British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the O.B.E. awarded to an officer of 2nd Corps Headquarters.

Colonel Wincenty Adam Bąkiewicz.

"From September 1942 until early 1944 this officer served as DDMI, Polish Army in the East and was responsible for the organization on British lines on the intelligence staff's throughout the formation. He later carried out a number of special duties, many of which were of great benefit to the Allies. During March and April 1945 he filled the appointment of GSO II (I) Headquarters 2 Polish Corps, during the battle for Bologna, throughout all this period he has worked with great efficiency, tact and discretion.

He has the utmost confidence of the Commander and consistently displayed a marked knowledge of both I (a) and I (b) duties"

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

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

Dated : 30th June 1945

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



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

Born on the 15th April 1897 during the Polish Soviet War he was awarded the Virtuti Militari Silver Cross Numbered : 938, KW x 3, MN, ZKZzM, ZKZ, SKZ, MW, MCC Numbered : 533.

DDMI = Deputy Director of Military Intelligence.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the Distinguished Service Order to the commanding officer 15 BS, 5KDP

Lieutenant Colonel Leon Gnatowski.

"On 5th July 1944, the Battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Gnatowski was carrying out an attack in the Montoro area. In this advance the Battalion found itself in the most dangerous position and came under extremely heavy artillery and mortar fire as the enemy advanced to hold off the attack. Although the situation was critical, Lieutenant Colonel Gnatowski continued to press home the attack, he himself leading the attack personally spurred on his men to a supreme effort which resulted in the capture of the ordered objective. His outstanding courage and complete disregard for personal safety was a shining example to his men".

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

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

Dated : 19th December 1944.

Lieutenant Colonel Leon Jakub Gnatowski was born on the 25th July 1903 and as a seventeen year old was awarded the Virtuti Militari Numbered : 3458 along with the KW x 4. Then during WW2 he was also awarded the Gold Cross Virtuti MIlitari Nr: 35 along with the KW x 3, ZKZzM, MW, MCC Nr : 16989 along with the US Legion of Merit (Officers Cross), Italian War Cross etc.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue.



Pplk. Leon Gnatowski with officers and men from 15BS in Italy 1944



Field Marshal Alexander pinning the ribbon of the D.S.O. onto the tunic of Pplk. Leon Gnatowski



After receiving the actual D.S.O.



Just after the investiture had ended Pplk. Leon Gnatowski.



Awards of Pplk. Leon Jakub Gnatowski



Pplk. Leon Jakub Gnatowski in later life



Pplk. Leon Jakub Gnatowski at the Polish War Cemetery at Monte Cassino for the funeral of General Anders in 1970.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[conrado]

Hello Everyone,

By chance I came across an article about ppłk (Lieutenant Colonel) Karol Piłat from 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division. I hope you don't mind, Andrzej, if I put some interesting facts regarding ppłk Karol Piłat.



Ppłk Karol Piłat in 1946, Army Number: 1900-123-III

Ppłk (Lieutenant Colonel) Karol Piłat - Deputy Commander of the 2nd Carpathian Rifle Brigade (2 BSK) in the period from June 11 to October 14, 1944. Generally at various periods an outstanding Commander of various units of 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.).



The Distinguished Service Order awarded to ppłk Karol Piłat



Diploma of awarding the Distinguished Service Order to ppłk Karol Piłat with the autograph of King George VI



Permission to receive and wear the Distinguished Service Order for ppłk Karol Piłat


Ppłk Karol Piłat was also awarded the Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari V Class Numbered 8606 and Krzyż Walecznych x3.





Application of the Commander of 2 BSK Colonel Roman Szymański from July 10, 1944 for the award of Lieutenant Colonel Karol Piłat with the Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari V Class Order with handwritten signatures of the Generals Bronisław Duch, Władysław Anders and Commander in Chief General Kazimierz Sosnkowski





The Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari and Legitymacja Numbered 8606 awarded to ppłk Karol Piłat





Moment of decorating ppłk Karol Piłat with the Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari V Class by Commander in Chief General Kazimierz Sosnkowski, Ancona, July 31, 1944.



