The unit was formed in mid-December 1914 (or March 1915, sources vary), as part of the
Polish Legions in World War I. The Brigade was first commanded by an Austrian officer,
Ferdynand Küttner, and from 14 July 1916 by a Polish officer,
Józef Haller de Hallenburg. In 1917 most of the Brigade followed Haller and unlike the
I Brigade and
III Brigade, which followed
Józef Piłsudski, it swore an oath during the
Oath crisis. It eventually formed the bulk of the
Polish Auxiliary Corps (although several sources indicated it remained a distinct unit, under the name of the Second Brigade, till March 1918). After the
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, the Brigade rebelled against the Austro-Hungarians, joining other Polish units and fighting for the cause of Polish independence. In March 1918 the Brigade was combined with the
Polish II Corps in Russia (of the former Russian Army, now also rebelling against the Russians). It was the only First World War Polish formation that fought against all three
partitioners of Poland (Austria, Germany and Russia).
Battles Major battles fought by the Second Brigade included: •
Battle of Mołotków (29 October 1914) •
Battle of Rafajlowa (23/24 January 1915) •
Charge of Rokitna (13 June 1915) •
Battle of Kostiuchnówka (4 to 6 July 1916) •
Battle of Rarańcza (15/16 February, 1918) •
Battle of Kaniów (11 May 1918) ==Organization==