Duch, Boleslaw Branislaw, born on 15-11-1896 Borszczowie, was a Polish General. Over 16,000 Polish soldiers of the First Grenadier Division 
under the Command of Boleslaw Bronislaw Duch were based in Lorraine on June 9th and stationed along the Maginot Line as part of the French 4th Army.
under the Command of Boleslaw Bronislaw Duch were based in Lorraine on June 9th and stationed along the Maginot Line as part of the French 4th Army.
From June 14th the Division fought against the Nazi advance and were able to withstand assaults for two days but had to fall back near Lagarde. The Poles covered the retreat of the French 52nd Division which was taking heavy casualties. Within a week, the French defenses were at the point of collapse, and General Duch ordered the unit to disband. Many including the General evacuated to the UK. The Polish 10th Brigade of Armoured Cavalry, “The Black Brigade” 
were under the command of General Stanislaw Maczek. When the Nazis invaded France, the Polish armored units were immediately deployed, but as soon as the Germans broke through the French front, the Poles were ordered to the front line. None of the Polish units were completely equipped, in particular the 3rd and 4th Polish Divisions 
which were still in the midst of organization. Polish units fought in the southern perimeter of the front and continued to do battle despite Henry Philippe Petain‘s call for an armistice on 16-06-1940. Three days later, General Wadislaw Sikorski
were under the command of General Stanislaw Maczek. When the Nazis invaded France, the Polish armored units were immediately deployed, but as soon as the Germans broke through the French front, the Poles were ordered to the front line. None of the Polish units were completely equipped, in particular the 3rd and 4th Polish Divisions which were still in the midst of organization. Polish units fought in the southern perimeter of the front and continued to do battle despite Henry Philippe Petain‘s call for an armistice on 16-06-1940. Three days later, General Wadislaw Sikorski
broadcast a radio bulletin pledging that Poland would continue to fight as Ally of Great Britain and with his army of about 20,000 soldiers made their escape forthwith. Duch was with his Corps involved in the heavy battles for Monte Casino in Italy.Death and burial ground of Duch, Boleslaw Branislaw.
General Duch died at the old age of 89, on 18-11-1980. He is buried with his comrades as Polish 2* General, Wladyslaw Anders
on the war cemetery of Monte Casino.
