British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to :

Flight Lieutenant Edmund Andrzej Leon Ladro

“On 9th February 1943, whilst patrolling the Bay of Biscay, about four hours into the flight, they saw four Junkers Ju88s and immediately jettisoned their depth charges and dived to near wave top level; this was a tactic to prevent the fighters from attacking the undefended underbelly of the Wellington.

The rear gunner poured accurate fire into one of the Junkers, knocking it out of the sky. The remaining three persisted with the attack until they ran out of ammunition and then tried to force the Wellington into the sea by dangerous manoeuvres. During the 57-minute battle the co-pilot and rear gunner received serious bullet wounds; the aircraft itself was riddled with bullet holes and had a two-yard square hole torn in its right wing through cannon fire.

This was the longest single battle fought by an Allied bomber during the whole of the war and, between attacks, the pilot steered with his knees to rest his arms. Unable to make it back to RAF Dale, they landed safely at RAF Predannack in Cornwall”.

Award : D.F.C.



Distinguished Flying Cross case of issue.



Distinguished Flying Cross.



Edmund Andrzej Leon Ladro.



Ladro in the cockpit of his Wellington Bomber.

Edmund Andrzej Leon Ladro was born in Krakow on the 17th July 1913, during WW2 his Service Number was : 76701, during WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 9279.

2) Cross of Valour with 3 Bars.

3) Air Force Medal with 3 Bars.

British

4) Distinguished Flying Cross (1st Award : 1943 2nd Award (Bar) 1946)

5) 1939-1945 Star

6) Air Crew Europe Star

7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

8) 1939-1945 War Medal.

In 1949 he married Dorothy S. Bailey in Fylde, Lancashire.



1949 Marriage entry for Edmund Andrzej Leon Ladro.



1949 Marriage entry for Dorothy S Bailey to Edmund Ladro.

Edmund Andrzej Leon Ladro died in Windermere in Cumbria on the 10th July 1996 a week before his 93rd Birthday.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation

Acting Wing Commander Stanisław Poziomek

"On all his operational missions, this officer has displayed a high standard of navigational efficiency, great keenness and bravery. He has carried out attacks on many important targets both in Germany and German occupied territory and his determination is such that he has always made several runs over the target to ensure accuracy of bombing.

On one occasion Squadron Leader Poziomek skilfully flew his aircraft back to this country although it had been hit in seven places by splinters from anti-aircraft shells.

Throughout, this officer has displayed fine leadership and has contributed largely to the high standard of morale in his flight".

Award : D.F.C.



Distinguished Flying Cross case of issue.



Distinguished Flying Cross obverse.



Major P0087 Stanisław Poziomek.

During WW2 his Service Number was : P0087, he was awarded the following Awards and Medals for his service.

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 9114.

2) Cross of Valour with 3 Bars.

3) Air Force Medal with 2 Bars.

British

4) Distinguished Flying Cross

5) 1939-1945 Star

6) Air Crew Europe Star.

7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

8) 1939-1945 War Medal.

Podpulkownik dypl. Stanisław Poziomek was born on the 22nd March 1908 in Potoczek, he flew with both 300 and 304 Squadrons, he set out on his last mission on the 10th April 1944 the Crew consisted of the following :

1) Squadron Leader E.T. Stańczuk.

2) Flight Lieutenant L.K. Małynicz.

3) Warrant Officer W. Czekalski.

4) Flight Sergeant F. Matlak.

5) Flight Sergeant E.M. Siadecki.

6) Flight Sergeant B. Szpinalski.

7) Wing Commander S. Poziomek

The plane was attacked by a number of fighters in the Bay of Biscay and crashed killing all onboard on the 11th April 1944.



Podpulkownik dypl. Stanisław Poziomek D.F.C. grave in the British War Cemetery in Bilbao, Spain.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another recommendation this time for :

Pilot Officer Franciszek Pantkowski

“This officer is a skilful and fearless wireless operator/air gunner. Without consideration for his personal safety, he always devotes his whole attention to the task on hand and endeavours to produce a most efficient wireless service whatever the circumstances.

His skill in obtaining fixes has, on two occasions, contributed materially to the safe return of his aircraft after it had sustained damage as the result of attacks by enemy fighters.

In November 1941, he participated in an attack on Berlin. Throughout the operation, his services were of immense value to his pilot and contributed materially to the success obtained.

