General Michał Mieczysław Wojciech Gutowski was born in Maciszewice, in the Łódz

Administrative division of Poland on14 September 1910. He graduated from a military high school and then studied at the Polish Cavalry Officers’ School in Grudziadz, preparing for a military career that would make him one of the most distinguished Polish generals.

 

A career officer of the Polish Army, and a very accomplished horseman. In 1936, he rode in the Berlin Olympics, as a member of the Polish Olympic equestrian team. He was Brigadier General of the Polish Army and fought in the 1939 September campaign against the invading Germans, winning the Virtuti Militari Cross, the highest Polish military honour for valour in the Battle at Bzura River, for commanding a squadron that recaptured the Walewice position.

 

Escaping German and Soviet occupation of Poland, he made his way to Great Britain

and eventually joined the Regiment of Mounted Rifles in General Maczek’s 1st Panzer Division. Leading the Cromwell Tank Squadron, he encircled some German forces in the Battle of Falaise in France. Along with the Allied forces he went on through France, Belgium, Holland, and on to Wilhelmshaven in Germany. On the way they liberated towns and cities and prisoner of war camps. After the fall of Germany, was promoted to Second Commander of the Polish Panzer Regiment, stationed at the main German navy base in Wilhelmshaven.

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General Gutowski remained in Germany for 2 years with the occupation forces, before returning to the UK.

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He was awarded the following medals:

• Polish Silver Virtuti Militari Cross V class,

• French Legion d'Honneur,

• French roix de Guerre with Palm,

• American Legion of Merit,

• Polish Cross of Valour (5 times)

• Polish Commander’s Cross of Polonia Resituta.

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In 1948, he settled in Canada, and after a difficult beginning, he became the trainer of the Canadian Olympic Equestrian team. Most notably, he was the team’s trainer when it won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968. Many of Canada's finest riders were trained by General Gutowski. Even into his 90's, General Gutowski founded a ceremonial cavalry troop in Poland and lead a demonstration cavalry charge just 3 years ago!

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Gutowski Promotions:

• 15 August 1930: 2nd Lieutenant

• 1 January 1932: 1st Lieutenant

• 19 March 1939: Rotmistrz

• 1944: Major

• 1 January 1946: Lieutenant Colonel

• 1986: Colonel

• 1999: Brigadier General

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A very gifted orator, with great clarity of events and a far-reaching memory, he was a sought-after speaker. Whether it be about horses or the events of the last war, he would keep the audience spellbound for hours. As a soldier, he cared deeply for his troops and after the war, even when money was scarce, he always found a way to help veterans from the 1st Polish Armoured Division both here in Canada and in Poland.

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Four years ago, after his wife Zofia's death, Michal moved back to Poland, where

he was promoted to General. An official Military funeral was held in Warsaw, Poland on the 16 September 2006 a t the Katedra Polowa Wojska Polskiego, followed by internment at the Powązki Polish Military cemetery in Warsaw.

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He is survived by his son Marek, son Peter a retired Air Canada pilot, brother Zbyszek a retired Captain in the Royal Air Force, and other relatives both in Canada and in Poland.

 

General Retired Michal Gutowski, a distinguished and highly decorated Polish officer who served his country with pride and valour, died in Warsaw, Poland on 23 August 2006 in his 95th year.