Rydz-Smigly or Smigly-Rydz, Edward , 1886-1941, Polish politician. He served under Pilsudski in the Polish Legions (1914-17), in the war with Soviet Russia (1920), and in the coup of 1926. At Pilsudski's death and in accordance with his wish, Rydz-Smigly 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.