Battle of the Bzura

The Battle of the Bzura, fought from September 9 to 22, 1939, was the largest engagement of the September Campaign in Poland. Two Polish armies – "Poznań" under the command of General Tadeusz Kutrzeba and "Pomorze" led by General Władysław Bortnowski – entered the fight against the German 8th and 10th Armies. The battle was of crucial importance because the Poles, utilizing an unexpected concentration of forces, undertook offensive actions, which surprised the German command. Due to a lack of intelligence, the Germans failed to detect the Polish units in the Bzura area, leading to their dispersal and the eventual outcome of the clash. The Polish forces went through three phases: the first began with an assault on Stryków, the second on Łowicz, and the third involved a retreat and attempts to break through to Warsaw. During the fighting, the Poles achieved initial successes, capturing key territories; however, due to the numerical superiority and better organization of the German troops, the Polish offensive was soon halted and then turned into a retreat. Losses were heavy on both sides, with significant casualties among the Polish forces which led to the eventual capture of many soldiers. The Battle of the Bzura was the only major Polish offensive operation against the Germans until 1941, underscoring its historical significance. The battle is commemorated with plaques at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw and medals issued in honor of the participants. This battle became a symbol of Polish resistance in the face of the German attack, highlighting the military's determination to defend the country. Interestingly, a 1944 article described the Poles' determination as "With a lance against tanks," which vividly illustrates the struggles the soldiers had to face. Despite the defeat, the Battle of the Bzura remains an important part of Polish military history, standing as a testament to heroic resistance against the invader.