British Awards for Polish Soldiers

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for an Officer from the 1st Armoured Division,

2nd Lieutenant Leon Stojowski

“2nd Lieutenant Stojowski was on 11th April 1945 ordered with his platoon to reconnoitre Ter Apel / Holland / MR 552758/, where he met heavy enemy resistance which prevented him from entering the village.

During the night 2nd Lieutenant Stojowski took one of his sections crossed the Canal in a boat under enemy fire and succeeded in penetrating into Ter Apel.

This unexpected action demoralised the German garrison and they withdrew under cover of darkness, this allowed our troops to occupy Ter Appel unopposed”.

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

During WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Valour

2) Army Medal

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

9) Combatants Cross

10) Volunteer Combatants Cross

11) 1939-1945 War Commemorative Medal



Ppor. Leon Stojowski

Leon Stojowski was born on the 22nd June 1915 and died on the 11th July 1999, aged 84.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for an Officer from 1st Armoured Division

Captain Andrzej Szubarga

“On 14th April 1945 at Ruiten Canal, Veelerveen / MR 594948 / was ordered to capture and to hold a bridgehead over the Canal, Captain Szubarga, “D2 Companies Commander during his personal reconnaissance of enemy location on the previous day forced an enemy patrol to withdraw and captured two Prisoners of War.

On 14th April 1945 he led his company in an attack with the task of capturing the Mill/Factory/ on the far side of the canal. After crossing the start line, he ran ahead of his men in spite of very heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire, reaching the Canal he got hold of a boat and regardless of danger crossed the canal followed by his men.

On the far side after close range fighting which overcame enemy resistance. Captain Szubarga consolidated his troops and organised the bridgehead.

That action enabled the complete liquidation of the Germans on the right flank of the battalion sector”.

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

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

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 11213

2) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar

3) Army Medal

British

4) Military Cross

5) 1939-1945 Star

6) France and Germany Star

7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

8) 1939-1945 War Medal

Andrzej Ignacy Szubarga was born on the 4th February 1911 and died on the 24th December 1987.



Andrzej Ignacy Szubarga post war photograph

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation for an Officer from 1st Armoured Division

Captain Zbigniew Bojanowski

“On 17th April 1945 during the attack on the village Rude / Germany / MR 627173 / He was commanding the right flank of the Regiment. The enemy resistance was very strong in this frontier village and necessitated Street fighting.

From House to House and it was due to courageous and determined fighting by the men under his command that the Regiment captured the Village.

After the fall of the Village one stronghold with enemy commanded by a fanatical officer continued fighting.

Captain Bojanowski with few men attacked and wiped out the German stronghold under heavy enemy fire. In hand to hand fighting during this operation he was wounded, but let his men evacuate him back only after the stronghold was cleared”.

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.

Also awarded the Cross of Valour.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for an Anti Tank Artillery Officer of the 1st Armoured Division

Lieutenant Mikołaj Antonowicz,

“On 24th April 1945 Lieutenant Antonowicz was commanding an outpost in Siddeburen / MR 422178 L /, Holland. At 0300 hours a strong attack by German Paratroopers developed and despite bitter and severe fighting by his men.

During which Lieutenant Antonowicz personally killed two of the enemy, the situation became such that he was forced to withdraw his outpost.

Later he led his depleted force in a determined counterattack in an effort to regain ground. He had lost earlier and after desperate hand to hand fighting recaptured the Village.

Inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and taking prisoners, by his forceful leadership and personal bravery he was an inspiration to his troops. And it was entirely due to his energy and determination that the position was restored”.

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.

Mikołaj Antonowicz was born in Warsaw on the 15th January 1915, he took part in the defence of Warsaw in September 1939 and after the end of the Campaign joined the Underground. He had to leave Poland because the Gestapo were on to him, he made his way to France and then onto England and Scotland.

For his Service in WW2 he was awarded the following Awards and Medals :

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 11140



Silver Cross Virtuti Militari obverse

2) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar



Cross of Valour with 1 Bar obverse

3) Gold Cross of Merit with Swords



Gold Cross of Merit with Swords

4) Army Medal

British

5) Military Cross

6) 1939-1945 Star

7) France and Germany Star

8) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

9) 1939-1945 War Medal

French

10) War Cross



War Cross 1939-1945

11) Resistance Medal

12) Volunteers Cross

13) War Commemorative Medal 1939-1945

Plus many post war awards, Mikołaj Antonowicz died in Frankfurt on the 3rd April 2000.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for another Officer from 1st Armoured Division,

Captain Albert Sumiński

“On 12th August 1944 at Couvicourt / MR 103533 / Captain Sumiński working in the Advanced Command Post found himself under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire.

