Introduction

The Following introduction is taken from the Pen and Sword website:

The First Polish Armoured Division was formed in Scotland in February 1942 from Polish exiles who had escaped first Poland and then France. Its commander, Stanislaw Maczek, and many of its men had previously served in Polish 10th Motorized Cavalry Brigade (10 BKS), which had taken part in the Polish invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938 and given a good account of itself in the defence of Poland against German and Soviet invasion of 1939. Under Maczek’s leadership the division was trained and equipped along British lines in preparation for the invasion of France.

Attached to 1st Canadian Army, the division was sent to Normandy in late July 1944. It suffered heavily during Operation Totalize but went on to play a crucial role in preventing an orderly German withdrawal from the Falaise Pocket by its stand at Hill 262. They then played their part in the advance across Western Europe and into Germany.

This detailed history, supported by dozens of archive photos, concludes by looking at the often-poor treatment of Maczek and his men after the war.

Review

This offering from Pen and Sword covering the First Polish armoured division is authored by Evan McGilvray and Janusz Jarzembowski. This is a hard backed release printed in a portrait style with 320 pages and 200 pictures, the font and text of this publication is of the type to make for easy reading.

The contents of this release are as follows:

Chapter  1     1938-1940

Chapter  2     Regrouping in the United Kingdom

Chapter  3     New Formation, Same old policies 1942-1944

Chapter  4     Fresh Blooding: Normandy, August 1944

Chapter  5     The forgotten Polish victory: August 1944

Chapter  6     The Battle on the Maczuga

Chapter  7     Clearing France, September 1944

Chapter  8     Into Belgium

Chapter  9     The Netherlands

Chapter  10   The Endgame

The attack on Poland by Germany is the reason for Britain and France coming into World War II against Germany. This story covers the history of the Polish First Armoured Division, but technically having begun their military service in Poland serving with the 10th motorised cavalry brigade. This book covers the story of how considerable numbers of Polish servicemen made their way to Britain during the fall of Poland and subsequent retreat through France and at the start of the formation of the 1st Polish Armoured Division, still wearing French military uniform and serving on British vehicles. The Poles who came over to continue the fight against Germany quickly earnt a reputation as hard fighting and a force to be reckoned with. This title covers the history from the start to their de-mobilisation at which point many Poles remained in the UK, many settling in Scotland where there is still a large Polish populous even today. The book is written with pictures inserted in various locations with captions, which add to the interest of this title, and making an informative read.

Conclusion

This release from Pen and Sword is well written, informative and if the Polish armed forces are of interest to you this title covering their distinguished service during World War II should appeal too many. The history is written with dedication to both specific information and recollection, making for a very thorough history.