Identification of the National perspective

Without earlier declaration of war, German army attacked Poland on 1st September 1939. Five German armies (the fourth, third, eighth, tenth and fourteenth) together 1 850 000 soldiers, 2800 tanks, 10 000 cannons and 1 640 fighter planes crossed Polish northern, southern and western borders. A German battleship “Schleswig- Holstein” started bombarding Westerplatte bridge- head. At the same time this act of aggression was the opportunity to test new war tactics called “Blitzkrieg” by the German command. Wermacht supremacy over Polish army was evident since the first day of war. It resulted from the poor condition of Polish army, where cavalry still dominated, being unable to stop tanks and modern enemy’s vehicles successfully. The similar situation existed in the Air Force. Only thirty- six modern bombers PZL-P-37`LO could measure against German aerial fleet. The comparative balance was only in artillery which was modernised in 1935. However, a lot of fortifications hadn’t been completed due to lack of money. Therefore, Polish army was doomed to defeat. However, predicting the war Polish government started mobilisation at the end of September. First of all, trenches were dug out everywhere by everyone. Facing disaster, deep patriotism woke up in the Polish society. Not only digging the trenches together but also collecting funds gathered Polish people representing different social backgrounds, regardless of the origin or religion and beliefs. The most valuable and precious items were handed to the defence fund tips such as how to protect yourself from gas attack using preventive measures or how to behave while air raids blacking out windows. The concern about the personal safety was combined with the concern about the safety of the nation and responsibility for another human being. The outbreak of war was taken in disbelief at first. Actually, in the first days of September the daily life proceeded unchanged in most of the Polish boarder towns. Although newspapers informed about military operations, raids and fatalities. The threat of war wasn’t present among people stuck to the radios, people awaited news from the front lines hopeful but indifferent to fascist propaganda. Although they believed in victory all the time, the new and cruel reality and brutality of German army shattered the hopes of Polish people. With the unbelievable cruelty of the enemy, the atmosphere of community spirit was formed, overcoming differences among people. Everyone wanted to survive. People had to defend themselves. Newspaper articles commented on the war involvement of Great Britain and France (the Allies in the fight against Germans) and created an illusion of normal life. Meanwhile, from 4th to 7th September the progress of the German forces was rapid in Poland. In spite of the resistant defence the fate of the campaign was sealed. Despite that, Polish army resisted withdrawing towards Warsaw. On 7th September Westerplatte army depot surrendered. After six days of armed fighting they inflicted considerable losses on the enemy. To show the respect for their courage general Eberhardt let major Henryk Sucharski to keep his sword. Moreover, the defence of Gdañsk Post Office became famous after resisting the attack until being set fire to. The third of September brought the declaration of war made by Great Britain and France. Polish government hoped for England’s support after Polish- British treaty had been signed on 25th October 1939. Although 76% English were for fighting side by side with Polish army and 28% of them considered Germans claims for Gdañsk to be unfounded, Great Britain did nothing to help Poland. France wasn`t going to fulfil its obligations either. Military operations were against French war principles. The offensive plans didn`t exist either before or after mobilisation. Unexpectedly, on 17th September according to the Ribbentrop- Mo³otow Pact (which had been signed on 23rd September 1939_ Soviet army crossed Polish eastern boarder. The attack was a complete surprise to the Polish government. The commanded-in-chief Edward Rydz Œmig³y gave an order not to fight with Bolsheviks therefore there were few battles in the East. The commander-in-chief along with the Polish President Moœcicki and the Prime Minister S³awoj left Poland on the night of 18th September in Kuty. They headed for Czarnowiec in Romani, where they were interned. After the defeat about 150 thousands of refugees (90 thousands soldiers) escaped to Romania, Hungary, Lithuania and Latvia. They were mainly refugees of Soviet occupation , the majority of which consisted of soldiers who were to form armed forces abroad. On 28th September after a heroic defence Warsaw surrendered. After 28 days of constant raids and bombarding first German detachments entered the capital. The defenders who were exhausted by resisting outnumbered forces of the enemy gave an example of heroism and patriotism for the future generations. On the 5th October “Polesie” operational squad commanded at the battle of Kock. Poland was divided between Soviet Union and The Third Reich. 250 thousand Polish soldiers were taken prisoners by the Soviet army and 420 thousand by the German one. German- occupied Poland was formed. Poland suffered a severe military as well as political defeat. However, the faith in the victory of Poland still existed strongly. The underground movement was formed to fight with the invader.