Incidents of the Polish Campaign, 1939:

[tigre]

Hello to all ; something more...............

Report of PR 35. (Tank regiment) - author Hans schaufler.

Our pause came to its end with an artillery strike. The Poles had discovered us We could evade neither to the right nor left. We had to repair the damaged chain but we did not have a long time, the regiment needed our support. The General sent a message after another and emitted a series of directives. Suddenly a pause in the fire, but as soon as we opened the hatch we received a rain of bullets. Out there, hidden somewhere, the Poles observed to us.

We look for refuge behind the tank trying to avoid being seen; the protection of the chain to the front had blown, the chain was broken and the parts of light metal had disappeared or hung downwards.All light metal parts were missing or hung loosely down. The Chains and impellers had taken damage. We removed all the loose parts and could free the chains. Then we put two new chain pins; perhaps we could go back a few kilometers. We jumped into the tank. We could not expect aerial support, the division radioed to us. Our artillery was too weak, in order to withstand the hostile counter attack.

I get the order to return to the assembly area from the division. One group after another withdrew under cover of the fire. In some places this task proved as more difficult than in others. We in the command tank, had a lot to do, hence we almost forgot our own desperate situation. Once our groups fell back we faced our problem. It was decided to return by the same way, which was calm, suspiciously calm, we felt watched; they waited for the suitable moment. We had to pass the place where we were hit, only a curve and soon we were again on the long straight road. But we had to overcome also still another barricade, and that meant caution.

Sources:Der Luftkrieg in Polen.
http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/5001.htm
Der feldzug in Polen.
Panzertruppen. Thomas L. Jentz.
Militaria 066 – Fall Weiss 1939.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the end...............

Report of PR 35. (Tank regiment) - author Hans schaufler.

When we had reached the highway we felt out of danger. Suddenly a heavy impact shook the top side of the tanks’ back. Soon another one - they were four impacts altogether. Antitank shots. The motor still was running. Then a strident and deafening detonation. The tank was turned aside to the right and it stopped. Well should be destroyed in the last minute. The next hit would be our end. We had to leave the vehicle, but outside the sky and the earth were in movement. The best way was to leave and to move laterally to avoid the fire of the machine guns. But that was that? ; from the stern a dense smoke could be seen and we thought that the motor had caught fire. Soon we listened to an unusual noise. It was incredible, a projectile had hit a smoke pot and the wind took the smoke towards the barricade. The enemy thought that our tank caught fire and taking advantage of their hesitations we could escape within the smoke.

The General ordered to contact with the Division but it was impossible since the antenna had been blown; one of the chains extended behind us and the tail had been damaged seriously. It was not possible to repair the vehicle locally and lamentably we had to leave the tank. We removed the machine guns and communications equipment and also took the secret documents. We must have set afire the armored but nobody could do that and instead we camouflaged it with branches. We continued towards our lines and from time to time we had to look for cover due to the artillery grenades. Covering to us mutually we advanced house by house and garden by garden until reaching the own lines. All of us made it. Soon we fell in a heavy dream. I awoke, was a clear night of September; suddenly the rough voice of the conductor resonated: do you’ll come with us. I asked him what happened and he answered to me: I have organized a rescue team. That night we were successful in rescuing to our B 01 with its immovable turret and their aluminum tube - exactly equal to a Pz KW IV - the Poles opened fire on us but we escaped with the vehicle in tow.

Sources:Der Luftkrieg in Polen.
http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/5001.htm
Der feldzug in Polen.
Panzertruppen. Thomas L. Jentz.
Militaria 066 – Fall Weiss 1939.

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M .

[Domen123]

Interesting article:

"Between Ilza and Ciepielow. 09.09.1939 * in a diary of a soldier of the Wehrmacht":

http://www.strony.com/1%20Miedzy%20Ilza ... oku%20.htm

The article is in Polish but there are numerous scans of the diary (and some other German documents).

Author of that diary is anonymus. He served in Aufklarungs-Abteilung (mot.) 29. What he describes - according to the author of the article (who researched Polish sources in order to find out what Polish unit fought there and how Polish sources describe this combat) - are combats of reinforced AA(mot.)29 against a Polish "group of remnants" under command of Major Józef Koper. After fierce fightings the German Abteilung was forced to retreat towards Kazanow by Polish soldiers. Mjr. Koper's group consisted of remnants of II. battalion of 8th Inf.Rgt., small elements of II. battalion of 7th Inf.Rgt. and a group of soldiers from the divisional cavalry squadron of 3. Inf.Div.

* One day after combats of Inf.Rgt.(mot.)15 and the massacre of Polish POWs from the Btl. of Mjr. Pelc.

