Poland in the UK

The British author, who specialises in modern German and Central European history and is a visiting professor at the College of Europe in Warsaw, received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland from Polish ambassador to the UK Arkady Rzegocki on behalf of Poland’s President Andrzej Duda.

In 2019, Moorhouse published First to Fight: The Polish War 1939, a book highlighting the significance of “the forgotten story of the Second World War“ – the 1939 German-Soviet invasion of Poland. The first dedicated account in English of this so-called “September Campaign“ for almost 50 years, it details the brutality of the opening campaign of the Second World War, tackles the mythology surrounding it and assesses the role of Britain and France in the conflict.

The historian, who, among others, has also authored The Devils' Alliance: Hitler's Pact with Stalin, 1939-1941, was awarded the honour during a small ceremony at the Polish Embassy in London, attended by members of his family.

He said: “I’m delighted to receive this award, in recognition of my efforts to popularise Polish history abroad. It is a huge honour.

“I’ve been drawn eastwards by Polish history. I think it’s a much more fascinating history in many ways. The history of Poland is almost like a living entity. There is so much that is still argued about. My work is not just an academic exercise. It is important to stand up and tell the truth about the Polish history because it is under attack. Many are attempting to rewrite the story of World War II for their own benefit, to create a new foundation myth. I know the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is very proactive in trying to combat and correct that kind of behaviour and it’s been an honour to be part of this process. It is a service going beyond merely spreading the word about Polish history in academia.”

Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki added: “I am honoured to be awarding on behalf of President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to Roger Moorhouse. He is an outstanding individual who has contributed enormously to the popularisation of knowledge about the history of Poland in the UK and around the world. His books, speeches, articles, appearances at public events and in the media, but most of all his diligent research and his determination to always present the true story about some of the most important events of the past are worthy of admiration and recognition.

“I am grateful to Roger for always standing on the right side of history through his fair, honest and accurate work. Roger’s remarkable achievements as a historian are only matched by his kindness and friendship he has shown towards Poland and Polish people. I am proud to be able to call him a friend of Poland.”

The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which has five classes, is awarded to foreign nationals and Polish citizens living abroad who, through their efforts, greatly contribute to both international cooperation and cooperation between the Republic of Poland and other countries.

Polish Embassy UK Press Office