Warsaw Uprising 1944: September 6 Communist Takeover Expected

During the night, masses of civilians move from Powisle and Srodmiescie North to the southern side of Aleje Jerozolimskie Street. German armoured trains have been travelling east across Warsaw and 3 west. The Poles have been powerless to disrupt any of this traffic.    

 

Air raids and shelling of Srodmiescie North has continued since early this morning. The insurgent troops have been able to fight off enemy attacks on Nowy Swiat Street from Krakowskie Przedmiescie, on Kredytowa Street from Malachowski Square, on Krolewska Street from the Saski Gardens and on Towarowa Street from the Zawiszy Square area. However, German troops have intensified their attacks with air raids and a general offensive has been launched on Powisle from the north, east and south against the last insurgent positions in the district.   

 

Despite overwhelming German firepower, insurgents continued to fight for the last vestige of territory, engaging the enemy in fierce house to house battles, and sometimes room by room. Polish troops began a gradual retreat to Srodmiescie By evening German troops have taken control of the entire area of Powisle. and insurgents have withdrawn to City Centre sector. The new front line is Nowy Swiat Street. German planes have passed the area dropping leaflets in Polish calling on civilians to leave Warsaw on September 7 and 8th and promise that a cease fire will be in effect during the evacuation. It was signed by von dem Bach.  

 

Lt.John Ward, a British soldier and member of the Armia Krajowa has dispatched an urgent message to London describing the desperate situation of civilians and insurgents and pleaded for help for Warsaw.  
 

Addressed to Colonel P…

Sir, I have seen a radiogram in which it is stated that from four to seven machines daily drop supplies over Warsaw. 

Sir, I can state that these supplies are not dropped in the centre of the city where they are most needed. And I have not heard that there have been any dropped near the city. I have agreed to accept the proposition to act as correspondent to The Times – as communicated to me by E…, subject to your agreement.  
 

The situation in the City Centre is still in Polish hands. After the fall of the Old Town the enemy turned all his artillery and air force against the centre of the city. The attacks are now practically without any break. Many of the streets have been systematically destroyed house by house. The enemy aircraft fly at roof-top height. Electric works which have been in the hands of the Home Army since the first day of the uprising were damaged 47 hours ago. It is doubtful whether the damage will be repairable.  
 

General Bor and the Delegate of the Polish Government dispatched a message to the Polish Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief in London, reporting on the critical situation in Warsaw. In this message he raised the concern about Polands future after the war. In his message he stated this:

 "We think that the defeat of the Uprising of Warsaw will have not only military effects after the war, but political one. If both the Polish Government and its allies could appreciate this now, it might be useful during political bargaining. It is obvious that, after the Uprising in Warsaw collapses, power will pass into Communist hands not only in Warsaw, but also in the whole country. Immediate assistance from you in the form of bombardments and supplies can improve the situation and slightly delay the crisis.”    


 

 

ARRESTS, DEPORTATIONS, EXECUTIONS

Caution: Some images are graphic and shocking. Viewer discretion is highly recommended. NOT APPROPRIATE VIEWING FOR CHILDREN!

Polscy jency 1939 - (Polish POW 1939) (00:02:02m)

Poland under German occupation 1939-1945 (00:02:58m)
Germans targeted both Jewish and Christian Poles for destruction.

October 7, 1939

Hitler announced his appointment of Heinrich Himmler as Commissioner for Consolidation of the German Race. His policy openly condemns any peoples he considers "inferior" to the German Reich and calls for their extermination or enslavement.  In addition, Hitler has issued a decree, ordering all Poles to be evicted from Western Poland or be killed.  The SS has arrested hundreds of thousands of Polish leaders and intelligentsia for execution - politicians, engineers, scientists, professors, and the cream of Polish society. Polish soldiers have been deported to concentration camps. All Polish schools and universities have been shut down, with the exception of the lowest grades.  Poles are now forbidden to attend cinema, restaurants, and churches, and Polish media has been taken over by the Nazis.. Radio sets and gramophones are forbidden at risk of death.  A 36-page memorandum submitted by Dr. Erich Wetzel and Dr. G. Hecht on the orders of the NSDAP Office for Questions of Racial Policy, include numerous other recommendations. Its main objective  - to eradicate every trace of Polish cultural and economic life.

