Polish Greatness (Blog) is devoted to promoting Polish History, and gives tribute to the Polish Armed Forces past and present for their Courage, Honour and Sacrifices.
Polish insurgents fighting in Mokotow have tried to establish a connection with Upper Czerniakow but their efforts to break the German ring in the area of Lazienski Park have failed.
During the night two companies from the Baszta regiment succeeded in the capture of the Holy Family of Nazareth convent on Czerniakowska Street. The nuns, the injured and civilians were evacuated and have been taken to relative safety. Throughout the Nazi occupation the nuns conducted secret classes in defiance of Nazi edicts. Nazi Germany's inflicted its policy of cultural annihilation on the Polish nation, forbidding the continuation of Polish schools and universities on pain of death. During the past five years over 115 students managed to pass their final examinations.
Secret classes given by the nuns of Holy Family of Nazareth Convent in Warsaw WW2
At 12:30 a.m. General Bor, the Delegate of the Government and its staff descended into the city sewers. They entered through a manhole just 220 yards away from German positions. Four hours later they emerged in the Centre City sector. At this point in time, less than half a square mile of the Old Town remains in the hands of the Armia Krajowa (AK).
Polish units are defending about a dozen buildings, including the Old Arsenal, the Polish Bank, the Bastion of Holy Mary, St. John’s Cathedral, the hospital for the mentally ill, and Mostowski’s Palace.
Polish Insurgents attacking German units
Fighting has reached an intensity never seen before in the history of warfare. Polish and German units are in a stand to the death. One building has been attacked by the German eleven times and has changed hands seven times.
Germans launch barage of fire from 15 cm Sig 33 Howizer Warsaw Uprising
Air raids and artillery bombing of the Old Town continue. Despite incessant enemy attacks, the insurgents keep their positions in the Polski Bank on Bielanska Street, the ruined Simonsa passage on Dluga Street, the ruins of the City Hall and in the Blank’s Palace. They also fight back enemy attacks on barricades in Miodowa, Podwale, Piwna, Swietojanska and Kanonia Streets. Strong German pressure from the Vistula towards Brzozowa, Bolesc and Rybaki Streets continues. The insurgent troops are forced to retreat from the ruins of the “Quebracho” tannery on Bolesc Street and from the Jan Bozy Hospital.
Warsaw Barricade
The northern part of Srodmiescie in particular the area around Panska, Twarda, Sliska and Sienna Streets have been under strong enemy fire. Sources indicate that the staff of the Warsaw District of the People’s Army, many soldiers and civilians have been buried beneath the ruins of a bombed house at 16 Freta Street.
Lt. John Ward
Lt. John Ward, a British soldier, and member of the AK has dispatched messages again today to London reporting on the days events in Warsaw.
The message reads as follows:The Germans are continuing their campaign of murder in Warsaw. Three days ago two Polish prisoners came with a message from Gestapo headquarters in Such Avenue. The message was that the German troops who were in the post in Pius Street should be allowed to join Gestapo headquarters in Such Avenue. The Germans said that in exchange they would release some Polish prisoners and send some medical supplies. The request was, of course, refused. The two Polish people who brought the message say that the Germans have constructed a crematorium and are shooting and burning about 300 men daily. Up till the time these two people left Gestapo H.Q. 3,000 suits of civil clothing had been received into the German store. That means that 3,000 Polish patriots have already been brutally murdered. It is known that there are another 2,500 prisoners there, and that more are arriving every day. AK is powerless to prevent this brutal wholesale murder. They have not the special types of heavy weapons needed to attack such a heavily fortified stronghold as Such Avenue.
Despite the heavy losses of the Polish forces, the men and women of Warsaw refuse to give up. Sources indicate that the “Oaza” battalion has just been formed consisting of remnants of insurgent troops in Sadyba and is under the command of Captain Janusz Wyszogrodzki “Janusz". No further word regarding their actions.
Polish forces in the Old Town have taken a drastic toll. Casualties have been very high. There are now fewer than 5,000 insurgents trying to defend an area of 10 square kilometers. The battleground has shifted dramatically in the course of the past two weeks. On August 1st it covered an area of about 140 square kilometres (54 square miles).
