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.

The Battle of Kock was one of the most important clashes in the final stage of the September 1939 campaign. This event went down in Polish history as the last battle of regular Polish Army units during World War II.

Although many Poles know the name of this battle, not everyone is certain when exactly it took place. Determining the exact date of this clash is crucial for understanding the course of events in September 1939 and the last days of Polish army resistance against the German invader.

The Battle of Kock took place in the final phase of the September 1939 campaign. It represented the last act of organized resistance by Polish armed forces against the German invader at the beginning of World War II.

September 1939 brought total military defeat to Poland. On September 1, Germany attacked from the west, north, and south, breaking through Polish defenses. On September 17, the Soviet Union struck from the east, implementing the secret provisions of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. Polish armed forces, stretched across a long front, could not effectively oppose the enemy's superior forces. The Polish government evacuated to Romania on September 17, leaving the country in chaos.

IOG "Polesie" was formed on September 11, 1939, on the initiative of Gen. Franciszek Kleeberg. It consisted of:

• "Zaza" Cavalry Division
• Infantry Division
• Podlaska Cavalry Brigade
• "Plis" Cavalry Brigade

This group, numbering about 18,000 soldiers, was one of the last organized formations of the Polish Army. Its goal was to break through to besieged Warsaw. After the capital's surrender on September 28, IOG "Polesie" headed south to join other Polish units. In the Kock region, it encountered a strong German force, which led to the last battle of the September campaign.

The Battle of Kock began on October 2, 1939, and lasted until October 5. This engagement represented the last organized resistance of Polish armed forces in the September Campaign.

On October 2, 1939, the units of the Independent Operational Group "Polesie" encountered a strong German formation in the Kock area. Gen. Franciszek Kleeberg, commander of the IOG "Polesie," decided to engage the enemy. The battle began with Polish units attacking German positions near the villages of Serokomla and Wola Gułowska.

1. Attack on Serokomla: October 2 - Polish 50th Infantry Division captured the village.

2. Fighting for Wola Gułowska: October 3-4 - fierce battles for control of the locality.

3. German counterattack: October 4 - attempt to recapture lost positions.

4. Final assault: October 5 - Polish attempt to break through German encirclement.

5. Gen. Franciszek Kleeberg: commander of IOG "Polesie"

6. Col. Tadeusz Zieleniewski: chief of staff of IOG "Polesie"

7. Gen. Gustav Anton von Wietersheim: commander of German XIV Motorized Corps

8. Col. Adam Epler: commander of 50th Infantry Division

9. Lt. Col. Ottokar Brzoza-Brzezina: commander of Podlaska Cavalry Brigade

The Polish command demonstrated high tactical skills, effectively utilizing terrain and coordinating actions of various military branches. German forces, despite their technical superiority, encountered determined resistance, which led to the prolongation of fighting for several days.

The Battle of Kock represents a crucial moment in the history of the September Campaign of 1939. Its significance extends beyond the military dimension, symbolizing the heroism and determination of Polish soldiers in the face of inevitable defeat.

The Battle of Kock went down in history as the last clash of regular Polish Army units during the September Campaign. The fighting, which lasted from October 2 to 5, 1939, marked the finale of organized Polish army resistance against the German aggressor. The Independent Operational Group "Polesie" under the command of Gen. Franciszek Kleeberg, numbering about 18,000 soldiers, faced overwhelming enemy forces. This battle demonstrated the indomitable Polish fighting spirit, despite the hopeless strategic situation and lack of realistic chances for victory.

The Battle of Kock symbolizes the end of Poland's defensive war in 1939. The capitulation of IOG "Polesie" on October 6, 1939, marked the actual end of regular military operations in Poland. The symbolism of this event extends beyond the military aspect:

1. Military Honor: Gen. Kleeberg's decision to engage in battle, despite knowing the inevitable defeat, emphasizes the honor and sacrifice of Polish soldiers.
2. Resistance to the End: The Battle of Kock demonstrates Poles' determination to defend their homeland, even in the face of overwhelming enemy superiority.
3. National Memory: This event became an important element of Polish collective memory, symbolizing the nation's steadfastness in the face of aggression.
4. Inspiration for the Resistance: The stance of IOG "Polesie" soldiers became an inspiration for the later resistance movement and the Polish Underground State.

The Battle of Kock, although ending in capitulation, remains a testament to the heroism and patriotism of Polish soldiers. Its significance extends beyond the military dimension, becoming a symbol of the Polish nation's unwavering spirit in the face of history's most challenging trials.

The Battle of Kock, the last engagement of regular Polish Army units in the September 1939 campaign, has received numerous forms of commemoration. The memory of the heroism shown by the soldiers of Independent Operational Group "Polesie" is preserved through monuments, memorial sites, and annual anniversary celebrations.

Kock and its surroundings are rich in monuments commemorating the 1939 battle. The central point is the Monument to the Combat Achievement of Kleebergs' Soldiers in Kock, unveiled in 1969. The monument depicts an eagle taking flight, symbolizing the indomitability of Polish soldiers. In Wola Gułowska, there is the Museum of Combat Achievement of Kleebergs' Soldiers, displaying exhibits related to the battle. The military cemetery in Kock is the final resting place of 250 Polish soldiers who fell in the battle. Memorial plaques are placed at key points of the battlefield, including in Serokomla and Adamów.

