General Bolesław Nieczuja-Ostrowski (ps. "Thousand", "Bolko", "Thunder") was born on 29 September 1907 in Halicz, in Stanisławów voivodeship, in the family of Michał and Aniela (née Frank). He was educated in Przeworsk, where he graduated from middle school and was engaged in social and patriotic activities from a young age. He was the commander of the Polish Scout Union, which shows that serving the Homeland was with him since his earliest years.

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After graduating from the Podhoržy school in 1931, he entered the military service in the 5th Podhale Rifle Regiment in Przemyśl, and later he gained experience in military training in Zambrów and Rósy.

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In the September 1939 Campaign, he commanded an infantry company. Captured by the Germans, he managed to escape. After escaping, he immediately engaged in underground activities. He first worked in Lwow in the ranks of the Union of Armed Forces.

 

From 1940 his activities were strongly associated with Krakow. Within the framework of the Krakow District Command (ZWZ-AK) he was responsible for the production of weapons conducted under the cryptonym "Insurance Company". It was an activity of great importance for the development of underground structures and the fight for independence in the region.

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A special place in his biography is occupied by the Regional AK "Maria" Inspectorate which includes Mosses, Olkusz, and Pinches. In 1943, he undertook the reconstruction of the AK structures, scaling them and preparing for future combat activities. Under his leadership, the Inspectorate became one of the best organized and most active structures of the National Army in the District of Krakow. Major Nieczuja-Ostrowski developed an organizational network, trained personnel, and ensured the combat readiness of his units.

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In July 1944, he was appointed commander of the 106th AK Infantry Division, created as part of the AK "Maria" Inspectorate. He led battles in Małopolska and the Partisan Republic, covering the areas of Miechowski, Olkuski and Piłypczowski. He made history not only as a brave officer, but also as an outstanding underground organizer and a commander responsible for his soldiers.

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After the war he settled in Elbląg, where he participated in the social and economic life. He created self-help initiatives for former soldiers of the National Army, engaged in social work, and tried to rebuild a normal life in a difficult post-war reality. However, the communist authorities treated him like an enemy. He was arrested and sentenced to the death penalty twice. This was then converted to a life sentence. He spent seven years in prison and was released in 1957. Over the following years, he was persecuted for his activities in Home Army.

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He was honored with the following decorations:

• Virtuti MIlitari Cross

• Cross of Valour

• Gold Cross of Merit with Swords

• Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta

• Home Army Cross

• Cross of the Second Defense of Lwow

• Medal from Pope John Paul II „Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice”

• Honorary Citizenship of the City of Elbląg, Miechów, Wolbrom

 

Honorary badges:

• ZHP

• Polish Military Organization in Lwow

• Home Army soldiers in Krakow

• Custodian of National Remembrance award

 

After the political changes after 1989, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel with a retroactive date from 1945. In 1991, President Lech Wałęsa promoted him to the rank of Brigadier General.

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He remained active for the rest of his life, devoted to historical and educational affairs. He was also the author of important works dedicated to the events of the AK "Maria" Inspectorate, including the book "The Partisan Republic".

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The General’s personal collection is in the Museum of the National Army in Krakow. There are documents, archival photographs, correspondence, memories, verification certificates relating to several thousand of his sub-commanders and personal memorabilia, which are an invaluable source for researching the activities of this commander.

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He was married to Bronisława Maria (née Paklikowska) who was born in Lwow. They had three children: Wanda, Michal, and Tadeusz.  Bolesław Nieczuja-Ostrowski died on 13 July 2008 in Elbląg at the age of 101 years. He was buried on Agrykola Municipal Cemetery.

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Source: Obituary and Various posts on Facebook

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Copyright: Nieczuja-Ostrowski family

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