Stanisław Klicki

Born to a lesser szlachta family, Klicki started his military career in 1791, joining the ranks of the National Cavalry.

With his men he took part in the Peninsular War and fought in the battles of Mallen, Alagon, Epila and Tudela.

Following the Siege of Valencia he was awarded by Marshal Louis Gabriel Suchet with a private audience with Napoleon Bonaparte.

During the French invasion of Russia Klicki returned to front-line service and fought at battles of Smolensk, Vitebsk, Mozhaysk and Maloyaroslavets.

During the retreat he was among the most successful commanders of the fleeing armies and managed to save almost all of his 4000 men, including viceroy of Italy Eugene Beauharnais.

He resigned his post and returned to Congress Poland, where he joined the army and became the commanding officer of the 2nd Brigade of Mounted Rifles.

Following the latter's resignation, Klicki briefly served as a deputy Commander-in-Chief, and since 18 December 1830 was a member of the War Council.

As his support for the uprising was weak and his health was failing, in 1831 he resigned his post and was allowed to leave Poland for Bavaria, where he intended to settle.