Haller's Army

The Polish Army in France

At the end of the 18th century, Poland was partitioned by Austria, Russia, and Prussia and ceased to exist as an independent nation. In 1797, a Polish Legion was formed in Italy, to fight with Napoleon Bonaparte against Austria. The Poles hoped that by fighting on the French side against the Powers that had partitioned Poland they could free their country.

During WWI, with the support of France, an army was put together to fight to regain Polish independence. The Polish Army in France, (Armia Polska we Francyi), was commonly referred to as "Haller's Army" after the General Józef Haller de Hallenburg who commanded it.

Haller's Army was comprised of Poles serving in the French army, German and Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war, and approximately 23,000 Polish citizens recruited mainly from the United States. Recruitment officially began in October of 1917. The army was also sometimes called the "Blue Army" because of the blue uniforms.

One of the most famous battles that Haller's Army participated in was the Battle of Warsaw, which took place on August 15th, 1920. The Russian "Red Army" had conquered Russia and was set on annexing Poland again. They overran the countryside and quickly made it to Warsaw. The battle became known as the "Miracle on the Vistula" when Generals Pilsudski, Haller and Sikorski routed the Red Army and saved a weakened Europe from Soviet conquest. August 15th is now celebrated as "Soldiers Day" in Poland.

Participation in Haller's Army was a great source of pride among many Polish American Immigrants. Joseph Stezowski served in the Polish Austrian Army, in Artillerey. He is pictured here in his blue Haller's Army uniform.



Brought to you by Karen Wunderlich Stezowski. Home Page