Józef Smoleński

Born on 18 September 1894 in the village of Gostkowo, Russian-controlled Congress Poland, Smoleński studied at the University of Liège, Belgium, and at Warsaw University of Life Sciences, where he joined the Riflemen's Association and moved from Congress Poland to Austrian Galicia.

On 6 August 1914 Smoleński marched from Kraków towards Russian Poland, as a soldier of 2nd Platoon, First Cadre Company.

Smoleński then joined the newly created Polish Army, serving until September 1922 in the 7th Lublin Uhlan Regiment.

Using nom de guerre Lukasz, Smoleński was responsible for sabotage and planning of an armed uprising in occupied Poland.

In 1941–1945, he held different posts in the Polish Armed Forces in the West, including command of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division.

Plaque on bench memorising general in former barracks of Cavalry Training Center in Grudziądz