[tigre]

Thanks Domen, interesting stuff . Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little new history...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

On September 04, 1939 the Polish High Command decided to organize an early embryo of defense behind the Vistula River and assigned the area between Modlin and Demblin under command of General Trojanowski (Commander of Military Region I) and from Demblin to Josefov under command of General Samoravinski ( Commander of Military Region II), subordinated to General Trojanowski, General Czuma (Commander of Border Guard - SG) assumed the defense of Warsaw.

On September 8, 1939, General Czuma handed over the command of the city to General Julius Rommel (former Commander of Army Lodz). On September 12, 1939, the Cavalry Groupement Anders left for the northern front. On September 13, 1939, the remnants of Lodz Army reached Warsaw; on September 14, 1939 the 20 DP, the 21 pp and I. / 43 pp (13 DP) could win the way to the capital. This very day also began the siege of the capital.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

General Rommel still organized a new regiment with local elements (360 pp), appointed General Czuma as his 2iC and divided the city into two sectors:

Sector East (District of Prague, with one third of the area and inhabited by one fifth of the population) under the command of General Zulauf, was divided into two sub-sectors by the Radzymin road.

North Sub Sector: plk Lawicz with the 20 DP and I. / 43 pp.

South Sub Sector: plk Zongollowicz with 21 pp, 26 pp (minus 1 battalion), I. / 40 pp and three battalions of volunteers plus artillery.

The main line of resistence ran from: Saska-Kepa - Washington Avenue - Veterinary Institute - Podskarbinska Street - East station exit - Zacisze - Brodni Cemetery - Pelcowizna.

West Sector under plk Porwid and divided into three sub-sectors:

Sub-sector Warsaw North : I. and III. / 360 pp defending Bielany, Mlociny, Powazki and Kolo.

Sub-sector Warsaw West: 40 pp (of 5 DP), II. / 41 pp (of the 29 DP), IV. / 360 pp and volunteers had to defend Wola, Ochota and Rakowice.

Sub-sector Warsaw South: II. / 26 pp (remnants), I. Hunters Battalion and II. / 360 pp have charged with the defense of Mokotow, Czernieskow and Sierkierki.

In reserve were the 20 pp, 30 pp and 36 pp plus groups of light artillery and a heavy Artillery group.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions.

On September 15, 1939 for the first time the enemy reached the church of Grochow, they were forces of I AK and II AK belonging to the 3 AOK. Concentric attacks began against Prague: Goclaw, Grochow, Eastern Railway Station in Warsaw and the northern part of the cemetery Brodno and Annopol. The Command of the 3 AOK expected a quick success. The main effort of the German attack was in the south against Grochow and was carried out by the 11 ID and 61 ID belonging to the I AK. The 61 ID moved forward by Rembertow and reached the suburbs of Prague.

In the afternoon the III. / IR 151 could not go towards Kaweczyn, to the left, the III. / IR 176 jumped out at 16:30 and progressed well until it was stopped by machine gun fire from the flank, at 19:00 hours it was reached the line Grochow Church - Kaweczyn street.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions. September 15, 1939.

At 04:00 hours the IR 23 continued its progress. The enemy carried out retardant actions. At noon, the regiment was struggling with the first defensive line in Prague, there, the I. and the II. / IR 23 occupied positions.

The III. / IR 23 (Oberstleutnant Becher) reinforced with elements of 1. / Pi 11 (Leutnant Axnick) and a Platoonof the 14. / IR 23 (Feldwebel Auschra) was ordered to push inward (Grochow) against the Bridge Prague - Warsaw. The battalion did not have maps of the city. The III. Battalion moved up to a well defended barricade. The commander ordered that parts of the 9. / IR 23 (Hauptmann Dietrichsdorf) with the 12. / IR 23 (Oberleutnant Habben) attacked the barricade. A Platoon of the 9. Company (Leutnant Rech) advanced to the right of the avenue and established liaison with the 9. / IR 176 (61 ID) which could not go any further.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions. September 15, 1939.

The barricade was taken with the Oberstleutnant Becher and his officers in the lead, but the resistance stiffened to the front while the Polish infantry infiltrated to the rear. The battalion could not move forward nor backwards and the connection with the rest of the unit (10. And 11. Companies) had been cut. The Battalion Assistant Officer, Oberleutnant Faber, was sent to make contact with the other two companies but in the journey he was killed by a shot in his head. A vehicle belonging to the 14. Company was burned and his driver was stabbed with bayonets.

