Article about: Hi guys. I want to discuss with you one qestion. This is about british awards for polish soldiers. In my opinion, polish soldier can get for service following british awards: 1939/45 Star At
Another Recommendation this time for a Medical Officer
Lieutenant Marian Michał Skórczyński
“In his capacity as Officer Commanding of an FTU, this officer has worked at Advanced Dressing Station’s throughout all the Polish Corps Campaigns.
At Monte Cassino, when the enemy Artillery fire destroyed the Advanced Dressing Station, killing 3 Officers and 2 Other Ranks, Lieutenant Skórczyński continued his duty.
Being an example of devotion and Samaritan work for the wounded, his ethics, high standards of morale and his character, constantly distinguished him among other officers of the Medical Service”.
Recommended by : Lieutenant General W. Anders, Commanding 2 Polish Corps
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army.
Dated : 13 August 1945
Award : M.C.
Military Cross case of issue
Military Cross in case of issue obverse
Military Cross obverse
Porucznik Lek. Dr. Marian Michał Skórczyński was born on the 19th September 1907, Fathers Name : Andrzej, during the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1907-328-III, Unit : 49CT.
For his service in WW2 he received the following awards :
1) Army Medal
2) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 43490
British
3) Military Cross
4) 1939-1945 Star
5) Italy Star
6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal
7) 1939-1945 War Medal
Porucznik Lek.Dr. Marian Michał Skórczyński died in 1990.
Another Recommendation this time for an Infantry Officer from 5th Kresowa Infantry Division
Lieutenant Jan Tabor
“In the Operations along the Rivers Santerno and Sillaro on 12th and 15th April 1945, as Commander of a support company. Lieutenant Tabor speedily and efficiently organised effective mortar support and Anti-Tank defences under heavy enemy artillery fire.
Thanks to his action the Battalion Sappers made it possible for the Infantry to cross both Rivers with only light casualties. He was an example of personal bravery and during critical moments, he went forward in order to speed up the attack.
He has taken part in all the Operations by 2 Polish Corps in Italy with distinction”.
Recommended by : Lieutenant General W. Anders Commanding 2 Polish Corps.
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, GOC Eighth Army.
Dated : 13th August 1945
Award : M.C.
Military Cross case of issue
Military Cross in case of issue obverse
Military Cross obverse
Porucznik Jan Tabor was born on the 26th April 1907, during the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1907-87-III, Unit 16th Rifle Battalion, 5th Kresowa Infantry Division. He was awarded the Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 17812.
After the end of the war in Europe Jan Tabor came to the UK with his Battalion and in 1949 Married Lydia Rozymyslowska (Born 17th January 1911).
Marriage entry for Jan Tabor
Marriage entry for Lydia Rozymyslowska.
In 1952 on April 1st they set sail to the United States, listing their occupations as clerks
Passenger list for the Queen Elizabeth sailing to New York.
Ellis Island Landing Card 6th April 1952
USA Naturalization Card for Jan Tabor
20th September 1958 Jan and Lydia flying back to the US from Montreal.
Jan Tabor died on the 13th August 2002 at the age of 95.
Another Recommendation this time for the Commanding Officer of the Commandos Company of the 2nd Corps
Captain Władysław Karol Smrokowski
“Captain Smrokowski was in command of No 6 (Polish) Troop, No 10 Commando, which was under the command of 56 Reconnaissance Regiment from 13th December until 11th January 1944.
On the night of 21st/22nd December 1943, his troop was based on Pescopennataro, warning was received at 1800 hrs from an Italian. That the enemy intended first to attack that town during the night, then Capracotta. Captain Smrokowski promptly recalled his patrols and made all arrangements for the defence of the Towns.
And personally, arranged an Artillery plan with Forward Observation Officer in the Town. The enemy attacked at 1900 Hrs, first from the south, later from the north, each attack was beaten off.
At about 0300 Hrs a further attack was made on the centre of the town and the enemy succeeded establishing a footing in the Town itself. But were again repulsed, pressure was kept up by the enemy after this on all sides until 0345 Hrs when he finally withdrew. From what was seen of the enemy, during the night and from Intelligence reports, the enemy strength was estimated as 200.
Which was more than twice that of the Polish Troop, throughout the action Captain Smrokowski displayed the greatest coolness. Personally, giving Artillery connections to the Forward Observation Officer and directing fire of his men.
His example, his complete disregard for his personal safety and his absolute control of his troop, throughout the whole night. Undoubtedly contributed largely to its success in driving off the attack in spite of being outnumbered by two to one”.
Recommended by : Lieutenant Colonel K.G. F. Chavasse D.S.O. Commanding 56 Recce Regt.
Countersigned by : Major General Charles Knightley, Commanding 78th Division.
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General Miles Dempsey, G.O.C. 13th Corps.
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General Oliver Leese, G.O.C. Eighth Army.
Countersigned by : General H. R. Alexander, Commanding 15th Army Group.
Granted an Immediate M.C.
