Gray Jan

Jan Gray, pseudonym “Eryk Grzyb” (1893–1971) was a major of the Polish Army and the Polish Air Force in Great Britain, a participant in the fights for Polish independence and an activist in the Silesian Uprisings, Knight of the Virtuti Militari Order. He was born on 29 April 1893 in Racibórz. In 1913 he was called up to the German army, in which he served on the front during World War I. At the end of August 1914 he escaped from his unit and was taken prisoner by the French. In May 1918 he joined the Army of General Józef Haller, where he completed a piloting course and began military service in the Polish structures. After returning to Upper Silesia in 1919 he became involved in independence activities. In 1920 he joined the Polish Military Organisation of Upper Silesia, where he held leadership positions, including chief inspector. During the Second Silesian Uprising and subsequent plebiscite activities he held positions in the command structures in the Upper Silesia area. After the end of the uprising fighting he continued his service in the Polish Army, reaching the rank of major. He served in the 2nd Aviation Regiment in Kraków. During World War II he served in the Polish Air Force in Great Britain. He died on 22 April 1971 in London. He was decorated with, among others, the Virtuti Militari Order, the Cross of Independence with Swords and the Silver Cross of Merit.