BRITISH AWARDS TO POLISH ARMY OFFICERS AND OTHER RANKS SERVING IN -

1 POLISH ARMOURED DIVISION

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Further Research: Orders, Decorations and Medals

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MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH – COMMANDER (CB)

1 CB

In recognition of  outstanding services by senior officers, generally Major-General or above.

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Maj-Gen

Maczek

Stanislaw

CO 1 Pol Armd Div

missing

MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MILITARY DIVISION)

HONORARY CBE

2 CBEs

Awarded for meritorious service.

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Col

Dworak

Kazimierz

Deputy Div CO (until 6 April 1945)

missing

Col

Majewski

Tadeusz

CO 10 Armd Cav Bde (until 16 January 1945 and Deputy Div CO from 24 October 1945)

missing

MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MILITARY DIVISION)

HONORARY OBE

6 CBEs

Awarded for meritorious service. 

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Col

Deskur

Jerzy

CO Armd Div Replacement Camp (from 1 August 1944)

missing

Lt Col

Fryzendorf MBE

Edward

ADOS, 1 Pol Armd Div

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Col

Grajkowski

Jan

Commander Signals, 1 Pol Armd Div (up to 18 May 1945)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Col

Grudzinski

Antoni

CO 10 Armd Cav Bde (from 16 July 1945)

missing

Maj

Marowski

Jan

24 Lancers (Armoured) Regiment

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt-Col Dr

Pawlowicz

Wladyslaw

Commander, Div Medical Units (from November 1943)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MILITARY DIVISION)

HONORARY MBE

8 MBEs

Awarded for meritorious service. 

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Lt

Bachurzewski

Zbigniew

missing

Mjr

Czarnecki

Marian

 

missing

Lt-Col

Fryzendorf

Edward

ADOS, 1 Pol Armd Div

missing

See OBE list

WO I

Jedraszak

Stefan

Ord Fd Pk, 1 Pol Armd Div

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

WO I

Pienkowski

Waclaw

3 Inf Bde Wksp Coy, (Armament Artificer)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Podoski

Jan

DAQMG 1 Pol Armd Div

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Mjr

Wasowicz

Michal

Commander EME 1 Pol Armd Div (from 30 October 1943 to 31 August 1945)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Wołyncewicz

Waclaw

Div HQ DADMS 1 Pol Armd Div

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM)

4 BEMs

The BEM was awarded to ranks below warrant officer for meritorous service.

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Sjt

Grambor

Stanislaw

Provost Coy, 1 Pol Armd Div

Since the beginning of the time the Division went into action Sergeant Grambor has been attached as a M.P. to the 8 Infantry Battalion. Very frequently, when all normal means of communication had been rendered impracticable by heavy enemy fire, he delivered orders for his C.O. to the Company Commanders under difficult conditions. On 28th October 1944, Sergeant Grambor was one of the first to enter Breda.  In extraordinarily arduous circumstances he made his way through to a company, which was cut off from the remainder of the Battalion, in order to deliver a new wireless set.         

On the 30th October 1944, during the battle on the Mark Canal 8 Infantry Battalion was engaged in hard fighting, trying to establish a bridgehead on the canal. Sergeant Grambor twice went across the canal, which was under heavy artillery, mortar and M.G. fire, carrying orders from the C.O. to the Company Commander thereby successfully helping the latter to consolidate to the position. This N.C.O. displayed in the entire action exemplary bravery.

Sjt

Niziolek

Jozef

1 A Tk Regt

On 15 September 1943, at Bridgham, Norfolk, Sjt Niziolek rescued an RAF officer from a burning Hurricane which had crashed.

