British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another recommendation this time for a N.C.O. 2nd Polish Corps.

Corporal Benedykt Marian Draczyński

“During his three years’ service with the 34th Anti-Malarial Control Unit, Corporal Draczyński has shown very high qualities of devotion to duty.

His work in the fight against Malaria, the results achieved was such that Malaria was kept to a minimum. There by reducing the number of Non-Effections even in Malarial Areas under his control.

During 2 Polish Corps action on the Gothic line, corporal Draczyński was engaged at the forward Polish Corps Sectors. Closely following the attacking units with his section and set a shining example to the entire section”.


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 : B.E.M. (Military Division)



British Empire Medal (Military Division) obverse and reverse.

Kapral Benedykt Marian Draczyński was born on the 21st March 1902, during WW2 his Service Number was : 1902-69-III, he was awarded the following Awards and Medals for his service.

1) Army Medal

2) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 43446

British

3) British Empire Medal (Military Division)

4) 1939-1945 Star.

5) Italy Star.

6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal.

7) 1939-1945 War Medal.

After the end of the war he came to the UK where he settled down to family life, he applied for and was granted British Citizenship in 1964.



London Gazette entry dated 22nd September 1964.

Benedykt Marian Draczyński died on the 14th November 1980 in London.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Navigator.

P1841. Witold Kazimierz Winkler

"This Navigator has been detailed for 30 Operational sorties and has never failed to complete his mission successfully. These sorties include Hanover (2) Hamburg (3) Cologne (2) Dusseldorf (2) Wuppertal (2) Essen and other Ruhr targets.

On two occasions his aircraft has been engaged in combat with enemy fighters, but displaying outstanding navigational skill and determination he has always bombed his objective and brought his aircraft safely back to base.

His cool courage in action has been an inspiration to his crew and I consider that his fine record and outstanding ability warrant the award of the D.F.C".

Award Approved 20th March 1944.

Award : D.F.C.



Distinguished Flying Cross obverse.

Witold Kazimierz Winkler was born at Grybow, Krakow in January 1917 and was accepted into regular service with the Polish Army on graduating from a Reserve Signals Officer Cadets School at Zegrze in April 1938.

Posted to the 6th Telegraph Battalion in January 1939, he fought in the campaign in Poland in September of the same year, being present in the engagements at Jaroslaw, Dolny Lezajsk, Lubaczow, Niemirow, Zolkiew, Zloczow, Tarnopol, Buczacz, Tysmienica and Kolomyja.

Subsequently crossing the border at Kuty into Romania, he was interned at a camp at Turnu-Severin before obtaining a passport and visa at the end of the year.

The relevant paperwork in order, Winkler departed Rumania for France, via Yugoslavia, and arrived safely at Marseilles in January 1940, whence he travelled to Paris and enlisted in the Polish Forces under French Command later that month.

He was subsequently evacuated from Le Verdon in June 1940 and arrived at Liverpool on the 25th.

Transferring from the Polish Army to the Polish Air Force, under British command, in July 1940, he underwent training as a Navigator in both the U.K. and Canada, being posted to No. 18 Operational Training Unit in December 1942.

Then in May 1943, on joining No. 300 (Polish) Squadron, Bomber Command, he commenced his first operational tour, operating out of Hemswell in Wellingtons. Completing his first sortie on the night of 21st, he went on to participate in raids on Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Essen and Wuppertal before the month’s end: the raid on Dusseldorf on the night of the 25th witnessed his Wellington being attacked by an Me. 109, but successful evasive action by his pilot prevented any casualties or damage, and the raid on Wuppertal on the night of the 29th flak damage being caused to the main plane.

June witnessed two mining sorties being flown to Lorient, in addition to return trips to Dusseldorf and Wuppertal, and a strike against Cologne, while in July Winkler’s Wellington re-visited the latter city and Aachen, in addition to participating in the notorious Hamburg “Firestorm” raids on the nights of 27th and 29th, and in the final strike against that devastated city on the night of 2 August.

The remainder of the latter month, with the exception of a raid on Munich, was dedicated to “Gardening” sorties to Brest and Borkum (thrice).

Similarly, in September, 300 (Polish) Squadron was allocated to further mining operations against Terschelling and Lorient, but also participated in regular bombing runs against Hanover on two occasions, while between October and November Winkler completed his first tour of operations with further mining trips to Brest, Egmont (on the Dutch coast), Lorient and Texel.

A well-deserved D.F.C. was approved in March 1943, the same month in which he was advanced to Flying Officer, and for the immediate future he was employed as a Navigator instructor at No. 18 O.T.U.