Ppłk Karol Piłat with the Commander in Chief General Kazimierz Sosnkowski (on the left) and Commander of 2 BSK płk Roman Szymański (in the back), Castel di Sangro, March 30, 1944



A moment later, when German mortars opened fire, Castel di Sangro, March, 30 1944.



As a Commander of the 5th Carpathian Rifle Battalion ppłk Karol Piłat after the battle on the Hill 593, May 18, 1944.


Regards
Konrad

[conrado]

Hello Everyone,

Lieutenant Colonel (later Colonel) W/Cdr Bolesław Orliński - from August 1, 1944 to January 31, 1945 he was a Squadron Commander of 305 Dywizjon Bombowy „Ziemi Wielkopolskiej i Lidzkiej im. Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego" (No. 305 Polish Bomber Squadron "Land of Greater Poland name of Marshal Józef Piłsudski").



W/Cdr (Wing Commander) Bolesław Orliński was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.). His 2nd photo is from the 1920s.



The Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.)

Just before the outbreak of World War II, płk Bolesław Orliński was the first Pole to be trained on a Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft intended for PAF. He flew for the first time on the Spitfire with the British registration number L1066 on July 25, 1939. Due to his advanced age (he was born on April 13, 1899), he could not be admitted to fighter squadron and served in the Polish military education as an instructor. As a result of his efforts, in 1943 he was assigned to the 305 Polish Bomber Squadron. On February 1, 1945 he was sent to rest from combat flying.



4th from the left W/Cdr Bolesław Orliński among his comrades pilots of the 305 Polish Bomber Squadron on the background of the De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber.

He was also awarded: Silver Corss of Virtuti Militari V Class, Krzyż Walecznych, Medal Lotniczy x4

From 27 August to 25 September 1926, on a Bréguet 19 A2 plane, Bolesław Orliński together with mechanic Leonard Kubiak made a multi-stage flight from Warsaw to Tokyo. In Japan Polish pilots met with an enthusiastic reception. For his flight he received two Japanese decorations: the Japanese Imperial Order of the Rising Sun VI Class and the Gold Medal of the Imperial Aviation Society. After his return to Poland he was promoted to the rank of Captain. He also received a plot of land in Warsaw at Racławicka 94 Street where he built his house. It is near to where I live.
On October 18, 2018 was the unveiling ceremony of the Commemorative Plaque dedicated to Colonel Bolesław Orliński placed on the fence of the house. The originator of the plaque was a new homeowner. Here are some pictures from this ceremony and his house:























And pictures of the Commemorative Plaque dedicated to Colonel Bolesław Orliński:






Regards
Konrad

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer from 10PSK awarded the Military Cross.

Captain A04694 Zygmunt Kłodziński.

"On the 1st May 1945 Captain Kłodziński leading his men with great dash and enthusiasm took the enemy completely by surprise in Schwerinsdorf / MR 97024/ and Grossoldendorf / MR 999259/ and destroyed them. Thanks to the speed of his action and in spite of the fact that it was difficult tank country, he was able to seize and hold the Bridge across the Canal north of Remels. On 2nd May 1945 he led his squadron in an attack on another crossing at Grossander / MR 047229/ overcoming the resistance of an enemy infantry company which was attempting to hold the bridge.

The squadron then advanced further east in the direction of Moorburg / MR 104220 / encountering an heavy force of heavy tanks and self propelled guns. During hard fighting five tanks were hit by 88mm anti-tank shells and set on fire. Captain Kłodziński under heavy anti-tank and machine gun fire dismounted from his tank and directed the removal of the wounded crews remaining in this very exposed position until all casualties had been evacuated and the killed identified.

In spite of continuous and concentrated enemy fire and impossibility of the deploying the squadron which had to remain on one road owing to the marshy ground, he held on for several hours replying to the enemy's fire with his own grenades and self propelled shells until infantry was able to secure the crossing. Throughout the action Captain Kłodziński was an inspiring example of leadership and devotion to duty, exhibiting courage of a high order".

Recommended by : Major General K. Rudnicki, GOC 1 Armoured Division.

Dated : 28th June 1945.

Award : M.C.



