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Karol Świerczewski

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Karol Świerczewski, Marian Spychalski and Michal Rola-Zymierski

Karol Świerczewski, (callsign Walter) (22 February 1897 in Warsaw28 March 1947 at Jabłonki near Baligród) was a communist, military officer and a general in service of Bolshevist Russia, Soviet Union, Republican Spain and Polish communist government established by Soviets.

Karol Świerczewski grew up in a poor working class family and during the First World War was evacuated to Moscow from Poland. In 1918 he joined the Bolshevik party and fought in the Russian Civil War as a soldier of the Red Army, and was awarded Order of the Red Banner. During Polish Soviet War he applied for transfer to the western front in order to fight against Poland. In 1927 Świerczewski graduated from Frunze Military Academy and in 1936 under the name General Walter came to Spain. General Walter won a reputation of a very competent military commander as he led 14th International Brigade and later 35th International Division during the Spanish Civil War. Following the outbreak of the Second World War he was first a general of the Soviet army but in 1943 became one of the generals charged with the creation of Soviet controlled 1st Polish Army. In 1944 Karol Świerczewski became one of the leaders of Polish Workers' Party and the government of People's Republic of Poland. In the winter 1944 and the spring of 1945 he led the 2nd Polish Army during the fights for western Poland and the Battle of Berlin. In February of 1946 Karol Świerczewski became the deputy defence minister of Poland. He was responsible for persecution of independence movement in Poland and responsible for signing many death sentences as a part of establishing a regime of terror in Communist occupied Poland, as penalty for example for possesing a radio receiver. His controversial death in an ambush by members near Baligród was one of the triggers for the "Wisła" Action. While it was blamed on Ukrainian Insurgent Army, some historians believe Communist regime in Poland allowed or assisted in his killing.

After 1989 when Solidarity came to power in Poland and the country regained independence, many of his monuments were removed and street names replaced because of his role in implementing Communist regime in Poland.

File:50 zl a 1975.jpg
obsolete 50 zloty banknote of the People's Republic of Poland with face of Karol Swierczewski
Monument to Karol Świerczewski
Military commanders of 1st Polish Army leading their troops at the ceremonial Victory Parade on Red Square, Moscow on June 24, 1945. Gen. Karol Świerczewski is second from the left.

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