Stefan Dąb-Biernacki
General Stefan Dąb-Biernacki | |
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![]() Stefan Dąb-Biernacki | |
Born | Gnojno, Russian Empire | 7 January 1890
Died | 9 February 1959 London, United Kingdom | (aged 69)
Allegiance | ![]() |
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 in Gnojno – 9 February 1959 in London) was a Polish general.[1]
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
- 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