The Subritzky family bearings
Subritzky Kusza Coat of Arms
Battle cry: NE CEDE ARDIUS (Yield Not Unto Difficulties)
Details
Alternative names NIEZAPOMINAJKA (Forget-Me-Not)
Earliest mention More than 60 Golden Books
Towns The Subritzky family owned the villages of Subocz, Zubr, and Krasne Siolo in Northern Poland (now modern Latvia). Families Herb Wlasny (PERSONAL ARMS) SUBRITZKY (Polish spelling Kusza-Zubrzycki) Kusza - (pronounced Ku-Sha) is a Polish coat of arms. It was used by only one szlachta family, SUBRITZKY (Polish spelling = Zubrzycki), in the ancient times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and is regarded as 'Herb Wlasny' (a personal gift from the King). The KUSZA arms of the Subritzky family are recorded in more than 60 Golden Books and armorials. The Subritzky (Zubrzycki) family are old "Immemorial" nobility and fought with Napoleon in 1812. Later the remnants of the family immigrated to New Zealandin 1843, and became the New Zealand's first Polish settlers.
Contents
1 Legend 2 Blazon 2.1 Variations3 Notable bearers 4 References and sources 5 See alsoLegend
On 1495. During battle a Tartar Moslem mercenary who was called Fiedz, used his crossbow to kill many enemy Knights and saved the life of HM King Jan I Olbracht of Poland/Lithuania. After the battle, "Fiedz the Tartar" was brought before the entire Polish Army and ennobled by the King himself. For his valorous deeds on the field of honour he was ennobled into the Polish/Lithuanian system and given the everlasting right to bear the coat of arms KUSZA (CROSSBOW).
Blazon
KUSZA (Crossbow): This coat of arms was given personally to "Fiedz the Tartar" a Moslem mercenary by His Majesty King Jan I Olbracht of Poland in the Year of our Lord 1495. This coat of arms is the sole property of the noble Subritzky (Kusza-Zubrzycki) family who reside in New Zealand.Fiedz the Tartar was the grandson of an un-named Tartar warrior who was a member of the Kondrat Banner (Tartar Cavalry Regiment), which crossed into Lithuania in the Year of Our Lord 1401 at the invitation of the King of Poland. All of the men in the Kondrat Banner were said to be of the highest class of "Immemorial Tartar Nobility," and blood descendants of Ghengis Khan. The Subritzky family are the Lord's of the villages of Subocz, Zubr and Krasne Siolo.
Variations
There are four variations of this coat of arms. They are:
BLAZON:
KUSZA I 'On a red field, a silver crossbow, without the arrow, and pointing downwards';
KUSZA II 'On a red field, a silver crossbow, without the arrow, pointing upwards';
KUSZA III 'On a red field, a silver crossbow, with a cyphered arrow, pointing upwards, and beneath the charge three silver chevrons (battons)
KUSZA IV 'On a red field, a silver crossbow (with an arrow), pointing downwards/sometimes upwards. NOTE: This coat of arms is sometimes referred to as ZMUDSKI, from the part of the Polish Commonwealth where this family lived (Samagotia).
This noble Polish family uses several different 'battle cries,' including "NE CEDE ARDUIS" which translates as "YIELD NOT TO DIFFICULTIES." This is used by the main branch of the family, whilst "NIEZAPOMINAJKA," which translates as "FORGET-ME-NOT," is used by the descendants of Captain Ludolph Anton Subritzky.