Since morning the Old Town has been hit with a continuous barrage of artillery and mortar fire and the Germans managed to seize the Canonesses Convent in Teatralny Square. Attempts by the Poles to retake the building have failed. Maj. Mieczysław Chyżynski “Pelka” has fought back strong enemy attacks on the State Securities Plant on Sanguszki Street from Rybaki and Zakroczymska Streets. Polish resistance is very strong and the German attack has collapsed at the fiercely defended barricades at the entries to Podwale, Piwna, and Swietojanska Streets.
During the night, "Czata 49" and "Zoska" battallions launched an attack to join troops marching in from the Kampinos Forest. The "Czata 49" battalion pushed the Germans back from Stawki Street and held its positions for three hours. But the attack launched by the "Zoska" battalion in the neigborhood of Nalewski Street failed.
Czata 49 Battalion
Major Alfons Kotowski "Okon" arrived in the vicinity of Laski to take over command of the Kampinos Forest troops and organize relief for Warsaw. German forces continue to attack northern Srodmiescie, and have seized control of the Water Filters Station where they have blocked the water supply network.
Tadeusz Gajcy 'Topor'
Famous poet and AK soldier Tadeusz Gajcy 'Topor' was killed in action today and perished on Leszno Street. He was the co-founder and editor of the literary magazine Sztuka i Narod and he was notable for having been a founding member of the underground press in 1942. He is remembered for his fervent contributions as member of the Generation of Columbuses. It is a term relegated to the entire generation of Poles who were born after 1918. During this period their youth was in essence the “discovery of Poland” at a time in which Poland finally regained independence and statehood after 123 years of oblivion. It spurred an entire generation with the mission to fight against foreign occupation. Also killed was his friend, also a poet, Cadet Zdislaw Leon Stoinski "Chmura".
While the fighting rages on, British and Polish authorities continue diplomatic discourse over the war. Ambassador Raczynski has issued a reply to a letter he received just yesterday from the British Government. Addressing it to Sir Orme Sargent of the British Foreign Office, as well as Mr. Eden. Raczynski stated that Soviet radio had on several occasions made appeals to the Polish nation to rise up against the Germans, their latest appeal having been made just three days before the Uprising took place. Despite British claims to the contrary, Prime Minister Mikolajczyk and the Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tadeusz Romer vigorously contend that the Polish Government had indeed properly informed His Majesty’s Government that actions were to be taken by the Polish Home Army against the Germans in Warsaw. The Polish Government has been criticized by Britain, as well as by the Soviet Government for not having established prior notification before the start of the Uprising.
Adam Aston - Warsaw Melody (Powstanie Warszawskie) 1944 (00:03:47m)
The Red Army appears to have stopped its assault on Warsaw. There is considerable speculation as to the reasons for this sudden change. Certain sources have indicated that it is a calculated tactic by Stalin to allow the German forces to destroy the Warsaw insurgents who are loyal to the Polish Government-in-Exile in London and consequently hostile to Stalin’s overtures.
Soviet soliders near the Vistula River
Just a little over two weeks ago, the Soviet Army had reached the outskirts of the beleaguered city. The 1st Belorussian Front had taken part in the Lublin-Brest Operation from mid-July to early August with the mission to clear central-eastern Poland of Nazi German forces. They also took part Operation Lvov-Sandomierz and Operation Bagration during which Soviet forces succeeded in completely destroying large numbers of German units. In desperation German forces have attempted to assemble reinforcements to hold the line of the Vistula River.
