sent by Roman Sudzik

comments written by Roman

GENERAL JOSEF HALLER (1873-1960)

The commander of Polish units during WW I. At the end of war, moved to France, nominated the commander of Polish army in France (so called "the Blue Army" because of colour of uniforms).

This army took part in battles in Vosges and region of Champagne .

It was about 100 000 soldiers of Polish origine (from Poland, USA, Brazil; and the prison of war from Austrian and German armies)

It was completly equiped by France.

After war, the army was evacuated tp Poland, up to end of June 1919, took part in Polish/Ukrainian war 1919.

General Haller went to Pomerania, where German army was withdrawn.

On february 10, 1920, in Puck, general Haller - in the name of Poland, wedded the Baltic sea, and threw his golden ring into the water of Puck Bay.

And the postmark tells about this event.

General Haller was in opposition to Marshall Pilsudski, so soon he finished his military career.

During WW II, after defeat of Polish army, he moved to France. After defeat of France, he moved to USA.

At last, after WW II, he lived and died in Great Britain, in 1960.