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Lucjan ZeligowskiPolish general and politician
Date of Birth: 17.10.1865
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Service
- Polish Independence and the Polish-Soviet War
- Creation of Central Lithuania
- Later Career and Political Service
- Exile and Death
- Awards and Honors
- Order of Saint George, 4th Degree
Early Life and Military Service
Lucjan Żeligowski was born into a family of Polish patriots in 1865. His father, Gustaw, had participated in the January Uprising of 1863. At the age of 20, Żeligowski joined the Imperial Russian Army, where he served until 1918. During the Russo-Japanese War, he distinguished himself and received the Order of Saint George, 4th Degree.
Polish Independence and the Polish-Soviet War
In the wake of the February Revolution, Żeligowski became instrumental in organizing Polish national units within the Russian military. He commanded a brigade in the 1st Polish Corps and later formed Polish units in the Kuban region. In April 1919, he returned to Poland, leading the 4th Polish Rifle Division.
During the Polish-Soviet War, Żeligowski commanded various units, including the 10th Infantry Division. In October 1920, he led the 1st Lithuanian-Belarusian Division and, with the tacit approval of Józef Piłsudski, defied orders and occupied Vilnius and parts of southeastern Lithuania.
Creation of Central Lithuania
Following the occupation of Vilnius, Żeligowski established an autonomous state known as Central Lithuania, ostensibly independent from Poland. This move sparked international controversy and was condemned by the League of Nations. In 1922, Central Lithuania was formally incorporated into Poland.
Later Career and Political Service
After the incorporation of Central Lithuania, Żeligowski served as Inspector of the Army in Warsaw and later as Minister of War. He played a pivotal role in securing Piłsudski's authority during the May Coup of 1926. In 1927, he retired from the military and published his memoirs, "War in 1920: Memories and Reflections."
From 1935 to 1939, Żeligowski served as a member of the Polish parliament. With the outbreak of World War II, he attempted to join the military but was rejected due to his age. Despite this, he participated in the defense of Poland as a civilian, assisting in the command of the Southern Front.
Exile and Death
Following the Nazi invasion of Poland, Żeligowski fled to France and later to the United Kingdom. He served as a member of the Polish government in exile in London. After the war, he expressed his desire to return to Poland. However, he passed away in London in 1947. His remains were interred at the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his military career, Żeligowski received numerous awards and honors, including the following:
Order of Saint George, 4th Degree
Order of Saint Vladimir, 4th Degree with SwordsOrder of Saint Anne, 2nd and 3rd Degree
Order of Saint Stanislaus, 2nd Degree
Commander's Cross of the Virtuti Militari
Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari
Grand Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta
Cross of Independence
Four Crosses of Valor
Cross of Merit of the Army of Central Lithuania
Medal "Participant of the War 1918-1921"
Medal "10th Anniversary of the Regaining of Independence"
Commander of the Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
Honorary Citizen of Warsaw (1920)
Doctor honoris causa in law from Stefan Batory University in Vilnius (1923)
