Nicholas von Renys

Nicholas von Renys (German: Nikolaus von Renys; Polish: Mikołaj z Ryńska; Latin: Nicolaus dictus Niksz, nacione Swewus; 1360 - 1411) was a secular knight during the Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War (1409-1411).

While von Renys, born in eastern Prussia in a small settlement near Loetzen, at that time in Teutonic Order Comtura Balga, has traditionally been regarded as a German, Stephen Turnbull identifies him as a "secular knight of Polish descent ... of the clan Rogala"., also check for Rogala at Heraldry Snobbery and Document Falsification and Rogala (Saxony) foreign origins

Together with his brother and cousins from the gentry of Culmerland (Chełmno Land), he established the Lizard Union for mutual support against the Teutonic Order in Kulm (Chełmno) on 24 February 1397.

During the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, von Renys carried the banner of the Culmerland troops, described in the Latin Banderia Prutenorum.[1]. In the battle of Lithuania- Poland against the Teutonic Order in Prussia, he lowered the banner prematurely, which was considered a signal for retreat that contributed to the defeat of the Knights.

Some Polish versions claim that despite holding a letter warranting him freedom, von Renys was kept captive by the Order afterwards and accused of cowardice and conspiracy. In violation of the terms of the Peace of Toruń (1411), which prohibited persecution of traitors after the battle, the Order beheaded him in Graudenz (Grudziądz) in May 1411 and had all his male descendants killed. They also claim, that he was of the Rogala clan.

References

• Stephen R. Turnbull (2003). "Tannenberg 1410: Disaster for the Teutonic Knights". Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1841765619. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |other= ignored (|others= suggested) (help)

External Link

• Rhein, earlier Rynne, near Loetzen on 1882 Eastprussia map