Stefan Dąb-Biernacki

General Stefan Dąb-Biernacki
Stefan Dąb-Biernacki
Born	7 January 1890 (1890-01-07) Gnojno
Died	9 February 1959 (1959-02-10) (aged 69) London
Allegiance	Poland
Years of service	1914-1918 (Polish Legions) 1918-1940 (Polish Army)
Rank	General
Battles/wars	World War I Polish-Soviet War World War II
Awards

Stefan Dąb-Biernacki (7 January 1890, Gnojno - 9 February 1959, London) was a Polish general.

Early career

Member of the Polish Legions in World War I, fought in the Polish-Soviet War commanding regiments and later 1DPLeg. Has distinguished himself during the retreat from Ukraine, and battles in 1920 on Vistula and Niemen, receiving Virtuti Militari medal, but was also criticized by some for overly risky strategies resulting in heavy casualties.

Commander of 1DPLeg until 1926, worked with GISZ until 1930, later an inspector of the army. In 1931 he caused controversy by ordering one of his political opponents, journalist Stanisław Cywiński, assaulted and demanded his imprisonment in Detention Camp Bereza Kartuska.

World War II

During the 1939 Invasion of Poland he served as commander of Army Prusy and later of the Northern Front. After the defeat at battle of Tomaszów Lubelski he managed to evacuate to France through Hungary. Criticized for his actions; particularly abandoning his units during retreat beyond Vistula. Was imprisoned by the Allies in London, then allowed to leave for the Irish Free State. Eventually allowed to settle in Wales.

Honours and awards

• Knight's Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari (previously awarded the Gold Cross and Silver Cross)
• Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta
• Cross of Independence
• Cross of Valour (four times)
• Gold Cross of Merit
• Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France)
• Order of Lāčplēsis (Latvia)
• Order of the White Eagle (Serbia)
• Officer's badge "Parasol"

References

• Janusz Odziemkowski, Leksykon Wojny Polsko-Rosyjskiej 1919-1920, Oficyna Wydawnica RYTM, 2004, ISBN 83-7399-096-8, p. 220