The Defense of Westerplatte was a heroic seven-day battle of 182 Polish soldiers against overwhelming German forces, which began on September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM with an attack from the battleship Schleswig-Holstein. Despite the planned 12-hour defense, Polish soldiers under the command of Major Henryk Sucharski defended the peninsula for seven days, becoming a symbol of Polish resistance and marking the beginning of World War II.

The Defense of Westerplatte is one of the most symbolic events in Polish history. It began on September 1, 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, and lasted for seven heroic days.

Westerplatte, a small peninsula in Gdańsk, became the site of the first clash between Polish soldiers and the German invader. Despite the enemy's overwhelming advantage, a handful of Polish defenders put up fierce resistance, inspiring the nation to fight. This heroic stance became a symbol of Polish resistance and patriotism, forever inscribed in the annals of history.

Poland's situation in the 1930s was tense. The country found itself between two powerful neighbors: Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Both states had expansionist ambitions, which put Poland in a difficult geopolitical position.

In 1934, Poland signed a non-aggression pact with Germany, meant to ensure peace for 10 years. However, in 1939, Hitler broke this pact, demanding the annexation of Gdańsk to the Reich and consent for an extraterritorial highway through Pomerania.

Poland's economy during this period was developing, but still struggled with problems. The construction of the Central Industrial Region was intended to strengthen the country's defensive potential, but this project wasn't fully completed before the war broke out.

Poland's military situation was difficult. The army numbered about 950,000 soldiers but was less well-armed than the German forces. Poland had 880 tanks and 400 combat aircraft, while Germany had 3,200 tanks and 2,000 aircraft.

Poland's foreign policy was based on alliances with France and Great Britain. On August 25, 1939, Poland signed an alliance agreement with Great Britain, which was supposed to guarantee support in case of aggression.

Tension grew with German provocations at the border. On August 31, 1939, the famous Gleiwitz incident took place, which Hitler used as a pretext to start the war.

Westerplatte, a small peninsula located at the mouth of the Dead Vistula River leading to the Gulf of Gdańsk, played a crucial role in the defensive system of the Second Polish Republic. Its strategic importance stemmed from several key factors:

1. Port Control:

• Direct supervision of the entrance to Gdańsk port
• Ability to block ship traffic in case of conflict
• Securing Polish interests in the Free City of Danzig

2. Protection of Polish Interests:

• Counterbalance to German influence in the region
• Guarantee of Poland's free access to the sea
• Symbolic importance of Polish presence on the Baltic coast

3. Military Significance:

• Fortified military outpost with modern armament
• Capability for sustained defense
• Potential to delay German advance into the country

4. Propaganda Value:

• Demonstration of Polish determination to defend sovereignty
• Source of national pride and patriotism
• Inspiration for other military units and civilians

Despite its small size, Westerplatte was a crucial element of Polish defensive strategy on the Coast. Its geographical location and fortifications made it a difficult target for potential aggressors, as proven by the heroic defense in September 1939.

The defense of Westerplatte began on September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM, when the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on Polish positions. This moment marked the beginning of World War II and the heroic fight of Polish soldiers on the peninsula.

The attack on Westerplatte occurred on September 1, 1939, at dawn. The German battleship Schleswig-Holstein, officially in Gdańsk on a "courtesy visit," began shelling Polish positions at 4:45 AM. The first shots were fired at Guard Post No. 5, located closest to the battleship. This attack coincided with the German assault on the Polish Post Office in the Free City of Danzig and other military actions across Poland.

The Polish forces at Westerplatte consisted of 182 soldiers under the command of Major Henryk Sucharski. The garrison had:

• 1 field gun of 75mm caliber
• 2 anti-tank guns of 37mm caliber
• 4 mortars of 81mm caliber
• 41 heavy machine guns

Polish defenders occupied positions in:

• 5 guard posts
• Barracks
• Command building

Despite limited numbers and armament, the Polish soldiers were well-trained and determined to defend this strategic point. Their mission was to hold the peninsula for 12 hours until reinforcements arrived. Ultimately, thanks to their heroic stance, the defense lasted 7 days, far exceeding the original expectations.

The defense of Westerplatte lasted seven days, from September 1 to 7, 1939. Polish soldiers, despite enemy superiority, put up fierce resistance, demonstrating extraordinary courage and determination.

1. First attack: September 1 at 4:45 AM, battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on Polish positions.
2. Repelling the assault: September 2, defenders successfully repelled an attack by German naval infantry.
3. Bombardments: September 2-4, Luftwaffe conducted intensive air raids on Polish fortifications.
4. Defense breach: September 5, Germans captured Guard Post No. 2, increasing pressure on defenders.
5. Final days: September 6-7, Polish soldiers, despite exhaustion and lack of ammunition, continued fighting.
6. Surrender: September 7 at 10:15 AM, Major Henryk Sucharski made the decision to surrender.

The Polish defenders of Westerplatte demonstrated extraordinary heroism:

• They held out for 7 days, far exceeding the planned 12 hours of defense.
• Repelled 13 German infantry attacks.
• Survived 110 bombing raids.
• Destroyed or damaged 3 German aircraft.
• Inflicted losses on the enemy estimated at 300-400 killed and wounded.
• Maintained high morale despite constant shelling and bombardments.
• Showed tactical initiative, including conducting night raids on enemy positions.