Explusion of Poles

Polish Prisoners of War

Execution of Poles by Nazi Einsatzkomando October 1939

Meanwhile, the Allies continue to deal with logistics. The transfer of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) has successfully been completed today without any loss of troops or materiel. Under the protection of British and French naval forces, the BEF totalling 161,000 troops, 24,000 vehicles and tanks, and 140,000 tons of supplies landed safely on French soil.  Originally established by British Secretary of State for War, Richard Haldane following the Boer War, the main purpose of the BEF was to provide Britain with a military force ready to be deployed quickly in the event of an overseas war. After the invasion of Poland on September 1st, the BEF was sent to the Franco-Belgian border.  It consists of roughly 10 infantry divisions in three Corps,  a tank brigade, and about 500 RAF aircraft. The BEF earned an appropriate nickname, the "contemptible little army", coined by a senior German Commander after World War I. It has since been adopted by the BEF which now proudly refer to themselves as the "Old Contemptibles".

BEF leaving UK for France

BEF arrive in France

BEF forces have been patrolling a 200-mile length of the French border, an objective some consider a suicide mission due to limited troops in the area. After the invasion of Poland on September 1st,  the BEF has heightened defenses around the Maginot Line and has put their troops through its paces in preparation of an imminent German attack. The Maginot Line is considered impenetrable by the French who appear convinced of its effectiveness in deterring the enemy. A marvel of ingenuity, it consists of a complex underground rail network protected by 142 ouvrages (fortresses), 352 casemates (bunkers), 78 shelters, 17 observatories, and 5,000 blockhouses. Irregardless, sources indicate that a number of small German forces have already begun attacking on the French lines between Moselle and Saar Rivers.

Maginot Line

Fort Saint-Gobain Underground Corridor

HD Stock Footage WWII Divide and Conquer R3 - French Man Maginot Line, Blitzkrieg Across Holland (00:10:22m)





Frances Wall Of Steel Aka France's Wall Of Steel - Maginot Line (1938) (00:03:07m)


The world is watching in shock after the tragic collapse of Poland. Despite the failure of Britain and France to intervene, the Polish Armed Forces are firmly committed to joining their Allies in the war against Germany.  After the invasion of Poland, thousands of military had escaped to Hungary and Romania, after which they made their way to France. There are currently 85,000 Polish troops stationed at bases at Coetquidan and Parthenay. Despite their readiness only a fraction of Polish troops are being utilized, due to inefficient French logistics and policies. French Command has been continually plagued by insufficient or missing equipment and chronic delays in delivery of war materiel.  At this time there are only 2 Polish infantry divisions that are fully operational, as well as 2 independent brigades, and one air squadron.

Surprisingly, only a few Polish pilots have been assigned by French Command, but to smaller units.  There is only one large Polish squadron, the Groupe de Chasse Polonaise l/145, stationed at Mion airfield.  However, they are not combat ready due to lack of airplanes, the earliest delivery expected by May 1940.

Good advice is often ignored and no less true among Allies. Polish Commanders have recently submitted a document to French Command containing vital information helpful to their defense policies. It contains information of Polish experiences during the September Campaign, and describes Blitzkrieg strategies in great detail, as well as proposing effective counter-measures. Surprisingly,  none of the recommendations were taken into consideration by French Command.

The Polish Navy miraculously escaped German capture during the invasion. Currently stationed in Britain are three Polish destroyers, the Blyskawica, the Grom and the Burza as well as two submarines. They are taking part in Allied maneuvers under British Command. Reports indicate that additional ships have been lent to the Polish navy in light of their superb seamanship. British shipyards are rapidly constructing more ships to add to the Polish fleet.

Link:

Polish Greatness.com

POLISH ARMY SURRENDER NEAR LUCK

October 3, 1939

The Polish Army near Luck in the Volhynia region has surrendered to the Germans. German casualties are 10,000 dead and 30,000 wounded but  Polish casualties are much higher. Polish units were overwhelmed by increased German fire. German tanks were used during the battle though most of the emphasis lay on traditional-style infantry warfare. The Germans have taken over 700,000 Polish soldiers as prisoner while the Soviets took 200,000. More than 10,000 Poles of the city were arrested by the NKVD and deported to Siberia. Many Poles managed to escape West although their numbers cannot be confirmed. The Red Army has begun dismantling the factories including the radio station for shipment back to the Soviet Union.

