Józef Poniatowski
Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski entered the world on the 7th of May 1763 inside Vienna's Palais Kinsky. His mother Countess Maria Theresia Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau belonged to an old and influential Austro-Bohemian aristocratic family. The Empress Maria Theresa served as godmother to his older sister, who shared her name. A field marshal father named Andrzej Poniatowski died when the boy reached ten years of age. Stanisław Augustus then became his guardian and the two enjoyed a close personal relationship that lasted for their entire lives. He grew up in Vienna but also spent time with his mother in Prague and later with his uncle the king in Warsaw. Educators taught him French while he spoke to his mother in that language. He learned Polish, German and later Russian as well. Children called him Prince Pepi, which was the Czech diminutive form of Joseph. He trained for a military career yet also learned how to play keyboard instruments. He carried a portable one with him even during military campaigns. Stanislaus influenced him to consider himself a Polish citizen. He transferred to the Polish army at the age of twenty-six. In Vienna he represented the king at the funeral of Maria Theresa. In 1787 he travelled with Stanislaus Augustus to Kaniov and Kiev to meet with Catherine the Great. Laure Junot described him in his mid-twenties as handsome, brave, enterprising, and determined.
Stanislaus II Augustus summoned his nephew back to Poland when the Polish Army was reorganized. The King made previous arrangements with Austrian authorities for this transfer. Poniatowski received the rank of major-general in October 1789 alongside Tadeusz Kościuszko and three others. He became commander of a division in Ukraine and devoted himself to rebuilding the small Polish, Lithuanian Commonwealth's army. This took place during deliberations by the Four-Year Sejm that ended with the proclamation of the 3rd of May Constitution in 1791. Poniatowski stood in the room with a group of soldiers surrounding the Royal Castle during final proceedings. On the 6th of May 1792 he was appointed Lieutenant-General and commander of the Polish army in Ukraine. Prince Józef was aided by Kościuszko and Michał Wielhorski who was a friend from the Austrian service. The Battle of Zieleńce on the 18th of June was the first major victorious engagement since John III Sobieski. Poniatowski personally got involved in the fighting when one of the Polish columns faltered. The Polish king established the Virtuti Militari order to celebrate the victory. He decorated Poniatowski and Kościuszko first with this new honor. A courier informed him that King Stanislaus had acceded to the pro-Russian Targowica Confederation. All hostilities were to be suspended immediately. Supposedly distressed by the political situation, at Markuszów on the 26th of July he sought his own death but was saved. An indignant but fruitless protest followed before Poniatowski resigned his commission.
Stanislaus Augustus wrote to his nephew in spring 1794 urging him to return to Commonwealth. Poniatowski reported for duty at Kościuszko's camp near Jędrzejów on the 27th of May. He declined leading the insurrection in Lithuania because he did not want to be far from his uncle. Instead he suggested Wielhorski which Kościuszko approved. As division commander he fought at Błonie between 7 and the 10th of July. He led cavalry in an anti-Prussian diversion at Marymont on 26, the 27th of July. Between 5 and the 10th of August he took the Góry Szwedzkie region from Prussians. He lost it after a couple of weeks in a counterattack despite warnings from Kościuszko. His horse was shot from under him when trying to recover lost ground. In October he led outnumbered troops in an attack on Prussian entrenchments at the Bzura River. The cost of heavy losses tied up the Prussians and saved Dąbrowski's corps. The Insurrection having failed, Poniatowski stayed for a while in Warsaw. His estates were confiscated by Russian authorities. He refused a position in the Russian army and unwilling to comply with loyalty conditions was ordered to leave the Polish capital. April 1795 marked his move once more to Vienna. The Kościuszko Rising led to the Third Partition of Poland.
In November 1806 Poniatowski agreed to assume governorship of Warsaw when asked by Prussian king Frederick William III. Joachim Murat entered Warsaw at year end and Poniatowski had to define his role within this new political reality. Protracted negotiations with Murat turned them into friends quickly. Before the year ended Poniatowski was declared chief of military force by Murat. On the 14th of January 1807 the Emperor created the Warsaw Governing Commission under Stanisław Małachowski. Within this structure Poniatowski became officially Director of Department of War. In July 1807 the Duchy of Warsaw was created. On the 7th of October he became Minister of War and Head of Army of the Duchy. Napoleon left supreme military command in Davout's hands until summer of 1808. Officially he became Commander in Chief on the 21st of March 1809. Spring 1809 saw him lead his army against Austrian invasion under Archduke Ferdinand Karl Joseph. At Battle of Raszyn near Warsaw on the 19th of April Polish forces fought a standstill an Austrian force twice their number. He personally led men in infantry bayonet charge throughout his career. Afterwards he withdrew units to east bank of Vistula River. The fortified Praga suburb fell to Austrians but they were defeated at Grochowo on the 26th of April. An Austrian division crossed Vistula again trying to pursue Poles but routed on the 2nd of May at Góra Kalwaria. From there he advanced south taking over large areas of Galicia. Lublin taken the 14th of May, Sandomierz the 18th of May, Zamość fortress the 20th of May with 2000 prisoners and 40 cannons captured. Lwów taken the 27th of May. Most liberated lands incorporated into Duchy through peace treaty the 14th of October 1809.
In April 1811 Poniatowski went to Paris where he represented King of Saxony Frederick Augustus I. He stayed four months working with Emperor and generals on plans for campaign against Russia. Napoleon rejected his suggestion that southern route through Ukraine would provide most benefits. For Russian Campaign of 1812 Poniatowski became commander of V Corps of Grande Armée. Nearly 100,000 strong Polish forces in the Grande Armée were greatest Polish military effort before 20th century. Initial offensive period wasted when placed under direction of Jérôme Bonaparte. After brother left him briefly put in charge of Grande Armée right wing. On the 17th of August at Smolensk he personally led corps assault on city. On the 7th of September at Borodino V Corps involved in daylong fight over Utitza Mound finally taken toward evening. Polish soldiers first ones to enter Russian capital the 14th of September. Poniatowski unlike Napoleon convinced campaign was doomed. Battles followed at Chirikovo the 29th of September and Vinkovo the 18th of October. At Vyazma he badly injured during rearguarding retreat of Grande Armée. Condition forced him give command to Józef Zajączek. He continued westbound trip in carriage with two wounded aides. Legion of Vistula and Michel Claparède accompanied him. Berezina crossing barely avoided capture by Russians. Finally the 12th of December arrived in Warsaw.
After disastrous retreat of Napoleon army Poniatowski quickly undertook rebuilding Polish army. When many Polish leaders began waver in allegiance to French Emperor he resisted change. Tsar Alexander I offered amnesty and proposed future cooperation but he remained faithful. New army only partially completed moved out the 5th of February as Russian army entered Warsaw. They reached Kraków where they stayed few weeks getting ready. On the 7th of May Prince Józef and his army left Kraków going through Bohemia. Total forces joining Napoleon numbered 22,000 including Dąbrowski division. Corps fought major successful battles at Löbau the 9th of September and Zedtlitz the 10th of October. General Pahlen attempted stop movement toward Leipzig defeated in cavalry charge led by Poniatowski. On the 12th of October enemy units surprised them while breakfasting with Murat. Poniatowski got on horse breaking through receiving superficial wound in arm. Returned with another timely cavalry charge saving situation. As reward for services the 16th of October during Battle of Leipzig made Marshal of Empire. Entrusted duty covering French Army retreat defending Leipzig losing half corps. Falling back slowly upon bridge over river White Elster near Leipzig. In general confusion French blew up bridge before he could reach it. Tried escape across Elstermühlgraben but badly injured probably shot by allies by mistake. Drowned in the river.
Poniatowski cult developed after death as Polish version of Napoleonic legend. Remains transported to Poland 1817 buried in cathedral on Kraków Wawel Hill. He lies beside Tadeusz Kościuszko and John III Sobieski. Monument by Bertel Thorvaldsen erected in Warsaw 1829 destroyed during World War II. Recent copy still standing before presidential palace in Warsaw. Jan Matejko immortalized him in 1891 painting Constitution of the 3rd of May 1791. Inspiration for Polish freedom fighters throughout number armed conflicts especially November Uprising 1830. Many leaders served under Poniatowski command during Napoleonic Wars. Duchy of Warsaw remained residual Polish state end Partitions period. Japanese manga Ten no Hate Made written by Riyoko Ikeda 1991 commemorating life Józef Poniatowski. Polish bomber squadron named after Poniatowski took part aerial operations Second World War. 304 Squadron RAF Land of Silesia flew Fairey Battle Vickers Wellington Vickers Warwick Handley Page Halifax bombers. Base airfield mostly RAF Chivenor Devon Welsh-Polish historian Norman Davies wrote about his significance.
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Common questions
When and where was Prince Józef Poniatowski born?
Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski entered the world on the 7th of May 1763 inside Vienna's Palais Kinsky. His mother Countess Maria Theresia Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau belonged to an old and influential Austro-Bohemian aristocratic family.
What military rank did Józef Poniatowski receive in October 1789?
Poniatowski received the rank of major-general in October 1789 alongside Tadeusz Kościuszko and three others. He became commander of a division in Ukraine and devoted himself to rebuilding the small Polish, Lithuanian Commonwealth's army during deliberations by the Four-Year Sejm that ended with the proclamation of the 3rd of May Constitution in 1791.
How did Józef Poniatowski die during the Battle of Leipzig?
French forces blew up the bridge over river White Elster near Leipzig before he could reach it. He tried escape across Elstermühlgraben but badly injured probably shot by allies by mistake drowned in the river.
When was Prince Józef Poniatowski made Marshal of Empire?
On the 16th of October during Battle of Leipzig Poniatowski was made Marshal of Empire as reward for services. He had previously led cavalry charges saving his unit from enemy surprise while breakfasting with Murat on the 12th of October.
Where are the remains of Józef Poniatowski buried today?
Remains transported to Poland 1817 buried in cathedral on Kraków Wawel Hill. He lies beside Tadeusz Kościuszko and John III Sobieski.