InfoPersons, originating from Poland
Władysław Anders
Born: August 11, 1892 in Krośniewice-Błonie, PolandDied: May 12, 1970 in London, Great Britain
Władysław Anders was a general in the Polish Army and later in life a politician and prominent member of the Polish government-in-exile in London.
When the Second World War started he was a general and commander of a cavalry brigade. His brigade fought heavy battles against the German troops. After the Soviet invasion of Poland, Anders retreated south, but he was intercepted by Soviet forces and captured.
After the launch of Operation Barbarossa Anders was released by the Soviets with the aim of forming a Polish Army to fight against the Germans alongside the Red Army. After many difficulties Anders left the Soviet Union in 1942 with his men – known as Anders Army – via Persia, Iran and Iraq into Mandatory Palestine. This heavy journey got the name 'Trail of Hope'. There they were passed under British command as the Polish 2nd Corps.
Anders commanded the Corps throughout the Italian Campaign, capturing Monte Cassino on 18 May 1944, later fighting on the Gothic Line and in the final spring offensive.
After the war the communist government of Poland deprived him of Polish citizenship. He remained in Britain for the rest of his life. He was prominent in the Polish Government in Exile in London. He was buried, in accordance with his wishes, amongst his fallen soldiers at the Polish War Cemetery at Monte Cassino in Italy.
More information
Polonica stamps:
|
Kazakhstan 2017, 25 XII |
