Historian Roger Moorhouse, the author of „First to Fight: The Polish War 1939” and „The Devils’ Alliance: Hitler’s Pact with Stalin, 1939-1941” has been awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland by Polish ambassador to the UK Arkady Rzegocki on behalf of Poland’s President Andrzej Duda for his efforts to spread abroad knowledge about the history of Poland during the Second World War.
The British author, who specialises in modern German and Central European history and is a visiting professor at the College of Europe in Warsaw, was awarded the honour during a small ceremony at the Polish Embassy in London, attended by members of his family.
He said: “I’m delighted to receive this award, in recognition of my efforts to popularise Polish history abroad. It is a huge honour.”
Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki added: “I am honoured to be awarding on behalf of President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to Roger Moorhouse. He is an outstanding individual who has contributed enormously to the popularisation of knowledge about the history of Poland in the UK and around the world. His books, speeches, articles, appearances at public events and in the media, but most of all his diligent research and his determination to always present the true story about some of the most important events of the past are worthy of admiration and recognition. I am grateful to Roger for always standing on the right side of history through his fair, honest and accurate work. Roger’s remarkable achievements as a historian are only matched by his kindness and friendship he has shown towards Poland and Polish people. I am proud to be able to call him a friend of Poland.”
The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which has five classes, is awarded to foreign nationals and Polish citizens living abroad who, through their efforts, greatly contribute to both international cooperation and cooperation between the Republic of Poland and other countries.
Source: Polish Embassy Press Office
