Władysław Sikorski

Władysław Eugeniusz Sikorski, a Polish military and political leader of great renown, was born on 20 May 1881. Prior to the outbreak of the First World War, Sikorski dedicated himself to establishing and actively participating in various underground organizations, all with the ultimate goal of promoting the long-overdue cause of Polish independence. His unwavering commitment to this noble endeavor led him to take up arms, fighting with distinction in the Polish Legions during the First World War. Subsequently, he continued to serve his country with valor, participating in the newly formed Polish Army during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919 to 1921, where he played a pivotal role in the decisive Battle of Warsaw in 1920. Following the war, Sikorski's impressive military record and leadership abilities did not go unnoticed, and he was subsequently appointed to various government positions within the newly established Second Polish Republic. Specifically, he served as prime minister from 1922 to 1923 and as minister of military affairs from 1923 to 1924. However, his fortunes took a drastic turn following Józef Piłsudski's May Coup of 1926, which led to the installation of the Sanation government, ultimately causing Sikorski to fall out of favor with the new régime.