Date not noted
Award : M.C.
Military Cross case of issue
Military Cross in case of issue obverse
Military Cross obverse
Major Władysław Karol Smrokowski
Highlands of Scotland in 1942 Kpt. Władysław Smrokowski
General Anders in conversation with a Major from 5KDP with Major Władysław Smrokowski standing behind them
Kpt. Smrokowski speaking with General broni Kazimierz Sosnkowski
General Anders looking on as the Commander in Chief of the Polish Forces General broni Kazimierz Sosnkowski awards the Gold Cross Virtuti Militari to Major Władysław Smrokowski.
Major Władysław Smrokowski with some of his Commandos in Italy 1944/1945.
Polish Commando Beret with equipment
Polish Commando's in action in Italy 1944.
Władysław Karol Smrokowski was born on the 25th October 1909 in Krakow, pre 1939 he served in the following Polish Army Regiments :
1932-1935 : 3PSP.
1935-1939 : 21st Infantry Division
1939 : 4PSP, Commanding Officer of the 4th Company of the 2nd Battalion.
After the September 1939 Campaign he made his way to Yugoslavia and onwards to France, where he joined the 3rd Rifle Regiment of the 1st Grenadier Division. After the german invasion in May 1940 he fought with his Regiment and was awarded the French War Cross.
During the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1909-493-III, during WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :
1) Gold Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 39
Gold Cross Virtuti Militari
2) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 8900
Silver Cross Virtuti Militari
3) Cross of Valour (1939-1945)
4) Army Medal
5) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 48408
British
6) Military Cross
7) 1939-1945 Star
8) Italy Star
9) 1939-1945 Defence Medal
10) 1939-1945 War Medal
French
11) 1939-1940 War Cross
12) Cross of Volunteer Combatants
French War Cross 1939-1940
Italian
13) War Cross (with thanks to Igor for providing this information)
After the end of the War in Europe he came to the UK with his Battalion and after being demobbed he married Wanda H Torbinska in 1950.
Marriage entry for Władysław Karol Smrokowski
Marriage entry for Wanda H Torbinska to Władysław Karol Smrokowski in Leeds in 1950.
In June 1951 the now Smrokowski Family left Southampton on the 15th June bound for a new start in New York
20th June 1951 Ellis Island list of Passengers on board the Queen Elizabeth docked in New York.
The Family travelled from New York to Chicago Illinois, where Władysław Karol Smrokowski died on the 2nd January 1965 Aged 55, leaving his widow Wanda aged 45 and their son Adam 14.
Władysław Karol Smrokowski gravestone
Best wishes
Andrzej
Last edited by andrzejku98; 05-20-2020 at 11:53 AM.
Reason: New information received from a Forum member
Another Recommendation this time for an N.C.O. from the Commando Company, 2nd Polish Corps.
Lance Corporal Józef Rozen
“This English speaking, Polish N.C.O. was attached to “A” Company, 2/6th Queen’s Royal Regiment, for the crossing of the River Garigliano on the night of 17th January 1944.
Immediately after crossing the river, the company ran into mines and one of the two leading platoon commanders and a dozen men were wounded when three mines went up.
This N.C.O. immediately got in front and encouraged the remainder forward, showing a fine disregard for his personal safety. On reaching the enemy wire, he halted the men, cut it himself and then led them through.
He then stayed with the officer less platoon and led it forward to the road and up to its objective. Lance Corporal Rozen showed exceptional powers of leadership for his rank and a complete disregard for his personal safety.
And was instrumental in getting the leading platoons on to their objective”.
Recommended by : Major Commanding 2/6th Queens
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General R. L. McCreery, Commanding 10th Corps.
Countersigned by : Brigadier L.O. Lyne, 169th Infantry Brigade.
Countersigned by : Major General Gerald W.R. Templer, Commanding 56th London Division.
Approved by : General H. R. Alexander, Commander in Chief, Italy.
Another Recommendation this time for a Parachute Brigade Officer.
Captain Piotr Budziszewski
“This officer commanded the Parachute Engineer Squadron in the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade Group, during the recent Airborne Operations near Arnhem.
On the night 22/23 and 23/24 September 1944, he organised and directed the crossing of the River Neder Rijn, under heavy enemy fire from artillery, mortars and machine guns.
Although wounded he remained at his post until the crossings had been completed, throughout he showed great coolness and disregard of danger and was an outstanding example of personal bravery and devotion to duty to all men under his command”.
Recommended by : Lieutenant General F.A.M. Browning, Commanding Airborne Corps.
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General Marian Kukiel, Minister of National Defence.
Countersigned by : Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery, Commander in Chief 21st Army Group.
Another Recommendation this time for another Officer from the Parachute Brigade,
2nd Lieutenant Mieczysław Mikulski
“This Officer was acting Commanding Officer of an Anti-Tank Battery of the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade Group in the attack on the Arnhem Road Bridge in Holland.
