Col. Jan Grajkowski, born on December 4, 1897, was a graduate of the Communications Forces Officer School in Zegrze in 1920, a lieutenant with seniority from June 1, 1919 (item 105, 3rd Communications Regiment - per Officer's Yearbook 1923). Promoted to captain with seniority on January 1, 1928 (item 11, Radiotelegraph Regiment - per Officer's Yearbook 1932). He was promoted to major with seniority on January 1, 1936.
As a major in 1939, he was commander of communications of the 10th Cavalry Brigade commanded by then Col. Maczek. After evacuation to Hungary and internment, he made his way to France and from there to England, where in 1940 he became head of the Communications Center at the Blairgowrie training squadron. He ended the war as communications chief of the 1st Armored Division with the rank of colonel. He discharged his duties on May 18, 1945, and then became head of the Communications Training Center, a position he held until 1947.
Colonel Jan Grajkowski commanded the Signals of the Ist Polish Armoured Division from the formation of the Division in Scotland until the end of the campaign on the European Continent. Throughout this long period, he was tireless in his effort to maintain and improve the signalling in all the branches throughout his command. He displayed great gifts and ability as a trainer and organizer.
The communications in all units of the Division were of a high standard and there is no doubt that without his high standard of efficiency the Division could not have achieved the successes in battle which it did. That this state of efficiency was reached and maintained was very largely due to the initiative, ability, energy and example of this officer.
Throughout the campaign on the European Continent, as in the period of training in UK, he displayed great gifts of drive and leadership. During the battles, he has never spared himself and worked tirelessly to maintain good communications, always visiting the forward positions and advance units to see for himself and to ensure that communications were kept open.
The Division owes him a very large debt of gratitude for his fine work in these most vital services of communications.
Colonel Jan Grajkowski was awarded the following medals:
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Officer’s Cross of the Order of the British Empire,
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Croix de Guerre 39-45 with palm tree
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Polish Army Medal for the 1939 – 1945 war ,
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Cross of Valour (for the September Campaign),
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Cross of Valour (Twice for the European Campaign),
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Silver Cross of Merit
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Golden Cross of Merit,
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Gold Cross of Merit with swords,
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Army Medal for long service,
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Army Bronze Medal for long service
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Army Silver Medal for long service,
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France & Germany Star,
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Armoured Division Campaign Star,
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PSZnZ Army Medal without collar.
After the war, he settled in Britain and in 1954 became a British citizen.
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