Events with tag - 1939

September 1, 1939

German Attack on Poland

On September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM, German forces attacked Poland, initiating World War II. The attack began with the bombardment of Westerplatte by the battleship Schleswig-Holstein and air raids on Polish cities. The September Campaign lasted 35 days and ended in Poland's defeat, despite Polish soldiers' heroic defense against overwhelming German forces.

September 1, 1939

World War II

World War II was the largest armed conflict in human history, which began on September 1, 1939, with Nazi Germany's attack on Poland. The conflict quickly spread worldwide, involving most nations and claiming millions of lives. The war ended in 1945, fundamentally changing the world order.

September 9, 1939

Battle of Bzura

The Battle of Bzura, lasting from September 9 to 22, 1939, was the largest armed clash of the September Campaign. In this battle, the Polish armies 'Poznań' and 'Pomorze' under the command of Gen. Tadeusz Kutrzeba and Gen. Władysław Bortnowski made a desperate attempt to stop the German advance on Warsaw.

September 17, 1939

Soviet occupation of eastern Poland

The Soviet occupation of eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic began on September 17, 1939, when the Red Army crossed Poland's borders. This event was a direct consequence of the secret protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The invasion led to mass deportations, repressions, and fundamental territorial and demographic changes in Poland.

September 17, 1939

Soviet Invasion of Poland

On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union, breaking existing international treaties, launched a military invasion of Poland. The attack was the implementation of the secret protocol of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and occurred when Poland was fighting a desperate battle against Nazi Germany. About 600,000 Red Army soldiers, supported by 4,700 tanks and 3,300 aircraft, crossed Poland's eastern border, beginning a period of Soviet occupation and mass repression against civilians.

September 28, 1939

Capitulation of Warsaw

The capitulation of Warsaw on September 28, 1939, ended the heroic 20-day defense of Poland's capital against the German invader. After exhausting combat, facing overwhelming enemy forces, lack of supplies, and a dramatic situation of civilians, the city's defense command decided to surrender. The act of capitulation was signed at 13:15 in Ożarów Mazowiecki.

September 29, 1939

Surrender of Modlin Fortress

The Modlin Fortress, located at the confluence of the Vistula and Narew rivers, was one of the last points of Polish resistance during the September Campaign of 1939. After 19 days of heroic defense led by Gen. Wiktor Thommée, facing depleted supplies and no hope for relief, the fortress surrendered on September 29, 1939. The defense of Modlin became a symbol of Polish soldiers' courage and determination in the face of German aggression.

October 2, 1939

Battle of Kock

The Battle of Kock (October 2-5, 1939) was the last battle of regular Polish Army units during the September Campaign. The Independent Operational Group 'Polesie' under the command of General Franciszek Kleeberg made a heroic stand against superior German forces. Despite the inevitable defeat, the battle became a symbol of Polish soldier's indomitability.