Torq
24 Jun 2025
Genealogy / Russian POW Camp records [71]
Are you sure it's not the other way around?
Krzyż Walecznych (Cross of Valour) was established in 1920 but awarded also in the WW2 period and later. The "Polska swemu obrońcy" (Poland to Her Defender) medal was a memorial medal for 1918-1921 war, and as far as I know no version of it was awarded for 1939 campaign. Let me check...
...
Hm... OK, looks like there was a version of "Polska Swemu Obrońcy" awarded for 1939 campaign but it was a communist medal, established in PRL (People's Republic of Poland), and you say that your grandpa moved to West Germany before the end of the war (which is rather odd as well for a decorated Polish soldier).
Strange history...
The 1st one he received is known as Krzyzen Walecznych. He got that from his 1st tour of duty from the 4th Sigmals Regiment 1919-1922. The 2nd medal he received is a round one with these words on the reverse side of the eagle Polska Swema Obroncy.
Are you sure it's not the other way around?
Krzyż Walecznych (Cross of Valour) was established in 1920 but awarded also in the WW2 period and later. The "Polska swemu obrońcy" (Poland to Her Defender) medal was a memorial medal for 1918-1921 war, and as far as I know no version of it was awarded for 1939 campaign. Let me check...
...
Hm... OK, looks like there was a version of "Polska Swemu Obrońcy" awarded for 1939 campaign but it was a communist medal, established in PRL (People's Republic of Poland), and you say that your grandpa moved to West Germany before the end of the war (which is rather odd as well for a decorated Polish soldier).
Strange history...
