Garrisoned first in Kraków, then in Krzemieniec and in 1921–1939 in Pułtusk, the unit belonged to the 8th Infantry Division from Modlin.

At the same time, reserve battalion of the Austro-Hungarian 13th Infantry Regiment, stationed in Olomouc, also pledged its allegiance to the newly restored Poland, and brought to Kraków its money, weapons, ammunition and uniforms.

Following the order of the Polish Military Command of Kraków (Polska Komenda Wojskowa), the 8th Infantry Regiment, consisting of Poles who had served in Austro-Hungarian forces, was formed in mid-November 1918.

The new unit took the barracks of King John III Sobieski, and pledged allegiance to Poland in late November in Wawel Castle.

On September 16, 1920, the regiment, commanded by Captain Jan Gabrys, fought in the Battle of Dytiatyn, known in Polish as Thermopylae.

Mobilized in August 1939, the regiment was part of its 8th Infantry Division, Modlin Army, and initially fought in the area of Pułtusk.