Klemens Rudnicki | |
---|---|
Born | Żydaczów | 28 March 1897
Died | 12 August 1992 London | (aged 95)
Allegiance | Poland |
Years of service | 1914–1947 |
Rank | Major General |
Klemens Stanisław Rudnicki (28 March 1897 – 12 August 1992) was a General of the Polish Army, who fought in World War I, the Polish–Soviet War and the Invasion of Poland. He served in the military from 1914 until 1947.[1]
Klemens Stanisław Rudnicki (nom de guerre Klimek) was born on 28 March 1897 in the town of Żydaczów, Austrian Galicia (now Zhydachiv, Ukraine). As a teenager, he belonged to paramilitary Polish organizations, such as Polish Rifle Squads and Zarzewie. In August and September 1914 he served in Legion Wschodni, and then was drafted into the Austro-Hungarian Army. Rudnicki fought in the Battles of the Isonzo, where he was seriously wounded.
In November 1918, Rudnicki joined newly created Polish Army, and was soon afterwards promoted to the rank of Rittmeister. At first he served in 2nd Regiment of Rokitno Chevau-légers, later to be moved to Podswile Regiment of the Border Protection Corps. Promoted to major in 1928, Rudnicki in 1929–1931 attended Wyższa Szkoła Wojenna (War College) in Warsaw. On 1 September 1931, after completing the course, he was promoted to officer, and named lecturer of general military tactic at the War College. Rudnicki remained there until April 1933, when he became deputy commandant of 7th Regiment of Greater Poland Mounted Rifles. In 1934 Rudnicki returned to the War College in Warsaw, to lecture general tactics. In 1938, he was named commandant of the 9th Regiment of Lesser Poland Uhlans, stationed in Trembowla.