Antoni Żurowski Plaque

“A hidden hero.” These words often come to mind when I think of Colonel Antoni Żurowski. Here at the Antoni Żurowski Plaque, we honor a man whose courage and leadership during World War II are deeply intertwined with the history of Warsaw, especially its Praga district. The Antoni Żurowski Plaque serves as a poignant reminder of his contributions to the Polish resistance. Antoni Żurowski, also known by his codenames “Papierz,” “Andrzej,” “Bober,” and “Blacharski,” was born in 1898. He began his military career early, joining the Polish Military Organisation in 1917. He fought bravely in both the Polish-Ukrainian War and the Polish-Soviet War. He rose through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1932 and a major in 1938, commanding a battalion in Ludwipol. When war broke out again, Żurowski led his battalion against the Soviet invasion. He joined General Wilhelm Orlik-Rückemann’s group, participating in battles such as those at Bereżany, Stepan, Rafałówka, Maniewicze, Ratne, Wytyczno, and Kock. He refused to surrender. Instead, he made his way to Warsaw, joining the resistance. Antoni Żurowski quickly became a key figure in the Home Army, organizing the reception of airdrops from the West. He eventually took command of the Praga district, a role that would test his leadership during the Warsaw Uprising. Here at the Antoni Żurowski Plaque, we reflect on his difficult decisions during the Uprising. Żurowski commanded around 6,000-7,000 men in Praga, poorly armed with only 300 long guns and 13 machine guns. After five days of intense fighting against well-equipped German troops, and facing the potential for heavy civilian casualties, Żurowski made the agonizing decision to halt the uprising in Praga. This decision, made in agreement with General Antoni Chruściel, “Monter,” spared countless lives. The Antoni Żurowski Plaque also represents a man who faced severe persecution. Arrested by the Polish Department of Public Security, he was sentenced to death twice. The sentence was later commuted to 10 years, but he was dramatically rescued during a transport. He lived under assumed names for 11 years before being rehabilitated in 1958. Antoni Żurowski dedicated his later years to preserving the memory of the Home Army, giving lectures and writing his memoirs. He ultimately became chairman of the Home Army Veterans Association in Praga. His legacy lives on, etched in stone and in the hearts of those who remember his courageous service. The Antoni Żurowski Plaque ensures his story continues to inspire future generations.