Bolesław Wieniawa Długoszowski – lekarz, generał, wolnomularz

Abstract

This article discusses the life and activities of a Polish Army general, a doctor, diplomat and freemason, such as Boleslaw Wieniawa Dlugoszowski. After Poland regained independence, he became the personal adjutant of Marshal Jozef Pilsudski. After the outbreak of World War II, President Ignacy Moscicki appointed him as his successor, in case the office was vacated before peace was made. He is one of the most colourful figures in interwar Poland. He was known for his predilection for beautiful women, fast horses and loud fun. On the one hand, such a view of life caused unusual affection among some and undisguised aversion among others, especially among opponents of his political camp. He was also a writer, wrote poems, painted and maintained constant contact with the artistic community. For several years he was Poland’s ambassador to Rome, he was friends with many outstanding people not only in Poland, but also in the whole of Europe. After settling in the United States, he lived in New York. He was also a journalist and editor-in-chief of “Dziennik Polski” in Detroit. He died tragically in 1942, a few days before taking over the diplomatic post in Havana. He was remembered by his posterity as the author of many popular sayings, later widely quoted throughout the country.