Contents
Key Facts
• Born in 1897 in Krakow, died in 1963 in his hometown
• Lieutenant colonel of Polish Army who served in both World Wars
• Olympic athlete who represented Poland at the 1924 Paris Olympics in football
• Football legend with exceptional goal-scoring record for Wisła Krakow
• 12-time international representative for Poland national football team
• Decorated with Cross of Valor and Cross of Merit for military service
• Commemorated with memorial obelisk at Wisła Krakow stadium entrance
Early Life and Education
Henryk Reyman was born in 1897 in Krakow, a city that would remain central to his identity throughout his remarkable life. As a future lieutenant colonel of the Polish Army, Olympic athlete, and sports activist, Reyman would become one of Krakow's most distinguished citizens of the early 20th century.
His formative years coincided with the turbulent period preceding World War I, when Poland remained partitioned among three empires. Reyman began his education at a Commercial Academy in Krakow, an institution designed to prepare young men for careers in business and commerce. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 dramatically altered his educational trajectory and family circumstances.
The war's outbreak forced the Reyman family to make the difficult decision to evacuate Krakow. Like thousands of other Polish families seeking safety during the initial chaos of the Great War, they relocated to Nowa Wieś in Slovakia. This period of displacement, while challenging, likely contributed to young Henryk's development of resilience and adaptability—qualities that would prove invaluable throughout his diverse career.
Military Career and Service
World War I and Polish Independence
Following the family's return to Krakow in 1915, Henryk demonstrated immediate commitment to Polish independence efforts. He achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Polish Army and sustained injuries during his military service, indicating active participation in combat operations.
His formal military career began in 1918 when he joined the Legia Oficerska (Officer's Legion), an elite military formation that played a crucial role in Poland's fight for independence. The Officer's Legion was instrumental in the Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921) and other conflicts that shaped the borders of the newly independent Polish state.
As a member of this distinguished unit, Reyman participated in multiple military engagements during the critical period when Poland was establishing its independence after 123 years of partition. His service during this era earned him recognition from military leadership and contributed to his eventual decorations.
World War II Service and Resistance
Lieutenant Colonel Reyman's military involvement extended into World War II, where he again demonstrated his commitment to Polish independence. During the September Campaign of 1939—Poland's defensive war against the German invasion—Reyman was wounded and subsequently captured by German forces.
His wartime experience took a dramatic turn in 1940 when he managed to escape or was rescued from German captivity. Following his liberation, he fled to Krakow but was forced to assume the false identity "Tomaszewski" to avoid detection by German authorities, who specifically targeted former Polish military officers during the German occupation.
To survive the occupation while maintaining his cover, Reyman took on humble but essential roles that provided both sustenance and anonymity. Historical records indicate he worked as a night watchman at a Benedictine monastery and later as a forest ranger—positions that allowed him to remain in Krakow while avoiding Nazi persecution.
Post-War Professional Career
After Poland's liberation, Reyman's educational background in physical education proved valuable for national reconstruction efforts. He was appointed as director of the Voivodeship Office of Physical Education and Military Training, a significant administrative position in post-war Poland.
This role was particularly important during the reconstruction period, as physical education and military preparedness were considered essential components of rebuilding Polish society. As director, Reyman was responsible for developing programs to improve the physical fitness of Polish youth while providing basic military training—combining his military expertise with his passion for athletics.
Athletic Achievements and Football Career
Wisła Krakow and Domestic Success
Reyman's athletic career with Wisła Krakow established him as one of Polish football's most accomplished players. As a member of the Sports Committee of Wisła Krakow, he achieved remarkable statistical success that placed him among the elite players of his era.
His domestic career statistics demonstrate exceptional consistency and skill as a striker. While exact match and goal tallies from the interwar period require verification from official club archives, historical accounts consistently describe Reyman as one of Wisła Krakow's most prolific goal scorers during the 1920s and early 1930s.
International Career and Olympic Participation
Reyman represented Poland's national football team on 12 occasions, competing against teams from Sweden, Hungary, Turkey, and other European nations. These international appearances were particularly significant given the limited opportunities for international competition in the early 20th century, helping to elevate Polish football on the international stage.
The pinnacle of his athletic career was his participation in the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he represented Poland in football. The 1924 Olympics held special significance as one of the first major international sporting events where newly independent Poland could showcase its athletes on the world stage. Poland's football team reached the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament, with Reyman contributing to this historic achievement.
His Olympic participation represented not merely individual athletic excellence but also embodied Poland's return to the international community after regaining independence in 1918.
Military Decorations and Honors
Combat Recognition
Reyman received two of Poland's most prestigious military decorations in recognition of his service and sacrifice. He was awarded the Cross of Valor (Krzyż Walecznych), one of Poland's highest military decorations for exceptional bravery in combat. This decoration was established in 1920 and awarded specifically for acts of courage displayed in the face of enemy action.
He also received the Cross of Merit (Krzyż Zasługi), which recognized his broader contributions to Polish society and the state beyond direct military service. This decoration acknowledged individuals who demonstrated exceptional service to Poland in various capacities, including military, civilian, and cultural contributions.
These decorations were not honorary titles but represented official recognition of specific acts of courage, leadership, and service that Reyman performed during his military career.
Athletic and Social Recognition
Beyond military honors, Reyman received recognition from Polish sporting organizations, including acknowledgment from the Polish Football Association for his contributions to Polish football development and his exemplary representation of Polish athletes internationally.
Legacy and Commemoration
Memorial at Wisła Stadium
Near the entrance to Wisła Krakow's stadium, visitors can find an obelisk erected to honor Henryk Reyman's contributions to the club and Polish football. This memorial serves as a permanent reminder of his achievements and ensures that current and future generations of fans remember the club's historical excellence.
The memorial's prominent placement at the stadium entrance symbolizes the values of dedication, patriotism, and athletic excellence that Reyman embodied throughout his life. It represents recognition not only of sporting achievement but also of the broader contributions he made to his community and country.
Historical Significance
Henryk Reyman's life story exemplifies the complex experiences of early 20th-century Poland, encompassing military service during two world wars, athletic excellence on the international stage, wartime survival under occupation, and contributions to post-war reconstruction.
His ability to achieve distinction in multiple fields—military leadership, international athletics, and civil administration—makes him a unique figure in Krakow's history and Polish sports heritage.
Death and Enduring Impact
Henryk Reyman died in 1963 in Krakow, the city of his birth, concluding a remarkable 66-year life that spanned some of the most transformative periods in Polish history. His decision to remain rooted in Krakow throughout his life demonstrated his deep connection to the community that had shaped his character and values.
His passing was mourned by the sporting community, military veterans, and citizens of Krakow who had been touched by his various contributions. The continued presence of his memorial at Wisła stadium, decades after his death, demonstrates the enduring respect and admiration he commands among successive generations.
Reyman's legacy continues to inspire Polish athletes and military personnel, representing the possibility of excellence across multiple domains of service to one's country and community.