The anniversary of the Battle of Kock is celebrated annually in early October. The main ceremonies take place in Kock and Wola Gułowska. The celebration program includes:

1. Field Mass for the fallen soldiers
2. Roll call of the fallen at the military cemetery
3. Wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments
4. Historical reenactments of battle segments
5. Thematic exhibitions at the Museum of Combat Achievement of Kleebergs' Soldiers

The ceremonies gather veterans, families of the fallen, government and local authority representatives, and school youth. The anniversary celebrations serve not only to commemorate the heroes but also to educate the young generation about the final days of the September campaign.

The Battle of Kock had a significant impact on Poland's further fate, despite not changing the outcome of the September campaign. Its consequences included:

1. Symbolic significance:

• The last chord of regular resistance by the Polish army
• Inspiration for future generations of Poles
• Symbol of the nation's indomitable spirit

2. Impact on morale:

• Maintaining the fighting spirit among Poles
• Strengthening faith in the possibility of regaining independence
• Encouraging the creation of underground structures

1. Military aspect:

• Confirmation of Polish military tactics effectiveness
• Combat experience used in subsequent operations
• Example for Polish Armed Forces formations in the West

1. Political implications:

• Emphasizing Poland's determination in fighting the aggressor
• Argument in diplomatic discussions with allies
• Contribution to legitimizing the government-in-exile

1. Historical legacy:

• Source of national pride and identity
• Element of patriotic education for youth
• Subject of historical research and scientific publications

The Battle of Kock, although militarily lost, became a catalyst for the Polish resistance movement. The heroism of SGO "Polesie" soldiers inspired members of the Polish Underground State and Home Army. The memory of the battle shaped Polish attitudes during the occupation, strengthening the will to survive and resist.

The long-term effects of the battle also included its role in shaping post-war historical narrative. It became a symbol of Polish nation's indomitability in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. This message resonated through decades of communism, fueling independence aspirations.

Aspect	Impact of the Battle of Kock
Symbolic	Last act of regular resistance
Moral	Strengthening fighting spirit
Military	Combat experience for future operations
Political	Argument in international diplomacy
Historical	Element of shaping national identity

In post-war Poland's context, the Battle of Kock became an important element of historical policy. Its commemoration served both educational and propaganda purposes, depending on the country's current political situation. Regardless of interpretation, it remained a permanent element of national memory, reminding of values such as honor, sacrifice, and love for the homeland.

• The Battle of Kock was fought from October 2-5, 1939, being the last engagement of regular Polish Army units in the September Campaign.
• The Independent Operational Group "Polesie" under General Franciszek Kleeberg's command faced superior German forces.
• Despite inevitable defeat, the battle symbolizes the heroism and determination of Polish soldiers in defense of their homeland.
• This event became an important element of Polish national memory and inspiration for the later resistance movement.
• The battle is commemorated through monuments, museums, and annual anniversary celebrations in Kock and surrounding areas.
• Despite military defeat, the battle had a significant impact on Polish morale and shaping post-war historical narrative.

The Battle of Kock lasted from October 2-5, 1939, marking the final chord of regular military operations in the September Campaign. This heroic engagement under General Franciszek Kleeberg's command symbolizes the indomitable spirit of Polish soldiers in the face of inevitable defeat.

Despite the enemy's technical superiority, Polish units demonstrated high tactical skills by prolonging the fight for several days. The capitulation of IOG "Polesie" on October 6 ended regular resistance in Poland.

The Battle of Kock holds immense symbolic significance, inspiring the subsequent resistance movement. It is commemorated through numerous monuments, memorial sites, and annual celebrations, shaping the national identity of successive generations of Poles.

The Battle of Kock began on October 2, 1939, and lasted until October 5. It was the last battle of regular Polish Army units during the September Campaign. The capitulation occurred on October 6, which marked the effective end of regular military operations in Poland in 1939.

The Polish forces in the Battle of Kock were commanded by General Franciszek Kleeberg. He was the creator and commander of the Independent Operational Group "Polesie," formed on September 11, 1939. IOG "Polesie" consisted of various divisions and brigades, numbering about 18,000 soldiers. Kleeberg demonstrated high tactical skills during the battle.

The Battle of Kock had enormous symbolic significance. It was the last act of organized resistance by Polish armed forces in the September Campaign. It symbolized the heroism and determination of Polish soldiers in the face of inevitable defeat. It became an inspiration for the later resistance movement and the Polish Underground State, strengthening Polish morale.

The Battle of Kock is commemorated through monuments, memorial sites, and annual anniversary celebrations. In Kock and its surroundings, there are numerous monuments, including the Monument to the Combat Achievement of Kleeberg's Soldiers and the Museum of Combat Achievement of Kleeberg's Soldiers. The battle anniversary is celebrated in early October, with ceremonies including field mass, roll call of the fallen, and historical reenactments.

The Battle of Kock had a significant impact on Poland's further fate. It became a symbol of Polish nation's indomitability and inspiration for future generations. It confirmed the effectiveness of Polish military tactics and had political significance. In post-war Poland, it became an important element of historical policy, shaping national identity and memory of values such as honor and sacrifice.