The year 2014 is the time of jubilee celebrating the 95th anniversary of the Poznan Uhlans. In view of this, the Association of Veterans and Friends of the 15th Poznan Uhlan Regiment, in co-operation with the 15th Poznan Uhlan Battalion in the name of General Władysław Anders, have prepared a series of events related to the historical and present military units.
The jubilee begins with an historical exhibition organised jointly with the Military Museum of Wielkopolska. Already on the 26th January we plan to hold the grand opening in the Museum on the Old Market Square in Poznan. This will be a significant event for all enthusiasts of old colours and weapons, because for the first time in the history of this meritorious facility, alongside the museum collections, exhibits will be presented from private collections which have never before been presented to the public. Amongst them, one of the most interesting exhibits will be the Polish anti-tank gun the 37mm Bofors 36 pattern.
In late April, the Anniversary Celebrations of the Poznan Uhlans will be celebrated in their modern garrison town of Wędrzyn. On this occasion, the battalion will be preparing many attractions for enthusiasts of the modern military. Planned events include a solemn ceremonial commemoration, a presentation of military equipment, a family picnic, as well as a cavalry ball.
All enthusiasts of cavalry traditions are most welcome to visit Poznan for the May long-weekend for another “Uhlan Days”. Under this name, the 15th Poznan Uhlan Regiment celebrations were ‘concealed’ for many years (in 2014 it will have been organized for the 28th time). We hope many of you visit during the XXIV Polish National “Militari” Cavalry Championships held between 1st and 3rd May in the CWJ Wola Hippodrome. These hark back to the pre-war Polish Army Horse Championships and are an event which has the longest continuous tradition in the country, as such they are recognised in many environments and are also among the most difficult. Victory in the Poznan competitions is of great prestige. The traditional Tattoo and Roll Call of the Fallen will be held on Saturday, May 3rd. However, Sunday’s ceremony on May 4th will have a special, even exceptional, significance in connection with the ceremonial handing over of the standard to the Poznan Uhlans. The III International Cavalry Championship will be played during “Uhlan Days”.
In mid-May, a delegation of the Association and the Battalion will take part in the anniversary celebrations at Monte Cassino. We hope that we will be able to meet there the last surviving participants of the battle.
Early September is time for the horse march to Ziewanic. As of every year, we hope to gather on September 12th at the boulder which commemorates the place of the death of Lt.Col. Tadeusz Mikke, commander of the Regiment in the September ’39 Campaign.
Whilst celebrating the jubilee, we wish to finish with a solemn commemoration for the fallen, murdered and deceased Poznanian Uhlans. Traditionally we meet for this purpose at Holy Mass on one of the Saturdays in November.
All former and current soldiers, those who relate and are close to the white and red colours, family members of the Poznan Uhlans as well as enthusiasts of military history and horse riding are most warmly invited to participate in the planned activities.
For the glory of the Regiment and for the sake of Polish cavalry!
Adam Bech
President of the Association
