Edward Rydz-Smigly

Edward Rydz-Śmigły , 1886-1941, Polish politician. He served under Piłsudski in the Polish Legions (1914-17), in the war with Soviet Russia (1920), and in the coup of 1926. At Piłsudski's death and in accordance with his wish, Rydz-Śmigły succeeded him (1935) as inspector general of the army; in 1936 he was named "first citizen after the president" and marshal of Poland. A virtual dictator, he fostered the Ozon [Camp of National Unity], a government party that dominated parliament. When Germany and the USSR invaded Poland, he fled (Sept., 1939) to Romania.

Rydz-Smigly, Edward (b. 11 Mar. 1886, d. 12 Dec. 1941). Polish dictator 1935–9 Born in Brezezany, Galicia, he rose within the military as Pilsudski's aide in the Russo-Polish War (1919–21). He succeeded Pilsudski as general inspector of the armed forces, in which capacity he exerted considerable political influence. Most important, however, was his dismal failure to prepare the Polish army against possible attack from Nazi Germany, due to his preoccupation with a potential confrontation with the Soviet Red Army. His leadership during the war with Germany was at best uninspiring. He fled to Romania, but returned in 1941. He died under mysterious circumstances.