Soviet tanks Operation Bagration
American WW2 poster promoting US and USSR alliance
The Vistula is the last river barrier which remains separating the Soviet and German armies. However, the few panzer and SS divisions assembled in haste are notably inferior to that of the Soviet war machine. The Soviet armies have planned to seize bridgeheads across the Vistula and Narew rivers from which they will launch offensives and resupply their units. Though Warsaw is right at the limit of the planned Soviet advance, the Soviets do not consider it an essential in their strategy. Instead, they have already seized several important bridgeheads to the south of Warsaw and are defending them ferociously against German counterattacks. Stalin has notified Prime Ministers Churchill and Mikolajczyk that the Soviet government intends to dissociate themselves from the "Warsaw disturbance".Lt. John Ward, a British soldier, and member of the AK has dispatched messages again today to London reporting on the days events in Warsaw. The message reads as follows:
Lt. John Ward
The Germans in Warsaw are making a great deal of damage with mine-throwers. They are using half explosive material, half incendiary. Result is the explosive makes huge holes in the wall and the incendiary material sets fire to the houses. Many of the finest buildings in Warsaw have been destroyed in this manner. Casualties among the civil population are heavy.Practically every house in Warsaw that is not burned out has its allotment of refugees. Many thousands of people have not only lost their homes but also all they possessed. All refugees are received as guests. Often they arrive one day in a house and a few hours later they must look for a new home because that one too is set on fire or bombed out.
Home Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Tadeusz Komorowski "Bor" sent a radio message to London informing them that the fight for Warsaw will continue despite “overwhelming enemy power”. Although allied planes have been making supply airdrops there is still a drastic shortage of ammunition and weapons and the situation is urgent. Bor has also sent a radio message at 10:30 am to local units of the AK to join the fight and ordered them to them head toward Warsaw and its surrounding areas.
Polish insurgents succeeded in destroying two German tanks today in the Old Town. Meanwhile in the City Centre Sector, insurgents are effectively fighting off all German attacks and seizing food storehouses on Ceglana Street. In Powisle, after a fierce skirmish, Polish combatants have captured a German SS Viking division's armored military vehicle. Since the Uprising began, Polish fighters have been able to capture a substantial number of weapons and ammunition from the enemy as well as numerous tanks. Though Polish units have been successful in the capture of several strongholds throughout the city they have not been able to connect the Center and Northern districts nor break the German siege on the Old Town.
German units continue to attack the Old Town from the west while other units are striking from Leszno along Tlomackie towards Bielanska Street. Fierce exchange of gunfire continues for a barricade and the PAST building on Tlomackie Street. By evening troops of Maj. Gustaw Billewicz “Sosna” and Captain Stefan Kaniewski “Nałecz” have succeeded in pushing back the enemy behind the line of Przejazd Street.
Polish Insurgents Capture German Tank SdKfz 251
Polish capture of German Tank positioned at barricade
Polish Insurgents examine German tank
On Bartoszewicza Street soldiers of the “Krybar” group have captured a German armored personnel carrier which they nicknamed “Jas”. But they changed the name to honour the memory of their fallen commander - by his nom de guerre "Szary Wilk".
Around noon the enemy attacked Muranw striking from the Traugutt Fortress, Gdanski Railway Station and Stawki Street towards the streetcar depot on Sierakowska Street. The Germans managed to “wedge in” between the “Radosław” group and a group commanded by Lt. Col. Jan Szypowski “Leśnik”. Around 4 p.m., the insurgents recaptured the lost positions but suffered severe casualties.
Meanwhile in the Kampinos Forest, Captain Jozef Krzyczkowski “Szymon” received orders from Col. Karol Ziemski “Wachnowski”. He was ordered to put his troops on standby and move to initial positions for attack from the area of the Powazki and Jewish cemeteries. The maneuver is aimed at joining the forces from the Kampinos Forest with those fighting in Muranów.
There was a dramatic evacuation of the Maltanski Hospital from Senatorska Street to Srodmiescie today. An SS company of soldiers under the command of Obersturmfuhrer Lagna entered the hospital and ordered, in his word, the "evacuation of this dump" threatening that in two hours it would be set on fire. The head doctor, Jerzy Dreyza protested but to no avail. All the doctors, nurses and even some more able-bodied patients began to carry the gravely wounded outside in front of the hospital. Soonafter the German Commander ordered that they vacant the courtyard as the sight of the patients and staff "bothered" him. The directorate of the Maltese Hospital wanted to transfer all the patients to the closest facility at Ujazdowski Hospital but were not permitted to do so. The Germans began to set up grenade launchers among the hospital beds of the remaining patients and began to shell the insurgents. Meanwhile the sick and wounded were led, under German escort through a long and ardous path through Bankowy Square, Przechodnia Street, Iron Gate Square, Saski Garden to the barricade blocking Marszalkowska Street. Along the route robbers attacked the doctors and patients and took from them any valuables they were carrying.