The destruction of inter communications owing to the burning of the Observation Post Tank and damage to the wireless sets threatened to deprive the 9th Infantry Battalion of Artillery support and put it in a critical situation.

Under constant heavy enemy fire Captain Sumiński arranged for intermediary communications with the Regiment and the Battalion, personally reorganised the Advanced Command Post.

Disorganised by losses of personnel and after 5 critical minutes ensured complete efficient Artillery support for the Infantry. As a result, the German counterattack broke down and the way for our Infantry stood open.

On 20th August 1944 at Bourdon / MR 336225 / the Advanced Command Post was attacked from three sides by German armoured cars trying to break through our lines. While another group of enemy cars took the direction of the uncovered flank of the 2nd Infantry Regiment.

Under intense German machine gun fire Captain Sumiński quickly organised the defence of the Advanced Command Post. He ren over to the wireless set which was exposed to enemy fire and gave warning to the Regiment.

Thus, the Regiment was enabled to range its guns onto the armoured cars and destroyed them by direct fire. Losing in this critical situation only 1 man killed and 2 wounded”.

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

During his Service in WW2 Albert Sumiński received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Legitymacja Numbered : 11209

2) Cross of Valour

3) Army Medal

British

4) Military Cross

5) 1939-1945 Star

6) France and Germany Star

7) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

8) 1939-1945 War Medal

Kapitan Albert Marcin Maria Hubert Sumiński was born on the 12th November 1906 in Lwów, after the end of the War in Europe he decided to emigrate to the USA.



26th April 1949 Kapitan Albert Sumiński leaving the UK bound for New York onboard the SS Mauretania.



15th June 1949 the Marriage of Albert Sumiński to Anna Irena Stachowska in San Diego, California



Albert Sumiński Petition to become a US Citizen dated 3rd May 1949



USA Naturalization Card for Albert Sumiński



1967 Divorce of Albert Sumiński and Anna Sumińska



9 Years after his divorce from Anna he married Teresita Fuster in 1976.

Their marriage was short lived with Albert Marcin Maria Hubert Sumiński dying on the 12th June 1977 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a senior officer from the Armoured Brigade 2nd Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Feliks Józef Motyka

"As Commander of the leading Regiment of the Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Motyka succeeded in crossing the river Sillaro at Castel S Guelfo on 16th April 1945.

The Regiment was commanded in such an able manner that it surmounted very difficult ground conditions and silenced the enemy's fire, thus enabling it to cross to the far side.

During the fighting for the Medicina Canal crossing on 17th April 1945, his regiment was the leading one.

He commanded under very heavy enemy artillery, mortar, nebelwerfer and anti-tank gun fire.

Though wounded, he remained at his post and continued to command his regiment.

The regiment smashed the enemy opposition, crossed the canal, thus enabling the onward move of the Brigade.

In this fighting the regiment killed many of the enemy, captured two 150mm guns and six 75mm guns and destroyed two tanks mark IV.

This officer distinguished himself by his courage and the will to push on.

He commanded the regiment in an outstanding manner, in spite of his wounds".

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

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

Dated June 1945

Award : D.S.O.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue obverse



Pplk. Feliks Józef Motyka in Italy 1944



Pplk. Feliks Józef Motyka in Italy 1945



Pplk. Feliks Józef Motyka with Generals Anders, Szyszko-Bohusz and Rakowski in Italy 1945



25th May 1946 Pplk. Feliks Józef Motyka receives the Standard for the 6th Armoured Regiment from General Szyszko-Bohusz, Commander of 2 Polish Corps.

For his Service prior to WW2 he was awarded the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Valour Numbered : 42312

2) Silver Cross of Merit

3) 1918-1921 War Commemorative Medal

4) 10th Anniversary of Independence Medal

5) 20 Years Long Service Medal

6) 10 Years Long Service Medal

During WW2 he was awarded the following Awards and Medals

7) Gold Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 96



Virtuti Militari Gold Cross obverse

8) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 10183



Virtuti Militari Silver Cross obverse



Virtuti Militari Legitymacja Numbered : 10183

9) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar

10) Army Medal

11) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 30359



Monte Cassino Cross Legitymacja Numbered : 30359

British

12) Distinguished Service Order

13) 1939-1945 Star

14) Italy Star

15) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

16) 1939-1945 War Medal

17) Wound Ribbon with 2 Stars (to be confirmed)



Pplk. Feliks Józef Motyka VM VM KW etc



2nd Corps Badge Legitymacja to Pplk.Feliks Józef Motyka Numbered : 42262

After the end of the war he returned to Poland where he died on the 15th April 1958.