The heroism of Westerplatte's defenders became a symbol of Polish resistance and inspiration for the entire nation in the face of German aggression.

The surrender of Westerplatte took place on September 7, 1939, ending the seven-day heroic defense of the Polish outpost. The decision to surrender was made by Major Henryk Sucharski in the face of depleted supplies and the impossibility of further resistance.

On September 7, 1939, at 10:15 AM, Major Henryk Sucharski made the decision to surrender Westerplatte. The circumstances that led to the end of the defense:

• Ammunition depletion: Defenders had only 5% of initial supplies remaining.
• Lack of food: Supplies were running out, making further fighting impossible.
• Infrastructure destruction: 80% of buildings and fortifications were destroyed.
• Human casualties: 15 soldiers killed and 50 wounded.
• No support: Expected external help never arrived.

The Germans, under the command of General Friedrich-Georg Eberhardt, accepted the surrender of the Polish garrison. Major Sucharski, considering further defense futile, issued the order to cease fighting and surrender.

The defense of Westerplatte became a symbol of Polish resistance and heroism, having an enormous impact on the Polish nation's morale and gaining recognition internationally. The seven-day battle of a handful of Polish soldiers against overwhelming German forces demonstrated the determination and courage of Poles in the face of aggression.

For Poland, the defense of Westerplatte had crucial propaganda significance. The heroic stance of the defenders inspired the nation to continue fighting, despite the difficult military situation. Westerplatte became a symbol of resilience and patriotism, preserved in literature, art, and the collective memory of Poles.

On the international stage, the defense of Westerplatte drew global public attention to Polish resistance. The prolonged defense of a small garrison against a powerful invader aroused admiration and sympathy for Poland. This event helped shape Poland's image as a country fighting for freedom and democracy.

Militarily, the defense of Westerplatte had limited strategic significance, but its psychological impact was invaluable. It delayed German operations on the Coast and tied up significant enemy forces. The seven-day defense, instead of the planned 12 hours, revealed weaknesses in the German war machine and demonstrated the possibility of effective resistance.

The defense of Westerplatte has also become an important element of Polish historical policy. Annual commemorations of the outbreak of World War II at Westerplatte emphasize the significance of this place in Polish and European history. Westerplatte's symbolism is used in diplomacy and education, reminding people of Polish heroism and warning against the threats of totalitarianism.

In the European context, the defense of Westerplatte symbolizes the beginning of World War II and resistance against aggression. It serves as a reminder of the necessity to defend democratic values and peace in Europe. Westerplatte has become a place of remembrance for war victims and a symbol of the pursuit of reconciliation between nations.

The defenders of Westerplatte are commemorated in many ways, emphasizing their heroism and significance in Polish history. Memorial sites, monuments, and ceremonies constitute key elements of this commemoration.

The Monument to the Defenders of the Coast at Westerplatte is a 25-meter monument unveiled in 1966. It depicts a stylized figure of a soldier and symbolizes the indomitability of Polish defenders. Every year on September 1st, official state ceremonies commemorating the outbreak of World War II are held here.

The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk dedicates a significant portion of its exhibition to the defense of Westerplatte. It presents artifacts, documents, and multimedia reconstructions, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the events from September 1939.

Many Polish cities have honored the defenders of Westerplatte by naming streets, schools, and public institutions after them. Examples include:

• Defenders of Westerplatte Street in Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk
• Defenders of Westerplatte Primary School in Kielce
• Heroes of Westerplatte High School in Warsaw

The defense of Westerplatte has become an inspiration for numerous literary and artistic works:

• "Westerplatte" - a 1967 war film directed by Stanisław Różewicz
• "Song of the Soldiers of Westerplatte" - a poem by Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński
• "Westerplatte" - a novel by Melchior Wańkowicz from 1959

Annual commemorations of the outbreak of World War II at Westerplatte gather state officials, veterans, and residents. Events include:

• Memorial roll call
• Wreath-laying at the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast
• Historical reenactments
• Thematic exhibitions

The commemoration of Westerplatte's defenders constitutes an important element of Polish historical policy, maintaining the memory of their heroism and sacrifice for future generations.

• The defense of Westerplatte began on September 1, 1939, and lasted for seven days, much longer than planned.
• Polish defenders, numbering only 182 soldiers, put up effective resistance against much larger German forces.
• Westerplatte had strategic importance due to its control over the Gdańsk port and Poland's symbolic presence on the coast.
• The heroic stance of the defenders became a symbol of Polish resistance and inspiration for the entire nation.
• The surrender took place on September 7, 1939, due to depleted supplies and the inability to continue defense.
• The defense of Westerplatte is commemorated through monuments, museums, street names, and annual anniversary celebrations.

The defense of Westerplatte is one of the most heroic episodes in Polish history. Lasting from September 1 to 7, 1939, it became a symbol of national resistance and fortitude.

Despite the enemy's overwhelming advantage, a handful of Polish soldiers fiercely resisted the German invader for seven days. Their stance inspired the entire nation to fight and gained recognition internationally.

Today, Westerplatte is a place of national remembrance where heroes are honored annually. Their sacrifice has forever been inscribed in the annals of Polish history as an example of courage and patriotism in the face of aggression.