Maltański Hospital
Prime Minister Mikolajczyk has returned to London. As the days pass it becomes clear that Stalin may not have any intention of providing assistance to Polish insurgents, despite plentiful assurances. The British Foreign Office had sent a letter to the Polish Government in exile in London stating that “The decision for a general Uprising in Warsaw has been undertaken without previous consultation with His Majesty’s Government which, because of that, found itself unable to prepare plans for co-operation in advance.”Polish authorities have confirmed that a letter had been sent to the British government on July 27, 1944 by Polish Ambassador Edward Raczynski informing them of such plans. However on a pretext for inaction the British government maintains that the Uprising was not co-ordinated with the Soviet government. Despite denials by the British and Soviet governments, the fact remains that Radio Moscow transmitted broadcasts to Poland just days before the outbreak of the Uprising urging the Polish Home Army to fight.
Avrell Harriman
In an effort to circumvent political bickering the American Ambassador to Russia, Avrell Harriman sent Molotov an urgent letter requesting “approval from the Red Air Force for a shuttle mission of American bombers to drop arms on Warsaw for the resistance forces and then proceed to bases in the Soviet Union." The Soviet government has not issued a response as yet.
Harriman attended the Tehran and Yalta Conferences with the Big Three where he encouraged Churchill and Roosevelt to take a stronger line against the Soviet Union, especially on questions related to Poland. Churchill expressed distrust in the Soviet government but is intent on carving the post-world war into spheres of influence while the US is committed to the principles of self-determination as outlined in the Atlantic Charter. Harriman cautioned that if the spheres approach were used it would give Stalin a free hand in eastern Europe.
The municipal waterworks ceased operation today. German bombers have destroyed the main water lines, leaving the Varsovians to ration the meager supplies available from city wells. Polish authorities have ordered that construction of all water wells must be supervised in order to prevent the spread of epidemics.
German bombing unearthed water mains Warsaw Uprising
Lt. John Ward
Lt. John Ward, a British soldier, and member of the AK has been dispatching secret coded messages from Warsaw to London reporting on the daily events of the Uprising. Several messages were sent today describing the battle and overall morale of the Polish insurgents.
I observed the dropping of supplies by British aircraft last night. The Germans on the outskirts of the city have some light ack-ack and about 15 searchlights. All the ack-ack was considerably higher than the aircraft. It is, in my opinion, much safer to fly as low as possible.
The British aircraft which flew over Warsaw on the night of 13th/14th was enthusiastically greeted by the population, despite the shrapnel that was falling on the streets. They cried: "They are ours; they are British."
The morale of the cut-off population of Warsaw is today 10 per cent. better than it was yesterday. One aircraft dropped a wreath with the inscription: "From the British soldiers to our fighting comrades of the Polish Army."
Fighting continues to be very bitter in Warsaw. The Germans fight for every inch of ground: It is reported that in some places whole districts have been burnt and the inhabitants either shot or taken to Germany. The soldiers of AK continue to repeat: " When we get weapons from England we will pay them back." The Polish population have an unshakeable faith in Great Britain as their liberator.
Snipers on the roofs of houses in Warsaw are still taking a heavy toll of human life. Most of these snipers that have been caught have turned out to be Ukrainian. They are usually armed with hand machine guns with a plentiful supply of ammunition.
Allied planes continue to make air drops over Srodmiescie. The first supply sorties to Warsaw were manned by Polish crews. They consider it their highest duty to help their countrymen irregardless of the danger. On August 4th, seven Polish crews as well as another seven from British No. 148 squadron took off for Warsaw. The flights ended in tragedy. Five British Halifaxes were shot down by enemy fire and another was lost during a crash landing. The remainder of aircraft were damaged by German fire and only three Polish bombers managed to drop their load.
One of the Halifaxes was a JP-162 "S" of RAF 148 Squadron that crashed in the village of Wojnarowa in southern Poland on August 4, 1944 at 1:30 a.m. The pilot F/O James Girven McCall was killed. He was 23. Air/GNR Sgt. John Frederick Cairney Rae was killed. Age 33; Air/GNR Sgt.Clifford Aspinall was killed (age unreported). But Sgt. Peterson, F/O Anderson, F/O Jolly, and Sgt. Underwood survived by parachuting from the aircraft.