Pplk. Feliks Józef Motyka Grave.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a senior Officer from 3 Carpathian Rifle Division

Colonel Jan II Lachowicz

"As the Brigade Commander this officer organised most efficiently, the Brigade attacks during the operations along the rivers Semic and Santerno between 9th April to 21st April 1945.

All of which ended in complete success, during the fighting he visited and personally supervised the Battalion operations under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire.

It is noteworthy that his Brigade was one of the two newly formed formations and in these actions they received their baptisms of fire.

He distinguished himself by his personal courage , and was an inspiration to all ranks of the Brigade".

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

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

Dated : June 1945

Award : D.S.O.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue obverse.

Pulkownik Jan II Lachowicz was born on the 24th August 1896, and for his service before WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Independence

2) Cross of Valour with 3 Bars

3) Gold Cross of Merit

4) Silver Cross of Merit

5) 1918-1921 War Commemorative Medal

6) 10th Anniversary of Independence Medal

7) 20 Years Long Service Medal

8) 10 Years Long Service Medal

Then during WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :

9) Gold Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 94



Gold Cross Virtuti Militari Obverse

10) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 10255



Silver Cross Virtuti Militari

11) Cross of Valour (1939-1945) with 1 Bar

12) Army Medl

13) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 17626

British

14) Distinguished Service Order

15) 1939-1945 Star

16) Italy Star

17) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

18) 1939-1945 War Medal

His Service Number during the Italian Campaign was : 1896-32-III, after the end of the war he came to the UK with his Brigade and died in London on the 13th August 1973.

He had been made a General Bryg. by President August Zaleski in November 1964.



Major Jan II Lachowicz

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another recommendation this time for a senior Officer from 3 Carpathian Rifle Division.

Colonel Gustaw Dobiesław Bogumił Łowczowski

"As Commander 3rd Carpathian Brigade, Colonel Łowczowski commanded the Brigade with great efficiency, skill and courage during the operations along Route 9, capturing in turn several Towns, i.e. Castel Bolognese, Imola, Castel San Pietro and finally Bologna.

Thanks to the drive of the Commander the Brigade speedily and efficiently carried out the tasks allotted to it.

In many cases Colonel Łowczowski personally intervened a speeding up of the tempo of the Operations, which in consequence was decisive in the rapid capture of Bologna, units of 3rd Carpathian Brigade being the first troops to enter this City".

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

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

Dated : 12th August 1945

Award : D.S.O.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue obverse

Pulkownik Dypl. Gustaw Dobiesław Bogumił Łowczowski was born on the 16th January 1897, during his Military Service pre 1939 he received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Independence

2) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar

3) 1918-1921 War Commemorative Medal

4) 10th Anniversary of Independence Medal

5) 20 Years Long Service Medal

6) 10 Years Long Service Medal

Estonian

7) Order of the Eagle Officers Cross

Spain

8) Military Merit Cross

Latvian

9) Order of the 3 Stars (Officers Cross)



Brussels 1937 Right of photograph Major Gustaw Dobiesław Bogumił Łowczowski

During WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :

10) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 11626

11) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar

12) Army Medal

British

13) Distinguished Service Order

14) 1939-1945 Star

15) Italy Star

16) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

17) 1939-1945 War Medal

After the end of the war in Europe he came to the UK with his Brigade and settled down to life in London where on the 11th November 1964 he was promoted to General Bryg. by President August Zaleski.

Gustaw Dobiesław Bogumił Łowczowski died in London on the 11th August 1984.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for a Brigade Commander of the 5th Kresowa Infantry Division

Colonel Witold Nowina-Sawicki

"As Commander of 6 Lwów Brigade Group, during the divisions operations against Bologna, thanks to a carefully worked out plan of attack and to its tactical fulfilment, the Brigade reached the banks of the Santerno river on 11th April 1945.

Crossed this river on 12th April 1945 and by 14th April 1945 reached the river Sillaro, smashing the stubborn resistance of the best German Parachute Division on the way.

On the 15th and 16th April 1945, they crossed the river Sillaro where they consolidated on the captured ground whilst 5 Wilno Brigade passed through to continue the operations.

