WW2 Polish Group 15th Wilno Rifle Battalion “Wilki” – Wolves – Jan Kaczmarek

A set of documents belonging to Rifleman Jan Kaczmarek, a soldier of the 15th Wilno Rifle Battalion, 5th Kresowa Infantry Division, part of General Anders’ 2nd Polish Corps. The set includes:

• A 15th Wilno Rifle Battalion Legitimation Card for the 1939 War Star & Italy Star
• An Legitimation Card for the 5th Kresowa Infantry Division Badge
• British Identity Card from 1949
• A photo of Stanisław Aniszewski for Janek Kaczmarek

Stanisław Kaczmarek participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino and was awarded Cross No. 17230. 

The 15th Wilno Rifle Battalion “Wolves” was formed on October 25, 1942, in the Khánaqín camp in Iraq, as part of the 4th Rifle Brigade. This unit was based on the 15th Infantry Regiment “Wilków” and was organized according to British standards.

In March 1943, the 15th “Wilków” Battalion was subordinated to the command of the 5th Wilno Infantry Brigade, and its structure was strengthened by the inclusion of the 12th Rifle Battalion.

After the war, the battalion, as part of the occupation forces, carried out various duties, including guarding military facilities. In February 1946, it was responsible for protecting important military and communication facilities in the Modena area.

On September 5, 1946, in Bari, during the Battalion’s Day celebration, Chaplain Ludwik Żmikowski blessed the urn of the 15th Wilno Rifle Battalion “Wilków,” which contained soil from the battlefields in Italy from 1944-1945. The urn was funded by voluntary contributions from the Battalion’s soldiers and was crafted by Prof. Giuseppe Mazzoli of Bologna, based on a design by Lt. Bohdan Mintowt-Czyż, a soldier of the Battalion.

On August 3, 1952, during the annual Reunion of the “Wilków” Soldiers’ Circle, the urn was ceremoniously handed over to the “Historical Institute.” The handover document stated that the urn was to be kept until Poland regained its independence and then, according to the will of the donors, placed as a votive offering in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn in Wilno.