Polish contribution to World War II
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2 Intelligence 3 Underground 4 Battles 5 Technicalies |
Army
After the defeat in 1939 campaign Polish government in-exile immedietely organised new army In France. Until 1940 two divisions took part in defense of France. Another division took part in Battle of Narvik. Large part of personnel was either interned in Switzerland or died during fighting, nevertheless Władysław Sikorski was able to evacuate many of Polish soldiers to England. In 1941 after agreement with Stalin Soviets released a lot of former Polish citizens, from which 75.000 stron arym was formed in Middle East under gen. Anders (so called Anders' Army).
In the end of WWII Polish army in the west numbered 225.000 soldiers. Communist government organised its own army, Polish People's army, which at the and of the war numbered close to 500.000 soldiers. In addition, Home Army (Armia Krajowa), Polish resistance forces in Poland at peak numbered around 200.000 regular soldiers and much more conspirators and sympathizers.
Polish Air forces fought in Battle of France (133 pilots - they achieved 55 victories and lost 15 men). Later Polish pilots fought in Battle of Britain, Polish air Force fought also in Tunisia (Skalski circus), during raids at Germany etc. At the end at the war there was about 12.000 Polish airmen.
Polish navy fought alongside allied navies, including fighting with Bismarck.
Intelligence
Polish cryptographs were able to decrypt early version of Enigma and gave results of their work to British.
AK intelligence was vital to destroying factory at Peenemunde, and finding info about V-1 and V-2 rockets.
Underground
Polish Underground state (Armia Krajowa aka AK), sabotages
See also: History of Poland (1939-1945)
Battles
Famous battles and campaigns at which fought Polish regular soldiers:
Technicalies
Polish soldier invented Polish mine detector which was used throughout the war by allied armies.
