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=== History === | |||
=== History of The Polish Army in France === | |||
Although the United States did not enter WWI until April 6, 1917, in 1915 the Polish Falcons, headquartered in Philadelphia began recruiting Poles willing to serve in what might result at last in the freeing of their Polish Fatherland. These recruits were sent to Toronto where they were to be trained and would be considered part of the Canadian Army. | Although the United States did not enter WWI until April 6, 1917, in 1915 the Polish Falcons, headquartered in Philadelphia began recruiting Poles willing to serve in what might result at last in the freeing of their Polish Fatherland. These recruits were sent to Toronto where they were to be trained and would be considered part of the Canadian Army. | ||
In June of 1917 France decided to organize a Polish army. Initially it drew on its own Polish population as well as Poles who had managed to escape or were freed from prisoner of war camps. In October the United States, which had now joined the war and was actively forming an army of its own, authorized Poles whose citizenship status made them ineligible for the draft, to join the Polish Army in France. Eventually some | In June of 1917 France decided to organize a Polish army. Initially it drew on its own Polish population as well as Poles who had managed to escape or were freed from prisoner of war camps. In October the United States, which had now joined the war and was actively forming an army of its own, authorized Poles whose citizenship status made them ineligible for the draft, to join the Polish Army in France. Eventually some 25,000 men joined this group that followed the earlier Falcon groups first to Canada and then to France. | ||
In Europe, General Haller, a Pole who had been serving in the Austrian army, joined the Allied forces and was sent to France. As the highest-ranking officer, he was given command of the army in October 1918, which now became known as “Haller’s Army. Six months later the war ended. | In Europe, General Haller, a Pole who had been serving in the Austrian army, joined the Allied forces and was sent to France. As the highest-ranking officer, he was given command of the army in October 1918, which now became known as “Haller’s Army. Six months later the war ended. | ||
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The following ship manifests provide listings of returning Haller's Army soldiers to the US in the 1920s.<br> SS Antigone (from Danzig - April 18, 1920) <br> SS Latvia (August 17, 1922) <br> SS Pochontas (from Danzig - June 16, 1920) <br> SS Princess Matokia (from Danzig - May 23, 1920) | The following ship manifests provide listings of returning Haller's Army soldiers to the US in the 1920s.<br> SS Antigone (from Danzig - April 18, 1920) <br> SS Latvia (August 17, 1922) <br> SS Pochontas (from Danzig - June 16, 1920) <br> SS Princess Matokia (from Danzig - May 23, 1920) | ||
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=== PGSA, PMA and the Haller’s Army Records === | |||
=== PGSA, PMA and the Haller’s Army Records === | |||
According to Jan Lorys, Curator of the Polish Museum of America (PMA), it is possible that the Haller’s Army records have been in PMA’s possession since the 1920s or 30s. Since the records covered 65,000 recruits and that originally there were 3 forms generated for each individual, it is estimated that the collection represents between 130,000 and 160,000 documents. | According to Jan Lorys, Curator of the Polish Museum of America (PMA), it is possible that the Haller’s Army records have been in PMA’s possession since the 1920s or 30s. Since the records covered 65,000 recruits and that originally there were 3 forms generated for each individual, it is estimated that the collection represents between 130,000 and 160,000 documents. | ||
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In 1999, Librarian Margaret Kot attended a preservation seminar and became aware that the Haller’s records should be maintained in acid-free storage boxes. As the Library’s limited budget would not cover the cost of almost 300 special boxes, she asked PGSA if the Society would be willing to make the purchase. The request was discussed and approved by the PGSA Board at the following meeting. | In 1999, Librarian Margaret Kot attended a preservation seminar and became aware that the Haller’s records should be maintained in acid-free storage boxes. As the Library’s limited budget would not cover the cost of almost 300 special boxes, she asked PGSA if the Society would be willing to make the purchase. The request was discussed and approved by the PGSA Board at the following meeting. | ||
During of the library refurbishment in 2004 a | During of the library refurbishment in 2004 a water leak that developed in the Haller’s storage area. As a result of other changes being made, the library was able to make space in a Library alcove where new shelves were built to house the collection. PGSA volunteers moved the collection and set it up in its new area, printed fresh labels, and relabeled all the boxes. These valuable records are now displayed in a way that the Haller’s collection is now one PMA (and PGSA) can be proud of. | ||
For a number of years now, the Haller’s index has been available on the PGSA website. The index enables individuals to determine the existence of a file and then visit the library and request a copy or order one by mail. Even though the forms are relatively simple, a translation guide is also available on the PGSA website by searching “Haller’s Army translations”. PGSA welcomes you to visit the website and look for family members who may have been a part of Haller’s Army. | For a number of years now, the Haller’s index has been available on the PGSA website. The index enables individuals to determine the existence of a file and then visit the library and request a copy or order one by mail. Even though the forms are relatively simple, a translation guide is also available on the PGSA website by searching “Haller’s Army translations”. PGSA welcomes you to visit the website and look for family members who may have been a part of Haller’s Army. | ||
Source: Lindberg Rosalie submitted 'Haller's Army' 4 January 2011 to Sonja Nishimoto in the Famly History Library 35 N. W. Temple Street Salt Lake City, Utah the international floor transcribed into FamilySearch Research Wiki. | |||
Credits: Recruitment poster for the Polish Army in France by the graphic artist, W. Benda. Image used with permission of the Polish Museum of America, Jan Lorys, Curator. | |||
For more information regarding Haller's Army | For more information regarding Haller's Army - [https://feefhs.org/resource/poland-hallers-army Haller's Army] | ||
[[Category:Poland]] | [[Category:Poland Military Records]] | ||
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