Header image – XXX Years

XXX Years of the Traditional Unit of the Imperial and Royal Fortress Artillery Regiment No. 2 – Kraków Fortress

Three decades in the service of history and tradition

1996–2026 – years of continuous educational and patriotic activity dedicated to promoting military history and the Polish road to independence.

Exhibitions Films Distinctions Cross of Remembrance Back to Home Page Institute and Museum of WW1

An Anniversary Written into History

The 30th Anniversary of the Traditional Unit of the Imperial and Royal Fortress Artillery Regiment No. 2 of Baron Edward von Beschi – Kraków Fortress is a truly exceptional moment – a symbolic sum of thousands of hours spent preparing and carrying out ceremonies, conducting archival research, and engaging in community work to preserve memory and promote education in its broadest sense. It is also hundreds of thousands of kilometers traveled across Europe and Asia to discover historically significant places and experience them in an extraordinary way – in historical uniforms, because only by stepping into the shoes of those whose stories we tell can we tell true stories.

Over three decades of activity, the Regiment has become a recognizable ambassador of history in Poland and abroad, combining passion, professionalism, and deep attachment to tradition with modern forms of historical education. Undoubtedly, the work we have done will one day leave visible signs of our exceptional commitment to the mission undertaken in 1996.

Achievements and Merits of the Regiment

The achievements of the 30th anniversary include hundreds of events, thousands of participants, and continuous educational activity. Thanks to high standards and cooperation with cultural institutions, the Regiment has become a recognizable ambassador of history in Poland and abroad. It participated in and co‑created the most important centennial commemorations of World War I across almost all of Europe. Over the years, it took part in meetings with distinguished representatives of many nations shaping modern Europe, emphasizing Polish history and the Polish road to independence in 1918.

The motto “Proud Guardians of Tradition” is no coincidence, for over the years the Regiment has revived numerous often-forgotten traditions, created new ones, and in places important to national memory both in Poland and abroad, funded commemorative plaques and erected monuments.

The restoration of the guard change at the Town Hall Tower on Kraków’s Main Square, commemorating the bloodless liberation of the city on 31 October 1918, was carried out for the first time since World War II in 1996 and once again became a Kraków tradition. In 1998, this tradition gained a completely new dimension through international commemorations organized for many years by the Regiment in Podgórze – a district of Kraków – to which in 2008 the Regiment invited District Council XIII, previously uninterested in maintaining this independence tradition. Finally, in 2010, the commemorations were expanded to include ceremonies at the first place of independent Poland – the Płaszów Railway Station, where in 2018 the Regiment funded a commemorative plaque highlighting the importance of this site for Poland’s independence.

Over the years, the Regiment also maintained cooperation with the Polish Armed Forces, participating in various areas of military life. It supported numerous initiatives promoting historical knowledge in niche fields. It brought forgotten heroes, silenced after World War II, back into public awareness. It took part in numerous exercises and tests on military training grounds.

The Regiment broke the invisible barrier of distrust between Czechs and Poles living in Cieszyn Silesia through systematic visits and commemorations of both sides of the 1919 conflict. Through its actions, it set an example of how, despite past animosities, one should care for the memory of the fallen victims of the seven‑and‑a‑half‑day war. During winter expeditions, it also visited the graves of Czechoslovak soldiers, which eventually led to visits by representatives of the Czechoslovak Legionary Association to the graves of Polish soldiers.

Thanks to high standards, attention to detail in uniforms and equipment, and cooperation with historians and museums, the Regiment contributed to spreading reliable historical knowledge, breaking stereotypes, and showing the complexity of Polish history.

A special role was played by numerous competitions and educational demonstrations for young people, thematic exhibitions, battle reenactments, participation in state ceremonies, and work to preserve sites of national memory. For many young people, contact with the Regiment became the beginning of a deeper interest in history and engagement in local community life.

This is undoubtedly our success!

Educational Activity

Exhibitions

Throughout XXX years of activity, we have carried out a number of thematic exhibitions, primarily dedicated to Poles serving in the Austro‑Hungarian army and to local history. These were not ordinary displays, as they were presented in prestigious institutions, confirming their high professionalism and historical‑cultural value.