Notable bearers
Notable bearers of this coat of arms include:
Sir James Henare KBE, DSO last Commanding Officer of the 28th Maori Battalion Sir Stephen Roberts CMG, MA LittD Melb. pp. (Chancellor Emeritus, University of Sydney) Richard Matthews, Professor, ONZ (microbiologist), Johannes Anton Subritzky, Captain (Ship Owner), Captain Ludolph Anton Subritzky,(Master AS Medora) Ludolph Johann Heinrich Subritzky aka Captain John Louis Subritzky (1st JP in the Far North), Alfred Subritzky, Captain Master AS Greyhound, John Henry Subritzky, Captain (Master Cutter Mahurangi), Bill Subritzky QSM (evangelist), Major John Subritzky, MID, Northland Regiment Alice Evans (historian and author), Wilf Wagener MBE (historian and museum director), Dame Miriam Dell, ONZ, DBE (champion of women's issues), Bert Subritzky, Captain, Scow Master (Owner of the scow "Jane Gifford") Les Subritzky (New Zealand's first professional diver), Maria Beniston (genealogist and author), Russell Johnson (judge) VRD (Chief District Court Judge), Florence Keene QSM (author of Northland New Zealand history), Graham Standring (NZ TQ Racing Car Champ, Midget Champ x 3, 15 x NZ Team), Bryce Subritzky (New Zealand Speedway champion), Tau Henare MP (unionist and Member of Parliament), Captain Basil Subritzky (Subritzky Shipping Line), Don Subritzky (Military Aircraft Collectior) Mike Subritzky (historian, author and war poet), Padre Mike Subritzky (New Zealand Army Chaplain) Sophie Bird celebrated child violinist, Kaye Dragicevich (northland historian, journalist and writer), Roy Wagener (Author), Richard Subritzky Survivor M.V. Marchioness, George Henare OBE actor, Captain Brett SubritzkyWaiheke Shipping, Lance Corporal Daniel Subritzky AAM US (Decorated Soldier and Peacekeeper) Michael Moore (Subritzky Shipping Line), Glen Subritzky Rugby Talent Scout, Wayne Zubritzky aka Wayne Subritzky Key Grip - Lord of the Rings Justin Bird (celebrated child musician), Des Subritzky QSM (Long serving Deputy Mayor of Dargaville), Sue Bradford MP (Activist for the poor and Member of Parliament), Shadow Subritzky Rugby Player - NZ Maori, Jeanie Subritzky (nee: Davidson) Last widow of te Hokowhitu a Tu, The New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion.References and sources
^ "New Zealand - a dynamic partner". New Zealand Government. Retrieved 2008-06-07. "Let me begin, however, with some history. It is more than 160 years since the first Polish settlers arrived in New Zealand. By general agreement, this was the Subritzky family, who settled north of Auckland and played a key role in the economic development of New Zealand’s Far North. Their descendants now number more than 3000. They were followed by more Polish families in the 1870s."
^ "The Poles, The first arrivals". Retrieved 2008-06-07. "The Subritzky family claim to be New Zealand’s first Polish settlers. Matriarch Sophie Subritzky arrived in 1843 with her extended family, and they settled for a time with German immigrants at St Paulidorf in the Moutere valley, near Nelson. Later they moved to Australia, then returned to settle in Northland, where they intermarried with Māori tribes. In 1993, to mark the 150th anniversary of the family’s arrival, 3,000 descendants gathered at the original homestead at Houhora."
^ "Polnilchen Stammwappen - ihre Geichichte und ihre Sagen," von Zernicki-Szeliga E. Hamburg 1904, page: 153
"ZBIOR NAZWISK SZLACHIY," Malachowskiego N. Lublinie, 1805, page: 667, Ref: 264 Kusza Herb;
"Herbarz Polski," Kaspara Nieieckiego S.J. (Vol V), 1840, page:471;
"Herbarz Polski," Kaspara Nieieckiego S.J. (Vol X), 1843, pages:180 & 181;
"HERBARZ POLSKI," Inionospis, (Vol III), Lwow 1862;
"SLOWNIK GEOGRAFICZNY - Krolestwa Polskiego," (Vol 11), Warszawa 1890;
"Der Polnifche Adel," von Zernicki-Szeliga, Hamburg 1900, page: 589/English Translation of page 589 - "The Nobility of Poland." "There are five Polish noble families documented in this Golden Book, each bearing a different shield. Zubrzycki Arms: KUSZA registered in Podolia in 1629. These arms are also called ZMUDZ and a member of this family registered his nobility in 1782 in Galicia."
