“What stories could this stone tell if it could speak?” We are standing before the Zgrupowanie AK Ruczaj Stone a memorial to brave soldiers. It honors the insurgents of the 7th Group “Ruczaj” of the Home Army. Their companions funded this monument to remember their fallen comrades.
The Zgrupowanie AK Ruczaj Stone is located at the corner of Piekna and Mokotowska Streets. Its ceremonial unveiling occurred on May 28th 1993. Helena Dmochowska designed the plaque. She was a shooter from the “Ruczaj” group. She was known by her pseudonym “Dick”.
The “Ruczaj” group had a long history. Its origins go back to November 1st 1939. Jozef Sulinski “Zawisza” formed a combat organization then. It was called “Independent Poland”. Just before the Warsaw Uprising in July 1944, the “Ruczaj” group was created. Captain Czeslaw Grudzinski commanded it. His pseudonym was also “Ruczaj”.
During the “W-hour” action the group had a very difficult task. “Ruczaj” was to control the German police district. This district was at Aleje Szucha Street and Aleje Ujazdowskie Street. This task proved impossible. The group suffered enormous losses. It was later transformed into a battalion.
“Ruczaj” operated in a specific area of Warsaw. They fought around Koszykowa Mokotowska Chopin Pius XI and Marszalkowska Streets. Their area stretched from Wilcza Street to Zbawiciel Square.
On August 15th insurgents captured the SS and Police headquarters. It was located at Aleje Ujazdowskie 23 Street. It was called Kutschera’s bunker. On August 23rd separated groups of “Ruczaj” took control of the “Little PASTA” telephone exchange.
Fierce battles raged throughout August and September. They fought for the Swiss Valley at Chopin Street. The fighting was so intense a double ceasefire was ordered. This allowed both sides to collect their dead.
The battalion had about 1500 soldiers. During the uprising it suffered great losses. Over 250 were killed and over 500 were wounded.
In honor of these insurgents a square bears their name. It is called “Ruczaj” Battalion Square. This square is located in the area of their battlefield. The Zgrupowanie AK Ruczaj Stone stands as a testament to their courage. It reminds us of their sacrifice during the Warsaw Uprising. It is a place to remember their fight for freedom.