In our first year, we began with the exhibition *Kraków – Garrison City 1848–1939* at the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków – today the Museum of Kraków. It was an excellent summary of the city’s history seen through the prism of two different garrisons: the Austrian and the Polish. Later came the exhibitions *k.u.k. Humor* and *Humor in the Trenches*, which used postcards to tell the stories of soldiers before and after the outbreak of World War I. *Austro‑Hungarian Border Fortifications 1914–1918* presented the diversity of Central Europe through the fortifications built to protect the borders of the Danube Monarchy, in which over 4 million Poles lived, nearly 850,000 of whom served in its army during the war, with 10% dying on all fronts of the Great War.

One of the most significant exhibition cycles was *100 Years of the Vistula Flotilla and Regulation of the Upper Vistula*, which traveled with the queen of Polish rivers from Kraków to Warsaw, ultimately anchoring at the Polish Army Museum. It presented the creation of the Austro‑Hungarian river flotilla, the regulation of the Vistula between 1902–1918, and the transformation of the Austrian unit into the nucleus of the Polish Navy on 1 November 1918. Along the way, the exhibition was shown at the Regional Museum in Sandomierz and the Czartoryski Museum in Puławy.

The cycle commemorating the 110th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I began with the exhibition *Our Riflemen*, telling the story of the Polish Legions. It was presented in Kraków during the anniversary of the First Cadre Company’s march, at the Damjanich János Museum in Szolnok (Hungary), and at the National Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia in Ljubljana. It continues to accompany the educational activities of the 1st Infantry Division of the Polish Legions. Another exhibition in the series, *Poles on the Italian Front 1915–1918*, presented at the Park of Military Technology in Pivka (Slovenia), organized and recalled the stories of Poles who endured the hell of the Italian front. It was also shown at the Józef Piłsudski Museum during a scientific conference prepared by the 1st Infantry Division. The third exhibition, *Six Eyes Watch Your Deeds – Poles in the Middle East during World War I*, takes viewers to the Ottoman Empire, where many Poles played important roles, particularly in battles from Gallipoli to the Egyptian pyramids. Its first presentation took place at the Central Military Library in Warsaw. This is only a small part of our achievements from the past XXX years.

However, we must also mention unfortunate events, such as the exhibition dedicated to fortress artillery accompanying a book presentation at Fort Marszowiec, during which one visitor took photographs and, as a company, unlawfully provided them in 2025 as his own property to the Association of Fortress Municipalities for an exhibition in the newly opened museum in Duńkowiczki.

More fascinating projects lie ahead, which we will present to you in the near future. We invite you already today!

OUR RIFLEMEN

POLES ON THE ITALIAN FRONT 1915–1918

SIX EYES WATCH YOUR DEEDS

Lectures, Presentations, Conferences, Study Trips and Living History Lessons

Over XXX years of activity, we have carried out numerous educational initiatives, including various classes for young people, living‑history meetings allowing direct contact with historically significant artefacts, helping young people understand the realities of the past. This also includes participation in academic conferences in Poland and abroad, enabling the dissemination of knowledge and scholarly exchange. An important element are study trips, which broaden the knowledge of association members and allow the collection of valuable materials, not only photographic. Finally, there are battle reenactments carried out in Poland and abroad, bringing closer the history of Poles fighting on all fronts in various historical periods.

Other Educational Activities

Films

The past years have been rich in the production of documentary and feature films, allowing us to gain experience and skills also in this field. This resulted in creative attempts that brought positive artistic outcomes in this area of media activity. In 2019, our first production, “Lwów Eaglets – Forgotten Heroes”, was presented at the NNW Festival in Gdynia as a non‑competitive documentary film. Since then, we have come a long way and gained experience enabling us to create film materials promoting our activities and documenting the topics we undertake.

To watch the video, click the title in the preview window.

Distinctions

We are extremely proud of the distinctions we have received, but what matters even more to us is what we can give to others. For this reason, we developed a system of distinctions consisting of jubilee and commemorative medals accompanying the most important anniversaries and jubilees that we have presented to the public over the years. Among them are medals marking subsequent years of the Regiment’s activity, as well as medals commemorating major anniversaries, including:

Jubilee and Commemorative Decorations:

Regiment Jubilee Decorations

5th Anniversary Jubilee Medal – obverse

5th Anniversary Jubilee Medal – reverse

10th Anniversary Jubilee Medal – variant 1

10th Anniversary Jubilee Medal – variant 2

15th Anniversary Gold Jubilee Medal – obverse

15th Anniversary Gold Jubilee Medal – reverse

15th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Medal – obverse

15th Anniversary Bronze Jubilee Medal – obverse

20th Anniversary Jubilee Cross with Swords – obverse

20th Anniversary Jubilee Cross with Swords – reverse

20th Anniversary Jubilee Cross – obverse

20th Anniversary Jubilee Cross – reverse

25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Medal – obverse

25th Anniversary Bronze Jubilee Medal – obverse

25th Anniversary Bronze Jubilee Medal – reverse

Lwów Eaglets Trail Medals

Gold Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on SOL ribbon – obverse

Gold Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on SOL ribbon – reverse

Silver Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on SOL ribbon – obverse

