The Peoples Army of Poland (World War II)

[Polar]

When the Germans discovered mass graves in Katyn in 1943 they announced to the world that Russians were responsible that murder. Polish government began it's own instigation and come to conclusion that Russians were indeed responsible for Katyn massacre. Stalin used that as an excuse to break all relations with Polish government in London. Soon after that he set up a group of Polish communists who began their work under Stalin's and NKVD supervision. In the spring of 1943 Polish communist were allowed by Stalin to prepare ground for organization of Polish Army in USSR. To make things look legitimate Polish communist asked Stalin for permission to organize Polish Army. Stalin "generously" granted his permission on may 8, 1943. Soon after first Polish "volunteers" were gathered in a military camp in Sielce near Moscow. This was start The Peoples Army of Poland.

1st Inf. Div. "Tadeusza Kosciuszki" in 1943

Volunteers of 1st Division

Oath 1st Infantry Division, 1943

[Polar]

Parade of soldiers of 1st Division, 1943

Soldiers of 1 Inf. Div. during exercises in 1943

Soldier from 1st Infantry Division in travel in front

Tanks from Brigade "Bohaterow Westerplatte"

[Polar]

In combat


Lenino - first battle


Light artillery engaging targets, outside Warsaw


Polish position near Warsaw (Anin)


Commanding field position during fight for "Pommernstellung".

[Polar]

Tankers of Tanks Brigade "Bohaterow Westerplatte"- Spring of 1944




Fight for Kolobrzeg


?

[Polar]

Road to Berlin


meeting with US Army on the Laba River may 1945

More coming soon..

[Bombardier]

Fantastic pictures Polar, bloody Fantastic

[Polar]

on left
Gen. ZYGMUNT HENRYK BERLING (1896-1980)
Born in Southern Poland in Limanowa near Krakow. In September 1914 he joined Polish Legions under Pilsudski initially in 2nd regiment later transferred to 4th regiment. He was platoon commander and later became a company commander. From May 1918 till November 1918 he was in Austro-Hungarian army. In November 1918 he joined Polish army. During Polish-Bolshevik war he was commander of march company and later battalion in defense of Lwow. He was awarded Silver cross of Virtuti Militari (highest Polish military award) for bravery. In 1920 he was promoted to captain and in 1923 to major. During Campaign of 1939 he remained inactive in his house in Wilno. After the city was overrun by Soviets he was arrested by NKVD. During his imprisonment he offered his services to Soviets and probably saved his life. He was later moved to special camp for Polish officers who were sympathetic for communist cause. In 1941 after German invasion of Soviet Union and after signing Polish-Soviet treaty Berling was attached to Gen. Anders HQ. After the evacuation of Polish Army to Iran he remained in Soviet Union (technically he was a deserter) In 1943 he volunteered to organize 1st Polish infantry division "Tadeusz Kosciuszko" in Soviet Union. Later the division was expanded to Corps and then to Army size. In 1944 he entered Lublin with Communist Polish Army. On 22 July 1944 he became second in charge of Polish Army. He was relieved of his command after unsuccessful attempt to cross Wisla River to help Warsaw's London backed insurgents. Due to political situation all attempts by LWP were doomed from the start. Stalin had no intention of helping "London Poles" liberating Warsaw.
on right
Gen. Karol Swierczewski (1897-1947)
1939 - 1941Instructor at Frunze Military Academy
1941 General Officer Commanding 248th Rifle Division
1941 - 1942Commanding Officer 43 Reserve Rifle Brigade
1942 - 1943Commandant of Rifle Officers School
1943 Transferred from the Red Army to LWP
1944 Deputy General Officer Commanding I Corps Polish People's Army
1944 Deputy General Officer Commanding Polish People's Army
1944 - 1945General Officer Commanding 2nd Polish People's Army
1945 Chief Inspector of Rearmament
1945 General Officer Commanding III Military Area
1946 - 1947Vice-Minister of Defence
1947 Killed by Ukrainian nationalist
He was fight in Ciwil Spanish War as comandant Internacional Brigades. He was prototype a General Golz from book Ernest Hemingway
"For Whom the Bell Tolls"

[Eagledriver]

Excellent pics and article, Polar.

[tosh66]

All the above pictures are a fantastic and vivid portrayal of something we have the briefest of knowledge. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

[Polar]

Fight for Kolobrzeg


120mm mortar


122mm hotwizer




AT-gun in action