On the night 23/24 September he crossed the Neder Rijn under strong enemy fire and suffered considerable casualties among his command in doing so.
During the period this officer was fighting with 1st British Airborne Division in the Arnhem area, he was responsible for a sector in the perimeter defence.
Throughout the period he displayed outstanding courage and leadership in repelling repeated counter attacks. with his own unit organised as an Infantry unit.
During the evacuation to the southern bank of the Neder Rijn he displayed coolness and organising abilities to ensure the withdraw of his battery and was the last man to leave the north shore.
Owing to there being no boats available he swam the river without a lifebelt.
Recommended by : Lieutenant General F.A.M. Browning, Commanding Airborne Corps.
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General Marian Kukiel, Minister of National Defence.
Countersigned by :Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery C-in-C, 21st Army Group
Dated : 3rd November 1944
Award : M.C.
Military Cross case of issue
Military Cross in case of issue obverse
Military Cross obverse.
Podporucznik Mieczysław Mikulski, was in Command of the 3rd Battery of Anti Tank Artillery at Arnhem and was also awarded the Cross of Valour (1939-1945)
Another Recommendation this time for an Officer of the 1st Armoured Division
Lieutenant Adam Bobula
“On 19th April 1945, Lieutenant Bobula was sent to contact a Company which was heavily engaged in fighting for a crossing of the Kűsten Canal near Dörpen /MR 745876/.
When he succeeded in reaching the Company, he found that the Commander had been seriously wounded and one of his officers killed. Realising that the conditions were becoming critical, he took command of the company himself and at the head of the leading platoon crossed the river under heavy Artillery, Mortar and Machine Gun fire.
And with his ranks much depleted as a result of bitter counter attacks by the enemy, eventually establishing a bridge head on the far side.
As a result, the remainder of the company was able to cross the canal, during the whole of the action, Lieutenant Bobula set a magnificent example to his men by his initiative, leadership and total disregard of danger to himself and showed bravery of a very high order under most difficult conditions”.
Recommended by : Major General Rudnicki GOC 1 Armoured Division
Dated 28th June 1945
Award : M.C.
Military Cross case of issue
Military Cross in case of issue obverse
Military Cross obverse
Ppor. Adam Bobula 1st Heavy Machine Gun Company, Podhale Rifle Brigade.
Adam Bobula
Por Adam Bobula after receiving the Cross of Valour from General Dyw. Marian Kukiel
Por Adam Bobula receiving the French War Cross with Silver Star.
Promotion Dyplom to Kapitan Adam Bobula signed by General Dyw. Bor-Komorowski in 1945, promotion to take effect from the 1st January 1946.
Kapitan Adam Bobula Service Tunic.
He survived the war and settled in the UK.
In 1947 he Married Danuta Szydelska, in Warminster, Wiltshire.
Adam Bobula Marriage entry in 1947
Danuta Szydelska Marriage entry in 1947
During his Service in WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals
1) Cross of Valour with 3 Bars
2) Army Medal with 1 Bar
British
3) Military Cross
4) 1939-1945 Star
5) France and Germany Star
6) 1939-1945 Defence Medal
7) 1939-1945 War Medal
French
8) War Cross with Silver Star
9) Combatants Cross
Adam Michał Bobula was born on the 26th September 1913 and died in London on the 29th January 1999 in London, his death was Registered in Lambeth.
Another Recommendation this time for another officer from the 1st Armoured Division.
Second Lieutenant Adam Marcinkiewicz
“Lieutenant Marcinkiewicz on 8th September in an action at Thielt, Belgium, led his platoon and attacked by the rear the enemy, who were holding up the advance of our Tanks with Anti-Tank Guns.
Seeing the stiff fighting which then followed, Lieutenant Marcinkiewicz’s right hand was blown off, but in spite of his wound this Officer continued to lead his men, refusing medical treatment, until due to loss of blood he had to be transported to the rear”.
Recommended by : Pplk. Aleksander Nowaczynski OC. 8th Infantry Battalion
Countersigned by : Major General Maczek GOC 1st Polish Armoured Division
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General G. G. Simonds Commanding 2nd Canadian Corps
Countersigned by : Lieutenant General G. G. Simonds A/GOC-in-C, First Canadian Army
Countersigned by : Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery Commander in Chief 21 Army Group.
Dated : 30th September 1944
Award : M.C.
Military Cross case of issue
Military Cross in case of issue obverse
Military Cross obverse.
Porucznik Adam Franciszek Marcinkiewicz KW x 2 M.C.
During his Service in WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :
1) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar
2) Army Medal
3) Wound Ribbon with 1 Star
British
4) Military Cross
5) 1939-1945 Star
6) France and Germany Star
7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal
8) 1939-1945 War Medal
Adam Franciszek Marcinkiewicz was born on the 16th November 1914 and died in Nottingham on the 9th February 1994.
Best wishes
Andrzej
Last edited by andrzejku98; 01-18-2022 at 06:54 PM.
Reason: newly found photograph of Recipient
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