 JESZCZE POLSKA NIE ZGINELA
Charles Michel Guilbert d'Anelle, Expiring Soldier of Liberty 1849
  The painting shows a dying freedom fighter scrawling Poland is not yet lost in his blood.

In Britain today Prime Minister Chamberlain adamantly rejected Hitler's proposal for a peace plan. On the Western Front, the British 1st Corps of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) has taken over responsibility to secure the border between France and Belgium. French forces have completely withdrawn from their positions at Warndt Forest and Saarbrucken Salient on the French border with Germany.

Link:

Polish Greatness.com

POLES IN MODLIN SURRENDER

The voice is that of Jozefa Malgorzewskiego announcing the capitulation of Warsaw.

September 28, 1939

After an 18-day siege one of the last pockets of Polish resistance surrendered to the Germans today.  The 10 divisions of the Modlin Army had been encircled by German forces in the area of Kutno and Modlin. Under the command of Brig. General Emil Krukowicz Przedrzymirski, the army consisted of 2 infantry divisions and 2 cavalry brigades, as well as 28 infantry battalions, 37 cavalry squadrons, 180 artillery pieces, 12 anti-air artillery pieces, 1 armoured train and 28 planes.

Polish Infantry

Named after the fort located in the region, the Modlin Army was created in March 1939 with the objective of defending the capital city of Warsaw and the city of Plock, from the north.  Their primary line of defence was close to the border with East Prussia and Mlawa, setting Narew and Vistula Rivers as their secondary line.

During the Battle of Mlawa, the German 3rd Army pushed the Modlin Army back towards the Narew and Bug Rivers. Despite receiving reinforcements of Operational Group Wyszkow under General Wincenty Kowalski, it was insufficient to prevent from falling back. On September 10th, the Polish army abandoned it's position near Warsaw. Some of its' troops joined the Warszawa Army and took part in the final defense of Warsaw. Other units were pushed to the southeast near the Romanian bridgehead and took part in the Battle of Tomaszow Lubelski from September 21 to 26.

SS lead Polish Prisoners blindfolded to execution

Talks continued today between German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop and Marshall Stalin. Meanwhile, a Soviet-Estonian Pact has just  been signed giving the USSR use of bases in Estonia, a move which ensures Soviet ambitions in the Baltic area.

German radio has been broadcasting numerous reports of having destroyed British warships. In London today the British Admiralty has strongly denied it,  assuring  that "no British ship has been damaged nor any casualties incurred from German aircraft."

In Washington, DC today, the Foreign Relations Committee submitted the Neutrality Bill to the US Senate.



Link:
Polish Greatness.com

WARSAW HAS CAPITULATED!

Capitulation of Warsaw (00:03:03m)


September 27, 1939

The German High Command organized another all-out assault on Warsaw and was repelled again by the Poles. Casualties have risen sharply on both sides. Over the past several weeks the Polish military has been locked in combat showing no signs of weakening. Polish General Czuma has managed to gather additional forces and war materiel that could prolong the battle for several weeks longer.  While the Polish units may hold out indefinitely, the civilian population of Warsaw is in a state of desperation with water, food and medical supplies having run out.  German bombers have demolished the city dropping incendiary and explosive bombs. The waterworks have been destroyed leaving Warsaw without potable water. There is not sufficient water to even extinguish fires that are burning throughout the city caused by the constant bombardment.  Hitler remarked to a journalist, "That is how I can deal with any European city."

Yesterday, General Tadeusz Kutrzeba, Deputy Commander of Warsaw, initiated capitulation talks with the German Commander.  Today at 12:00 hours a cease fire agreement was signed by Germany and Poland.  Several Polish units dispersed throughout Warsaw, refused to put down their weapons and obey the ceasefire.  Their commanding officers were visited by General Czuma and Rommel bearing news of surrender.

