In a unique tribute, a Belgian brewery has honored General Stanisław Maczek, a revered figure in Polish and European history. Brouwerij De Poes, a small but dedicated brewery, has crafted a special beer named “Generał Maczek” to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Maczek’s significant role in the liberation of several Belgian and Dutch cities during World War II.
General Maczek, considered one of the finest military leaders of the early 20th century, had a distinguished career that spanned multiple conflicts, including World War I, the Polish-Ukrainian War, and the Polish-Soviet War. Known for his innovative approach to warfare, Maczek was a proponent of armored units and battlefield mobility.
His fame grew during the 1939 defensive campaign against Nazi Germany, where he led Poland’s first fully motorized brigade, the 10th Cavalry Brigade, inflicting heavy losses on superior German forces. After escaping to Hungary, he continued to fight in France and later rebuilt Polish forces in Britain.
The peak of his acclaim came in the final years of World War II, as Maczek’s 1st Armored Division liberated cities like Ypres, Ghent, Axel, and Breda, concluding their 1,800-kilometer campaign in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, where they accepted the surrender of the German naval base.
Brouwerij De Poes announced that “Generał Maczek” beer, created in collaboration with the association “1st Polish Armored Division – Belgium,” will undergo a few weeks of fermentation before being available in early September 2024. This initiative not only celebrates Maczek’s military achievements but also his humanitarian approach, which earned him lasting admiration in Belgium and the Netherlands.
General Maczek’s legacy as a liberator and hero is cherished, and this special brew serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions and the strong historical ties between Poland and Belgium.