WW2 Polish Memorabilia Group – General Henryk Piątkowski

General Henryk Piątkowski played a key role in pivotal moments in Poland’s history. During the May Coup of 1926, he commanded a unit stationed at the Poniatowski Bridge, where he stood in the way of Marshal Józef Piłsudski and – following orders – was ready to open fire. He himself recounted this dramatic encounter with the words:

“When I noticed this, I jumped between the Marshal and the older-year cadets and shouted, ‘Cordons across the bridge, do not let the Marshal through.’ Captain Pająk then commanded, ‘Load weapons!’ Although the cadets had already loaded their rifles, they clicked their rifle bolts. At that moment, the Marshal grabbed my right wrist and said, ‘What’s this, child, will you shoot at me?’ Looking him in the eyes, I replied, ‘Yes, Marshal! I have the President’s orders, and if you take one more step, I will order you to be shot!’ (…) I saw the Marshal’s face right next to mine. He was pale. His eyes were surrounded by red rings, and exhaustion was evident on his face.”

In the following years, he served as the commander and chief of staff of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino, and also commanded the 5th Wilno Infantry Brigade, including in the Battle of Ancona. From November 1944 to September 1946, he was the first deputy chief of staff of the Polish Supreme Commander. After the war, he worked in the Polish Resettlement Corps.

The collection includes:

• Warsaw University Index, Faculty of Law and Political Science 
• A photograph with General Anders, with an original autograph

• Commemorative Plaque of the 5th Wilno Infantry Brigade 
• A set of awards ribbons, including: 
  • Virtuti Militari 4th Class 
  • Virtuti Militari 5th Class 
  • Cross of Valour (Second Polish Republic) 
  • Cross of Valour (Polish Armed Forces in the West) 
  • Gold Cross of Merit 
  • Cross of Independence 
  • Silver Cross of Merit 
  • Monte Cassino Cross 
  • Medal for the 10th Anniversary of Poland’s Independence 
  • War Star 1939–1945 (United Kingdom) 
  • Africa Star (United Kingdom) 
  • Italy Star (United Kingdom)
     

Condition: as shown in the photographs.

Biography: Henryk Tadeusz Piątkowski, alias “Grzmot,” “Błyskawica” (born July 11, 1902, in Brzezinka, died April 1, 1969, in Penley, Wales) – Brigadier General of the Polish Army, Knight of the Virtuti Militari Order. In 1964, he was promoted to general by General Władysław Anders.

He studied at the C.K. High School No. VIII in Lwów. In 1917, he joined the Polish Military Organization (POW). In November 1918, he fought in the defense of Lwów as the head of the staff company. From January 1919, he served in the 5th Infantry Regiment of the Legions, then in the Lwów Rifle Brigade. On June 1, 1919, he was promoted to second lieutenant. He was a student at the Infantry Officer School, later becoming an officer there. He was promoted to lieutenant on June 1, 1921. During the 1921/22 academic year, he studied law and political science at Warsaw University.

He was also a talented athlete – a Polish champion in the 4×100 m relay (1925), a vice-champion, and a national record-holder in hurdling.

From 1927 to 1930, he commanded a platoon and company in the 1st Rifle Battalion in Chojnice. In 1930, he was promoted to captain. In 1932, he graduated from the Higher War School in Warsaw. He then served as a staff officer in Wilno and Częstochowa. From 1936, he served as an officer on special assignments at the General Staff. In 1937, he was promoted to major.

After the September Campaign, he escaped to Romania, then fled to Istanbul, and later worked at the Polish Army Staff in the Middle East. From 1942 to 1943, he was the chief of staff of the Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade, and later the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division. From June to November 1944, he commanded the 5th Wilno Infantry Brigade, participating in the Battle of Ancona. From November 1944 to 1946, he was the first deputy chief of staff of the Supreme Commander.

The communist authorities deprived him of citizenship, which was only restored in 1971. He was a member of the Polish Scientific Society Abroad. He died in exile and is buried at the South Ealing Cemetery in London.

This collection is not just a collector’s rarity – it is a tangible piece of history and a symbol of loyalty to the Polish state.