All fighting has stopped. Warsaw has capitulated. German forces have taken prisoner 150,000 Polish soldiers. German General Von Blaskowitz who received the Polish surrender permitted the officers to keep their sabers. Polish troops have been taken into captivity for as long as it takes "to dispose of the necessary formalities."  German officials will provide immediate relief to the civilian population and the wounded under the terms of the capitulation.

Left - German General Blaskowitz  Right - w/o hat is General Tadeusz Kutrzeba

Polish POWs

Warsaw Surrender of Armaments

In the past 2 days of the worst bombardment inflicted upon Warsaw over 2,000 Polish soldiers and 10,000 civilians were killed.. Since the beginning of the Siege of Warsaw a total of 40,000 people have been killed or injured.

Throughout the siege Britain and France made no attempt to come to Poland's aid.

London:  Sir John Simon the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented his first War Budget. Income tax has been raised from 5/6d (25-1/2p) to 7/6d (37-1/2p) in the pound.

Berlin:  Hitler has informed his service chiefs that he plans to attack in the west as soon as possible. He has set the date as November 12th.  His decision was made unilaterally but has been met with opposition by army representatives.  Hitler has also established the Reichssicherheitshauptampt (Reich Chief Security Office) under Reinhard Heydrich, who also heads the Gestapo, Kripo (Criminal Police) and Security Service.


Link:
Polish Greatness.com

Germany Issues Second Peace Ultimatum

September 25, 1939

After three weeks of heavy German attacks the Polish forces continue to put up a tough resistance. German Command has issued a second ultimatum which has also been ignored by the Poles. In response Hitler has ordered that bombing raids be escalated. Over 400 bombers and Stuka dive bombers are flying continuous sorties over the city. Warsaw in engulfed in flames.  In an effort to complete the conquest German bombers are heavily targeting the civilian population in a terror campaign by swooping low over their targets before releasing its payload. Hitler has issued a fourth war directive ordering that attacks also be escalated against Allied ships in the North Atlantic. Polish military and civilian casualties continue to rise.

Germans bombed the Royal Castle of Warsaw

German tanks roll through Wola suburb of Warsaw 1939

Link:
Polish Greatness.com

POLAND TIGHTENS DEFENSE

Heroes of the Sky (Raids and Dogfights of WWII (00:05:56m) NB. Locations cannot be identified.


September 16, 1939

Polish bombers have been intensifying their defense in a desperate attempt to stem the tide of German advancements. With Warsaw surrounded and the refusal of surrender by Polish General Walerian Czuma, German assaults are escalating, leading to greater casualties of Polish infantry and civilians.
On the Eve of the Jewish New Year, fleets of Luftwaffe are dive-bombing over the Jewish quarter of the city of Warsaw, strafing civilians in the street. Colonel General List of the 14th German Army Division is still fighting west of Lwow, where the Polish infantry is standing it's ground. Other German units are advancing north to link with Guderian's forces, who are maintaining their attack along the Bug River.
In a desperate attempt to encircle and destroy Polish units, German Command allocated most of their own 10th Army, including 2 armoured, 1 motorized, and 3 light divisions, escorted by 800 tanks and fleets of Luftwaffe. They have been attacking Polish positions continuously on all sides

Polish PZL bombers and planes

Polish soldier checks PZL aircraft

German General Blaskowitz attempted to capture Praga today but was repelled by Polish counter-attacks. After intense fighting for the Grochow area, the German 23rd Infantry Division was completely annihilated by Polish forces of the 21st "Children of the Warsaw" Infantry Regiment under Col. Stanislaw Sosabowski.

The Polish government received a message from the USSR stating that the Red Army will enter eastern Poland on September 17 to "protect the Ukranian and Belorussian minorities." Reaction is mixed among Poles. The population and diversity of ethnic minorities in Poland is significant. Of the 23 million Poles, Jews account for just over 3 million, while that of Ukranian and Belorussians are 7 million.

The SS Aviemore was torpedoed by a German U-31 today and sank at Land's End, off the coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. It is the first ship of the North Atlantic Convoy to be attacked.

