Poland
Short Historical Note
Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany on 1 September 1939 and this invasion set off World War II. Eastern Poland was attacked by Stalin's Soviet Russian forces barely 16 days later, as agreed of a clause in the German-Russian peace treaty concluded in August and after the defeat of the Polish forces, the country was divided between the two agressors. When Germany would, later in the war, attack Russia, the entire country came under Nazi rule until its liberation. All through the war, Polish forces would continue to fight with the Allies, under their Exiled Government in London whilst others would join various resistance organisations active within the Polish territory.
POLISH GOVERNMENT IN EXILE AWARDS
FRENCH RESISTANCE RELATED AWARDS
Many Polish unofficial medals exist for WW2 and amongst them are a few commemorating the activities of Polish members of the French resistance. I have very little information on these and would appreciate any additional details on them.
Polish Resistance in France Association - Cross of Merit ?
Possibly not even Polish but African in origin (Angola ?).
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Polish Forces in France Medal ?
It would appear this is the 1st Grenadier Division's 30th Anniversary Commemorative Medal for the Campaign in France. The "4444 WYKONAC" inscription reportedly refers to the order for the members of this unit to disengage, escape from the Germans and proceed to England.
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Polish Resistance in France Medal
About 2,000 of this medal were struck in France in 1946.
Copyright Hendrik Meersschaert 2003 ©
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