His cheerful courage and unselfishness inspire his colleagues”.

Award : D.F.C.



Distinguished Flying Cross case of issue.



Distinguished Flying Cross obverse.



Franciszek Pantkowski 4th from the left awaiting the award of the D.F.C.



Franciszek Pantkowski 4th from the right after receiving the D.F.C.



Flying Officer Franciszek Pantkowski

Franciszek Pantkowski was born on the 3rd January 1918, during WW2 his Service Number was P1571, he was a Wireless Operator / Gunner for his service during WW2 he received the following awards :

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 9233.

2) Cross of Valour with 2 Bars.

3) Air Force Medal with 1 Bar.

British

4) Distinguished Flying Cross.

5) 1939-1945 Star.

6) Air Crew Europe Star.

7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal.

8) 1939-1945 War Medal.

He was killed on the 30th October 1942 near Oslo, Norway.



Norweigan Plaque remembering the crew.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. of the 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment.

Corporal Władysław Szałkowski

“Corporal Szałkowski took part in all the actions of his Squadron from the day it landed on the beaches of Normandy. Giving at every opportunity proof of his extraordinary courage, devotion, fighting spirit and leadership.

Corporal Szałkowski, distinguished himself on the following occasions: On 12 August 1944 in the attack on Bu Sur Rouvres, through the woods he volunteered for rescue work of Lieutenant Nowakowski’s damaged tank. Who with his crew were unable to move owing to heavy enemy fire.

On 14th August 1944 during a tremendous Air bombardment, Corporal Szałkowski, showed great devotion to duty going to the assistance of wounded men regardless of the danger to himself.

On 15th August 1944 during the Battle for the River crossing at Jort, at a most dangerous moment he volunteered again for rescue work of Sergeant Sadkowski’s Tank. Bogged down on the River side and under continuous enemy gun fire. On 21st August 1944, in the fighting around Chambois / MR 415525 / , he displayed courage of a high order in advancing on an enemy position and taking prisoners. On 21st April 1945, in the action on Borgenoor / Germany / MR 836904 / as Tank Commander he led the advance against an enemy well established. In Bunkers and Dykes, Corporal Szałkowski seeing that the Anti-Tank fire was having considerable effect, dismounted and destroyed with Hand Grenades the enemy’s Panzerfaust nests. Thus, enabling the Troop to move forward, liquidate the enemy and seize the River Canal Crossing”.

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

Dated 3rd July 1945.

Award : D.C.M.



Distinguished Conduct Medal obverse

For his service during WW2 he also received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Valour.

2) Army Medal.

British

3) 1939-1945 Star.

4) France and Germany Star.

5) 1939-1945 Defence Medal.

6) 1939-1945 War Medal.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for a Saper of 1st Armoured Division.

Saper Konrad Gros

“On 3rd November 1944 the assault crossing of the Mark Kanal, immediately west of Oosterhout / MR 969425 E /. Saper Gros, whilst under very heavy mortar and machine gun fire, on his own initiative took an assault boat to the far bank of the Kanal and proceeded to rescue soldiers of the 9th Infantry Battalion.

Who were lying wounded near the water’s edge, these casualties, 18 in number were without first aid. And Sapper Gros by his action, undoubtedly saved the lives of these Infantrymen.

And by his great courage and his complete disregard for his personal safety, proved his comradeship on the field of battle”.

Recommended by Major General Maczek, GOC 1 Armoured Division.

Dated 3rd July 1945.

Award : D.C.M.



Distinguished Conduct Medal obverse

Saper Konrad Gros served with the 10th Field Squadron, his service number was : 39354, he was also awarded the Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 11153.



Silver Cross Virtuti Militari obverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. from 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment.

Lance Corporal Władysław Siódmak

“This soldier displayed courage of high order in the action on 21st April 1945 in the locality of Bockhorst / MR 892925 /. When Tanks of his Troop leader and 2nd In Command were hit by Panzerfaust.

Lance Corporal Siódmak remained perfectly calm and directed his fire in such a way as to enable the two crews to leave their burning tanks and collect their wounded. Leaning out of the turret he threw hand grenades into ditches and constantly firing his Light Machine Gun, killed an enemy at the moment he was aiming from a “Schmeisser” at the retreating crews carrying a seriously wounded operator.