Winkler’s second tour of duty commenced with No. 301 (Polish) Squadron in October 1944, the unit having just been reformed at Brindisi from No. 1586 (Special Duties) Flight. Equipped with Halifaxes and Liberators, it flew supply-dropping missions to Albania, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Poland and Yugoslavia.

Winkler completed his first such mission, to Albania, on the night of 31 October 1944, and between then and February 1945, he participated in another 11 clandestine sorties, the majority of them to Drop Zones (DZs) in northern Italy, but with the occasional flight to Poland or Czechoslovakia.

As can be imagined, such operations were perilous in the extreme, and a glimpse of one of Winkler’s more hair-raising outings, in fact to Poland on the night of 27 December 1944, may be found in K. A. Merrick’s definitive “Special Duties” history, Flights of the Forgotten:

‘Flight Lieutenant Winkler in Halifax LL118-C made a successful drop from 300 feet but shortly after that his aircraft was picked up by a night fighter which followed it as far as Vistula. No attack developed because of the successful evasive action taken by the pilot of the Halifax, Warrant Officer Nowocin, who took the bomber down to zero feet ...’

And again, on the night of 18 January 1945, in a trip to Italy, his final operational sortie:

Flight Lieutenant Winkler’s Halifax, LL118-C, had overflown a large convoy at the head of the Gulf of Venice and had been hotly engaged by heavy flak, forcing evasive action. This, after nearly half an hour of fruitless searching for the allotted D.Z. in the fog-laden Po Valley, added to the crew’s frustration.

Winkler, who had been advanced to Flight Lieutenant in September 1944, was also awarded the Polish Virtuti Militari, 5th class, the Polish Cross of Valour with 2 Bars and the Polish Air Force Medal.

Honourably discharged in January 1947, he served in the Polish Resettlement Corps until January 1949, and, as evidenced by accompanying documentation, rejoined the Royal Air Force in early 1953, gaining appointment as a Navigator. He was advanced to his old rank of Flight Lieutenant in July 1956.

For his service during WW2 he was awarded the following Awards and Medals :

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 8441

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) Italy Star

8) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

9) 1939-1945 War Medal



Witold Winklers Medals missing the Air Force Medal with 1 Bar.



Por. P1841 Witold Kazimierz Winkler wearing the ribbons of the Virtuti Militari and the Cross of Valour with 1 Bar.

After being demobbed he settled down to civilian life in Oxford where he died on the 10th March 1983 and was buried in the Wolvercote Cemetery in Oxford.



Kpt Witold Kazimierz Winkler's headstone.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone

Another Recommendation this time for a Fighter Pilot

Flying Officer P2652 Władysław Gretkierewicz

"On 24 June 1943, during a bomber escort to Breast, P/O Gretkierewicz led a section of 2 aircraft. Whilst flying to the target, the leader’s four were attached by two FW.190’s. after turning, P/O Gretkierewicz met the enemy face to face and fired a burst at one of them from this position, hitting him in the wing.

After passing the aircraft he turned around and gave a few more bursts to it, with the result that it burst into flames. 1 FW probably destroyed confirmed.

On 3 August 1943, during an escort of whirlwinds bombing an airfield in the region of Breast, F/O. Sniec leading the right section of 4 aircraft in which P/O Gretkierewicz flew, saw, over the town of Breast, a group of FW.190’s, and he attacked one of them.

During this attack, a second F.W.190 came on his tail, and had already started to fire when P/O Gretkierewicz who did not leave his leader, fired a few bursts into it, this saving his leader’s life, setting the FW.190 on fire. F/O Sniec, who only saw the attacking aircraft and was not aware that P/O Gretkierewicz was in the vicinity, broke away and flew back to base.

While P/O Gretkierewicz was occupied in attacking the FW. mentioned above, a second aircraft came on his tail and after finishing off the first, he started a dog-fight with the second. After a turn and a half he was already in the position to fire, so he gave a couple of bursts and the FW started to smoke when he noticed that a further 3 FW’s were formed up to attack him.

Being alone and still in the region of Breast, he was forced to retreat. He dived to ground and returned to base, flying at zero feet. 1 FW.190 destroyed and 1 probably – confirmed.

On 14 February 1945 P/O Gretkierewicz flew as leader of 4 aircraft on an armed reconnaissance in the Seigfried line area, he attacked and destroyed 1 lorry and damaged another three, in spite of very intense flak. During these attacks his aircraft was hit in the cooland radiator, in the hub cap of the propeller, and in the cannons. He managed however to fly to an advanced base and land.

On the same day, in the afternoon, he led a section of four to bomb the same region, and in spite of very bad weather conditions and strong flak, he attacked and bombed accurately a train, destroying the locomotive, in spite of strong MG’s.