The British Government announced the appointment of the Duke of Windsor as liaison officer with the French Army. This has raised eyebrows in many circles if not outrage.  In 1937 the Duke and Duchess met - against the advice of Parliament - with Adolf Hitler at his retreat at Obersalzburg, located 120 kilometers southeast of Munich. The Duke was seen giving Nazi salutes.  In a letter to Hitler, a fellow Nazi Albert Speer wrote, "I am certain that through him permanent friendly relations could have been achieved. If he had stayed everything would have been different. His abdication was a severe loss for us."



Link:
Polish Greatness.com

WARSAW UNDER SIEGE

September 15, 1939

The capital of Poland is under siege. German forces have reached Warsaw from the east. Only a strip of land connecting Kampinos Forest and Modlin Fortress remain in Polish hands. The relentless bombing of the city has left it in complete ruin. A great exodus of people have fled the city yet many are trapped and unable to escape. With the exception of Polish Army Forces, it is not known how many Poles remain.

 

Battle of Bzura continues with heavy losses on both sides. Polish Army Pomorze  took up defensive positions at Kutno, Zychlin, Gabin and Sochaczew on the northern bank of the Bzura River. General Stanislaw Grzot-Skotnicki's unit was between Kutno and Zychlin. General Michal Karaczewicz -Tokaczewski's unit was near Gabin. And parts of the Army Poznan by the Bzura near Sochaczew.   From there they commenced their drive towards Warsaw.  The Germans engaged most of the 10th Army Division to encircle the Poles.  The Germans deployed 2 armoured, 1 motorized and 3 light divisions, totaling 800 tanks.  The Poles were forced out of Sochaczew and trapped in a triangle of Bzura, Vistula and German forces. After crossing the Bzura (between Sochaczew and Brochow), the German Panzer Division engaged the Polish 25th infantry and managed to capture Ruszki, and after a bloody battle they stopped their advance. The Polish 25th unit had crossed the Bzura near Vistula north of Sochaczew and and are heading towards Warsaw. In the process however, they had to abandon most of their heavy artillery.  Meanwhile, the Poznan Army at Kutno has reported extensive casualties.

Brest-Litovsk, located 120 miles east of Warsaw has been surrounded. Major General Juliusz Rommel, the Warsaw Military Commander, has refused to discuss a surrender proposal from the German Supreme Command.

Polish troops have evacuated to Romania, but with the intention to continue fighting for Poland. In a surprising turn of events, although the Romanian government has granted asylum to Polish civil and military refugees, Polish infantry units were immediately disarmed and interned by the Romanians.  Poland and Romania had been allies since 1921, having ratified the Polish-Romanian Alliance Pact, which was presumed to be valid. The Polish government had recently transferred the treasury of the National Bank of Poland to the Romanian government for safe-keeping. The first shipment consisted of 1,261 crates containing 82,402 kilograms of gold while the second shipment totaled 3,057,450 kilograms, both escorted by the Romanian Navy.

Polish Soldiers in Romania 1939

In Moscow, an armistice agreement was signed between Japan and the USSR ending their four month-old, "Nomohan Incident".  They have been engaged in protracted fighting on the borders of Manchukuo (Manchuria) and Mongolia. Since the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was signed, both sides have been under pressure from Germany to settle the dispute.  Peace talks were initiated by the Japanese Cabinet, appointed two weeks ago, after Japan lost 17,000 troops in one battle.

German radio broadcasted today interviews with British and New Zealander aircrew captured during the Wilhelmshaven raid on September 4th.

In Britain, motorists besiege petrol stations although no date for rationing has yet been established.

The first British trans-Atlantic convoy set sail today from Halifax, Nova Scotia. All ships carrying vital supplies of Canadian wheat and US munitions will travel on scheduled convoys protected by the British and Canadian Navies.  The first convoy has recently sailed from Gibraltar. The Glasgow-Thames coastal trade is moving convoys as well.



Link:
Polish Greatness.com

POLES FIGHT THE GERMAN DRAGON

September 2, 1939

In the second day of fighting German troops suffered heavy casualties as they clashed with Polish infantry. The German armies are relentless  unleashing a continuous barrage of artillery fire and gunfire on Polish units. In response eighteen Polish bombers attacked and destroyed German positions in the Radom-Piotrkow area southwest of Warsaw.

