Bolesław Bronisław Duch


Bolesław Bronisław Duch was a Polish Major General and General Inspector of the Armed Forces.

Life

Duch was born on 15 November 1896 at Borshchiv and attended schools in Ternopil before the outbreak of World War I. He served during World War I, 1914–18, in the Polish Legions in [World War I|Polish Legions]. After Poland regained independence, he served in the Polish Army. In 1935-1938 he commanded the 73rd Infantry Regiment. At the outbreak of World War II, the commander of the Polish [39th Infantry Division|39th Reserve Infantry Division] General Bruno Olbrycht was ill and the division was de facto commanded by Duch.
After Poland was overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union [in September 1939], Duch managed to evade capture and served in western Europe, becoming commander successively of the Polish 1st Grenadier Division in France, 1st Rifle Brigade of the Polish [I Corps in the West|1st Polish Corps] in Scotland, and of the 3rd Carpathian Infantry Division of the 2nd Polish Corps.
In 1947, Duch settled in London and became chairman of the Council of the World Polish Veterans' Association. He was the last General Inspector of the Armed Forces.

Promotions

Decorations