Stefan Dąb-Biernacki
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Stefan Dąb-Biernacki | |
|---|---|
 Stefan Dąb-Biernacki | |
| Born | 7 January 1890 Gnojno, Russian Empire |
| Died | 9 February 1959 (aged 69) London, United Kingdom |
| Allegiance |  Poland |
| Years of service | 1914-1918 (Polish Legions) 1918-1940 (Polish Army) |
| Rank | Private |
| Battles / wars | World War I Polish-Soviet War World War II |
| Awards |               |
Stefan Dąb-Biernacki (7 January 1890 – 9 February 1959) was a Polish commander who served as the commander of the Prusy Army during the invasion of Poland in 1939.[1]
Early career
He was a member of the Polish Legions in World War I, and he later fought in the Polish-Soviet War commanding various regiments and the 1st Legions Infantry Division. He became distinguished during the retreat from Ukraine during the Polish–Ukrainian War, and during battles in 1920 on Vistula and Niemen[clarification needed], after which he received the Virtuti Militari medal. However, he was also criticised by some[by whom?] for using risky strategies which resulted in heavy casualties.[citation needed]
He served as commander of the 1st Legions Infantry Division until 1926, and worked with GISZ[clarification needed] until 1930, thereafter serving as an inspector of the army. In 1931 he caused controversy by ordering the assault and imprisonment of one of his political opponents, journalist Stanisław Cywiński.[citation needed]
World War II
During the 1939 Invasion of Poland he served as commander of Prusy Army and later of the Northern Front. After the defeat at Battle of Tomaszów Lubelski, he managed to evacuate to France through Hungary. He was criticised for his actions[by whom?]; particularly for abandoning his units during retreat beyond the Vistula.[citation needed] He was imprisoned by the Allies in London and demoted to the rank of private.[2] He was then allowed to leave for the Irish Free State and was eventually allowed to settle in Wales.[citation needed]
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
- ^ pl:Stefan Dąb-Biernacki
- ^ Wojsko, polityka i Wrzesień at naszahistoria.pl
- Janusz Odziemkowski, Leksykon Wojny Polsko-Rosyjskiej 1919-1920, Oficyna Wydawnica RYTM, 2004, ISBN 83-7399-096-8, p. 220
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- 1890 births
- 1959 deaths
- People from Pułtusk County
- Clan of Poraj
- Polish generals of the Second Polish Republic
- Polish legionnaires (World War I)
- Polish people of the Polish–Soviet War
- People of the Polish May Coup (pro-Piłsudski side)
- Polish military personnel of World War II
- Polish exiles
- Knights of the Virtuti Militari
- Commanders of the Order of Polonia Restituta
- Recipients of the Cross of Independence
- Recipients of the Cross of Valour (Poland)
- Recipients of the Gold Cross of Merit (Poland)
- Chevaliers of the Légion d'honneur
- Recipients of the Order of Lāčplēsis
- Polish military personnel stubs