Lest We Forget – Poland 1939
Posted By Randy on November 11, 2010
Peace, n. In international affairs, a period of cheating between two periods of fighting.
~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary
As a student of military history I have long been aware of the German shenanigans with respect to Poland that finally dragged British Prime Minister Nevil Chamberlain kicking and screaming into a declaration of war in September of 1939. Even more so now because I bear the honour of being Polish by Marriage.
This article will present some historic film footage and recordings of a radio broadcast, all to set the stage for the big sell out that allowed Nazi forces to overwhelm Poland while no one stood with her in her hour of need.
First on the menu is a documentary detailing the German invasion of Poland that started World War 2.
Next is Nevil Chamberlain who had finally come to realize that Hitler would say and do anything to achieve his ends, and now must deliver the bad news to the population of the Empire. Listen now as Britain declares war on Germany on 3 September 1939.
Captain Wladyslaw Raginis. Click to enlarge.
One of the bunkers, now a memorial. Click to enlarge.
The Battle of Wizna was fought between 7 and 10 September 1939 at the beginning of the invasion of Poland. 720 Polish soldiers under the command of Captain Wladyslaw Raginis manned strategically located fortified positions that were directly in the path of German forces marching on Warsaw. Outnumbered and doomed, they made an accounting of themselves that stopped the massive German onslaught in its tracks for three days. Of the defenders, there are no known survivors, and the Battle of Wizna is known as the Polish Thermopylae.
In 2008, the splendid Swedish band Sabaton produced a gripping musical monument to the brave defenders of Wizna called Forty to One. I’ll close this by inviting you to watch and listen to the official music video.
Fitting testimonial to these innocent people who must have been shocked and frightened beyond comprehension. Joseph Goebbels was indeed a master of propaganda. It’s difficult to imagine such ruthlessness and hatred manifesting itself in the 20th century.
You may have won the battle…
How ironic that the overwhelming outcome of this particular battle could have very well been the beginning of the end for the Third Reich.
Ironic indeed Ben.
Sadly Leroy, I don’t think the world has seen the worst that human evil can accomplish. Not that it hasn’t yet been committed, just that nobody who actually witnessed it has been allowed to tell the tale.
Ben, the Nazis learned the hard way not to start vast projects with half-vast ideology.
Thank you, gentlemen, for your input. Just because I don’t always reply doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it!
Pollish Blood that was spilled during the three day battle of Wizna is a testament to freedom, love of family, and Country.They stood alone till death released them from their post , all the while planting seeds of freedom.