The unit was formed in 1919, compromising of six regiments, each with their own distinct history and made up of World War I veterans who had served in the Austrian, French, German, and Russian armies.
The 1st Cavalry Division was, in this regard, a prime example of the new Polish Army, which was composed in a very similar way of soldiers with completely different military backgrounds but with the common goal of defending their newly reestablished country.
[1] The division took part in the operation which resulted in the battle of Koziatyn and the capture of Kiev in late April and early May 1920, then under the command of Jan Romer.
The division fought the Konarmia again in early June, around Koziatyn, before the Russian cavalry was called to attack Kiev.
[5] At the battle of Komarów on 31 August 1920, when the division completely defeated the Russian 1st Cavalry Army, it was commanded by Juliusz Rómmel.