1st Krechowce Uhlan Regiment

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1st Krechowce Uhlan Regiment
Active	1915–1947
Country	Russian Empire (1915–1917)  Russian Republic (1917) Poland (1918–1947)
Branch	Polish Army in the West
Type	Infantry
Size	Regiment
Engagements	World War I Battle of Pakosław Battle of Krechowce Polish-Soviet War Battle of Wołodarka Kiev offensive Battle of Komarów Polish–Ukrainian War Battle of Lemberg World War II Invasion of Poland Battle of Kock Italian Campaign Battle of Monte Cassino Battle of Ancona Operation Grapeshot Battle of Bologna

The First Krechowce Uhlan Regiment was a mounted unit of the Polish Army, active in the Second Polish Republic. Its traditions were continued during World War II, by a regiment of the same name, which was part of Polish Armed Forces in the West. The First Krechowce Uhlan Regiment was formed in 1915, as a unit of the Imperial Russian Army. It fought in World War I, Polish–Soviet War and the Invasion of Poland, as part of Suwalska Cavalry Brigade. Until 1939, the regiment was stationed in Augustów. It ceased to exist in 1947. The first commander of the regiment was a Tsarist officer of Polish ethnicity, Colonel Bolesław Mościcki, who was killed in 1918 near Luninets. The last commander was Colonel Leon Strzelecki.

The First Uhlan Regiment was formed in 1915, as part of Imperial Russian Army's Puławy Legion. To commemorate its first victorious battle against German forces, the Battle of Krechowce, which took place on July 24, 1917, the regiment was named after the village of Krechowce near Stanisławów. Dissolved in May 1918, it was recreated in November of the same year by the Regency Council. From December 1918 until August 1919, it fought in the Polish–Ukrainian War, making itself famous after the defence of Gródek Jagielloński. In early 1920, the regiment was transferred to Pomerelia, where it took place in the so-called Poland's Wedding to the Sea (Puck, February 10, 1920).

During the Polish–Soviet War, the regiment fought mostly in Volhynia, engaging in a number of battles and skirmishes against 1st Cavalry Army of Semyon Budyonny. After the war, in spring 1921, it occupied former barracks of Imperial Russian Army in northern town of Augustów, where it remained until 1939. During the Invasion of Poland, the regiment, as part of Suwalska Cavalry Brigade, fought on until October 6, 1939, taking part in the Battle of Kock.

In the second half of 1941, the regiment was recreated as part of Polish Armed Forces in the East, the so-called Anders' Army. In mid-1942, after the Army of Władysław Anders had left the Soviet Union, the regiment was renamed into First Regiment of Armoured Cavalry, and in September 1942 was sent for training to British Iraq, where it remained until October 1943. After the return to Palestine, the regiment was equipped with M4 Sherman tanks, completing its training in December 1943 in Egypt.

During the Italian Campaign, First Krechowce Uhlan Regiment was part of 2nd Warsaw Armoured Brigade. It fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, the Battle of Ancona, and captured the city of Bologna. The regiment was dissolved in 1947.