Military Cross obverse

Also awarded the Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 10533, KW x 4, MW, Order of Leopold (Belgian).

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an officer of the 2nd Corps awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Lieutenant Marian Sikora (1910-433-III)

"Lieutenant Sikora joined this Headquarters on 25th October 1944 and he acted as liaison officer with the Polish Corps ever since then. Throughout the whole of the period he has been of the greatest service to this Headquarters, there is no doubt that his invariable willingness and co-operation played a great part in maintaining the cordial relationship which existed between the Polish Corps and this Headquarters. It was inevitable that difficulties frequently occurred in commanding a foreign Corps and it is considered that Lieutenant Sikora played a conspicuously valuable part in helping to deal with them.

In consequence he has frequently saved much valuable time and prevented any misunderstandings, it is recommended that he should be awarded the "Member of the British Empire"".

Recommended by : Lieutenant Colonel Harry Jones Acting Quartermaster General Eighth Army.

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

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

Lieutenant (Porucznik) Marian Sikora was also awarded the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 46002.

After the end of the war he came to the UK and settled down to civilian life he died in Fulham in 1992.



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

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the British Empire Medal, awarded to an N.C.O. Polish Parachute Brigade

Platoon Serjeant Major 12335 Napoleon Górecki.

"Platoon Serjeant Major Górecki has served with this Brigade since formation in July 1940. He has worked most conscientiously during this service and has at all times set a good example to his subordinates. He has always co-operated with the British Liaison Ordnance and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering personnel in a most helpful and loyal manner".

Recommended by : Lieutenant Colonel C.D. Armstrong

Approved by : Major General K Rudnicki, GOC, 1st Armoured Division

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



British Empire Medal (Mil.Div.) obverse and reverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation, this time for an Officer 2 Polish Corps.

Colonel Mieczysław Zaleski,

"Colonel Zaleski has been Chief Signal Officer 2 Polish Corps since its formation, he is responsible for the organization of all signal commands throughout the Corps. It is also by his credit that general Signals training as well as the training of specialists was well organised. Thus resulting in a very high degree of efficiency, despite language difficulties and the fact that the intricate signals equipment was in many instances, quite new to the Polish soldier.

Furthermore Colonel Zaleski has been untiring in his efforts to ensure the smooth working and adherence to the British Signals organization by the Corps.

Colonel Zaleski always paid particular attention to the smooth working of signals commands between 2 Polish Corps and flanking, as well as higher British formations, owing to his tact, skill excellent handling and devotion to duty signals commands with higher formations and formations and units under command, always worked without a hitch".

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

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

Dated : 30th June 1945

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



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

Also awarded the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 12.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. of the Carpathian Brigade at Tobruk.

Corporal 3418 Jan Zanozinski, Polish Army Medical Corps.

"During the siege of Tobruk and during the action at Gazala 15th-17th December 1941, as interpreter with Polish Army Medical Corps he performed his duties in an exemplary manner. He contributed largely to the proper organisation of the Brigade Medical Service both in Tobruk and during the Gazala offensive and it was largely due to his efforts that efficient arrangements for the evacuation of wounded were made".

Recommended by : Major General Stanisław Kopański.

Approved by : General H.R. Alexander, Commander in Chief, Middle East Forces.

Dated : 30th December 1941

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



British Empire Medal (Military Division) in case of issue.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer from 3DSK Headquarters Staff.

2nd Lieutenant Otto Walenty Moryc 1904-1-III.

"2nd Lieutenant Moryc is one of the organisers and oldest members of the Polish Ordnance Service in the Middle East Force. He completed the first British Ordnance course for Polish units in the Middle East at the Alexandria Sub Area in January 1941, obtaining very good results. As from January 1941, by his untiring work and extensive knowledge of the organisation and functioning of the British Ordnance Service, he contributed in a very large extent to the organisation of the ordnance services in the previous Carpathian Brigade and the present 3 Carpathian Division. Thanks to his professional abilities he rendered great service in the smooth runningof the ordnance supplies in the Division especially during the Divisions fighting in Italy".

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

Approved 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.

Also awarded the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 1567.

Best wishes

Andrzej