An important day in the life of our unit.
On 13 March1, Polish units were visited by Gen. Montgomery, commander-in-chief of North Africa, commander of 8th Army and winner of Gen. Romml's army. Before noon, in Falskiels, the place where the brigade was stationed, all the battalions were set up on a large sports ground, cleaned and pressed like a fine thing for inspection.
Before this, however, there was a general rehearsal of the parade, which looked rather poor. Especially the 9th battalion, which was situated not far from our unit, looked like a mass of miserable pain. It looked better at the show itself. Gen. Montgomery greeted us in Polish with "czołem żołnierze"2, and the brigade answered him with a rhythmic chorus of "hello, General".
Then, General Monty, as the English call him, began a review of our battalions. First of all he ordered the battalions to split up.
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - March 13, 1944 - Page 24
1 13 March 1944.
2 Translator's note: "czołem żołnierze" - greeting between soldiers and scouts calling to face, to hold the front.
Translation from French version: Steven Duda
General Maczek and General Montgomery reviewing polish troops - Scotland - Galashiels - 13/03/1944
General Montgomery speaking to polish troops - Scotland - Galashiels - 13/03/1944
Original page 24