Rydz-Śmigły or Śmigły-Rydz, Edward [key], 1886–1941, Polish politician. He served under Piłsudski in the Polish Legions (1914–17), in the war with Soviet Russia (1920), and in the coup of 1926. At Piłsudski's death and in accordance with his wish, Rydz-Śmigły succeeded him (1935) as inspector general of the army; in 1936 he was named “first citizen after the president” and marshal of Poland. A virtual dictator, he fostered the Ozon [Camp of National Unity], a government party that dominated parliament. When Germany and the USSR invaded Poland, he fled (Sept., 1939) to Romania.
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