Warsaw 1944: Poland’s bid for freedom

Osprey Campaign #205

by Robert Forczyk

Osprey's study of the involvement of Poland's Home Army in World War II (1939-1945). Poland had apparently lain dormant under the Nazi heel for nearly five years, suffering the waves of genocidal round-ups, organized looting and the brutal suppression of its culture. The Poles, however, had in fact formed an underground army, the Armia Krajowa (Home Army), and waited for the moment when German weakness would offer the opportunity for a successful rising. That moment seemed to have arrived in July 1944. As the Soviet armies began to advance into eastern Poland following the destruction of the German Army Group Centre in the successful Bagration offensive, the AK launched its revolt in Warsaw on August 1, 1944. Though its 5,000 fighters achieved some initial successes, the Germans were able to retain control over both the Vistula River bridges and the airbase, which ultimately doomed the revolt to isolation and defeat. The SS was put in charge of suppressing the rebellion, beginning another wave of atrocities, shocking even by Eastern Front standards.

By the beginning of September, it was clear that the rebellion was doomed. The Western Allies attempted to fly weapons and supplies to Warsaw, but their efforts were undermined by Stalin's unwillingness to provide airbases. Stalin himself waited until the rebellion was approaching its death throes before allowing the First Polish Army (part of the Red Army) to cross the Vistula River to aid the rebellion. Although these reinforcements succeeded in briefly establishing a link-up, it was too late. The AK finally agreed to surrender on October 2.

Genres: History, World War II, Poland, Military History, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2009

About the author

Robert Forczyk has a PhD in International Relations and National Security from the University of Maryland and a strong background in European and Asian military history.

Reviews

[Kevin Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed this book.It is well researched and well written too.

[Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know enough about this important battle in Polish history. Good basic introduction.

[J W · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fact that someone has details at this level of minutia about something so chaotic is incredible in itself. Day-by-day details of each of the skirmishes and major group movements during the 1944 uprising. However, as with a lot of war non-fiction, painstaking detail of the subtleties of war tend to avoid the reality of the pain.

That said, this book gave really good insight into the successes and failures of the uprising, the incredible odds they faced, why the Soviets didn't help, and even gave a glimmer of hope that all was not for naught. And it's short, so why not read it?