Henryk Dobrzański
| Henryk Dobrzański | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | Hubal |
| Born |
June 22, 1897 Jasło, Austria-Hungary (now in Poland) |
| Died | April 30, 1940 (aged 42) Near Opoczno, Poland |
| Years of service | 1912 - 1940 |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | World War I, Polish-Ukrainian, Polish-Bolshevik, World War II |
| Awards |
Krzyż Walecznych (4) Virtuti Militari (2) |
Major Henryk Dobrzański aka "Hubal" (June 22, 1897 - April 30, 1940) was a Polish soldier, sportsman and partisan. He was the first guerrilla commander of the Second World War in Europe.
Henryk Dobrzański was born on June 22, 1897, in Jasło, Austria-Hungary to a Polish noble family (Coat of arms of Leliwa), of Henryk Dobrzański de Hubal and Maria Dobrzańska née Lubieniecka. In 1912 he joined the "Drużyny Strzeleckie", an underground Scouting organisation. When World War I broke out he volunteered to join Józef Piłsudski's Polish Legions. He served with distinction in the 2nd Regiment of Uhlans and participated in many battles such as Stawczany and Battle of Rarańcza. In 1918 after Poland regained its independence he joined the Polish Army.
He took part in the Polish-Ukrainian War of 1918 and fought with his cavalry platoon during the Siege of Lwów. Later he participated in Polish-Bolshevik War of 1919-1921. For his bravery he was awarded the Virtuti Militari, the highest Polish military award, and four times the Krzyż Walecznych, in addition to many other military awards.
After the Peace of Riga he remained in the Polish Army. He became a member of the Polish equestrian team, winning many international competitions. He also took part in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam and came fourth at the prestigious Aldershot competition. In his sports career he gained 22 gold, three silver and four bronze medals altogether.
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