Roman Dachkevitch

Roman Dachkevitch (Ukrainian: Дашкевич Роман Іванович, 1892–1975) was a Ukrainian politician and soldier, known for his role in the formation of the artillery of the Ukrainian People's Army.

Roman Dachkevitch
Dachkevitch in 1918
Born	1892 (1892) Lviv, Austro-Hungarian Empire
Died	1975 (aged 82–83) Kufstein, Austria
Allegiance	Ukrainian People's Republic
Branch	Artillery
Battles / wars	World War I, Russian Civil War, Ukrainian War of Independence

Early life and education

Dachkevitch was born in 1892. He attended gymnasium in Peremyshl (now Przemyśl) and later studied law at Lviv University. During his student years, he became involved in Ukrainian and Galician political movements.^[1]

Military career

At the outbreak of World War I, Dachkevitch was mobilized into the Austro-Hungarian Army as an artillery sergeant. After being captured by the Russians, he began organizing among Ukrainian prisoners of war and encouraged them to support Ukrainian national causes.

Following the February Revolution of 1917, he escaped to Kyiv and became involved in the formation of the Sich Riflemen, composed of Ukrainian soldiers from Bukovina and Galicia. In mid-December 1917, he officially established the unit as part of the Army of Zaporijjia with 22 former Austro-Hungarian POWs. In February 1918, he was appointed commander of an artillery battery that defended Kyiv against advancing Soviet troops. Because of this role, he is regarded as the founder of the UPA's artillery forces. The modern 26th Artillery Brigade of Ukraine is named in his honor.^[2]

Later life and death

Dachkevitch spent his later years in exile. He died in Kufstein, Austria, in 1975 and was buried in Lychakiv Cemetery, Lviv.^[3]

Legacy

Dachkevitch is commemorated as one of the key figures in the early development of the Ukrainian military. His role in founding the artillery branch of the Sich Riflemen is particularly noted in modern Ukrainian military history.^[4]

Gallery

• 
  The staff of the Sich Riflemen around 1920 - seated left to right are Mykhailo Matchak, Andriy Melnyk, Yevhen Konovalets, Roman Souchko, Ivan Dankiv and standing left to right are Ivan Androukh, Roman Dachkevitch, Vassyl Koutchabskyi, Yaroslav Tchyj.
• 
  The staff of the Sich Riflemen around 1920. Seated (L–R): Mykhailo Matchak, Andriy Melnyk, Yevhen Konovalets, Roman Souchko, Ivan Dankiv. Standing (L–R): Ivan Androukh, Roman Dachkevitch, Vassyl Koutchabskyi, Yaroslav Tchyj.
• 
  Memorial plaque at 5 Kopernyka Street in Lviv
• 
  Grave of Roman Dachkevitch in Field 67 of the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv