British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another recommendation this time for the Liaison Officer of the 2nd Corps

Captain Louis M Łubieński

“Since 25th January 1944 until 15th April 1945, he was a Polish Liaison Officer to Allied Forces Head Quarters, from where he was posted to act (as at present) as Military Assistant to the Corps Commander.

During the whole period he was entrusted with a great number of liaison tasks, between both the Polish C-in-C and the Commander 2 Polish Corps and the higher Allied Military authorities.

These tasks were connected with the operations of 2 Polish Corps and with various problems of the expansion programme of the Polish forces in general.

And those in CRF in particular in these delicate intricate and complicated matters he displayed great skill, tact and accuracy in conveying the intentions of his Commander to British authorities.

And on the other hand, reporting the decisions and views of the latter to Polish authorities. During this period, he was attached for four months (September to December 1944) to 6th Army Group in France to collect information about Polish Nationals in southern France. In order to enable British and Polish authorities to get a clear picture of the reinforcement situation and to initiate the evacuation scheme of reinforcements.

He carried out his duties with unfailing cheerfulness and tact and vary materially contributed to a mutual understanding between British and Polish authorities.

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

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

Dated : July 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



Kpt. Łubieński standing behind General Anders whilst listening to the address given by the Mayor of Bologna in April 1945



Kpt. Łubieński with General Anders in the Vatican in 1950







25th Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino Medal presented to Major Ludwik Łubieński.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for a Pharmacist in a P.O.W. Camp

Lieutenant Kazimierz Chylewski

“Lieutenant Chylewski while in German hands rendered devoted service to British sick and wounded prisoners of war in his capacity as Pharmacist at Reserve Lazarett Schildberg and later at Reserve Lazarett Wollstein”.

Recommendation from The War Office

Dated : 9th August 1948

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



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



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

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Officer again a P.O.W.

Lieutenant W. Krzyewski

“This officer while a prisoner of war in German hands served from 1940 to 1944 in the prisoner of war Hospital known as Reserve Lazarett Tangerhutte, Stalag XIA.

In the autumn of 1940 one British Officer and about sixteen Other Ranks were admitted as patients. Lieutenant Krzyewski rendered all possible assistance to the British prisoners in spite of the opposition of the German authorities who were particularly hostile to them.

In his treatment of the seriously sick he showed a devotion and conscientiousness which undoubtedly saved the life of one British patient, which the German doctors had given up as a hopeless case.

Further Lieutenant Krzyewski’s morale and cheerfulness in the most adverse circumstances were an inspiration to the prisoners of all Nationalities in the camp”.

Recommendation by : The War Office

Dated : 9th August 1948

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 in the Air Force

Pilot Officer Marian Rytka

“For Special Services”

"This officer was shot down in aerial combat on 21st May 1941 and landed by parachute in Northern France. Effected very rapid and successful escape through France and eventually across the Pyrenees.

On reaching the station at Barcelona he and some Englishmen were arrested by the Spanish police. P/O. Rytka managed to escape across the railway and to make his way to the Polish consulate.

In view of the fact that he is the first Polish officer to have escaped from France, it is suggested that the award be, in this case, agreed to. Rytka was never captured by the Germans.

Recommended for the Military Cross."

Award : Downgraded to an M.B.E. (Mil).



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



Por pilot Marian Rytka



Silver Cross Virtuti Militari obverse

Por. pilot P1574 Marian Rytka born on the 10th August 1914 in Warsaw, during WW2 for his service he received the following awards and medals :

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 9626

2) Cross of Valour with 2 Bars

3) Air Force Medal with 1 Bar

British

4) M.B.E. (Military Division)

5) Distinguished Flying Cross

6) 1939-1945 Star

7) Air Crew Europe Star

8) 1939-1945 Defence Medal



Distinguished Flying Cross obverse

He died after a flying accident in a Spitfire and died on the 5th December 1941.



Marian Rytka left of picture wearing the Mae West in 302 Squadron



Fellow pilots from 302 Squadron lowering his coffin into the grave



Headstone for Por pilot Marian Rytka M.B.E. D.F.C.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for an officer from SBSK

Major Aleksander Kwiatkowski

“During the siege of Tobruk and subsequently during the action at Gazala, as Brigade Liaison Officer with Head Quarters 70th Division and Head Quarters 13th Corps respectively.

He performed his duties in an exemplary manner, despite enemy artillery fire, bombing from the air and the difficulties of communication in the desert. He never failed to maintain efficient liaison with these formations”.

Recommended by : Major General Kopanski

Counter Signed by : Brigadier D. N. 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. Eighth Army.

No Date on Recommendation

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



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

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a N.C.O. from the 13th Rifle Battalion, 5KDP.

Lance Corporal Adam Haraburda

“During the Battle on the 17 May this NCO was sent several times by the Battalion Commander to Company Commanders and reached them each time in spite of a continuous heavy concentration of enemy fire.

He also protected with his own body and with disregard to his own safety, his Battalion Commander, when the latter, on the same day between 12.00 and 13.00 was exposed to enemy fire.

When eventually his Battalion Commander had been wounded, he endeavoured to carry him to the Regimental Aid Post.

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

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General O.W.H. Leese, G.O.C. Eighth Army

Authorised by H.R. Alexander, General, Commander in Chief Allied Central Mediterranean Force.