"KSIEGA HERBOWA - Rodow Polskichi," Ostrowski J. (Zeszyt XV), Warszawa 1903, Ref: Kusza I, Kusza II, Kusza III;
"Polnilchen Stammwappen - ihre Geichichte und ihre Sagen," von Zernicki-Szeliga E. Hamburg 1904, page: 153;
"HERBY SZLACHTY POLSKIE," Leszczyc Z. Poznaniu Polska 1908, page: 479, also artwork: KUSZA;
"HERBARZ Rodzin Tatarskich w Polsce," Dziadulewicz S. Wilno - 1929, page: 453, also image No:29/ English Translation - "NOBILITY REGISTER OF THE TATARS OF POLAND."' ZUBRZYCKY shield ZMUDZ [KUSZA] - Ancestors of this noble family were called to serve in the Kondracki Military Company (Banner). Their ancestors were living in about the year 1500. Muslim FIEDZ , who was the son of MISKO appears in the Golden Books in the year 1528 (8), and SIULAJA (Solomon), a grandson appears in 1567 (9). OBDULA, the son of SIULAJ was using the monogenetic nickname "ZUBR" (Buffalo/European Bison), and ABRAHIM the grandson of SIULAJA was using the surname ZUBRZYCKI in the year 1620, when he was the Lord of the Estate called Krasny Siola (beautiful hamlet) located in the province of Minsk (10). The children of ABRAHIM were baptised and had become become Christians when nobility verifications were made in the year 1631 which were not recalled. In the year 1629, there appeared in the region of Podolia several other branches of ZUBRZYCKI who were also Christians (11). Their descendants registered their nobility in the year 1786, in Eastern Galicia under the nobility shield ZMUDZ [KUSZA].
FOOTNOTE 8: As recorded in the Lithuanian Public records Vol. 1 pg. 114.FOOTNOTE 9: Niewski's handwritten manuscript, pg. 898.FOOTNOTE 10: Lithuanian Public records Vol 12, pg. 685.FOOTNOTE 11: Provincial records of Podolia Vol 1, pg.192;
"The Gumdigger - The Story of Kauri Gum," Reed A.H. NZ 1948, page: 57 (various other pages);
"Polska Encyklopedja Szlachecka," (Vol III), Warszawa 1935, page: 523;
"Polska Encyklopedja Szlachecka," (Vol XII), Warszawa 1938, pages: 340, 341, 367, artwork Table: XLV;
"ARMORIAL DE LA NOBLESSE POLONAISE TITREE," Konarski S. Paris 1958, page: 426;
"HERBARZ POLSKI," / Wydanie pierwsze Lwow 1855-1862, Wydanie Jublieuszowe Londyn 1963, Wydanie Luksusowe Londyn 1963, Sulatycki T.(Dyrektor), (Vol I), page: 83;
"ARMORIAL GENERAL - Dictionnaire des termes du Blason" Rietstap J.B. (Tome I), Reproduced from the 2nd Edition 1884, Barnes & Noble New York 1966, page 1147;
"GENERAL ILLUSTRATED ARMORIAL" Rolland V. & H.(Book I), Lyon, France 1970, Ref: KUSZA & ZMUDSKI;
"To The Northward" (A history of the Mangonui County area, which included the Aupouri Peninsula, Kaitaia and Whangaroa). KEENE F.M. QSM Bryant Print, Whangarei NZ.. 1977. (various pages);
"Stephen Henry Roberts, Historian and Vice-Chancellor - A short biography," Wood D.R.V. (Sydney University Monographs Number Two), 1986, NSW. ISBN 0-949269-21-2;
"Der Adel von Galizien Lodomerien und der Zutowina," J. Siebmacher's groBes Wappenbuch (Band 32), Zubrzycki I, Zubrzycki II, Zubrzycki III Taf: 309;
"Polish Surnames - Origins and Meanings," (second edition), Hoffman William F. Chicago Il, USA 1988. page: 560. ISBN 0924207043;
"The Polish Armorial Polonais," Auteurs Associes. Chateau-Thierry 1988.
"The Subritzky Legend" - A historic publication of New Zealand's first Polish settler family. M.R.G. Subritzky (John Dunmore, Heritage Press Ltd), NZ 1990. ISBN 0-908708-20-3;
"SZLACHTY KROLESTWA POLSKIEGO" Reprint Wykonano, Warszawa 1991, page: 297.
