Need to confirm soldier's unit affiliation

[ChrisW01]

To those knowledgeable about Polish paratroopers.

The gentleman in the photo - Julian Reczek - has parachute patches on his collar and emblems beneath. From the collar patches and decorations bar can anyone tell if this fellow was in the Polish parachute brigade in England, part of II Polish Corps in Italy or possibly even Cichociemni?

Any help would be appreciated
Regards
Chris.......

[andrzejku98]

Hello Chris.

I have had a quick look through Jan Lorys list and only found 2 Julians listed with the Surname beginning with R they are as Follows:

1) Por Julian Ramotowski Para Badge 0785

2) Strz Julian RUSAK Para Badge 1453

Best wishes

Andrzej

p.s. His Ribbon bars show the Medal Wojsko (Army Medal), France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal and above 2 Wound Stars.

[rsunday]

Hi,
He was definitely in the 1st Para Brigade.
Second Polish unit with this type of collar patches (grey with maroon edge) was Independent Grenadier Company - small para-commando type unit.

No other unit was authorized to wear para patches.

But there were also several officers who left 1st Para Brigade for other posts and were authorized by Bde's commander to wear para beret and patches.
Greetings
Rafal

[ChrisW01]

Thank you both for your knowledge and input?
Chris......

[Robspad]

Julian Reczek - This is not a real name, or he not have the right to use the Znak Spadochronowy.

[rsunday]

So, it might be Julian Rusak.

Chris, how did you find the name?
Is there any description on the back of this photo?

[ChrisW01]

So, it might be Julian Rusak.

Chris, how did you find the name?
Is there any description on the back of this photo?

Hello rsunday

No inscription, the photo is from the individual's nephew in Poland who required help creating a profile of their uncle on the Kresy-Siberia Wall of Names. From the information posted on this forum and help of a 1st Para Brigade historian in Scotland we've surmised this individual (though not on any 1st Para list for Arnhem) probably volunteered for the parachute brigade after Arnhem as Polish paras (like their British counterparts) needed to make up numbers due to heavy casualties suffered. His France and Germany Star and two wound stars could possibly be from actions he participated in post Arnhem or with with another Polish Army unit before switching to the paras (which might explain the missing combat wreath on his wings).

The nephew was advised and given information on how to obtain his full MOD records. Once those records are obtained the mystery will be hopefully solved.

Chris......

[rsunday]

Hello Chris,

OK, it's clear and might be possible.
But soldier from the photo has ordinary parachute badge. There is no name of Julian Reczek on list of awarded with this badge (the lists also includes pseudonym, alias).
He was also wounded twice!

Maybe the photo was given to Julian Reczek by his fellow serving in the Para Bde?
Does the nephew have any other photos of his grandad in para uniform?
Greetings
Rafal

[Robspad]

This is very late or most likely post war photo.

[Laszlo Grof]

Hello Chris, Yes, I can certaily confirm the identity being Julian Reczek (1924-1985), who fought with the 8th Army in Italy and was wounded at Monte Casino. After the war he lived in Amersham. Julian was the Best Man at our wedding!
Laszlo