The late Lieutenant Colonel Zbigniew Rosiński was born on January 8, 1919, in Przeworsk. His parents were Ignacy Rosiński and Władysława Mosdorf. He spent his youth in the family home in Przeworsk and partly in Orzańsk, a small estate near Przeworsk. He graduated from the Jesuit secondary school in Chyrów near Sambir. After passing his school-leaving examination in 1936, he began studying law at Jagiellonian University in Kraków. He completed two years of law there before the outbreak of war. “Here is a very brief history of Zbyszek,” says Ms. Jola Ratajczak, a Polish community activist in Antwerp.
He then left for Bucharest with his family, and from there, in December 1939, went with his brothers to France to join the army. Since he had no military training, he went to Coëtquidan. His brothers ended up in Paris, where officers were recruited. He was assigned to the 24th Lancers Regiment as a volunteer, without any rank. He began the French campaign in the 24th Lancers Regiment of General Maczek’s 10th Motorized Brigade, who resurrected the Polish brigade in France.
“As the German forces advanced, we withdrew while fighting. We were evacuated from Bordeaux in southern France. The next period is already a history known, I think, to all soldiers serving in today’s 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade,” Colonel Rosiński recalled.
Friends and colleagues remember him as a very active person, deeply committed to cooperation with the Polish community. He graduated from the Higher School of Management in Antwerp and then served as an honorary judge for maritime transport matters. He was an honorary citizen of Kraśnik, as demonstrated by the fruitful cooperation and exchange of young people.
The funeral ceremony took place on May 3 at the Pius XI Church in Wilrijk. The guests of honor included the Polish ambassador to Belgium and representatives of veterans’ groups and associations from Poland, Belgium, France, and even Scotland. Also present was the president of the 24th Lancers Regiment Association, Marek Rusek.
Following the ceremony at the church and the funeral, a brief gathering of invited guests took place. They remembered the deceased and exchanged observations about his achievements and his activities as a veteran.
The delegation of the 24th Lancers Battalion, commanded by Captain Marcin Wdowiak, included the unit’s soldiers: color guard commander Second Lieutenant Emil Kamiński, standard-bearer Junior Warrant Officer Marcin Czyżewski, and escort Senior Sergeant Mariusz Makowiecki.
(information: Capt. Maricn Wdowiak, Katarzyna Przepióra/ii)