British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Artillery Officer 2nd Polish Corps.

Lieutenant Michał Hyszka

"On 17th April 1945, 1st Battery 9th Heavy Artillery Regiment was moved as far forward as possible along Route 9, with the object of shelling the Railway Station at Bologna.

Whilst recceing the gun positions, the Battery Commander, His Gunnery Officer and 3 N.C.O.'s were blown up on a mine.

Lieutenant Hyszka took over the Command of the Battery, after having opened fire, the Battery was soon spotted by the enemy and throughout the whole evening and night 17th / 18th April. Enemy artillery effectively shelled the Battery gun positions.

Lieutenant Hyszka refused to hear of the proposal to withdraw the Battery or Personnel - He remained on the gun positions with the Battery until the end and carried out his fire tasks.

By his courage he was a shinning example to the whole Battery, he personally attended to the severely wounded Gunnery Officer under enemy fire and by his immediate action he saved his colleague from death.

Lieutenant Hyszka in the face of danger showed outstanding qualities of an exemplary value, bold commander and colleague".

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

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

Dated : June 1945

Award : M.C.



Military Cross case of issue



Miltary Cross obverse

Porucznik Michał Hyszka was born in 1917, during WW2 his service number was : 1917-53-III, he was also awarded the POlish Army Medal and Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 33069, whilst serving in the 9PAC.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Doctor of the 2nd Corps.

Capitan Tadeusz Huczko

"As officer commanding 5th Field Ambulance Company throughout the Division's Italian Campaign, Captain Huczko very efficiently organised the medical evacuation from the line to the Main Dressing Stations under very difficult conditions. Under fire and in the almost inaccessible mountains, he particularly distinguished himself during the battle for Monte Cassino, between 13th-18th May 1944. When he overcame immense difficulties in the Medical Evacuation from the most forward Advanced Dressing Stations, in the vicinity of Phantom Ridge down via Cavendish track and the Rapido Valley.

With dauntless courage and unusual energy he was instrumental in saving many lives of Polish and Allied troops".

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

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

Dated : June 1945

Award : M.C.



Kapitan Tadeusz Huczko



Military Cross case of issue.



Military Cross obverse.

Kapitan Dr.Lek. Tadeusz Huczko was born in 1909, during WW2 his Service Number was : 1909-65-III, He was also awarded the Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 10864, along with the Army Medal and the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 26534 whilst in command of the 5KSanit, 5KDP.



Virtuti Militari Silver Cross obverse.

In addition to the British Military Cross he also received the 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, 1939-1945 Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal.

After the end of the war he came with his unit to the UK, he applied for British Citizenship in 1963 and this was granted on the 30th January 1964.



Kapitan Tadeusz Huczko original awards sold at auction in 2018

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer of 18BS, 5KDP

Second Lieutenant Bronisław Kender

"On 12th April 1945, in the attack against the Molini Canal Line, Second Lieutenant Kender had a reconnaissance platoon in front of the attacking infantry. As Commander of this reconnaissance platoon he captured a strongly prepared and defended group of bildings and then mopped up the flood bank along the Molini Canal.

In this operation he personally destroyed from his carrier two active enemy Spandau nests and ofenrohr position and captured 3 POW's.

In addition he captured an enemy AFV, he distinguished himself by his great courage and was an inspiration to his platoon".

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

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

Dated : 13th August 1945

Award : M.C.



Military Cross case of issue



Military Cross obverse.

Podporucznik Bronisław Kender was born on the 24th December 1912, during WW2 his service number was : 1912-132-III, he did not fight at Monte Cassino. Therefore it can be assumed that he was one of the replacement Officers that joined the Battalion after the Battle.

After the end of the war he came to the UK where he died in Reading, Berkshire in 1969 aged 56.



Death Entry for Bronisław Kender in 1969.

p.s. AFV = Armoured Fighting Vehicle.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Staff Officer 2nd Corps.

Captain Jerzy Marian Tadeusz Tyborowski

"As General Staff Officer II (Air) this officer has been responsible for the inception organisation and training of General (Air) Staff's throughout formations of 2 Polish Corps together with Polish ASSU.

He has worked for over two years with the utmost energy and keenness and has displayed extremely sound judgement, his outstanding efficiency and knowledge has ensured that Sir SP to Polish troops was achieved with the maximum smoothness.

His duties have at times called for considerably greater responsibilities than would normally be under taken by a second grade officer and his work has received high praise by the Staff at Headquarters Eighth Army".

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

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

Dated : 30th June 1945

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



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



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

Kapitan Jerzy Marian Tadeusz Tyborowski was born on the 25th March 1904, Promoted to Podporucznik on the 1st January 1932 he was 2nd in Seniority. By 1934 he was listed as a Ppor. rez. serving with 18PAL, during WW2 his Service Number was : 1904-83-III.

He was also awarded the Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 10123, Along with the Army Medal and the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 93



Silver Cross Virtuti Militari

After the end of the war he came to the UK with Headquarters Staff 2nd Corps and after being demobbed settled down to civilian life in London.

Jerzy Marian Tadeusz Tyborowski died on the 4th October 1980, in Wandsworth London.



Jerzy Marian Tadeusz Tyborowski death entry 1980



Probate 1981 for Jerzy Marian Tadeusz Tyborowski.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Field Officer of Engineers 2nd Polish Corps.

Major Michał Prozwicki

"Major Prozwicki was commander of Engineers allotted to Rud. Force which of necessity were few in number. In spite of this and the fact that he was faced with difficult tasks and demands, he so ably and skilfully organised the engineer work from the Senio River to Bologna that all calls on the Sappers were carried out with the maximum speed and efficiency.

His command of the Sappers and their work in repairing Route 9, clearing the mines from diversions and forcing river crossings, enabled Rud. Force to advance swiftly and finally capture Bologna".

Recommendation by : Lieutenant General W. Anders, Commanding2 Polish Corps.

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

Dated : 13th August 1945

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



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



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

Major Michał Prozwicki was born on the 1st January 1900 and during the IIRP he was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit in 1928, during WW2 his Service Number was : 1900-216-III.

For his service in WW2 he also received the Army Medal and the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 38762, along with the British M.B.E. (Military Division) he also received the 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star and the 1939-1945 Defence Medal.

Major Michał Prozwicki died on the 4th January 1946 and was buried in the Polish War Cemetery in Loreto in grave number : 5-A-6.



Major Michał Prozwicki in a jeep in Italy (photograph by Forum member Mittra)

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another recommendation this time for a Doctor of the 1st Armoured Division.

Captain Wacław Wołyńcewicz

"This officer is a highly skilled very experienced and efficient doctor, as Deputy Assistant Director Medical Services, he has shown great ability, initiative and knowledge of his work.

Due to his good organization and administration the Medical arrangements for the evacuation and treatment of sick and wounded throughout the Campaign on the Continent have been most efficient and have always worked most smoothly.

His duties have required him to act in liaison first in the UK with Scottish Command later on the Continent with 1st British and 2nd Canadian Corps.

It was due to his efforts that all the work with these formations was carried out smoothly and efficiently".

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

Dated : 28th June 1945

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



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



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

Kapitan Wacław Wołyńcewicz was born in Grodno on the 22nd March 1909, in March 1939 he was a Por.Lek.Med. Junior Doctor of 1PSP, in the September 1939 Campaign he was the Senior Doctor of the 156th Infantry Regiment.

During WW2 he was also awarded the Cross of Valour, Silver Cross of Merit with Swords, Army Medal, along with the M.B.E. (Mil.Div.) he also received the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, 1939-1945 Defence Medal.

In addition to the above he was also awarded the French War Cross with Gold Star and the Belgian War Cross with Palm.

Wacław Wołyńcewicz died in London on the 30th August 1980.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Officer of the General Staff, Polish Army.

Colonel Tadeusz Edmund Stanisław Łukaszewski

"As Liaison Officer between the Polish Institute of Technical Research and the British Authorities concerned Colonel Łukaszewski has rendered very valuable services since January 1941 in the selection of Technically qualified Polish officers for employment in the research, design and inspection Departments of the Ministry of Supply.

The number of officers so deployed since 1941 is approximately 200 ; they have almost invariably shown a high standard of Technical efficiency and personal qualities and as they become more proficient in English, have been able to pull their full weight alongside their British Colleagues.

Their employment has been of the utmost value in dealing with the difficult situation arising from the acuts shortage of a sufficient number of qualified British Officers for this work.

It has been largely owing to Colonel Łukaszewski's zeal, energy and tact coupled with his mastering of the English language that initial difficulties were over come and the officers knowledge and skill utilized to the best advantage.

Colonel Łukaszewski's frequent visits to Head Quarters Ministry of Supply and Heads of our station establishments have done much to promote and foster the harmonious relations which have existed between all concerned since the inception of the scheme.

I strongly recommend him, for this award".

