Monte Cassino cross

[Dawid Chabowski]

Wiśnia, could you send Me any pictures of your 39961 becouse I would like to get a prove. Only for that guy

[Dawid Chabowski]

Please any information and number MCC of Stanisław Drążek for his family

[frankbot]

Thanks so much Artur!

[mercury25]

Anyone any news on the numbers of the 2 Monte Cassino crosses I posted. Thanks

[Vicky77]

Hello Andrzej..
Im looking for information about my great uncle Boleslaw Michalak born 23rd June 1911 in Poland and died on the 28th of April 1981 in London. He fought in Anders army, 5th kresowa infantry division.
"Lance Sgt. Boleslaw Michalak, 5th Kresowa Polish Infantry division".. can you help?
Regards
Marta

[Vicky77]

Anyone, please?

[andrzejku98]

Hello Marta,

May I be the first to welcome you to the Forum, I have just got back off holiday (without any internet), your Great Uncle Bolesław Michalak, was indeed a Lance Sergeant (Plutonowy) in the 5th Kresowa Infantry Division.

He was the son of Wawrzyniec Michalak and Pelagia (nee Jaszcz) (both born in 1876).

In 1939 he was either a reservist or a professional soldier, I would guess a professional soldier, during the September Campaign instead of surrendering to the soviets he decided to cross the border into Lithuania and be interned by them and live to fight another day. He crossed the border into Lithuania at Kalwaria and was duly interned by the Lithuanians who in turn handed him over to the soviets he was placed in the Prisoner of war camp at Kozelsk and from there onto Siberia and he joined the Anders Army at Tatiszczewo on the 4th September 1941.

Whilst serving in the 5th Kresowa Infantry Division he served with the 15th Supply Company, his service number (which can be found on His ID Tags was) : 1911-150-III.

He was awarded the Monte Cassino Cross numbered : 27785.

He would have also been awarded the Medal Wojska (Army Medal), British 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, 1939-1945 Defence Medal.

He would have also received the 5KDP Badge and the 2nd Corps Badge all of these would have corresponding Legitymacja (award Documents)

It might be worth while writing to the Polish Army Records Centre in Rembertow to see what information they have.

Central Military Archives
ul. Czerwonych Beretów 124
00-910 Warsaw-Rembertów
Poland-Polska.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Philip,

Many thanks for your post, I have been on Holiday (without any internet), the 2 Monte Cassino Crosses that you have were awarded to the following recipients.

MCC Numbered : 20361

Rank : Plutonowy (lance Sergeant)

Surname : MATUSIEWICZ

Christian Name : Jan

Fathers Name : Jan

Date of Birth : 1899

Army Number : (also found on His ID Tags) : 1899-135-III

Unit : 4PAL, 5KDP

Died in Bradford, Yorkshire in 1979

MCC Numbered : 23342

Rank : Plutonowy (Lance Sergeant)

Surname: ROGOWSKI

Christian Name : Leonard

Date of Birth : 1898

Army Number : 1898-56-III

Unit : 5PAPLotn, 5KDP

He also died in Bradford in 1968.

I sincerely hope that this answers your questions Philip and welcome to the Forum

Best wishes

Andrzej

[mittra]

Hello, why does not this cross have the number? And original or post?

[andrzejku98]

Hello Mittra,

The Monte Cassino Cross shown in the photograph is a modern reproduction, read the articles in this thread to find out the difference between an original cross and a modern copy.

Best wishes

Andrzej