Thought to be Halifax JP162 FS-S
The mission was a fiasco and all further flights to Warsaw were suspended by Air Marshal Sir John Slessor. After a violent protest by the Poles Slessor permitted flights to resume and the Polish crews managed to complete their missions without suffering any losses. Though allied planes continue to make supply drops the risks are perilous. The operation calls for absolute precision which is always technically extremely difficult and the difficulty is compounded by diminished visibility. Vast columns of billowing smoke obscure the dropping points, a situation exacerbated by night flying. For the parachutes to open, drops have to be made from an altitude of at least 300 to 400 feet. Any lower makes it impossible to release the supplies. Moreover, dense flak around the southern approaches in the area of Nowy Targ, Tarnow, Krakow and Nowy Sacz have made losses inevitable as planes have to fly over the area twice.
German Anti-Aircraft Artillery
Few supply containers were recovered by insurgents from Krasinski Square but it provided the Poles with some relief and strengthened their morale. One of the main eye witnesses is Jack Warren, an RAF (Royal Air Force) pilot who had been shot down over Poland and has gone to ground in the circles of the Polish Resistance. He sent two radio messges to London today stating, "The British aircraft which flew over Warsaw on the night of 13-14 were enthusiastically greeted by the population, despite the shrapnel that was falling on the streets. They cried, ‘They are ours; they are British.’...."The morale of the cut-off population of Warsaw is today 10% better than it was yesterday. One aircraft dropped a wreath with the inscription: ‘From the British soldiers to our fighting comrades of the Polish Army.’... His closing message is most forboding..."The Polish population have an unshakable faith in Great Britain as their liberator."
Powstanie Warszawskie - Hymn Srodmiescia (00:01:28m)
Hymn Śródmieścia - utwór funkcjonujący w czasie powstania warszawskiego pod tą nazwą, choć oficjalnie nigdy nie został tak określony. Powstał w pierwszym tygodniu powstania, prawdopodobnie 7 sierpnia. Autorem słów był Eugeniusz Żytomirski, natomiast melodii - Zbigniew Krukowski.
Hymn Srodmiescia
I znów walczy dzielna stolica,
Znów ją spowił pożogi dym
I na krwią zbroczonych ulicach
Znów wolności rozbrzmiewa hymn!Choć mundury nie zdobią nam ramion,
Choć nie każdy posiada z nas ma broń -
Ale ludność Warszawy jest z nami,
Każdy Polak podaje nam dłoń!Bo my - walcząca Warszawa,
Złączona ofiarą krwi...
Nasz cel - to wolność i sława,
Potęga przyszłych dni!
Nieznane nam jest słowo "trwoga",
Nie uśpi nas podstępny wróg!
Kto żyw, ten z nami, na wroga!
Tak nam dopomóż Bóg!
Srodmiescie Anthem was written in the first week of the Uprising, probably on August 7. The lyrics were written by Eugene Żytomirski while the music was composed by Zbigniew Krukowski.
Srodmiescie AnthemAnd again the brave fighting the capital,Again conflagration enveloped her in smokeAnd on the streets with blood zbroczonychAgain, freedom rings out anthem!While the uniforms do not decorate our arms,Although not everyone has of us has a weapon -But the population of Warsaw is with us;Every Pole gives us a hand!Because we - the fighting Warsaw,Joined by the blood sacrifice ...Our goal - a freedom and fame,The power of future days!Unknown to us the word "fear"Not us, but the last Sleep insidious enemy!Who is alive, that with us, the enemy!So help us God!
Reinefarth’s SS units continue their murderous rampage in Wola while Polish insurgent battalions Parasol and Zoska continue to put up a very strong defense against German fire power. The citizens of Warsaw have endured unimaginable persecution. Reports have come in that the gangs belonging to the SS Dirlewanger have arrested and shot Polish families, including the elderly and children, in house to house searches. They have stormed into hospitals killing patients and medical staff. Several patients were burned alive in their beds. More than 15,000 civilians have been slaughtered in the past two days. The scenes are horrific and macabre. But the brutal Nazi suppression has not deterred the AK, and the Poles are as determined as ever to free their beloved city. Meanwhile, Polish civilians have set up a barricades in City Centre Sector, an area which remains the only connecting passage between the northern and southern parts of Warsaw.
