Captured Convoy

During the third phase of the Battle of Bzura (Sept 16-19), Polish forces of the “Poznań” and “Pomorze” armies were trying to break through to Warsaw via the forested area of Kampinos Woods. Leading the Polish formation was the “Wielkopolska” …

1939-09-19

PoH10

During the third phase of the Battle of Bzura (Sept 16-19), Polish forces of the “Poznań” and “Pomorze” armies were trying to break through to Warsaw via the forested area of Kampinos Woods. Leading the Polish formation was the “Wielkopolska” Cavalry Brigade. Its orders were to clear the forest roads of enemy resistance and to guide the infantry through the densely forested area. The Poles were hoping that the woods would offer protection from the Luftwaffe. Unfortunately, due to the drought that year, the cover was minimal and the trails were difficult to traverse. The German 10th Army was just as busy, and quickly mobilized motorized and panzer divisions, with orders to block the roads between the Bzura pocket and Warsaw. The Germans were occupying crossroads and small villages hidden in the deep forest, with the intention to block, disorganize and ambush Polish columns. However, just as often the Germans became the victims of similar Polish actions. During the night of the 18th, Polish cavalrymen seized the village of Sieraków, capturing a German supply column from the 1st Light Division. The Polish prize was great: 34 trucks filled with equipment, ammunition and fuel. The next day, the Germans returned, eager to inflict revenge

Sieraków, Poland

The Battle of the Bzura was the largest Polish counter-attack of the German Invasion of Poland, fought between the 9th and 19th of September. The battle took place west of Warsaw, near the Bzura River. It began as a Polish counter-offensive, which gained initial success, but the Germans outflanked the Polish forces with a concentrated counter-attack. This weakened Polish forces and the Poznań and Pomorze Armies were destroyed. Western Poland was now under German rule.  The battle has been described as "the bloodiest and most bitter battle of the entire Polish campaign". Winston Churchill called the battle an "ever-glorious struggle".

Wikipedia: Battle of the Bzura

German

Polish