“Remember them” whispers the wind around the Pomnik 36 p.p. Legii Akademickiej. This monument stands as a solemn tribute to the 36th Infantry Regiment of the Academic Legion. It honors their courage and sacrifice.
The Pomnik 36 p.p. Legii Akademickiej serves as a poignant reminder of Poland’s fight for independence. The 36th Infantry Regiment was initially formed by students from Warsaw’s universities. These young men volunteered to defend their nation.
On November 11 1918 these students formed the Infantry Regiment of the Academic Legion. This was the day Poland regained her independence. They disarmed Austro-Hungarian and German soldiers. On December 3 it was renamed the 36th Infantry Regiment.
The regiment played a crucial role in several conflicts. They fought in the Polish-Bolshevik War, the Polish Defensive War, and the Warsaw Uprising. Their dedication and bravery became legendary.
In January 1919 the regiment left Warsaw for Lwów. Lwów was under siege. The regiment broke through to the besieged city. Later the unit was reinforced with battalions formed in Warsaw and Modlin.
During the Polish-Bolshevik War in 1920, the regiment fought fiercely. They participated in the victorious battle of Duniłowicze. Later they fought in the Battle of Ossów. Despite heavy losses the regiment withstood the Bolshevik assault on Warsaw. This allowed Józef Piłsudski’s main assault group to outflank and destroy the enemy.
The Pomnik 36 p.p. Legii Akademickiej commemorates key figures. Among the fallen were Rev. Ignacy Skorupka and Stanisław Matarewicz. Skorupka was the regiment’s chaplain. Matarewicz commanded the 2nd Battalion.
In September 1939 the regiment participated in the Polish retreat. They reached the Modlin Fortress. Part of the regiment served as a core of the Polish 336th Infantry Regiment. They defended Warsaw.
During the German occupation veterans of the 36th Regiment joined the Home Army. They took part in the Warsaw Uprising. The soldiers fought in Praga, Żoliborz, Mokotów, and Czerniaków.
In 1966 the regiment received the Virtuti Militari. This is Poland’s highest military decoration. It was awarded by Władysław Anders and the Polish Government in exile.
The modern Polish 36th Mechanized Regiment accepted the historical heritage of the 36th Regiment in 1992. In 2008 the brigade was disbanded. The traditions transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Coastal Defense Brigade.
The Pomnik 36 p.p. Legii Akademickiej is more than stone. It embodies the spirit of those who fought for Poland’s freedom. Their legacy lives on.
Let us remember the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers. Let us honor their commitment to freedom and independence. The Pomnik 36 p.p. Legii Akademickiej stands as a testament to their enduring legacy.