A nicely preserved piece of the Silver Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari.
Made by Krupski and Matulewicz, number 6010 on the back.
The cross was awarded posthumously to lancer Vladislav Serhiejovich for his charge at Rokitna.
This event, which is one of the symbols of the legionary struggle, is also to this day one of the most recognizable charges of the Polish cavalry, next to Somosierra and Krojant. During the 20-year interwar period, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, continuing the traditions of the 2nd Legion Cavalry Regiment, took the name Rokitniański, its holiday falling on the anniversary of the battle.
At a trot the squadron stretched out into a long column, passing below the trenches of its own infantry, which looks with astonishment at the march of the cavalry towards the enemy trenches. The lancers are surprised, too, that in broad daylight a drive in the strength of an entire squadron is setting off, but behold, the squadron has already passed the river and has a hill in front of it, and behind it a plain with four lines of enemy trenches. The command is given: advanced to the left, sabers in hand! and already the lancers, 63 in number, are rushing forward - they have moved into a rush - they are already behind the first poorly manned line of enemy trenches. Their hearts are beating like a hammer, their horses are soaring like a whirlwind. The enemy has opened fire with artillery and machine guns, and the lancers are already reaching the second trench: the fire quiets for a moment - and the Muscovites call out in amazement: Zdajomsja, zdajomsja. But the Muscovites are again roasting with their fire the brave squadron of Wassovich. At the third line of trenches, raining bullets and shrapnel from all sides on the already handful of lancers. Every now and then one of the lancers falls wounded, every now and then a horse is slaughtered under the lancers, and the rest, asking nothing, not looking beyond themselves rush forward like a storm.
In the charge, 15 lancers were killed, 4 died of their wounds, the rest were wounded or taken prisoner.
Lancer Wladyslaw Sierhiejewicz "Scibor" was born on December 22, 1884 in Cracow, from August 1914 a volunteer in the Polish Legions, lancer of the 3rd platoon, 2nd cavalry squadron. He took part in battles at Toczka, Ekermozo, Łopuszna and Dobronowce.
During the charge at Rokitna he was wounded and taken prisoner by the Russians. He died of wounds in Cherkasy on June 29.
Enamel bruises.
Preservation condition of the object good.
Tombak, dimensions 37 x 51 mm.
Definitely recommended!
