Michał Gutowski

Michał Gutowski graduated from a military high school and then studied at the Polish Cavalry Officers’ School in Grudziądz, preparing for a military career that would make him one of the most famous Polish generals. He fought in World War II for Poland, winning the Virtuti Militari Cross, the highest Polish military award for valor, in the Battle at Bzura River, for commanding a squadron that recaptured the Walewice position. After German and Soviet occupation, he joined the underground Polish army and eventually joined the Regiment of Mounted Rifles in General Maczek’s 1st Panzer Division. Leading the Cromwell Tank Squadron, he encircled the German forces at Falais, and after the fall of Germany, he was promoted to 2nd Commander of the Polish Panzer Regiment, stationed at the main German Navy Base in Wilhelmshaven.

After the Iron Curtain encircled Poland, Gutowski emigrated to Canada, where he became the coach of the Canadian National Eventing team. But after the fall of Communism he returned to Poland, and was promoted to General. Already 90, he was instrumental in helping re-establish the Cavalry Parade Squadron, and was a member of the Capitular Chapter of the Virtuti Militari Cross. Even in last years he was an active member of contemporary Polish cavalry life and was considered the guru of the cavalry society.