The Chief of the 14. / IR 23 went ahead in order to make contact with the Platoon subordinate to the III. Battalion but was unable to advance beyond the vehicle in flames due to hostile fire; the commander of the regiment (Oberst Richert) was informed about the situation, therefore he ordered an attack in order to establish liaison with the encircled elements. However, the 11 ID banned it because a group under a flag of truce had been in contact with the enemy. The emissaries returned in the evening almost without achieving results and the IR 23 was finally able to move forward. After a difficult night fighting the regiment reached the barricade which had assaulted by the III. Battalion (now led by Hauptmann Helms) but found no traces of the encircled German soldiers. The IR 23 was retreated to their starting positions.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions.

On September 16, 1939 the German forces were in contact with the whole defensive ring (4 infantry divisions and a cavalry brigade). At 04:10 hours the IR 151 received the following order, coming from the Division: since 06:00 hours onwards it was to cease all combat activities, will detach a German group of parley. The German emissaries were sent towards the Grochow street barricades in order to demand the surrender of the defenders (Maj.Kiewitz Commander of the I. / IR 151, belonging to the 61 ID); finally they were not received by General Rommel. At 12:00 hours the fire was resumed.

In the sector of the 61 ID at 16:00 hours took place a Polish counterattack on the boundary between the IR 151 and IR 176; it was halted by the 9. / IR 151 and the 11. / IR 176. The AR 161 furnished fire support from Kaweczyn. At 16:00 hours the IR 151 was informed that the Polish troops attacked with a battalion, it was able to penetrate between the III. / IR 151 and III. / IR 176. The 9. / IR 151 (Oberleutnant Lehnerdt) was deployed in the gap between them and stopped the assault. Here fell the Leader of the 2. Platoon 9. Company, Leutnant Kunert.

Polish counterattack during the night with an assault battalion composed by companies from 21 pp, 26 pp, 103 pp and 336 pp under the command of Major Andrew Górnicki it jumped out from Saska Kępy in order to recover Goclaw, after two days of fruitless fighting, the Polish battalion withdrew after losing commander.

Other counter-attacks were carried out at Grochow against the IR 23 (II. / 21 pp Maj. Witold Radziszewski) and at Zeran in the zone of the 32 ID; here IR 96 pressed ahead from Alenxandrow and lost 150 men.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions.

On September 17, 1939, the German forces attacked along the Grochow Street, only to be rejected with bloody losses; at least one German battalion was destroyed and the Poles could take 120 prisoners, including 10 officers. Due North along the defensive positions in Annopol, the 78 pp destroyed some tanks (I / PR 10). At the position of Grochow the III. / 21 pp (Mjr. Stefan Obrębowski), with the support of the II. / 21 pp (Mjr. Radziszewski) successfully rejected the German attacks, capturing a large amount of equipment and prisoners. In the north the attacks carried out by the 32 ID and 217 ID were rejected by the Polish 20 DP. During the night from 17 to 18 September 1939, occurred heavy bombardments but nevertheless Sergeant Stephen Sroka managed to engage a locomotive and drive a train loaded with ammunition to the front lines.

The IR 23 was relieved by the IR 2 and marched towards Mydzidiese - Anin. Meanwhile, the IR 44 was deployed between the IR 2 and the bank of the Vistula River. During the fighting in Prague the IR 23 lost 2 officers, 3 NCOs and 8 soldiers killed in action, 1 officer, 9 non-commissioned officers and 33 soldiers were wounded. Besides were missing 8 Officers, including Oberstleutnant Becher, Hauptmann Dietrichsdorf, Oberleutnant Habben, Oberleutnant der Reserve Wagner, 12. Company; Leutnant Erdmann, Adjutant of III. Battalion, Leutnant Modricker, 9. Compan; Leutnant Ring and Leutnant Axnick, 1./Pionierbataillon 11, 13 NCOs and 90 soldiers. Most of them were released later when the city gave up (of the 8 officers did not return and was listed as dead Leutnant Ring).

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; thank you very much Paweł Sulich for your contribution . Now more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions.

On September 18, 1939, the remnants of the "Pomeranian" and "Posen" Armies managed to reach the city of Warsaw and take refuge in it. Of these units, the 25 DP and the remnants of the 17 DP were allocated to the defense of sub-sector Warsaw North (60 pp) and sub-sector Warsaw West (29 pp and 56 pp). The two cavalry brigades (Great Poland and Podolia) wer sent to sub-sector Warsaw South.

The remnants of the 27 DP organized a battalion and the remnants of the 4 DP, 16 DP and 26 DP two battalions, they will be held as general reserves. Now, the garrison of the capital, exceeds the 125,000 defenders. Food and sanitary conditions worsened day by day, the food was scarce and medicines were almost exhausted. Filters to keep drinking water were destroyed and fire fighting services were by now ineffective because of the large size of fires.

On September 18, 1939, the I. / IR 151 (Maj Kiewitz) received, along with the IR 23, the mission of raking and capture the Poles scattered in the wooded zone of Aleksandrow and Falenica from September 19 onwards.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions.