Recommended by Lieutenant General Senior Military Advisor, Ministry of Supply (signature unreadable)

Dated : 24th July 1945

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



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

Pulkownik inz. Tadeusz Edmund Stanisław Łukaszewski was born on the 6th October 1894, during the IIRP he was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit for his work in the Polish Army.

After the end of the war he was one of the 76 Officers deprived of their Polish Citizenship on the 26th September 1946 by the Warsaw Government.

He died in 1955 in Reading in Berkshire aged 60.



Death Entry for Plk. inz. Tadeusz Edmund Stanisław Łukaszewski

Best wishes

Andrzej

[conrado]

Hello Andrzej and Everyone,

I would like to post some photographs of the Recipients of the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.), both Officers from the 1st Polish Armoured Division.

They were both Recommended for this award by Major General Stanisław Maczek, GOC 1st Polish Armoured Division



Gen. Stanisław Maczek, płk. dypl. Franciszek Skibiński and płk. dypl. Ludwik Antoni Stankiewicz



Płk. dypl. (whilst a Major) Ludwik Stankiewicz, photo tanken probably in September 1939

Płk. dypl. Ludwik Stankiewicz Recommendation for the D.S.O.: British Awards for Polish Soldiers



Płk. dypl. Franciszek Skibiński (right) and gen. Stanisław Maczek (left), 1944



Probably the moment of awarding the French award of the Légion d'honneur to płk. dypl. Franciszek Skibiński



Płk. dypl. Franciszek Skibiński with gen. Stanisław Maczek



Płk. dypl. Franciszek Skibiński (left) with German prisoners of war, 1st Armored Division during the fighting in Normandy, France, August 1944


Regards
Konrad

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Senior Officer 1st Armoured Division.

Lieutenant Colonel Jan Dorantt

"Whilst Commanding Polish Engineers of the Division over particularly difficult ground in Belgium and Holland, he performed his task so well that the Division was able to cover 470 KM's in 9 days.

In spite of extensive demolitions and flooding by the Germans.

Lieutenant Colonel Dorantt especially distinguished himself on 3rd and 4th November 1944, during the forcing of the Mark Canal under heavy artillery and mortar fire and the credit for the successful crossing is in no small measure due to the determined execution of his difficult task of bridging this obstacle.

By his capable organisation and complete indifference to danger by his personal bravery and presence whenever danger threatened most.

He set a fine example to his men who at that time had suffered heavy casualties and were nearing exhaustion".

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

Dated : 28th June 1945

Award : D.S.O.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue obverse.



Porucznik Jan Dorantt KW 1928

Podpulkownik inz. Jan Dorantt was born on the 4th March 1899 in Kiev, during the IIRP he was awarded the Cross of Valour, Silver Cross of Merit, Independence Medal, 1918-1921 War Commemorative Medal, 10th Anniversary of Independence Medal, 20 Year Long Service Medal, 10 Year Long Service Medal.

Whilst during WW2 he was awarded the Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Legitymacja Numbered : 11150, along with the Army Medal, French War Cross with Palm.

After the end of the war in Europe he came back to the UK was demobbed and settled down to life in Scotland, where in 1963, he applied for and was granted British Citizenship on the 9th September 1963.

Podpulkownik Jan Dorantt died on the 31st August 1971 in Falkirk aged 72.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Artillery Officer from 5KDP.

Captain Eugeniusz Janota

"On 19th April 1945, during the operations against Bologna and in the fighting along the line of the Gaiana Canal, Captain Janota as a Forward Observation Officer, supported the attack of 15th Battalion with the fire of his Regiment.

During the attack 2nd Company was pinned down by Spandau fire and snipers and the Company Commander was killed. Captain Janota consequently made his way to 4th Company and used the fire of his Artillery Regiment to support the Company.

Thus enabling the Company to cross the River, subsequently using a Church Tower as an Observation Post, he observed enemy sources of fire and neutralised or destroyed them with accurate Artillery Fire. Thus enabling the pinned down number 2 Company again to move forward and cross the River.

By his action he showed, apart from personal courage, understanding for the requirements of the fighting infantry and great initiative and very materially contributed to the successful crossing of the River".

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

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

Dated : 13th August 1945

Award : M.C.



Military Cross case of issue.



Military Cross obverse.

Kapitan Eugeniusz Janota was born in 1914, his Army Number in the 2nd Corps was : 1914-152-III, he served in the 4 Kresowy Pułk Artylerii Lekkiej, using British 25 Pounders. During his Service in WW2 he was awarded the Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 8675, Army Medal, Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 19963.



Silver Cross Virtuti Militari obverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej