Excellency,
Distinguished Representatives of the British Armed Forces,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Colleagues of the Military Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
It is an honour to welcome you to our celebration of Polish Armed Forces Day. Although we gather on 1 October, we commemorate the victory celebrated each year on 15 August – the Battle of Warsaw in 1920.
Before I begin, let me share a brief glimpse behind the scenes.
When I showed the Ambassador my draft, he had two comments: “The content is good. The speech is a little long.” In the best tradition of civilian oversight of the military, I have taken his advice – mindful of the Polish cuisine and good conversation awaiting us.
In 1920, Poland, having only recently regained independence, stopped the advance of Soviet Russia’s armies. That victory preserved our freedom and helped shape Europe’s future. Its lesson remains clear: security requires preparation, national resolve and the strength to act together.
Two decades later, Polish soldiers, sailors and airmen fought alongside their British and Allied comrades against Nazi Germany. Among them were the men of General Stanisław Maczek’s 1st Polish Armoured Division, which trained in Britain before helping to liberate Western Europe.
Today, that history is present among us.
We are deeply honoured to welcome Captain Eugeniusz NIEDZIELSKI, a soldier of General Maczek’s division, who celebrated his 103rd birthday last month.
Captain, your father fought at the Battle of Warsaw, and you later served in the liberation of Western Europe. Your family’s story connects the origins of this holiday with our wartime alliance.
We also warmly welcome Mr Bronisław JUSZCZAKIEWICZ, a veteran of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
To both our distinguished veterans: your service gives profound meaning to duty, courage and sacrifice.
Drodzy Weterani, dziękujemy za Waszą służbę, za wierność Polsce i za to, że jesteście dziś z nami.
Please join me in thanking them with a warm round of applause.
It is also a pleasure to welcome Mr. Hal SOSABOWSKI, General Sosabowski’s, Commander of the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade grandson. Your presence brings another generation of his family into this gathering and reminds us that remembrance is a responsibility passed from one generation to the next.
For many Polish veterans, victory in 1945 did not bring freedom at home. They built new lives in Britain while keeping alive their hope for an independent Poland.
To the Polish community and our British friends who preserve their legacy: thank you.
Szanowni Państwo, dziękuję za troskę o polskie groby, pomniki i świadectwa naszej historii oraz za przekazywanie młodszym pokoleniom pamięci o polskim wysiłku wojennym.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, an independent Poland backs its Allied commitments with action.
For 2026, we have planned defence expenditure of 4.8 per cent of GDP – among the highest levels in the Alliance. This demonstrates our determination to shoulder our share of responsibility for our common security.
We are modernising our armed forces across all domains, strengthening air and missile defence and reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank. Our investment in people, equipment, training, infrastructure and industry has a clear purpose: forces ready to deter aggression and defend Polish and Allied territory.
The United Kingdom is a key partner in this transformation.
Our broader partnership encompasses air defence and naval shipbuilding, and many other areas, bringing together Polish and British expertise to strengthen our industries and our ability to operate together.
A stronger Poland means a stronger NATO.
Behind every military capability stands a person who has chosen to serve. Today, we honour that choice and thank the families whose support makes such service possible.
In this spirit, I would now like to present the Polish Armed Forces Medal to four members of the Royal Air Force:
- Wing Commander Chris JACOB – Gold Medal;
- Squadron Leader Konstantinos STAMATAKIS – Silver Medal;
- Warrant Officer Richard GRIMSHAW-ELSE – Bronze Medal;
- Chief Technician Aaron SMITH – Bronze Medal.
These decorations recognise their distinguished service during NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission from Poland between April and June 2025, helping safeguard Polish airspace within NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence System.
Individually and as a team, all four demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication, strengthening cooperation with Polish and Allied air forces and giving practical meaning to Allied solidarity.
In 1940, Polish airmen helped defend the skies over Britain. Today, Allied nations take turns helping to protect the skies over Poland, and British airmen have been part of that shared effort. Across the generations, the conviction remains the same: the security of our countries is a common responsibility.
May I invite the recipients to join me for the presentation of decorations.
We now turn to two Polish service members.
It is my privilege to honour Warrant Officer Krzysztof STOLARCZYK, a staff officer in our Defence Attaché’s Office, with the Gold Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland.
He works directly with me, and I see his reliability, professionalism and dedication every day. Recognising his long and faithful service is especially personal to me.
May I invite Warrant Officer STOLARCZYK to come forward.
And finally I would like to move to the highest award presented today.
Commander Tomasz CIEŚLIK of the Polish Navy, serving at NATO’s Allied Maritime Command Headquarters in Northwood, is being awarded the Silver Medal for Long Service for the exemplary and exceptionally conscientious performance of his duties.
May I invite Commander CIEŚLIK to come forward and the Chargé d’Affaires to present the decoration on behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland, Supreme Commander of the Polish Armed Forces.
To all our medal recipients: congratulations, and thank you for your service.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we have recalled today, the Polish–British partnership rests on strong historical foundations and shared values: freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the right of nations to determine their own future.
On 27 May this year, our countries signed the Treaty on a Security and Defence Partnership at RAF Northolt, a place deeply connected with Polish aviation history. It reaffirms our commitment to collective defence within NATO and provides a framework for closer military and industrial cooperation. We must now translate those commitments into greater readiness and stronger protection against shared threats.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine demonstrates why this matters. Poland and the United Kingdom must sustain their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, learn from its experience and adapt as warfare changes.
To my colleagues in the Military Diplomatic Corps: thank you for your partnership and your countries’ contribution to our common security.
Our purpose is to preserve peace through credible defence. We owe it to the veterans among us – and to future generations – to make freedom secure.
Following my remarks, we will hear Chopin’s Revolutionary Étude and Military Polonaise, performed by the distinguished Polish pianist Łukasz Krupiński, who opened today’s ceremony with the British and Polish national anthems.
Written when Poland was deprived of its statehood, these works express a spirit that endured. The Étude’s fierce energy and the Polonaise’s proud rhythm evoke determination and resolve. They also remind us that, in an alliance as in music, we must listen to one another and each fulfil our part.
As we listen in peace, let us remember the Ukrainian soldiers defending their country’s freedom and the families enduring the cost of war. Let us honour the fallen, stand with the wounded and sustain our support for a just and lasting peace.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I invite those with a glass in hand to raise it, and everyone else to join us in spirit, as we toast the women and men of the Polish Armed Forces, our veterans and their families, and our British and Allied friends.
To the enduring friendship between Poland and the United Kingdom, and to a secure and peaceful future for the next generation.
Long live the Polish Armed Forces!
Cheers – and Na zdrowie!
Compiled by Maria Byczynski
Pictures: British Poles