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

[ed.: omitted from list in General Maczek’s memoirs]

L/Sjt

Sobiech

Hieronim

10 Lt Fd Amb

During whole action of the 1 Polish Armoured Division, Sjt Sobiech as a fitter of the Repair Section, zealously worked in keeping fit all vehicles of the 10 Light Fd Ambulance.  He did not interrupt his work even under enemy fire, repairing ambulances, and keeping them going under all conditions.  On 15th August 1944, at Quilly area in Normandy during an enemy air raid on the ADS [ed.: Advanced Dressing Station], Sjt Sobiech was partially buried and received severe shock.  He had to be evacuated to the CCS [ed.: Casualty Clearing Station] but he voluntarily returned after a few days in order to continue his good work.

S/Sjt

Zajdel

Andrzej

HQ Army Service Corps, 1 Pol Armd Div

This N.C.O. has set a fine example at all times.  Due to his outstanding work many difficulties to the smooth supply of ammunition have been avoided. During the pursuit from S. Seines to Belgium he did particularly good work while at an Advanced ammunition Point in a sector which had not been cleared of the enemy. He showed great coolness and devotion to duty under difficult circumstances.

HONORARY COMPANION OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (D.S.O.)

16  DSOs

The DSO was awarded to commissioned officers for distinguished service, normally in positions of command but also, and much less frequently, for individual acts of gallantry.

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Mjr

Berendt

Witold

CO 1 LAA Regt (from 8 August 1944)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt-Col

Complak

Karol

CO 1 Inf Bn (Highland) (from 1 December 1943)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Col

Dec

Wladyslaw

CO 3 Inf Bde (from 13 January 1945)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt-Col

Dorantt

Jan

Chief Engr 1 Pol Armd Div (from August 1943), formerly CO 10 Engineer Company.

While Commander, Polish Engineers of the [1st Polish Armd] Division over particularly difficult ground in Belgium and Holland he performed his task so well that the Division was able to cover 470 km in 9 days, in spite of extensive demolitions and flooding by the Germans.  Lt-Col Dorantt especially distinguished himself on 3 and 4 November during the forcing of the Mark Canal under heavy artillery and mortar fire, and the credit for the successful crossing is in no small measure due to the determined execution of his difficult task of bridging this obstacle. By his capable organisation and complete indifference to danger, by his personal bravery and presence whenever danger threatened most, he set a fine example to his men, who at that time had suffered heavy casualties and were nearing exhaustion.

Lt-Col

Dowbor

Romuald

CO 24 Lancers (Armd) Regt (from August 1944)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt-Col

Koszutski

Stanisław

CO 2 Armd Regt (from 28 September 1942 to 29 April 1945)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Maj-Gen

Maczek CB

Stanislaw

GOC 1 Pol Armd Div

Recommendation

Maj-Gen Maczek has commanded 1 Polish Armd Div throughout the period of its participation in the campaign in North West Europe and has on all occasions afforded it bold and resolute leadership and demonstrated outstanding skill as a tactician.

Since it was first committed in this theatre this div has been engaged in the most varied types of combat.

Heavy demands have repeatedly been made upon it, and the courage, determination and endurance of its troops have been subjected to the most severe tests.  Special mention must be made in this connection of the bitter and savage fighting at Falaise and of the pursuit, relatively swift but with its attendant military difficulties, from the Somme.

That this div has successfully met every call which has been made upon it and has established an excellent and enviable record in battle in attributable in large measure to the energy, skill and resources of Maj-Gen Maczek. His grasp and appreciation of the problems with which he has been con­fronted have consistently been quick and sound and he has shown marked ability speedily to formulate and carry out plans and to adapt the resources at his disposal to the changing requirements of any situation.  By the force of his personality and his unending, concern for the welfare of his troops he has encouraged all those about him to quite extraordinary efforts.

The relentless determination, indefatigable industry and intrepid leadership of Maj-Gen Maczek have been outstanding and he has made a notable contribution to the success of the common cause.

