military@cbnews.att.com (09/06/89)
From: military@cbnews.att.com The Polish garrison in the Westerplatte surrenders; the Schleswig- Holstein sails to begin bombarding the Polish naval base Hela. German Army Group North launches a stong attack across the Narev River toward Warsaw, and Marshal Rydz-Smigly, commander-in-chief of the Polish Army, moves his HQ from Warsaw to Brest-Litovsk. The German objective at this point is to get behind the Vistula before the Polish forces can retreat across it. In addition, a second pincer is launched deeper into Polish territory, with the River Bug as its objective. General Viscout Gort, V.C., (Victoria Cross) is appointed commander of the BEF. 11 divisions are now committed to the French Saar offensive. Over the next 5 days, they will advance only 8 miles into German territory, despite a virtual lack of opposition. References: C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ J. Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "In one battle, a single German heavy tank annihilated two gun crews with a single shot and then crushed the guns themselves under its heavy track chains." - Die Wehrmacht, German propaganda publication