Lavon Rydleŭski

Lavon Rydleŭski (; 14 October 1903 - 24 October 1953) was an active participant in the Belarusian independence movement and anti-Soviet resistance and a prominent member of the Belarusian diaspora.

Early life Rydleŭski was born in the village of Uljanavičy, Mogilev province of the Russian Empire (now Viciebsk Region of Belarus). In 1917-20 he studied in the and was a member of a cultural and educational group 'Fern Flower' .

In 1923 he graduated from the Belarusian Gymnasium in Vilna and in 1929 a polytechnic institute in Poděbrady, Czechoslovakia. In 1921 he participated in anti-Soviet armed resistance in the Paleśsie region, southern Belarus.

In exile After his studies in Czechoslovakia, Rydleŭski moved to France where he founded and headed the Union of Belarusian Working Emigrants in France .

During World War II, he obtained permission for Belarusians to serve in the French Foreign Legion and participated in the French Resistance. In 1948 he was elected the chair of the International Union of Belarusians in Exile .

On 27 November 2010, an anniversary of the Słucak Uprising, the Association of Belarusians in Great Britain installed a new tombstone on his grave. Rydleŭski's resting place has since been used by the Belarusian community as a meeting place for commemorative events.