Col

Majewski

Tadeusz

CO 10 Armoured Cavalry Brigade (up to 16 January 1945)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Col

Maresch

Karol

CO 2 Fd Arty Regt (from 15 November 1943 to 8 January 1946)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Col

Noel

Bronislaw

Commander Div Artillery, 1 Pol Armd Div (up to 1 February 1946)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt-Col

Nowaczynski

Aleksander

CO 8 Inf Bn (from 1 November 1943)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Col

Skibinski

Franciszek

CO 10 Armd Cav Bde from 16 January to 16 July 1945

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Mjr

Stankiewicz

Ludwik

G.S.O. I, 1 Pol Armd Div (from 19 July 1944 to 27 September 1945)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt-Col

Stefanowicz

Aleksander

CO 1 Armd Regt (from 15 November 1943)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt Col

Szydlowski

Zdzisław

CO 9 Inf Bn (from 21 November 1943 to 15 January 1945)

Lt Colonel Szydłowski, Zdzisław, CO 9th Polish Inf Bn on August, 19th, 20th, 21st, 1944, the situation in the hills north of Chambois became temporarily critical owing to a local breakthrough of enemy armour, which resulted in troops on these hills, 2nd Polish Armd Regt, 9th Polish Inf Bn and 1 A/Tk Bty, being cut off from the main body of the Division and from supplies.  Strong enemy attacks followed with armour and artillery, both from the east and west.  Lt Col Szydłowski, by seniority, took command of the whole group.  Owing to his personal courage, example and coolness, the critical situation has been overcome, enemy attacks beaten off and the task of the Division performed.

Mjr

Zgorzelski

Władysław

CO 10 Motor Bn (Dgns) (from 21 January to 8 September 1945)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

MILITARY CROSS (M.C.)

21 MCs

Awarded to all ranks of the Services in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Lt

Antonowicz

Mikolaj

1 A Tk Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Barbacki

Roman Marian

Artillery, 1 Pol Armd Div

missing

Capt

Bartosiński

Marjan

1 Armd Regt

(posthumous)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

2/Lt

Blędowski

Władysław

24 Armd Lancers Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt

Bletek

Tadeusz

11 Engr Sqn

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt

Bobula

Adam

9 Inf Bn

On 19th April 1945, Lt 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 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 established 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, Lt 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 on 28th June 1945 by Maj Gen Rudnicki, GOC 1 Polish Armd Div.

Capt

Bojanowski

Zbigniew

10 Dragoons Bn

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

2/Lt

Dzierżek

Adam

24 Armd Lancers Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Jakubiec

Władysław

2 Armd Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Jozefowicz

Henryk

1 Fd Arty Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Klodziński

Zygmunt

10 Mtd Rifles Armd Recce Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt

Marcinkiewicz

Adam

8 Inf Bn

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Lt

Rudniak

Marcin

1 Fd Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Salwa

Jan

10 Mtd Rifles Armd Recce Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

2/Lt

Soltys

Henryk

1 Armd Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

2/Lt

Stojowski

Leon

1 Inf Bn (Highland)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Sumiński

Albert

2 Fd Arty Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

2/Lt

Szczygiel

Stanisław

1 Inf Bn (Highland)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Szubarga

Andrzej

8 Inf Bn

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Wasilewski

Jerzy

CO of Sqn of 10 Mounted Rifles Regt (Armd Recce), later Major, CO 10 Mtd Rifles Armd Recce Regt (from 25 August 1944)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Capt

Wyrwalski

Karol

Armd Bde Wksp Coy

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL (D.C.M.)

5 DCMs

Awarded to warrant and non-commissioned ranks for gallantry in action against the enemy.

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

L/Sjt

Dzierzbiński

Wincenty

1 Armd Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Sapper

Gros

Konrad

10 Engr Sqn

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

L/Cpl

Roczmierowski

Franciszek

10 Mtd Rifles Armd Recce Regt

On 1st May he greatly distinguished himself in the action to seize the bridges east of Remels. The troop in which he served as operator in troop leader’s tank reached a bridge which was found to be mined by the enemy. In spite of heavy machine-gun and 20 mm gunfire, he left his tank and managed to remove from the mines pull and electric ignitors. Next he removed the detonator from a bomb dug into the road surface and pulled it aside. Wounded in the eyes by an explosion of a grenade, Lance-Corporal Roczmierowski refused to be evacuated and took part in the further action of his troop.