On the night of 18 to 19 September 1939, the 336 pp carried out a counterattack on the axis of Goclaw but it was stopped with serious losses for the Polish troops. On September 19, 1939 after successfully concluding the Battle of Bzura the German 8 AOK received a new task: to conquer Warsaw.

On September 20, 1939, the German forces launched heavy attacks on the sector of Saska Kepa, which were renewed on 21 and 22 September 1939, in addition to the attacks on St. Brodno on September 22 and 23, 1939. It is also hard combat at Zacisze and Brodno Annopol.

Between 22 and 23 September 1939, the troops of 8 AOK completely relieved the forces of 10 AOK and General Blaskowitz ordered the assault on the capital. According to them, five infantry divisions were ready to march against the western sector (10, 18, 19, 31, 46), and four infantry divisions against Prague (11, 32, 61, 217). On September 22, 1939 the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Adolf Hitler with his chief of staff (Keitel) arrived at the front and witnessed the battle of Prague from the tower of the church in wyniosłości Glinkach (now Marysin WAWERSKI) .

On September 22, 1939, it was announced the death of Generaloberst v. Fritsch fallen as Honorary Commander of the AR 12 in the fight for Warsaw.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows...............

Defense of Prague in September 1939.

Actions.

On September 23, 1939 Warsaw had no electrical or water services, medicines and ammunition were lacking and the fires spread all over the city due to the ineffectiveness of the means of fire fighting.

The IR 42 in Warsaw.

23 Sep 1939.

After marching 26 kilometers (12 kilometers by sandy paths) the Regiment reached the area south of Piaseczno. Towards Warsaw it was heard the artillery fire.

Sources: Defensa de Praga en septiembre de 1939. Memorias de los defensores. Erwin Łaciok
La Campaña de Polonia (Septiembre de 1939). Robert Jars. Círculo Militar.
Das Infanterie-Regiment 23 im Polenfeldzug. Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der 11. Infanterie-Division. Oberstleutnant i. G. a. D. Arnold Tamm,
Der Zweite Weltkrieg. Janusz Piekalkiewicz
Die Einnahme von Warschau. Blaskowitz, Johannes
Entscheidende Stunden. Erich Borchert.
eBay Österreich Jnfantrie Regt_ 42 Hof General Hüttner Sudetenlandbes_ (Artikel 300322813209 endet 14_08_09 125006 MESZ).
Marsch und Einsatz des IR 42. H. Stahlmann/ M. Atzesberger.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[Domen123]

In Poland in 1939 there were only two tanks vs tanks battles involving battalion-sized units on the Polish side.

1st was counterattack of 2nd light tank battalion near Piotrkow on 5 September (vs tanks of 1. and 4. Pz.Div.).

2nd were combats of tanks from improvised armoured grouping of mjr. Majewski (from Warsaw Armoured-Motorized Brigade) near Tomaszow Lubelski on 18 September against tanks of German 4. Lei.Div. and 2. Pz.Div.

Other tanks vs tanks skirmishes involved smaller units (most often platoon-sized) on the Polish side.

The Polish attack at Piotrkow was initially successful but ultimately halted by AT defence and tank reinforcements. At Tomaszow the attack against AT defence and tanks of 4. Lei.Div. was - in good part - successful, but the subsequent flanking counter attack of Panzer-Brigade (less one battalion) of 2. Pz.Div. forced the Poles to withdraw.

Commander of 4. Lei.Div. wrote about experiences with Polish armour in the campaign:

"Wherever Polish tanks appeared - it was in smallest units of platoon, at most company, strength. Only at Tomaszow tanks were used in larger number. Their attack, outpacing infantry yet on medium distance (700 m.) and rousing it to fast advance, brought some success against a weak line of own guards and a widely over-extended defence."

He exaggerates a bit. Compared to strength of attackers, German defence was strong.

On 18 September 4. Lei.Div. lost ca. 79 killed and many WIA. Poles also captured at least 160 POWs.

What is interesting Polish sources mention that POWs taken near Tomaszow on 18 September during investigation said that they didn't know anything about the fact that France and England declared war on Germany.

In combats near Piotrkow on 5 September Polish 2nd light tank battalion was credited with knocking out 15 - 16 tanks and armoured vehicles, destroying 2 AT guns and 6 motor vehicles and capturing ca. 70 POWs. Losses of the battalion were 5 tanks irrecoverably lost, 5+ damaged, 4 KIA, 9 MIA, 10 WIA, 2 ammo/fuel cars destroyed.

Polish tanks after the battle of Tomaszow Lubelski:





Panzerkampfwagen III knocked out near Piotrkow: