British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the Military Cross to an Officer from the 2nd Polish Corps :

2nd Lieutenant Andrzej Liebich, 7th Horse Artillery Regiment.

Recommendation states :

"2nd Lieutenant Liebich acted as F.O.O. to the 7th Hussars at Osimo and the action at Monte Torto. During the whole of this time he carried out his task most efficiently, while showing a complete disregard for his own personal safety under heavy fire.

On Monte Torto the only possible place from which he could observe was on an exposed hill which was being very heavily shelled and mortared, but 2nd Lieutenant Liebich carried on with his task, showing great devotion to duty.

At the time when the fire was heaviest he walked with great calmness to give a First Aid box to some wounded men of the 7th Hussars.

These actions took place on 5th and 6th July 1944.

Recommended by : Lieutenant Colonel R. E. G. Jayne D.S.O.

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

Granted an Immediate M.C.

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



Ppor. Andrzej Liebich was also awarded the Silver Virtuti Militari Cross Numbered : 10211 and the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 32386.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for the Distinguished Service Order, awarded to n Officer of the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade Group, Airborne Corps.

Lieutenant Colonel Stanisław Jachnik.

The Recommendation States :

"This Officer landed in command of a battalion of 1st Polish Parachute Brigade, to North of Elst during the Allied attack on the Arnhem road bridge. Almost immediately after landing the troops under this officer's command found themselves heavily engaged by the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Jachnik, displayed a total disregard for his personal safety, organised the defence and beat of the enemy attacks. He then moved off his troops to the Brigade Group assembly area in good order. During the night 21st/22nd September, this officer displayed great coolness and organising ability under heavy enemy fire during the first crossing of the Neder Rijn by troops of the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade Group.

Recommended by : Lieutenant General F. A, M, Browning, Commanding Airborne Corps.

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

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General Marian Kukiel, Minister of National Defence.





Major Stanisław Jachnik



Pplk Stanisław Jachnik was Born 31st October 1903 Died 25th November 1970

Pplk Stanisław Jachnik was also awarded the KW x 2, ZKZzM, MN, SKZ, MW x 3, O.B.E., D.S.O.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the Order of the British Empire

Captain Julian Feliks Folik,

Recommendation states :

"Captain Folik has done extremely good work during the past 2 years in clearing minefields in this Command. He has personally supervised the clearing of some 3,660 Mines, many of which were in a highly dangerous state due to age, shifting sand, etc. At the War Office request he was sent with his detachment to Southern Command to clear a particularly difficult field. In addition to carrying out these hazardous duties he has done some much useful work in evolving drills for Mine Field clearance and was specially selected for giving demonstrations at the S.M.E. Ripon.

He has also carried out most of the test work in connection with the design of the Polish Mine Detector, now in universal use throughout the British Army".

Recommended by : Brigadier, Chief Engineer, Scottish Command

Approved by : Lieutenant General A. Thorne, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Scottish Command.

Recommended for an O.B.E. this was downgraded to the M.B.E.



Born on the 21st November 1905 in Stanisławów, after the end of WW2 he settled in Nottingham working as a Civil Engineer and was granted British Citizenship on the 21st August 1961. Julian Feliks Folik died in Doncaster on the 24th September 1996.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Whilst searching for Recommendations I came across the following information, which I thought I would share with you all.



On the 5th October 1942 Air Vice Marshal Robert Dickinson Oxland C.B., C.B.E., O.O.P., Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, presented the following with the Distinguished Flying Cross.



1) F/O. Marian Adukiewicz

2) S/L. Jerzy Iszkowski

3) S/L. Bolesław Zenon Jarkowski

4) F/Lt. Franciszek Józef Jakusz-Gostomski

5) A/S/L. Teofil Pożyczka

6) F/O. Stanisław Liszka

7) F/O. Franciszek Pantowski

8) W/Cdr. Jan Michałowski

9) F/O. Czesław Dej

10) F/Lt. Józef Wojcik

11) S/L. Kazimierz Nowak

In addition to the above AVM Oxland also presented 10 members of the Polish Air Force with the Distinguished Flying Medal.



1) F/Sgt. Mieczysław Chanecki

2) F/Sgt. Zdzisław Jan Szantroch

3) F/Sgt. Stanisław Kłosowski

4) F/Sgt. Stanisław Jensen

5) F/Sgt. Jan Adamczyk

6) F/Sgt Franciszek Laskowski

7) F/Sgt. Stanisław Mierniczek

8) F/Sgt. Mieczysław Bergner

9) F/Sgt. Józef Kazimierczak

10) F/Sgt. Bernard Kowalski

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the Commander of the Order of the British Empire commonly called the C.B.E.

Colonel Ignacy Witek, H.Q. Polish Army, employed as CP & FA.

Recommendation states :

"Colonel Witek, as Chief Paymaster to H.Q. Polish Forces in Middle East and Central Mediterranean Force is solely responsible for all financial adjustments and audit matters in these commands. This officer is most zealous and able, and by virtue of the fact that he has proved himself to be master of the intricacies of Polish and British financial matters, has thereby ensured that Polish indebtedness to the British Government is kept to the minimum.

A Manual of British and Polish Administration compiled by Colonel Witek has undoubtedly much improved the standards of ability of his own staff officers. Thus assisting the work of their opposite numbers on the British staff, perhaps, however Colonel Witek's greatest contribution to the morale and future welfare of his countrymen, is the great amount of time and energy he has devoted entirely in addition to his normal duties. To encouraging individual saving by the Polish soldier, this personal effort has resulted in over £500,000 being already invested in British funds and has brought the present savings rate up to £1,000,000 per annum. It can be truly said that Colonel Witek has given unstintingly of his ability of his enthusiasm to the many aspects of his difficult task and by so doing has proven himself a loyal servant of his country and a real friend and ally of the British".

Recommended by Brigadier (ALS) Brigadier Hon. J.B.G. Hennesey

Approved by : Lieutenant General Paget



C.B.E. obverse

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the M.B.E. to an Officer of 2nd Polish Corps.

Captain Andrzej Jarski

Recommendation states :

"In his capacity as Deputy Commander of the 12th Army Transport Column (Polish), a newly organised formation, Captain Jarski achieved outstanding results, through his complete understanding of his responsibilities prior to and during the operations of 2 Polish Corps. And through his unfailing and tireless efforts he greatly contributed to the magnificent work carried out by the Army Transport Column in the spring offensive. His example throughout the 2 Polish Corps operations at Monte Cassino, on the Adriatic and the Gothic Line was an inspiration to the men under his command".

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

Approved by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery G.O.C. Eighth Army.



M.B.E. (Military Division) obverse

Also awarded the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered 43544.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another recommendation for the British Distinguished Service Order, awarded to Colonel Bronisław Antoni Marian Noël,

Recommendation states :

" Colonel Noël, Bronisław, Commander Divisional Artillery /C.R.A./ commanded his artillery with outstanding ability and courage throughout the period of operations between Caen and Falaise / August 7th-21st 1944/. Especially in the critical days of August 19th, 20th, 21st, when his artillery support never failed and enabled the troops fighting in the Hills 240 and 262, north of Chambois to beat off strong enemy attacks both inside and outside the ring closing the pocket".

Recommended 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/GOC-in-c, First Canadian Army.

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



Pre 1939 Photograph of Pplk. dypl. Bronisław Antoni Marian Noël.



1940's photograph of Plk. dypl. Bronisław Antoni Marian Noël.



General Bryg. Bronisław Antoni Marian Noël awards held at the Polish Institute and General Sikorski Museum in London.

General Bronisław Antoni Marian Noël was born in Lancut on the 23rd March 1897, the General died in London on the 21st August 1979.

General Bronisław Antoni Marian Noël awards are as follows :

1) Virtuti Militari Gold Cross Numbered 77

2) Virtuti Militari Silver Cross Numbered 267

3) Krzyż Walecznych 1918-1921 (Cross of Valour with 3 Bars).

4) Krzyż Walecznych 1939-1945 (Cross of Valour with 1 Bar).

5) Złoty Krzyż Zasługi (Gold Cross of Merit)

6) Medal Pamiątkowy za Wojnę 1918–1921 (1918-1921 War Commemorative Medal).

7) Medal Dziesięciolecia Odzyskanej Niepodległości (10th Anniversary of Independence Medal).

8) British Distinguished Service Order

9) British 1939-1945 Star

10) British France and Germany Star

11) British 1939-1945 War Medal

12) Belgian Officer of the Order of Leopold with Palme

13) Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palme (Belgian War Cross with Palm)

14) France Legion d'Honneur Chevalier

15) France Croix de Guerre with Palme (French War Cross with Palm).

16) Dutch Order of the Bronze Lion

17) Unidentified Medal

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

In my post Numbered 65 I wrote about Major Marian Leopold Marcin Bartosiński, at the time I did not have his recommendation which is as follows :

Recommendation states :

Captain Marian Bartosiński

"On the 9th August at the head of his Squadron, this officer attacked a strongly held enemy position Hill 111 at Soignolles. In spite of heavy losses in tanks, Captain Bartosiński and his Squadron destroyed 3 german anti tank guns and captured 3 Officers and 70 Other Ranks".

Recommended by : Lieutenant Colonel Aleksander Stefanowicz, Commanding Officer 1st Armoured Regiment.

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. Simmnds, A/G.O.C.-in Chief First Canadian Army

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



Pre 1939 Photograph when a Podporucznik (2nd Lieutenant)



Major Marian Leopold Marcin Bartosiński was born on the 13th May 1908 and was killed on the 29th October 1944.

His awards are as follows :

1) Virtuti Militari Numbered 10349

2) Cross of Valour 1939-1945 with 1 Bar

3) Medal Wojska

4) British Military Cross

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the Air Force the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to :

Jerzy Michał Erazm Iszkowski, P0403, Pilot, 304 Squadron.


Action:
Recommendation (drafted 30 August 1941 when he was a Flying Officer who had flown 21 sorties (131 hours)).

"This officer has completed 18 of his operational missions as captain of aircraft and three as second pilot. He has participated in four raids on Cologne and in attacks on other important industrial targets in Germany. Also in attacks on harbours in occupied countries, only on one occasion has he failed to reach his main objective. Flying Officer Iszkowski has displayed excellent leadership and his determination, whatever the odds, has contributed materially to the successes achieved.
Details".

Award approved 5 September 1942.

Polish and British Awards to Jerzy Michał Erazm Iszkowski.

1) Virtuti Militari Numbered 9192.

2) Cross of Valour with 3 Bars

3) Air Force Medal with 3 Bars

4) British D.F.C.

5) British 1939-1945 Star

6) British Air Crew Europe Star

7) British 1939-1945 War Medal



Por. pil. Jerzy Michał Erazm Iszkowski photograph dating from 1941 up to October 1942 when awarded the D.F.C.



Por.pil. Jerzy Michał Erazm Iszkowski, in charge of the Colour Party carrying the Polish Air Force Standard.



Distinguished Flying Cross obverse



Pre 1939 photograph of Jerzy Michał Erazm Iszkowski



In line awaiting the arrival of AVM. Robert Dickinson Oxland who will be presenting these Pilots and Aircrew with the D.F.C. Jerzy Michał Erazm Iszkowski is standing at the right of picture.



After receiving the DFC, Jerzy Michał Erazm Iszkowski is standing 2nd from the left.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer serving in the Polish Air Force as an Observer for 300 Squadron

Flight Lieutenanr Obs. 76660 Czesław Dej

Action:
Citation:
"This officer has carried out 23 sorties (16 have been over Germany) involving 137 hours flying. He has displayed coolness in emergency and, on many occasions, has shown great determination in reaching his target under difficult navigational conditions. His keenness, both during operations and training periods, is outstanding and his personal courage is largely responsible for the high standard of morale prevailing in the unit. On his last operational sortie, Flight Lieutenant [sic] Dej's aircraft was compelled to descend on to the sea but his cheerful courage, common sense and unselfishness were a great inspiration to his crew."
Details:
Award approved 5 September 1942.
Recommendation drafted 24 July 1941.



Distinguished Flying Cross obverse



Flight Lieutenanr Obs. Czesław Dej



At a briefing



Dej 3rd from the left



Dej 2nd from the right after investiture



Dej in front of a Squadron Aircraft



Virtuti Militari Dyplom signed by General Sikorski

Major obs. Czesław Dej was also awarded the following during his war service

1) Virtuti Militari Silver Cross Numbered 9044

2) Cross of Valour with 3 Bars

3) Air Force Medal

4) British Distinguished Flying Cross

5) British 1939-1945 Star

6) British Air Crew Europe Star

7) British 1939-1945 Defence Medal

8) British 1939-1945 War Medal

Best wishes

Andrzej