His high courage and devotion to duty enabled the troop to seize the bridge and contributed to the success which led to the surprise attack on the enemy’s strong defence positions at Remels and further east.

The insignia of the DCM  was sent to him by The War Office on 30 Sept 1948.

Above details courtesy of Mark Spence  (grandson).

Recommended for the DCM on 3 July 1945 by Major-General Rudnicki, GOC 1 Polish Armd Div.

L/Cpl

Siodmak

Władysław

10 Mtd Rifles Armd Recce Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Cpl

Szalkowski

Władysław

10 Mtd Rifles Armd Recce Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

MILITARY MEDAL (M.M.)

27 MMs

The MM was awarded to warrant and non-commissioned ranks for gallantry in action against the enemy.  It ranked below the DCM.

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

Cpl

Bec

Nikodem

2 Armd Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Pte

Bogdan

Antoni

3 Troop Carrying Coy

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Cpl

Budzyński

Władysław

1 Inf Bn (Highland)

On 13th April 1945 in the sector of Weede, Holland (MR 565973) his carrier section ran into heavy enemy machine-gun and light A/T fire.  Our own troops on his right, (Belgian Para Bn) were by mistake also firing at his section.  Corporal Budzynski gave orders to keep contact with the enemy and at great risk to his life tried to get to the Belgian paratroops to explain their mistake and stop their fire.  By this deed, he prevented casualties and inspired his men to fight on in spite of the fire from the rear.

L/Cpl

Ciężak

Franciszek

Indep MG Coy

On 19th April 1945, during a heavy engagement on Kűsten Kanal (MR 7487), L/Cpl Ciezak displayed great bravery and coolness.  Under intense enemy mortar and machine-gun fire, he ran twice to a forward machine-gun position and supplied it with ammunition.  When the M.G. gunner was wounded, he took his place, and opening fire at a very short range, repulsed the German counter-attack.

Cpl Cadet

Doruch

Jozef

10 Mounted Rifles Regt (Armd Recce)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

S/Sjt

Drygala

Jan

10 Dragoons Bn

On 26 April 1945 as platoon commander S/Sgt Drygala was leading the first assault party across the river Leda (MR 9111) under heavy machine-gun fire.  His leadership and bravery helped to make the crossing successful and to establish the first small bridgehead on the other side of the river.  During the operation, he was wounded but refused to let his men evacuate him until he was satisfied that the position was securely held.

Sjt

Fec

Wojciech

3 Inf Bde

On 14 April 1945 during an attack, Sgt Fec’s platoon was advancing towards a strongly defended enemy stronghold situated in a wrecked factory.  The enemy surprised the advancing troops by heavy mortars and machine-gun fire.  Snipers were in action.  Under heavy enemy machine-gun fire, Sgt Fec displayed great bravery carrying on the advance at the head of his platoon and by an encircling movement captured the objective.  23 enemy were killed and 50 were taken prisoner.

Sjt

Fligiel

Edward

2 Armd Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

L/Sjt

Gacyk

Leon

Armd Bde Wksp Coy

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

L/Sjt

Gorski

Stanislaw

1 Pol Armd Div MG Coy

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

L/Sjt

Han

Władysław

11 Engr Sqn

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Cpl

Hasiuk

Stanisław

1 A Tk Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Pte

Kamiecki or Kamieniecki

Karol

3 Troop Carrying Coy

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

L/Cpl

Kosmina (Kozmina)

Władysław

11 Fd Amb

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

RSM

Lenczowski

Franciszek

9 Inf Bn

Formerly of the 14th Lancers Armd Regt.