Dated : June 1944

Granted an Immediate M.M.



Military Medal obverse and reverse

By the end of the war he had been promoted to Kapral, Army Service Number : 1918-23-III, Unit : 13th Rifle Battalion, 5th Kresowa Infantry Division.

He was also awarded the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 15688.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. from 1PULK

Serjeant Józef Drozdowski

“Serjeant Drozdowski, as commander of a tank has handled his crew and armament with courage and skill and has shown himself an able leader throughout the campaign on the Adriatic Sector.

He particularly distinguished himself at Castel di Mezzo on 2 September 1944 by his quick action and accurate fire, by sinking with a single round a boat in which a group of the enemy were endeavouring to escape capture.

Recommended by : Lieutenant General W. Anders C.B. Comd. 2 Polish Corps for a B.E.M.

Counter signed by : Lieutenant General R.L. McCreery G.O.C. Eighth Army changed it to a M.M.

Dated 19th December 1944.

Award : M.M.



Military Medal obverse

Plut. Józef Drozdowski by the end of the war had been promoted to Wachm. awarded the Cross of Valour and the Army Medal and the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 29809.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. from the 1st Armoured Division

Staff Sergeant Antoni Waliłko

“On 17th August 1944 as a tank commander Staff Sergeant Waliłko was responsible for the left flank protection of the Squadron under continuous anti-tank fire he destroyed three German anti-tank SP guns, / Louvieres en Auge MR/ 312323/7/11 6/ giving an excellent example of leadership and personal courage”.

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

Dated : 3rd July 1945

Award : M.M.



Military Medal obverse and reverse

St.Sierz. Antoni Waliłko served in the 24th Lancers Armoured Regiment of the 1st Armoured Division.

For his service during WW2 Antoni Waliłko received the following Awards and Medals

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Legitymacja Numbered : 12255

2) 1939-1945 Cross of Valour

3) Army Medal

British

4) Military Medal

5) 1939-1945 Star

6) France and Germany Star

7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

French

8) War Cross with Silver Star

Plus other French Commemorative Medals for WW2.



Virtuti Militari Silver Cross obverse



1939-1945 French War Cross with Silver Star.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. of the 1st Armoured Division.

Serjeant Franciszek Olden

“On 9th August 1944 in the Falaise area, whilst being in a Self-Propelled Tank and the Battery Commander having been wounded. Serjeant Olden, regardless of his own safety, under enemy fire, carried the Battery Commander out of the tank into safety, giving him First Aid”.

Recommended By: Colonel Józef Fryderyk Henryk Ernest Krautwald de Annau, O.C. 1st Motorised Field Artillery Regiment (SP).

Countersigned by : Major General Maczek, G.O.C. 1 Polish Armd. Div.

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General G.G. Simonds, Comd. 2 Canadian Corps.

Countersigned by : Lieutenantt General G. G. Simonds A/G.O.C. First Canadian Army.

Countersigned by : Field Marshal B. L. Montgomery Commander in Chief 21st Army Group.

Dated 13th September 1944

Award : M.M.



Military Medal obverse and reverse



Officers and NCOs and ORs of the 1st Motorised Artillery Regiment Headquarters



Sexton used by the 1st Armoured Division now outside the Army Museum in Warsaw.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a N.C.O. 1st Armoured Division

Serjeant V3816 Edward Fligiel 2nd Armoured Regiment, 1st Polish Armoured Division.


“On 6th September 1944 at Ypres he led his reconnaissance Section (2 Stuart Tanks), with gallantry and excellent speed he had taken the bridge near the Railway Station.

While his other tank was damaged, Serjeant Fligiel remained on the place under very heavy enemy fire.

Doing so he secured the Bridge so that the Germans could not destroy it and enabled the crew to evacuate the damaged tank (the second in his section)”.

Recommended by : Lieutenant Colonel Stanisław Paweł Koszutski, CO. 2nd Armoured Regiment

Counter signed by : Major General Maczek, G.O.C. 1st Polish Armoured Division.

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General G.G. Simonds Comd. 2 Canadian Corps.

Countersigned by : Lieutenant General G. G. Simmonds A/G.O.C. First Canadian Army.

Countersigned by : Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery Commander in Chief 21st Army Group.

Dated 13th September 1944.

Award : M.M.



Military Medal obverse and reverse

24 Days after the events that won him the Military Medal he was killed in action near Merksplas, Belgium.

When the reconnaissance platoon penetrated a small wood, MR 021113, they encountered a detachment of about 40 German cyclist infantry who decided to surrender.

At the moment when the platoon stopped firing and both sergeant Fligiel and corporal Matejuk left the tanks to accept the surrender
other German soldiers threw hand grenades and opened fire, killing both Polish soldiers.

The remaining Stuart tanks of the platoon opened fire and eliminated further resistance.



Plut. Edward Fligiel grave

Born on the 26th April 1914 in Łódź, during WW2 he received the following awards and medals for his Bravery :

1) 1939-1945 Cross of Valour with 1 Bar

2) Army Medal

British

3) Military Medal

4) 1939-1945 Star

5) France and Germany Star

6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

7) 1939-1945 War Medal



1939-1945 Cross of Valour with 1 Bar



Army Medal

Best wishes

Andrzej