Silver Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on military ribbon – obverse

Silver Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on civilian ribbon – obverse

Bronze Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on SOL ribbon – obverse

Bronze Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on military ribbon – obverse

Bronze Medal of the Lwów Eaglets Trail on civilian ribbon – obverse

90th Anniversary Commemorative Medals

Silver Medal of the 90th Anniversary of Kraków’s Liberation with silver crown – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 90th Anniversary of Kraków’s Liberation with bronze crown – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 90th Anniversary of Kraków’s Liberation – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 90th Anniversary of Kraków’s Liberation – reverse

Bronze Medal of the 90th Anniversary of Kraków’s Liberation on foreign‑recipient ribbon with bronze crown – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 90th Anniversary of Kraków’s Liberation on foreign‑recipient ribbon – obverse

Silver Medal of the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Skoczów with swords – obverse

Silver Medal of the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Skoczów – reverse

Bronze Medal of the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Skoczów with swords – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Skoczów – reverse (City of Skoczów version)

Medal of the 95th Anniversary of the Defence of Kraków Fortress 1914 with crown – obverse

Medal of the 95th Anniversary of the Defence of Kraków Fortress 1914 with crown – reverse

Medal of the 95th Anniversary of the Defence of Kraków Fortress 1914 – obverse

Medal of the 95th Anniversary of the Defence of Kraków Fortress 1914 on civilian ribbon – obverse

100th Anniversary Commemorative Medals

100th Anniversary Medal of the March of the 3rd and 4th Batteries to the Western Front with crown – obverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the March of the 3rd and 4th Batteries to the Western Front – obverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the March of the 3rd and 4th Batteries to the Western Front for foreign recipients – obverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the March of the 3rd and 4th Batteries to the Western Front for foreign recipients – reverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the Vistula Flotilla – obverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the Vistula Flotilla – reverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the Vistula Flotilla on civilian ribbon – obverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the Defence of Kraków Fortress in 1914 with crown – obverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the Defence of Kraków Fortress in 1914 with crown – reverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the Defence of Kraków Fortress in 1914 – obverse

100th Anniversary Medal of the Defence of Kraków Fortress in 1914 on Russian ribbon – obverse

1st Class Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Charge at Rokitna – obverse

2nd Class Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Charge at Rokitna – obverse

2nd Class Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Charge at Rokitna – reverse

2nd Class Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Charge at Rokitna on civilian ribbon – obverse

3rd Class Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Charge at Rokitna on civilian ribbon – obverse

Gold Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kraków – obverse

Gold Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kraków – reverse

Silver Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kraków – obverse

Bronze Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kraków – obverse

Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Relief of Przemyśl and Lwów – obverse

Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Relief of Przemyśl and Lwów – reverse

Silver Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Cieszyn Silesia War – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Cieszyn Silesia War – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 100th Anniversary of the Cieszyn Silesia War – reverse

Silver Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the End of the Polish–Ukrainian War – obverse

Bronze Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the End of the Polish–Ukrainian War – obverse

Bronze Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the End of the Polish–Ukrainian War – reverse

Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Victory over the Bolsheviks – obverse

Cross of the 100th Anniversary of the Victory over the Bolsheviks – reverse

110th Anniversary Commemorative Medals

Silver Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the March of the First Cadre Company – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the March of the First Cadre Company – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the March of the First Cadre Company – reverse

Silver Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the March of the 1st Artillery Regiment from Przegorzały – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the March of the 1st Artillery Regiment from Przegorzały – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the March of the 1st Artillery Regiment from Przegorzały – reverse

Silver Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Anielin–Laski – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Anielin–Laski – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Anielin–Laski – reverse

Silver Cross of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Krzywopłoty – obverse

Bronze Cross of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Krzywopłoty – obverse

Bronze Cross of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Krzywopłoty – reverse

Silver Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Defence of Kraków Fortress – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Defence of Kraków Fortress – obverse

Bronze Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Defence of Kraków Fortress – reverse

Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Charge at Rokitna – obverse

Medal of the 110th Anniversary of the Charge at Rokitna – reverse

110th Anniversary Star of the Battles on the Gallipoli Peninsula and in the Middle East 1915–1918 – obverse

110th Anniversary Star of the Battles on the Gallipoli Peninsula and in the Middle East 1915–1918 – reverse

Other Commemorative Medals

Commemorative Cross of the Organizer of the 1st European Historical Meeting of Military Units, Kraków 1997

Commemorative Cross of the Participant of the 1st European Historical Meeting of Military Units, Kraków 1997

Silver Star of the European Historical Meeting of Military Units, Przemyśl 2008 – obverse

Silver Star of the European Historical Meeting of Military Units, Przemyśl 2008 – reverse

Bronze Star of the European Historical Meeting of Military Units, Przemyśl 2008 – obverse

Silver Commemorative Medal of the Defence of Lwów – obverse

Bronze Commemorative Medal of the Defence of Lwów – obverse

Bronze Commemorative Medal of the Defence of Lwów – reverse

Bronze Commemorative Medal of the Defence of Lwów without wreath – obverse

Bronze Commemorative Medal of the Defence of Lwów on civilian ribbon – obverse

Bronze Commemorative Medal of the Defence of Lwów without wreath on civilian ribbon – obverse

Balkan Commemorative Cross with crown – obverse

Balkan Commemorative Cross with crown – reverse

Balkan Commemorative Cross – obverse

An important part of the entire system are also decorations awarded for merit in support of our activities. They serve as distinctions for members of the Regiment — especially the badge for long service — and are also awarded to members of other associations, institutions, and civilians whom we meet along the way.

Decorations for Merit:

Cross of Merit – established in 2009

Cross of Merit – 1st Class

Cross of Merit – 3rd Class with 1st Class decoration

Cross of Merit – 2nd Class

Cross of Merit – 3rd Class with 2nd Class decoration

Cross of Merit – 3rd Class

Signum Laudis Medal for Merit – established in 2009

Silver Signum Laudis Medal for Merit with swords – 2009 issue

Bronze Signum Laudis Medal for Merit with swords – 2009 issue

Bronze Signum Laudis Medal for Merit – 2009 issue – reverse

Silver Signum Laudis Medal for Merit with swords – 2nd issue

Small Silver Signum Laudis Medal for Merit – 2nd issue

Bronze Signum Laudis Medal for Merit with swords – 2nd issue

Bronze Signum Laudis Medal for Merit – 2nd issue

Small Bronze Signum Laudis Medal for Merit – 2nd issue

Bronze Signum Laudis Medal for Merit – 2nd issue on civilian ribbon

Small Bronze Signum Laudis Medal for Merit – 2nd issue on civilian ribbon

Charles Cross – established in 2010

Silver Charles Cross – 1st issue

Silver Charles Cross – 2nd issue

Bronze Charles Cross – 1st issue

Bronze Charles Cross – 1st issue – reverse

Laeso Militi and Largum Donum Medal – established in 2009

Silver Laeso Militi Medal – obverse

Bronze Laeso Militi Medal – reverse

Silver Largum Donum Medal – reverse

Gold Largum Donum Medal – obverse

Silver Largum Donum Medal – obverse

Bronze Largum Donum Medal – obverse

Cross of the Liberators of Kraków – established in 2012

Silver Cross of the Liberators of Kraków – 1st class

Silver Cross of the Liberators of Kraków – 2nd class

Silver Cross of the Liberators of Kraków – 2nd class – reverse

Bronze Cross of the Liberators of Kraków – 2nd class

Bronze Cross of the Liberators of Kraków – 2nd class on triangular ribbon

Badge of the Cross of the Liberators of Kraków

Cross of Remembrance 1914–1920 – established in 2016.

Cross of Remembrance 1939–1945, Cross of Remembrance of the National Uprisings, and Cross of Remembrance of the Nation – established in 2020.