The rivers Santerno and Sillaro and the banks of these rivers were the best mined lines of the enemy's defensive system guarding the approaches to BOLOGNA.

By his drive and great skill Colonel Nowina-Sawicki contributed to the swift fall of BOLOGNA.

During the whole operation he showed great commanding abilities and personal gallantry and was a constant inspiration to his troops".

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

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

Dated : June 1945

Award : D.S.O.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue obverse

Pulkownik Dypl. Witold Eugeniusz Nowina-Sawicki was Born on the 26th September 1896, during his Service prior to WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals :

1) Cross of Independence

2) Cross of Valour with 1 Bar

3) Gold Cross of Merit

4) 1918-1921 War Commemorative Medal

5) 10th Anniversary of Independence Medal

6) 20 Years Long Service Medal

7) 10 Years Long Service Medal



Major Dypl. Witold Nowina-Sawicki 1930's photograph

Then during WW2 he received the following Awards and Medals for his Service :

8) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari Numbered : 8753



Silver Cross Virtuti Militari

9) Cross of Valour (1939-1945) with 1 Bar

10) Gold Cross of Merit with Swords

11) Army Medal

12) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 17631

British

13) Distinguished Service Order

14) 1939-1945 Star

15) Italy Star

16) 1939-1945 Defence Medal

17) 1939-1945 War Medal

USA

18) Legion of Merit



United States of America Legion of Merit obverse



Plk.Dypl. Witold Nowina Sawicki in Jerusalem with other well known faces of the 2nd Corps.



Plk.Dyp. Witold Eugeniusz Nowina-Sawicki visiting a Battalion in Italy

After the end of the War in Europe he came to the UK with his Brigade and after being demobbed he settled down to civilian life in London.

In 1960 he applied for and was granted British Citizenship whilst working as a Wine Dispenser & Clerk Bookkeeper living at 47 Cathcart Road, London S.W.10. British Citizenship was granted on the 31st October 1960 and this then appeared in the London Gazette Dated 30th December 1960.

On the 1st of January 1964 he was promoted to General of Brigade, General Witold Eugeniusz Nowina-Sawicki died in London on the 12th January 1979.

Best wishes

Andrzej

[andrzejku98]

Hello Everyone,

Another Recommendation this time for another Carpathian Brigade Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Bolesław Józef Raczkowski

"During the morning hours of 12th April 1945 in the fighting by 3rd Battalion for a bridgehead on the stubbornly defended river Santerno, the enemy launched a counter attack with about two company's supported by armour (Self Propelled guns), at the moment when 2nd Company of that Battalion had succeeded with a great effort to seize the Western flood bank of the Santerno and the company had started expanding the bridgehead.

Being on the spot at Brigade HQ, Lieutenant Colonel Raczkowski heard of this situation (where every minute counted), immediately on his own initiative organised all the assistance that could be supplied by the Artillery and the Air with the object of holding the captured ground.

This Artillery fire produced positive results and the Company, after throwing back the enemy counter attack, was able to continue its task.

As a result of this battle the bridgehead was cst, brt were built, and the pursuit groups were thus able to push on after the beaten enemy.

Lieutenant Colonel Raczkowski has taken part in all the battles of 1 Carpathian Brigade (Tobruk, Gazala, Monte Cassino, the Operations along the Adriatic Coast and the Operations in the Apennines).

As Battalion Commander and 2nd in Command Carpathian Brigade, and has continually shown great tactical ability, drive, initiative and courage".

Recommended by : Lieutenant General Szyszko-Bohusz, Commanding2 Polish Corps.

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

Dated : 5th July 1945

Award : D.S.O.



Distinguished Service Order in case of issue obverse


Podpulkownik Bolesław Józef Raczkowski was born on the 28th October 1899, in the 1932 Officer Yearbook he was a Kapitan serving in the 53rd Infantry Regiment.

By 1939 he had been promoted to Major.

During the Italian Campaign his Service Number was : 1899-127-III, he was also awarded the following Awards and Medals :

1) Silver Cross Virtuti Militari, Legitymacja Numbered : 10744

2) Cross of Valour and 1 Bar

3) Army Medal

4) Monte Cassino Cross Numbered : 1784

British

5) Distinguished Service Order

6) 1939-1945 Star

7) Africa Star

8) Italy Star

9) 1939-1945 defence Medal

10) 1939-1945 War Medal.

Best wishes

Andrzej