The ceremony handing over command took place in the Tradition Hall of the 23rd Artillery Regiment. Due to the situation prevailing in the country, the ceremony was very modest and intimate. Those taking part included: the commander of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division, Brig. Gen. Dr Dariusz Parylak, commanders of the “Black Division” units, as well as the soldiers directly subordinate to the commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment.
Brig. Gen. Dr Dariusz Parylak:
Undoubtedly, today we are saying farewell to a commander and soldier who devoted great effort and personal commitment while commanding the regiment and serving in the “Black Division”. Quoting the words of writer Mark Twain about regretting what we failed to accomplish and what we did not manage to complete, I would like to emphasise that Colonel Potrzuski can regret only the latter—what he has not yet had time to do for the benefit and development of the 23rd Artillery Regiment.
Furthermore, in his address, the commander of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division briefly characterised Colonel Grzegorz Potrzuski’s period of command of the regiment:
I can confidently say that your period of command of the 23rd Artillery Regiment was a time of demonstrating the highest skills and military professionalism.
At the end, the commander of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division presented the new commander, expressed the superiors’ expectations of the regiment and conveyed his best wishes to the officer temporarily assuming the duties of commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment.
The key moments of the ceremony were the handover of the colours of the 23rd Artillery Regiment to the deputy commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Marek Wasielewski, who temporarily assumed the duties, and the signing, in the presence of the commander of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division, of the protocols for handing over and assuming the duties of regiment commander.
Colonel G. Potrzuski thanked the soldiers of the 23rd Artillery Regiment for their service in his speech:
I am pleased that I had the honour and pleasure of commanding the 23rd Artillery Regiment and its soldiers. Quoting the words of the former commander of the “Black Division”, General Czosnek: “Work smart, not hard.” I can say that this was the case with you. It was noticeable. Your commitment and work resulted, as General Parylak emphasised, in our unit being perceived as well trained.
On 14 November 2017, when I first held the unit’s colours, I quoted the words of Cardinal Wyszyński: “Demand the most from yourself.” This undoubtedly reflects another motto of our Black Division: “Our minimum is to achieve the maximum,” and for this I sincerely thank you. You will forever remain in the memory of my artilleryman’s heart. Commanding soldiers such as you was an honour for me.
At the end, Colonel Potrzuski thanked the commander of the “Black Division” for the leadership principles he had demonstrated and for the honour of serving in such an elite tactical formation.
In accordance with the Military Ceremonial, the officer assuming the duties of regiment commander—Lt Col Marek Wasielewski—then spoke:
Assuming the duties of regiment commander is an honour, but also a responsibility. I am aware of the challenges and tasks facing the regiment; however, I have already had the opportunity to learn the level of skill and task performance demonstrated by the regiment’s personnel and soldiers. I am convinced that we will meet these tasks.
Bearing Colonel Potrzuski’s achievements in mind, I will do everything possible to ensure that this high benchmark is maintained at the same level. I will also do everything possible to meet the new challenges facing the 23rd Artillery Regiment.
In the final part of his speech, he addressed Colonel Potrzuski, wishing him further success in his military career, perseverance in carrying out future tasks and the proverbial soldiers’ luck.
23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment:
As a memento of his service in the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Colonel Potrzuski was honoured with a ceremonial sabre, presented by the regiment’s Officers’ Representative, Lt Col Paweł Jędryczka. He also made an entry in the Commemorative Chronicle of the 23rd Artillery Regiment.
The ceremony ended with a commemorative photograph against the backdrop of the military unit’s colours and the laying of flowers beneath the plaque commemorating the patron of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, General of the Armoured Forces Tadeusz Jordan Rozwadowski.