At a ceremony on Monday, Gdynia Mayor Aleksandra Kosiorek praised Davies for his deep understanding of Poland's complex past, despite not having grown up in the country.
Local councillor Monika Strzałkowska said the distinction reflects the city's gratitude for Davies' contributions to promoting Polish history, shaping a positive image of Poland abroad, and highlighting the significance of Gdynia.
In his acceptance speech, Davies said he was deeply honoured to receive the title from the "famous town of Gdynia."
Born in 1939 in Bolton, Lancashire, in the northwest of England, Davies has maintained ties with Poland since the late 1960s.
He has written more than 20 books on European and Polish history, which have been translated into over 30 languages.
His best-known works include God’s Playground: A History of Poland; Rising ’44: The Battle for Warsaw; White Eagle, Red Star: The Polish-Soviet War 1919-1920; Europe at War 1939-1945: No Simple Victory; Trail of Hope: The Anders Army, An Odyssey Across Three Continents; and Beneath Another Sky: A Global Journey into History.
Davies holds dual British and Polish citizenship. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honour.
Gdynia City Hall announced its decision to grant him honorary citizenship in January, but the ceremony was postponed until he could attend in person.
(mk/gs)