Lao Che - Barykada (Wola) (00:04:03m)
Kutschera Dead
The Parasol battalion is famous for its many military actions in the years 1943-1944. Among their missions they have organized several assassinations targeting high-level Gestapo officers and Nazi German officials. Many of their attempts were successful. Their most famous plan, called Operation Kutschera, called for the execution of Franz Kutschera, SS and Police leader in the Warsaw District. He was gunned down in February 1944 right in front of Warsaw SS Headquarters. Kutschera was given a death sentence by the Court of the Polish Underground State for crimes committed against the Polish nation, in particular the mass murder of hundreds of thousands of Polish civilians. The execution order was given by Polish Brigadier General Emil August Fieldorf (pseudonym Nil) the commander of KeDyw Battalion and was approved by the Polish government in exile in London. The execution was carried out by members of the Szare Szeregi.
Nazi Bulletin announcing Death of 100 Polish hostages
The Germans have tightly reinforced their positions on the avenue linking Old Town and Centre City Sector and the entire zone is heavily fortified with machine guns, artillery and armoured trains. The Old Town is cut off from Zoliborz sector, and the open fields between these two sectors are under German command. The Old Town sector, still in Polish hands has been reduced to approximately a two square mile zone and has been completely encircled by Germans forces. In the afternoon Polish units under the command of Maj. Stanislaw Steczhowkski (pseudoynm Zagonczyk) launched a counterattack on Mirowski Square but by evening enemy forces had pushed them back to Grzybowska Street and Grzybowski Square. Meanwhile, Col. Karol Ziemski "Wachnowski" commander of the North Group has organized the defence of the Old Town. Faced with fierce enemy fire his unit was unable to get through to Zoliborz.Insurgents began construction today of a trench and barricade to cover the crossing of Aleje Jerozolimskie from the north to the south, that is from the house at No. 20 to that at No. 17. It will provide secure contact between troops from the two parts of Srodmiescie, as well as an escape route for civilians. German fire is very heavy coming from the Gospodarstwa and the Main Rail Station.
Soldiers from Gustaw Battalion use trench crossing Aleje Jerozolimskie 1944
Service of the Scouts Field Post Office continues today during which the young couriers managed to deliver over 900 letters. Armia Krajowa’s radio station, “Lightning” located in Warsaw began live broadcasts and announced their a schedule of three reports daily. Included in broadcasts will be official combat communiqués issued by AK Command Headquarters. They are making urgent appeals to the allies for assistance.
Lt. John Ward
Lt.John Ward, a British soldier and member of the Armia Krajowa has dispatched the first of what will be a series of special secret to London reporting on conditions in Warsaw. Here is what Ward had to say:At 5 p.m. yesterday German tanks of 'Tiger' type came through streets of Warsaw with women captured in houses specially for purpose tied on to prevent action from Polish troops. One tank was destroyed by means of petrol bottles owing to lack of anti-tank guns. Warsaw has excellent chances and the greatest part of the City is in Polish hands. Please send us weapons and ammunition as soon as possible.
Polish insurgents listening to Underground radio reports
“ON TO WARSAW!" This was the headline that exploded on Pravda newspapers today. The article went on to say that, “in an offensive there is a moment when military operation reaches its culminating point and having acquired its necessary pressure and impetus goes ahead (of its own momentum). At such a time, when full strength of the offensive comes into motion, it starts advancing at great strides; then no power can stop its victorious forward march.” This is just what the Polish insurgents needed to hear in anticipation of Soviet cooperation.
In the second day of fighting, Polish insurgents mounted concentrated attacks on various German strong-holds but were unable to overtake them. Each time German troops launched powerful counter-attacks. However, the Polish units did succeed in capturing the State Securities Printing House (PWPW) located in the Old Town Sector of Warsaw. German troops were overwhelmed by the fierce Polish fighters and were forced out of the district. Meanwhile in City Centre, the Kilinski assault battalion has captured the Main Post Office building on Napoleon Square, and the Arbeitsamt building in Malachowski Square.
In the midst of fierce German attacks, insurgents took over the power station in Powisle, in the southern part of Srodmiescie, and the Social Security Institution building in Czerniakow. In Zoliborz however, insurgents failed to capture vital German positions.
In Wola the Germans have tried to push back the Polish forces and to break further into the city from the west and from Powązki but the insurgents have put up a very strong resistance. In Praga the insurgents have been forced out of the Railway Head Office (Wilenska and Targowa Streets) under heavy German fire. Most of the Polish units of District V positioned in Mokotow have retreated into the Kabacki Forest during the night. The insurgents that remained have been able to withstand the German onslaught and have taken over the southern part of the district among other areas. Their capture of a school on Woronicza Street provided Polish units with a considerable amount of arms and ammunition.
Polish Flag on Main Post Office - captured by Kilinski Battalion
Warsaw residents prepare sandbags
In Wola Polish civilians have been working tirelessly setting up barricades and by day-break have been able to close the city from the west. In some areas of Wola, the Poles had to retreat due to heavy losses . Several major German strongholds remain.
Poles fight in Mokotow District
In Mokotow German troops have stormed the prison on Rakowiecka Street and murdered 500 Polish prisoners, and Jesuit priests from the seminary. In a skirmish at Ochota, German troops executed Polish hostages taken during battle. Casualty figures are not available.
German soldier executes Polish priest and civilians
On the east bank of the Vistula, the district of Praga has been heavily attacked by large numbers of German units. Polish insurgents were forced back and had to take refuge. AK units have failed to establish links with eachother, consequently leaving each district isolated.
Kierbedz Bridge over Vistula River - Old Town in distance burning
General Antoni Chruściel "Monter"
General Monter has issued a assessment of this second day in the Uprising, What was intended to be an offensive operation quickly became a defensive one. He blames the AK for failing to achieve the most important objectives, a failure due largely to insufficient supplies of weapons and ammunition. Because of the shortages in weapons, Polish insurgents are no match for the formidable power of the German war machine.
General Pelczynski
Polish insurgents failed to overtake Pawiak, where German troops were dug in and heavily armed. The entire area was fortified with pillboxes constructed of concrete and steel, and German troops armed with heavy machine guns, posted atop the tall towers and all around the perimeter. A battalion of German police and the SS defended their positions fiercely. One Polish unit has no machine gun and only one small mortar. The situation is desperate. General Pelczynski, deputy commander of the Armia Krajowa (Polish Home Army) has sent a radio message to the Polish Government in Exile in London demanding that weapons and ammunition be airdropped to the AK immediately.
Crash of Halifax Handley Bomber (location unknown)
A Halifax plane no. JP283 (GR-G) on a supply mission en route to Warsaw was shot down today by a German fighter plane near Szantes, about 150 km southeast of Budapest. Lost were W/O Lewandowski and Sgt. Szejnowski. But P/O Domanski, W/O Wolski, W/O Chinaruk, W/O Ptoszek, F/Sgt Raflewski survived and were taken prisoners.
Himmler arrived in Poznan today along with several reinforcements in an attempt to quash the Uprising. In addition to a police unit and a reserve regiment under the command of Lieutenant General of SS and Police, Heinz Reinefarth, there were two other units whose reputation is infamous - the Storm Brigade RONA under the command of SS General Kaminski, and the SS Brigade Dirlewanger, named after its Commander SS Senior Colonel Dirlewanger. Kaminski was born in Poland, but considered himself Russian. About half of Dirlewangers units were common criminals, and forty percent were former citizens of the Soviet Union.
Krystyna Krahelska
Krystyna Krahelska (pseudonym "Danuta") was a paramedic of the “Jeleń” command. She was seriously wounded in the “W-Hour” operations yesterday and died today in a field hospital. She was trying to save a wounded colleague. She wrote the popular song, “Hej, chłopcy, bagnet na broń!” which has become one of the most popular fighting song in Warsaw. Before the outbreak of war she had written many songs and poems. The face of the Warsaw mermaid statue was modeled after her image.