On the 20th April 1945 – Kűstenkanal – north of Dörpen (MR 740877) as a platoon commander during the fighting for the crossing of the canal – crossed the canal with his platoon under very heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire and when on the other side repulsed an enemy counter-attack making it possible for the company to form a bridge head for future action.  During the crossing of the canal, his own courage and behaviour set an example to his men enabling them to perform the task.

Recommended on 28th June 1945 by Maj Gen Rudnicki, GOC 1 Polish Armd Div.

Sjt

Łysakowski

Tomasz or Stefan

2 Sigs Sqn

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Pte

Mitek

Stanislaw

10 Mot Bn (Dgns)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Sjt Maj Cad Off

Mogilski

Władysław Tadeusz

9 Rifle Bn

On 7 September 1944, during the attack of Roulers by the 9th Polish Inf Bn, Cadet Officer Mogilski, by a courageous and decisive manoeuvre greatly contributed to the success of his battalion in liberating the southern part of the town.  This manoeuvre was carried out with 3 sections of Bren carriers (under strength) and 2 sections of the anti-tank platoon.  Although the losses were heavy, (1 killed and 7 wounded), he repulsed enemy counter-attacks despite very difficult circumstances and displayed great personal valour and courage.

S/Sjt

Olczak (Olczyk)

Leon

Inf Bde Wksp

L/Sjt per Polish source

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Sjt

Olden

Franciszek

1 Fd Arty Regt (SP)

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Sjt

Rozum

Jan

2 Fd Arty Regt

L/Sjt per Polish source

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

L/Cpl

Sagin

Zygmunt

1 A Tk Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

S/Sjt

Strzyzewski

Stefan

HQ Sqn 10 Armd Bde

L/Sjt per Polish source

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Sjt

Terlecki

Jozef

2 Fd Arty Regt

L/Sjt per Polish source

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Gnr

Turowski

Franciszek

1 LAA Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

Cpl

Urgacz

Marian

1 Fd Arty Regt

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

S/Sjt

Walilko

Antoni

24 Armd Lancers Regt

L/Sjt per Polish source

Recommendation awaiting transcription and upload

KING’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT (CERTIFICATE)

RANK

NAME

FIRST NAME(S)

STATUS

AWARDS INFORMATION

 

1939 TO 1945 STAR

The 1939 to 1945 Star was awarded for any period of operational service overseas between 3rd September 1939 and 8th May 1945. The criteria is normally 180 days’ service between these dates.

 

Awarded to 14,301 soldiers of 1st Polish Armd Div

FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR

Star awarded for 1 or more days’ service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland and Germany from 6th June 1944 to 8th May 1945.

 

Awarded to 18,724 soldiers of 1st Polish Armd Div

DEFENCE MEDAL

Unit

No

1 AA Art Regt

317

                   

MENTION IN DISPATCHES

A soldier mentioned in dispatches is one whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy.

Rank

Name

First name

Status

AWARDS INFORMATION

                   

                   

BREAKDOWN OF DECORATIONS AND AWARDS

The figures indicated in [..] are from Wysocki’s book and are shown when there are differences between the two sources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Formation/Unit

CB

CBE

OBE

MBE

BEM

DSO

MC

DCM

MM

Total

1939-1945 STAR

FRANCE AND

GERMANY STAR

HQ 1 Armd Div

[1]

[1]

3

 

 

2

 

 

 

7

460

566

HQ 10 Armd Cav Bde

 

[1]

[1]

 

 

1

 

 

 

3

210

221

HQ 3 Inf Bde

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

2

95

111

HQ Div Arty

 

 

 

 

 

[1]

 

 

 

1

85

140

1 Armd Regt

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

1

 

4

639

793

2 Armd Regt

 

 

 

 

 

1

1

1 [0]

[2]

5

749

870

24 Lancers Armd Regt

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

 

1

4

656

799

10 Dragoons Regt

 

 

 

 

 

1

1

2

 

4

797

942

Highland Rifle Bn

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

 

1

4

709

1025

8 Rifle Bn

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

 

2

5

1075

1356

9 Rifle Bn *

 

 

 

