military@cbnews.att.com (08/31/89)
GERMANY INVADES POLAND At 4:45 AM, the German pre-dreadnought Schleswig-Holstein opens fire at Polish troops near Danzig. Soon after, the Germans, attacking with some 48 divisions, including 6 panzer divisions, cross the borders into Polish territory. Facing them are 40 Polish divisions, of which one is mechanized. The Polish are handicapped by their defensive deployment, which has been compromised to deal with potential threats from all directions. The attack had originally been scheduled for 26 August, but was called off the night of the 25th-26th. (1) The code-name is "Fall Weiss" (Case White). The Luftwaffe carries out strikes against Polish air wings, but most are missed, the planes having moved to forward bases the day before. However, Germany maintains complete air superiority. Near the village of Mokra, Polish horsemen of the Wolynska Brygada Kawalerii, fighting dismounted, succeed in delaying the 4th Panzer Division, despite repeated air attacks and a lack of defending armor. Elsewhere, however, the fighting goes entirely for the Germans. Heavy defeats are handed to the Polish Army of Pomorze (Pomerania) in the Polish Corridor, while other units manage tenuous holding actions for the first day of the war. Poland appeals to Britain and France under the Mutual Assistance Treaties; these countries respond by demanding a German withdrawal. Roosevelt calls for a ban on the indiscriminate bombing of civilians. Britain had, on the previous day, mobilized the Fleet, and today begins evacuation of 3 million women and children from cities. Blackouts are enforced. France, too, mobilizes, and declares martial law. Hitler, in a speech before the Reichstag, justifies the attack, and threatens to use "secret weapons." The invasion is claimed as a response to "Polish attacks." Balance of Forces: (2) Germany Poland Men 3.7 million 2.5 million tanks 3200 1100 (100 Pz III (nearly all and IV) obsolete) aircraft 1500(*) 750 (*) Piekalkiewicz. Argyle claims 4000 References: (1) H.Guderian, _Panzer Leader_ (2) C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ 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 "The term "war" is to be avoided at all costs in German press reports and headlines." - Reich Press Chief Otto Dietrich