Finally, he drove up to a smoking tank and defying enemy small arms fire, jumped into it, put an extinguisher into action and so saved the Tank. Limiting damage to the Turret armour and radio set, during the whole of the action Lance Corporal Siódmak set a fine example to the others by his complete disregard of personal danger and great devotion to duty. And by his brave and gallant conduct, he was instrumental in saving the lives of Ten comrades”.

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

Dated 3rd July 1945.

Award : D.C.M.



Distinguished Conduct Medal obverse

During his service in WW2 he also received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Valour and 1 Bar

2) Army Medal

British

3) Distinguished Conduct Medal

4) 1939-1945 Star

5) France and Germany Star

6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

7) 1939-1945 War Medal.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Senior N.C.O. of the 1st Armoured Regiment.

Staff Sergeant Wincenty Dzierzbiński

“On 19th April 1945, in a Forest south east of Aschendorf, Germany / MR 131952 / Staff Sergeant Dzierzbiński was sent as Commander of a Reconnaissance Party to secure the right flank of the Regiment.

Which was fighting its way to Aschendorf, in addition he was responsible for a very important Bridge. Which was the only one not yet destroyed by the enemy, the area for which he was responsible was under heavy enemy fire.

When he saw two German Anti-Tank guns hidden in the bushes, to his left, he decided to attack then though he had at his disposition a very small group only. His quick decision and courage gave good results and in spite of enemy fire, those two Anti-Tank guns were destroyed and the crew either killed or taken prisoner”.

Recommended by Major General K. Rudnicki, Commanding 1 Armoured Division

Dated 28th June 1945.

Award : D.C.M.



Distinguished Conduct Medal obverse.

For his service in WW2 St.Sierz. Wincenty Dzierzbiński, received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Valour and 1 Bar



2) Army Medal

British

3) Distinguished Conduct Medal

4) 1939-1945 Star

5) France and Germany Star

6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

7) 1939-1945 War Medal.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O.

Sergeant Józef Niziołek

“On the 15th day of September 1943 at Bridgham Norfolk, Sergeant Józef Niziołek rescued Flying Officer I Reid, an Officer of the Royal Air Force, from a fiercely burning Hurricane Aircraft which had crashed.

The release of the Pilot was affected so expeditiously that it was possible to transfer the Officer to an Ambulance and administer Medical treatment within 3 Minutes of the crash.

Immediately after the rescue was affected the Aircraft exploded. In extricating the Pilot, the Sergeant seriously endangered his own life, but his prompt and gallant action in the face of such imminent danger and with complete disregard for his own safety saved the Pilots life”.


Recommended by Air Vice Marshal Rodderick Hill, Air Officer C-in-C Fighter Command.

Dated 30th March 1944

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



British Empire Medal (Military Division) obverse and reverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for another N.C.O.

Serjeant Zygmunt Sikora

“During the siege of Tobruk and particularly after the beginning of the mobile operation in which the Brigade took part.

He organised and carried out the interception of enemy wireless communications and the location of their transmitting stations. By his nightly territories work much valuable information was obtained regarding the enemy operations and highly successful shelling of their Radio Station was made possible”.

Recommended by : Major General Kopanski, GOC Independent Carpathian Infantry Brigade.

Counter signed by : Brigadier D. N. Pienaar, Commanding 1st South African Division.

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General W. H. E. Gott, Commander 13 Corps.

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General N. M. Ritchie, GOC-in-C Eighth Army.

No Date typed on the Recommendation.

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



British Empire Medal obverse and reverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for an N.C.O.

Serjeant Karol Jaroszyński

“During the siege of Tobruk, he worked continuously as Interpreter to the Polish Army Service Corps, which played a large part in the maintenance of supplies for the Fortress.

Most of his work was carried out in dangerous and trying circumstances in the docks area in Tobruk. Which was subjected to heavy and continuous aerial and artillery bombardment by the enemy.

In addition to this, his duty called for long periods of work, both by day and by night, often with little opportunity for rest. His work was one of great responsibility and was performed in a highly meritorious manner”.

Recommended by : Major General S. Kopanski, GOC Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade.

Counter signed by : Brigadier D.N. Pienaar, Commanding 1st South African Division.

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General W. H. E. Gott, Commanding 13 Corps.

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General N. M. Ritchie G.O.C. Eighth Army.

No Date typed on the Recommendation

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



British Empire Medal (Military Division) obverse and reverse.

Best wishes

Andrzej