 

 

1

1

 

2

4

850

311

1 Indep MG Sqn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

2

270

330

1 Fd Arty Regt mot

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

2

4

702

871

2 Fd Arty Regt mot

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

 

2

5

643

788

1 A Tk Regt

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

1

3

896

993

1 Lt AA Regt

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

                             1

2

632

717

10 Mtd Rifles Armd Recce Regt

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

3

3

9

706

766

1 Sigs Bn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

657

782

Div Engrs (HQ, 10 and 11 Engr Coys; Ord Fd Pk; Bridge Pl)

 

 

 

 

 

1

1

1

1

4

635

670

Div Wksp (HQ, Armd Bde Wksp; Inf Bde Wksp Coy)

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

2

461

487

Div Army Service (HQ, 10 and Div Tps Coy; Lorried Inf Coy)

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

1426

1617

Div Med Services (10 Lt Fd Amb, 11 Fd Amb; 1 FDS; 1 Fd Hyg Pl

 

 

1

1

1

 

 

 

 

3

481

583

1 Movement Control Sqn (later 8 Mil Pol Sqn)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

82

117

1 Ord Pk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80

95

1 Rsvr Tank Sqn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51

100

1 Armd Div Replacement Camp

 

 

[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

196

764

TOTALS

[1]

[2]

4+[2]

2

2(z)

15+[1]

22

1+[7]

18+[2]

79

14243

16814

Notes:

BEM (z)

At least 3 BEMs were awarded to soldiers of 1st Polish Armoured Division.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

1. Dywizja Pancerna w Walce praca zbiorowa, Brussels, 1947.

1. Polska Dywizja Pancerna 1938+1947 Geneza I dzieje, Wysocki Tadeusz A., Polska Fundacja Kulturalna, London, 1989.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remarks:

(1) Based on the size of the unit, the number of France and Germany Stars (311) received by soldiers of the 9th Rifle Bn, appears questionable.

 

(2) Regarding Campaign Stars - according to information in General Maczek’s book, Od Podwody do Czołga, there were 18,724 recipients of the France and Germany Star, compared with 16,814 in the 1947 source.

The former source gave 14,301 awards of the 1939-1945 Star, compared with 14,243 in the 1947 source.

The listings of decorations in General Maczek’s memoirs was prepared by Col Antoni Grudzinski and based on the personal diaries of the C-in-C and Ministry of National Defence as well as the Daily Orders of the 1st Armoured Division.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                     

SOURCES

(1) The National Archives, Kew, England. Ref WO 373. War Office and Ministry of Defence: Military Secretary's Department: Recommendations for Honours and Awards for Gallant and Distinguished Service (Army).

(2) https://www.gov.uk/medals-campaigns-descriptions-and-eligibility#overview [external site]

UPDATES

3/4th February 2014

Added recommendations for: - MC to Lt Bobula of 9th Inf Bn, MM to RSM Lenczowski of 9th Inf Bn, MM to Sjt Maj Cadet Mogilski of 9th Inf Bn, DSO to CO of 9th Polish Inf Bn, Lt Col Szydłowski.

22nd February 2014

Corrections to Decorations and Awards based on Wysocki’s published work added.

Added recommendations for DSO to Lt-Col Jan Dorantt – CE Polish Armd Div; MMs to L/Cpl Ciężak of the Indep MG Coy; S/Sgt Drygala of the 10th Dragoons; Cpl Budzynski of 1 Inf Bn (Highland); Sgt Fec of 3rd Inf Bde.

7th September 2014

Added recommendation for Hon DSO to Major General Maczek

12th March 2015

Added recommendations for the British Empire Medal for L/Sjt Sobiech, S/Sjt Zajdel and Sjt Grambor.

13th March 2015

Updated note on recommendations to be transcribed with regard to 1st Polish Armoured Division.

Last modified 22 Nov 2016

File name: BritMD1PAD.htm

© Copyright R M Ostrycharz 2014