then moved on to the 1st Armoured Regiment and by 1939 he was a kapitan serving in the Armoured Weapons Technica Research Office of the Army.

During WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Army Medal

2) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 46518

British

3) M.B.E. (Military Division)

4) 1939-1945 Star

5) Italy Star

6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

7) 1939-1945 War Medal

During the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1902-142-III, after the end of the war in Europe he came to the UK with his Unit and in 1948 married Janina Jadwiga Sybilska.





Their respective entries in the Marriage Registers.

Then in June 1948 they both left the UK bound for Buenos Aires in Argentina



But after 14 years in Argentina they both left bound for a new life in the USA.



Visa for entry into the USA in June 1962.

They then both applied for and were granted US Citizenship



Janina Jadwiga Godłowska died in July 1983 aged 70 (Born 1st October 1916), Władysław Witold Godłowski died on the 2nd July 1987 aged 84.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer from 3DSK

Major Mieczysław Adam Górczewski

"As the DAA & Quartermaster General of the 2nd Carpathian Brigade during the campaign in the Apennines (November-December 1944), Major Górczewski organised the supply system under very difficult conditions as regards Communications weather during the Brigades action on Monte Foritko-Ricci.

Later, during the fighting on the rivers Senio and Santerno, by his personal efforts and great zeal, he organised the supply services of the Brigade on a high standard.

It is due to his efforts that during the operations there was never any lack of arms or rations in the Brigade.

He is wholly devoted to his Assistant Quartermaster duties and works untiringly without stinting either effort or trouble for the good of the fighting troops".

Recommended by : Lieutenant General Szyszko-Bohusz, Commanding 2 Polish Corps

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army

Dated : June 1945

Award : M.B.E. (Military Division)



M.B.E. (Military Division) in case of issue obverse

During the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1906-199-III, he was awarded the Cross of Valour, Army Medal and Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 1324.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer 2nd Corps Artillery

Lieutenant Zbigniew Holowej

"As troop commander during training and afterwards in battle, during a period over two years Lieutenant Holowej always set a fine example of personal devotion and sacrifice, carrying out many difficult additional duties.

By his great personal discipline, ability in leading his units, conscientiousness and constantly increasing knowledge, by his commanding ability in the field and in the face of danger he contributed much towards the successes achieved by the Regiment.

He has throughout the Campaign shown outstanding zeal and devotion to duty and has set a very high standard".

Recommended by : Lieutenant General Szyszko-Bohusz, Commanding 2 Polish Corps.

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army

Dated : June 1945

Award : M.C.



Military Cross case of issue



Military Cross in case of issue obverse



Military Cross obverse.

During WW2 he escaped from Poland made his way to France then onto the UK where in 1941 he served on one of the Armoured Trains crewed by surplus Polish Officers :



Polish Officers serving on an Armoured Train 1941



He served on the Market Weighton, York Armoured Train and was awarded the Above Badge.

Then after the germans invaded the soviet union in 1941 he was sent to the Middle East once General Anders troops began to leave the soviet union.

During the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1917-51-III and during his service he received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Army Medal

2) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 35671 (7PAPLotLek.)

British

3) Military Cross

4) 1939-1945 Star

5) Italy Star

6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

7) 1939-1945 War Medal

Any further awards are not known

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer from 16BS, 5KDP

Captain Wacław Kubiak

"During the offensive operations from 9th-21st April Captain Kubiak was acting 2nd in command 16th Battalion.

On 12th April 1945 he personally led the attack of the two forward companies with the object of forcing a crossing over the River Santerno.

Despite very heavy enemy fire and stubborn resistance, he so inspired his men that the crossing was finally successful.

On 15th April on the line of the river Sillaro he went forward at first light to ascertain the situation.

Having appreciated the situation, he conducted the action of the two forward company's and organised an attack to capture a bridge.

He again so inspired the troops that the objective was taken intact, a point of great importance to future operations.

He remained with these company's for 24 hours, under extremely heavy enemy fire, personally coordinated the consolidation of the bridgehead and repulsed three counter-attacks.

His skill, courage and personal example were outstanding".

Recommended by : Lieutenant General Szyszko-Bohusz, Commanding 2 Polish Corps

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army

Dated : June 1945

Award : M.C.



Military Cross case of issue



Military Cross in case of issue obverse



Military Cross obverse.

During the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1908-291-III, he did take over the Command of the Battalion in 1945-1946.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. from 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division

Corporal Jan Kochanek

Interpreter to British Tanks

"During the attack he acted as both as interpreter and wireless operator in a tank.

By his courage and resourcefulness he succeeded in maintaining contact between the infantry and the tanks without interuptions, and due to him the intercom worked very well".

Recommended by : Lieutenant Colonel Marian Karol Jasinski

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General W. Anders C.B., Commanding 2 Polish Corps

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R.L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army

Dated 13th August 1945

Award : B.E.M. (Military Division)



British Empire Medal obverse and reverse.

By the time it reached the Rewards Committee they downgraded it to a Mention in Dispatches.



British 1939-1945 War Medal with Mention in Dispatches emblem.

Kapral Jan Kochanek whilst serving in the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1918-337-III, Unit : 6BSK, 2nd Carpathian Rifle Brigade, 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an officer from the 11th Signals Battalion

Captain Jan Morawski

"As Officer in command 13 Technical Maintenance Platoon Captain Morawski organised the supply and repair of signals equipment for 11 Signals Battalion (Corps Signals) and nine Corps signals units (including 529 Rear Link Signals) in an outstanding manner during the recent operations in Italy.

His very extensive technical knowledge, his initiative and drive, his devotion which far exceeded his duties, resulted in the fact that he is the "spiritus Movens" in Corps Signals.

At every hour, be it day or night, he immediately proceeded to the most advanced details of Corps Signals in order to rectify the most delicate signals faults.

His great esprit de corps is stressed and is shown by his constant readiness to render technical assistance, not only in his own unit but all others, both Polish and British".

Recommended by : Lieutenant General Szyszko-Bohusz, Commanding 2 Polish Corps

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army

Dated : July 1945

Award : M.B.E. (Military Division)



M.B.E. (Military Division) in case of issue obverse

Kapitan Jan Morawski was born in 1910, during the Italian Campaign His Service Number was : 1910-257-III, he was awarded the Army Medal and the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 40465 (whilst Por. in 11BL).

Best wishes

Andrzej