During these attacks, his aircraft was heavily damaged, but he managed to bring it to our own lines, where he forced landed. P/O Gretkierewicz has taken part in 185 sorties of all descriptions.

Claims: Aircraft destroyed 1 FW.190, Probable 2 FW 190; Destroyed 19 MET, 2 Locos; Damaged 21 MET, 16 Rly. Trucks".

Remarks of Squadron Commander:

"As a pilot, P/O Gretkierewicz is the most hardworking of the squadron. With courage he has been an exemplary fighter pilot and as a leader he has the highest qualifications".

Remarks of Officer Commanding Wing:

"P/O Gretkierewicz is on his second tour. He is a very hard working, conscientious and tenacious pilot. He shows extreme keenness on engaging the enemy in the air and on the ground, his attacks usually crowned with success as he puts his whole heart into his work. He is a very good leader and sections under his leadership always achieve very good results. He fully deserves the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross".

Approved : 13th April 1945

Award : D.F.C.



Distinguished Flying Cross obverse

For his service during WW2 he was awarded the following Awards and Medals :

1) Silver Virtuti Militari Legitymacja Numbered : 11097

2) Cross of Valour with 2 Bars

3) Air Force Medal with 2 Bars

British

4) Distinguished Flying Cross

5) 1939-1945 Star

6) Air Crew Europe Star with Bar France and Germany

7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal.

8) 1939-1945 War Medal.



Flying Officer P2652 Władysław Gretkierewicz Medal group.



Sgt Pilot Władysław Gretkierewicz



Władysław Gretkierewicz in the cockpit of his Spitfire



3rd August 1943 Władysław Gretkierewicz describing to fellow pilots how he shot down a Fw 190 and damaged another.



Por.pil. Władysław Gretkierewicz



Coloured photograph of Por. Władysław Gretkierewicz wearing the ribbon of the Virtuti Militari.



In 1946 he married Dorothy Thomson whose great uncle had the Thomson's gazelle named after him.



Post War photograph of Władysław Gretkierewicz.

After the end of the war Władysław Gretkierewicz changed his Name to Edward Edwards after becoming a British Citizen in 1960, Edward Edward's died on the 29th May 1984 in Lincoln.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[conrado]

Hello,

Face of the Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.):



Sierż. pil. (later ppłk pil.) Zygmunt Popławski, Service Number: P1528, Unit: 301 Dywizjon Bombowy "Ziemi Pomorskiej im. Obrońców Warszawy" (No.301 Polish Bomber Squadron)



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



Sierż. pil. Zygmunt Popławski made his first combat flight on his Fairey Battle nr L5551 bombing German invasion barges stationed at the port of Boulogne in France on 25th September 1940.

On 23rd June 1941 he took off on his Wellington R1026 from Swinderby airport with the task of bombing Bremen. After the start one of the engines broke off which prevented the pilot from landing and the plane crashed in Kirklington. He was wounded and two of his crew members were killed.

He was awarded the Virtuti Militari Silver Cross Numbered 9105 during the ceremonial giving of the Polish Air Force (PAF) Banner to the representatives of the PAF in Swinderby on 16th July 1941.





Movie from that ceremony in Swinderby on 16th July 1941: Award ceremony of the Polish Air Force (PSZ) Banner





The decoration by the Commander-in-Chief General Władysław Sikorski with the Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari to sierż. pil. Zygmunt Popławski (he lies on the stretcher) with the promotion to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (P/O), Swinderby, 16th July 16 1941.



The Virtuti Militari Silver Cross Numbered 9105



A commemorative postcard autographed by ppłk pil. Zygmunt Popławski


Regards
Konrad

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

A photograph in my own collection of Sierz. pil Zygmunt Popławski, receiving the Virtuti Militari from General Broni Władysław Eugeniusz Sikorski



double click on the photograph to enlarge.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the Commanding Officer of the 5th Kresowa Infantry Division

Major General Nikodem Sulik

“Major General Nikodem Sulik, as General Officer Commanding 5th Kresowa Infantry Division, has shown himself to be both a brilliant commander and a fine leader. He had fought his division with skill and energy throughout the campaign in Italy, earning the devotion of his men and the admiration of all.

Under his command the division has distinguished itself not only during the Battle for Monte Cassino, but also throughout the campaign on the Adriatic coast, and it is due to his untiring energy, his excellent leadership and skill as a commander that it has attained this fine record”

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

Counter signed by : Lieutenanl R.L. McCrerry G.O.C. Eighth Army

Dated : 19th December 1944

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



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



Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) in case of issue obverse.