Cross of Remembrance 1914–1920 on a special ribbon with a gold wreath

Cross of Remembrance 1914–1920 on a special ribbon

Cross of Remembrance 1914–1920 on a special ribbon – reverse

Cross of Remembrance 1914–1920 with a silver wreath

Cross of Remembrance 1914–1920 with a bronze wreath

Cross of Remembrance 1914–1920

Cross of Remembrance 1939–1945

Cross of Remembrance 1939–1945 – reverse

Cross of Remembrance of the National Uprisings

Cross of Remembrance of the National Uprisings – reverse

Cross of Remembrance of the Nation

Cross of Remembrance of the Nation – reverse

On the occasion of the XXX anniversary of the Regiment’s activity, we have decided to fund 30 Crosses of Remembrance, which will be awarded during the XXX anniversary gala celebration. Applications for the award may be submitted via the form available at the link below. Applications will be accepted until 30 April 2026 and will then be reviewed by the Chapter of the Cross of Remembrance. Regulations of the Cross of Remembrance

To submit an application, complete the form

Star of Good Service – established in 2019

Star of Good Service – 30 years

Star of Good Service – 25 years

Star of Good Service – 20 years

Star of Good Service – 15 years

Star of Good Service – 10 years

Star of Good Service – 5 years

Star of Good Service – 3 years

Star of Good Service – reverse

Among the highest distinctions available to members of the Regiment are two orders, awarded by independent chapters only in exceptional circumstances to emphasize the importance of work carried out for the development of the Regiment. In addition to members, these distinctions are also available to individuals who have made a significant contribution to our activities and projects.

Orders:

Order of the Holy Sword – Gladius nos proteget! – established in 1998

Order of the Holy Sword – 1st class

Order of the Holy Sword – 2nd class

Order of the Holy Sword – 3rd class

Order of the Holy Sword – 4th class

Order of the Dragon – Vince malum bono! – established in 2016

Order of the Dragon – 1st class

Order of the Dragon – 2nd class

Order of the Dragon – 3rd class

Order of the Dragon – 4th class

Order of the Dragon – 5th class

Order of the Dragon – 6th class

Order of the Dragon – 7th class

Order of the Dragon – 8th class

It is a tradition in the Regiment that silver medals are made of silver, and gold medals are made of gilded silver or bronze.

Partners and Cooperating Institutions

Throughout thirty years of activity, the Regiment has had the honor of cooperating with numerous cultural institutions, local government units, social organizations, and other entities of a similar profile. Thanks to this cooperation, it was possible to carry out projects at a high level. Regardless of the scale of support, it has always been valuable help for us.

On this occasion, we thank:

State Institutions
Military Units
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Local Governments
Universities and Schools
Historical Groups
Sponsors
Media

We sincerely thank all our partners and supporting institutions for their trust, cooperation, and the projects we have completed together. These were unforgettable experiences we shared. If we have omitted anyone, we apologize — memory can sometimes fail.

We Remember

We remember the members of the Regiment who significantly contributed to its development and for years were the best companions on our journeys through history.

Mateusz Szczawiński + 2015.
Baron Roman Gamotha + 2017.
Henryk Trynka + 2025.

Message on the XXX Anniversary

The XXX anniversary is not an end, but rather a stage along our path. It is a significant moment that gives us the opportunity for reflection, evaluation, and a look at what we have achieved so far, while at the same time opening wide perspectives for the future. As we enter the next decades of activity, the Regiment remains faithful to its roots, values, and ideals that have shaped our identity and mission over the years. We are convinced that the tradition and historical memory we cultivate form the foundation upon which we can build new projects, creative initiatives, and innovative ways of presenting the past. At the same time, we remain open to new challenges, forms of communication, and ways of telling history, ready to adapt to changing realities, technologies, and the expectations of contemporary audiences. Our goal is not only to continue our previous activities, but also to embrace the new opportunities that the 21st century brings.

Our mission remains to cultivate the tradition and memory of those who created the centuries-old heritage of Poles in Austrian-Hungarian military and civil service, and to popularize the history of these individuals and their unwavering aspirations to regain independence. We wish their lives, decisions, sacrifices, and everyday work to be known to a wide audience — not only to history enthusiasts, but also to younger generations who are just beginning their journey into discovering the past. We strive to build and strengthen historical awareness among successive generations, so that the memory of those times — of courage, hardships, and hopes — does not fade away, but instead becomes a source of inspiration for action and conscious living in the modern world. We deeply believe that history told with passion can inspire, educate, and unite people of different views, and above all, that it has a real impact on shaping our shared future — transforming our surroundings into something better, more aware, more empathetic, and more united.

XXX-Anniversary Photos

We built from scratch the tradition of the International Celebrations of the Bloodless Revolution on October 30 and 31, 1918.

This is what true determination and striving to achieve a planned goal looks like; this is just one of many examples of our willpower shaping reality!

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© 2026 Proud Guardians of Tradition – Traditional Unit of the Imperial and Royal Fortress Artillery Regiment No. 2 of Baron Edward von Beschi – Fortress Krakow