The town of Tczew was taken by the German 3rd Army.  In an attempt to stop German advancements across the Vistula, Polish units destroyed the city's vital bridge. When the German task force, Group Medem was unable to seize a crossing they called in Army Group North to effect crossings at Gniew and near Marianwerder. The German 3rd Army Corps kept the bridge under constant artillery fire while trying to fight off fierce Polish counter-attacks during it's advance toward Grudziaz.

Poles destroyed bridge at Tczew

Reports indicate that the Germany Army Group South has already crossed over the Warta River into western-central Poland.  The 8th, 10th, and 14th German armies have made rapid advancements in the frontier battles but with heavy casualties. Krakow is now near the front line. In the north the German 4th Army has just rendezvoused with the Third Army unit from East Prussia. Two Polish divisions were destroyed while attempting to retreat back through the Polish Corridor. They were stationed too forward and found themselves trapped in the rear of the German advance preventing any movement by the Polish Reserves. Communication lines were broken. The Luftwaffe is spreading chaos in the Polish rear, already having made 6 air raids on Warsaw.

Fighting continues at Westerplatte where German units are making renewed efforts to defeat the Polish fighters.  A massive  2-wave air raid of 60 Junkers JU 87 Stuka dive bombers took out the Polish mortars. A Polish guardhouse was completely destroyed after it was hit by a 500 kg bomb. A total of 26.5 tons of bombs were dropped on Westerplatte today, smoke being seen for miles around. At least 8 Polish soldiers were killed.

The town of Wielun in central Poland surrendered. German bombers destroyed most of the town center including a clearly marked hospital and the historic Gothic church. Three quarters of the town was destroyed.  Nearly 1,300 civilians were killed. No Polish military units were present at the time.

Wielun in the first hours after bombing

British anti-war protesters

British Parliament debated frantically today on how to oppose Germany. The majority of the House has openly voiced it's disapproval of the passive line taken so far by Prime Minister Chamberlain in dealing with Germany.  By evening a consensus was reached that Britain should send Germany an ultimatum.  At the same time, a National Service Act was passed allowing for the conscription of men between the ages of 19 and 41.


A fleet numbering 10 bomber squadrons of the British RAF Advanced Striking Force touched down on French soil today. The French Parliament has also convened an emergency session to deliberate on how to oppose Germany and fulfill it's obligation to Poland.  They will join Britain in sending Germany an ultimatum. 

Britains Bomber, the Armstrong Whitworth Whitely

A 5-power peace conference proposed by Mussolini several days ago was rejected by Hitler. Meanwhile the German government announced that Norwegian neutrality would be respected provided that Britain and France do the same. The governments of Italy and Ireland both declared neutrality while Switzerland has ordered a general mobilization.

Mussolini and HItler

L-R: Chamberlain, Daladier, Hitler, Mussolini and Ciano (Munich Agreement 1938)

GERMANY ATTACKS POLAND!

SMS Schleswig Holstein 1 Sept 1919 (00:01:49m)


September 1, 1939

At 0445 hours today without a declaration of war Germany attacked Poland. The German battleship, SMS Schleswig-Holstein docked at the Polish naval base at Gdansk Westerplatte broke its silence and in a surprise attack opened salvo fire on the Polish garrison which was manned by only 182 soldiers and 27 civilian reservists. German Lieutenant Wilhelm Henningsen sent three of his platoons ashore expecting an easy victory. They blew up a railroad gate leading to the land-bridge where they surprised the Poles but in reality the Poles had lured them into an ambush. Intense Polish counter-attacks stopped the Germans from advancing. Polish Lt. Leon Pajak opened intense howitzer fire on the German platoons while the Field Gun knocked out several German sniper machine guns nestled atop warehouses. Moments later while trying to knock out the Command Post of the Schleswig-Holstein they were killed by the ships guns.

At 0622 hours the German marines had to withdraw and frantically radioed the ship reporting heavy casualties. Danzig police tried to seize control of the harbour but were also unable to defeat the small Polish contingent. Casualties so far are 50 Germans and 8 Poles.  At 0855 hours the Germans made another attempt but were met with barbed wire, mines and intense artillery fire. In a second round of assaults later this morning, the German artillery released a barrage of  90 280mm shells, 407 170mm shells, and 366 88mm shells. The Polish contingent repelled this attack as well. German units suffered unexpectedly high casualties. By noon the SS troop had fled and Henningsen was mortally wounded. Fire is raging across the harbor as heavy black smoke is billowing into the sky. The bombing can be heard and felt for miles around.

Just a few days ago the German officers and crew arrived at Gdansk in what appeared to be a courtesy visit. Throngs of townspeople showed up to greet them with wild enthusiasm. Sources however indicate that these people are Volks-Deutscher - Polish citizens of German ethnic descent but with allegiance to the Nazi regime.

Further inland the Germans are conducting a full-scale attack never seen before - bombing raids by Field Artillery, Naval Artillery and fleets of Junkers JU 87 Stukas. Polish reconnaissance units spread out near the border are reporting massive convoys of German troops rapidly approaching, some 52 German divisions led by Commander-in-Chief, General Brauchitsch totaling roughly 1.5 million troops. Along with 6 German armoured divisions are 9,000 artillery guns and 2,500 tanks  German ground units are advancing from the West, the South, and North Prussia, escorted by 2 German air fleets of about  2,000 aircraft bombers - a combined force that is crushing Poland like a giant fist.

The Luftwaffe is bombing Warsaw continuously. Reports indicate that they have destroyed military facilities, the Okiece airport, as well as the waterworks, hospitals and schools. Civilians are being strafed by machine gun fire as they try to flee to safety.  Warsaw's Anti-Air Defence responded quickly to the attack. Polish Anti-Aircraft artillery and anti-aircraft machine guns are making retaliatory strikes against incoming planes. The Polish Pursuit Brigade, equipped with 54 fighter aircraft, mostly PZL  P.7 and PZL P.11 types have already taken to the air and are engaged with enemy aircraft.  The Polish AA Artillery division has 86 pieces of anti-aircraft artillery. 

The Polish Army numbers at least one million troops and are bearing 2,800 guns, 500 tanks and 500 aircraft. Although they are overwhelmed and outclassed by the German war machine Polish troops are not deterred and are launching counter-attacks of a ferocity that have surprised and shocked the German invaders, if not the world.

In his address before the Reichstag today, Hitler proclaimed that Germany was justified in defending itself against Polish aggression, and named Goring and Hess as his successors in the event that anything happened to him. He also made reference Germany's "secret weapons".

The Polish Government has issued an alert that German troops are amassing along Polish borders. Polish forces have been in a state of anticipation, if not readiness for weeks expecting military assistance from its' trusted allies Britain and France. The Polish government is desperately appealing for British intervention and calling on Britain to honour the terms of their Treaty of Mutual Assistance which was signed only last week.

Germany has bombed Warsaw, Lodz and Krakow.  Reports are coming in that the Luftwaffe is targeting civilians as well as military installations. Cities and towns are being reduced to rubble under constant heavy bombardment.  Polish casualties are extremely high and cannot be confirmed at this time.

The Polish Armed forces have only 23 regular Infantry divisions at the ready, and are frantically assembling 7 more. They have one Armored division that is not battle-ready, and a grossly inadequate supply of artillery.  While they do have a considerable force of cavalry, it is not enough. Polish Reserve units alerted two days ago are still not combat-ready. The PZL P.11, Polish fighter planes are in the air, but almost all 500 of them are obsolete and cannot blunt the impact of this German Blitkrieg.

Just days ago, three of the four Polish Destroyers, the Blyskawica, the Burza, and the Grom managed to escape to Britain in anticipation of an attack from Germany, and just recently one Polish submarine, the Wilk also escaped. The Polish destroyer Wicker was sunk by an air attack while defending the Port of Gdynia.

Norway, Switzerland, and Finland immediately declared their neutrality, while Italy announced only that it will not take any military action.  Meanwhile, American President Roosevelt is demanding a ban of the indiscriminate bombing of Polish civilians and undefended towns.

The British and French governments both issued ultimatums to Germany demanding for the withdrawal of German troops from Polish territory. France immediately proclaimed martial law. Britain has announced that it`s Royal Navy was mobilized just yesterday, and that the government has enforced a blackout after sunset.

No comment was made by the Russian government however sources indicate that the draft age has just been lowered from 21 to 19 years of age.


Link:
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