Field Marshal Alexander pinning the ribbon of the C.B.E. (Military Division) onto the Battle dress tunic of General Bryg. Nikodem Sulik



Brigadier Eric Frith about to award General Sulik the C.B.E. (Military Division)



Brigadier Frith awarding the C.B.E. (Military Division) to General Sulik



Brigadier Eric Frith congratulating General Sulik on being awarded the C.B.E. (Military Division)



General Bryg. Nikodem Sulik saluting Brigadier Frith



General.Bryg. Nikodem Sulik receiving congratulations from fellow Polish Officers.

After the end of the war General Sulik came to the UK with his Division and settled down to civilian life, which unfortunately did not last long he died in 1954



Death Entry for General Nikodem Sulik (Christian Name misspelled Nikedem)



The Sulik grave in Brompton Cemetery, but the story does not end there.



On the 3rd September 1993 his coffin was dug up and removed to Mortlake Crematorium and his ashes where returned to Poland.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Senior Officer of Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade

Colonel Walenty Peszek

“Tobruk period April-October 1941, 2nd in command of the Polish Independent Brigade Group, his great experience of Infantry matters.

Enable him to make an invaluable contribution to the planning of the defence line at Dekheila and to the strengthening of the defences of Matruh and Baggush.

In Tobruk,Colonel Peszek is constantly in the first line supervising the work of developing the defences of the western sector”.

Recommended by : Major General Kopanski, Commanding Polish Independent Brigade Group

Counter signed by : Major General Leslie J. Morshead, Commanding Tobruk Fortress

Counter signed by : General Claude Auchinleck, Commanding Middle East Forces.

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



C.B.E. (Military Division) obverse



Plk. Walenty Peszek right of picture taken on the front line outside Tobruk



Czechoslovakian General Ingr about to award Plk. Walenty Peszek the Czech Cross of Valour.



Plk Walenty Peszek Plk Klemens Rudnicki General Duch and Pplk Matecki.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a junior officer of the SBSK

2nd Lieutenant Stanisław Orłowski

“As A.D.C. to the Brigade Commander, he was constantly in contact with the British Commands in Tobruk and during the action at Gazala.

During the whole period he performed highly meritorious service and was responsible for the interpretation of orders of extreme importance.

During the action at Bel Hamel, he was attached as Liaison Officer to the Polish Anti-Tank Battery, which co-operated with British troops.

He maintained complete liaison in very difficult and dangerous circumstances and was instrumental in obtaining support from the Artillery and Mortars when it was urgently needed”.

Recommended by : Major General Kopanski

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

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

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General N.M. Ritchie, G.O.C. Commander in Chief Eighth Army.

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



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

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer from SBSK

Captain Jan Woźniak

“Officer Commanding the Polish Army Service Corps, he was responsible for the maintenance of supplies to British units in the western desert, from May to July 1941.

Immediately on arriving in Tobruk, he took over all vehicles from the A.A.S.C. and assumed the duties of supplying the fortress. This entails the unloading of ships and the transport of stores from the harbour to supply depots. Which is being carried out satisfactorily although very often under aerial bombardment and artillery fire.

Captain Woźniak is personally responsible for the organisation and performance of this difficult work”.

Recommended by : Major General Kopanski, Commanding Polish Independent Brigade Group.

Counter signed by : Major General L. J. Morshead, Commanding Tobruk Fortress.

Counter signed by : General Claude Auchinlek, Commander in Chief Middle East Forces.

Dated 12th December 1941.

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



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

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for the A.D.C. to General Anders.

Lieutenant Eugeniusz Lubomirski

“Lieutenant Lubomirski as A.D.C. to General Anders has been with him, throughout the entire Campaign in Italy. He has worked with untiring energy and devotion to duty and has had the most responsible task of conveying to his Commander the Orders and wishes of superior Commanders.

More especially those of the Eighth Army Commander and the Commander in Chief. The great care he has taken in carrying out his task has undoubtedly done a very great deal to ensure that the clearest understanding between the Commander 2 Polish Corps and British Commanders has been achieved.

And the fullest cooperation has been made possible, his work as A.D.C. and personal assistant to Lt General Anders has been outstanding”.

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

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, G.O.C. Eighth Army.

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



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



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



Por Lubomirski with General Anders at Monte Cassino May 1944



Por Lubomirski behind General Anders during the Investiture of General Anders with the C.B. (Military Division) by Field Marshal Alexander, Monte Cassino 1944.



6th October 1961 Prince Eugeniusz Lubomirski with General Anders meeting President Kennedy in the Oval Office of the White House.

Best wishes

Andrzej