"Subritzky Shipping - A Heritage of Sail 1843 - 1993" M.R.G. Subritzky 1993. Forward by Dame Catherine Tizard, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO, 1st Edition 1993 (Cloudy Bay Publishing) NZ, 2nd Edition 1994, ISBN 0-473-01849-7;
"The road to Sarau - From Germany to Upper Moutere," Briars J. & Leith J. (Upper Moutere 150 Jubilee, Stiles Printing Nelson), 1993, NZ. Chapter 4 The Voyage of the Saint Pauli, also Sophie Subritzky pages: 23, 27, 29, ISBN 0-473-01999-X;
KAITAIA - A Nostalgic Glimpse at the 1940s," Parker K. (Northland Age Ltd) 1994, NZ .. (various mentions as a settler family), ISBN 0-473-02803-4;
"The Subritzky Family History 1843 - 1993," Compiled by Beniston M. M. (Northland Age Publishing) NZ.1994 (4 Volumes) contains photographs and nesclipping dating from 1843, also various family trees;
"Tea Tree Berry Kid - The Influence of the Far North" Evans A.I. NHPS (Northland Historical Publications Society) NZ, 1996, pages: 3, 7,17, 32. ISBN 0-95-97-926-8;
"The German Connection - New Zealand and German - speaking Europe in the Nineteenth Century" Edited by Bade Professor J.N. (Oxford University Press, Auckland University) NZ 1996, Part IV "The Contribution of German Settlers to Business and Enterprise in New Zealand," Chapter 22 The Subritzky's. ISBN 019-558-283-7;
"THE NEW ZEALAND ROLL OF HONOUR 1845 - 1995 New Zealanders who have served their country in Peace and War," Taylor A. (Roll of Honour Publications) 1997, NZ. pages: 501, 1023, 1024, 1025.
page 501 Henare, Sir James Clendon Tau. KBE for services to Maori, especially Maori community affairs (CBE 1966), DSO 1945, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp, Italy Star, Defence War Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, NZ War Service Medal, Coronation Medal 1953, Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 1977, Mentioned in Despatches 1944. Born Motatau 18 November 1911, son of Tau Henare (qv) and Sarah Marie Henare née Subritzky. Died Kawakawa 8 January 1989. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc. etc (completion of bio) Page 1022 Subritzky, Lance-Corporal Eric. 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, NZ War Service Medal. Born Tokerau Beach, Northland, 9 April 1919, son of Robert and Kahu Subritzky née Manuel. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Crossbow". etc. Subritzky, Trooper Frederick. UN Medal for Peacekeeping Operations in the former Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. Born Kaitaia, Northland 12 September 1960, son of Robert William and Julia Subritzky née Wiki. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc. Subritzky, Sergeant Fredo George. 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, NZ War Service Medal. Wounded Monte Cassino. Born Houhora, Northland 28 January 1922, son of Major Jack Subritzky (qv), and May Freda Subritzky née Evans. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc Subritzky, Private Gloria (Ngaire) Vivienne. 1939-45 War Medal, NZ War Service Medal. Born Waihopo, Northland 10 October 1923, daughter of Major Jack Subritzky (qv) and May Freda Subritzky née Evans. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc. Subritzky, Haimona (Simon). NZ General Service Medal (for Warlike Operations) with Malaya bar 1962. Born Te Keo, Northland 11 November 1940, son of Robert and Dolly Subritzky née Keepa. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc Subritzky, Private Herepete William. British War Medal 1914-1918. Born North Cape 5 January 1897, son of William John Henry and Te Paea Subritzky née Tiwhi. Died Northland. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc. Subritzky, Private Hone (John). War Medal 1939-45, NZ War Service Medal. Born Northland 4 January 1919, son of Herepete and Pinia Subritzky née Heteraka. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc. Page 1023 Subritzky, Major John (Jack). 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, NZ War Service Medal, Mentioned in Despatches for bravery at the Battle of the Somme 1916. Wounded twice. Born Waihopo, Northland 27 January 1892, son of Captain John Henry and Mary Anne Subritzky née McCarthy (daughter of Private Daniel McCarthy qv). Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc Subritzky, Able Seaman Leslie Keith. War Medal 1939-45, NZ War service Medal. Born Waihopo 30 July 1925, son of Major Jack Subritzky (qv) and May Freda Subritzky née Evans. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc. Subritzky, Captain Leslie William. War Medal 1939-45, NZ War Service Medal. Born Te Kopuru 28 June 1923, son of Captain Vivian Subritzky and Letita Subritzky née Wyatt. Polish noble clan "Kusza". etc Subritzky, Private Lyndsay Euan. War Medal 1939-45, NZ War Service Medal. Born Awanui 22 September 1924, son of Harold and Emily Subritzky née Johnson. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). Subritzky, Norma Rita. War Medal 1939-45, NZ War Medal. Born Awanui 11 May 1923, daughter of Harold and Emily Subritzky née Johnson. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc. Subritzky, Driver Pamela (Kim). NZ General Service Medal (For Peacekeeping Operations) 1991 with Sinai Bar, Multinational Force & Observers Service Medal 1991. Born Cambridge 27 November 1969, daughter of Lindsay Eric and Judith Subritzky née Wicks. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc Subritzky, Private Robert. British War Medal 1914-18, Victory Medal. Born Awanui 13 August 1894, son of Captain Arthur William Thomas and Tiini Subritzky née Paratene. Wounded on the Somme. Died Awanui 22 June 1971. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow). etc Subritzky, Gunner William Grover Cutchim. Vietnam Star, Vietnam Medal, South Vietnamese Presidential Unit Citation of the Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf, US Meritorious Unit Combat Citation 1966. Born Auckland 16 October 1944, son of William and May Subritzky. Tribal affiliations: Te Aupouri, Te Rawara, Ngapuhi, Polish noble clan "Kusza" (Crossbow)etc.ISBN 0-908578-58-X;
"OUR PEOPLE OUR CENTURY - 100 years of New Zealand History" Smith P. Callan L. (Hodder Moa Beckett) NZ 1999. Chapter 7 The Subritzky Family - Distant Cousins in Conflict pages: 190 - 193, ISBN 1-86958-716-2;
"KAITAIA - Portraits from the Past 1900 - 1939," Parker K. (Bridgewater & Top Print Kaitaia) 1999, NZ. (various) Chapter 3 Changes Faces of Transport, Chapter 4 The Many uses of Land, Chapter 20 Regional Potpourri - Houhora Home of the Subritzky and Evans families. ISBN 0-473-05930-4;
"LIETUVOS BAJORU PALIKUNIAI," Stankus Professor J. Vilnius 2000, English Translation - "UNION OF LITHUANIAN NOBILITY." pages: 258 & 259;
ZUBRZYCKI Coat of Arms KUSZA The noble family Zubrzycki (Arms:Kusza) were settled in the Minsk region of the Polish/Lithuanian Commonwealth, and were descended from the Tatar Abdulla Zubrzycki. They were the Lords of the village of Subaciaus (Subocz). In 1812, when Napoleon advanced into Russia, he had an Army of 115, 000 men, included Polish/Lithuanian soldiers many of whom were of the noble classes. Several nobles in his Army were named Zubrzycki but were from a number of different families. These soldiers included brothers Johannes and Romualdus Zubrzycki (born Subocz village 1785). Both brothers later fled to the Kingdom of Hanover after Napoleon's retreat, where Romualdus Zubrzycki married Sophie Elisabeth Korber. Romualdus Zubrzycki died of tuberculosis in 1833. His widow Sophie Elisabeth Zubrzycki and their children sailed for New Zealand and arrived on 14 June 1843. The family lived for a time in a small hamlet named "Saint Paulidorf."In 1845, the Zubrzycki family migrated to Australia where they took part in the many gold rushes in the State of Victoria. In 1860, brothers Louis and Heinrich Zubrzycki returned to the Far North of New Zealand and purchased an estate of 8,000 acres (32 km2) and as well leased a further 25,000 acres (100 km2) of land from the government.The Zubrzycki family established an estate in Houhora and as well built the town of Awanui and became involved in coastal shipping, owning many ships. Captain John Anton Subritzky owned one of the first motor cars in Auckland, and also is recorded as having the first traffic accident in Auckland in 1904. The family also established "Subritzky Shipping Line" which is New Zealand's oldest privately owned shipping company;
"POLSKIE RODY SZLACHECKIE I ICH HERBY" Tadeusz G. Bialystok Polska 2000, various mentions Zubrzycki, Zmudzki, also colour illustrations KUSZA I, KUSZA III & ZMUDZKI;
"NEW ZEALAND - Memories" article and photographs submitted by Mike Subritzky (Focus Printing, Parnell), NZ Feb/Mar 2000, The Subritzky Family of Northland, pages: 4,5,6,7,8,9. ISSN: 1173-4159;
NEW ZEALAND WHO'S WHO Aotearoa - Special New Millennium 2001 Edition," Taylor A. and Haysom R. (NEW ZEALAND WHO'S WHO Publications Ltd, Newmarket), 2001, NZ. pages: 842 & 843, ISSN: 1172-9813;
"New Zealand - a dynamic partner" New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark's speech of 22 April 2005
See also
Polish heraldry
Heraldry
Coat of Arms
[©Copyright 2001, by Mike Subritzky, NEW ZEALAND]
