20th Infantry Division (Poland)
Encyclopedia
20th Infantry Division was a unit of the Polish Army during the interbellum period, which took part in the Polish September Campaign. It was formed in 1920 from the reorganization of the 2nd Lithuanian-Belarusian Division. Stationed in Baranowicze and commanded by Colonel Wilhelm Andrzej Lawicz-Liszka.
September 1939 Campaign
In the summer of 1939 it was moved west and became part of the Army Modlin. Its task was to defend the partly fortified area north of Mława, near the inter war border of Poland and East Prussia
.
Between September 1 and 3, 1939 (see: Polish September Campaign), the Division defended positions around Mława (see: Battle of Mława), facing the more numerous and better equipped units of the German 1st Army Corps (composed of: 11th Infantry Division, 61st Infantry Division and the Panzer Division Kempf).
The Wehrmacht
was advancing southwards, towards Warsaw
, but first attacks were repulsed with the loss of around 25 German tanks. Unable to capture Mława in frontal attack, the Germans decided to go around and attack from sides. As they threatened 20th I.D.'s rear, the Poles were ordered to withdraw. However, supported by the neighbouring Polish 8th Infantry Division
, the defenders kept their positions.
On September 2, German attacks failed again, even though they ordered Polish civilians to walk in front of their tanks. The Germans decided to organize an offensive from the area of Ostrołęka and Przasnysz
. This succeeded, and on September 3, Polish positions were broken. To make matters worse, the counter-attack of the 8th I.D. was ill-organized and failed, resulting in chaotic, panic withdrawal of 8th I.D. units.
Facing the difficult situation, the 20th I.D. was ordered to withdraw on the night of September 3-4. Bombed by the Germans, the Division around September 7 reached the area of Płock. Then, the remains of the unit entered Warsaw, helping with its defence from northwest. They capitulated together with the Warsaw garrison on September 28 (see: Siege of Warsaw (1939)
).
September 1939 Campaign
In the summer of 1939 it was moved west and became part of the Army Modlin. Its task was to defend the partly fortified area north of Mława, near the inter war border of Poland and East Prussia
East Prussia
East Prussia is the main part of the region of Prussia along the southeastern Baltic Coast from the 13th century to the end of World War II in May 1945. From 1772–1829 and 1878–1945, the Province of East Prussia was part of the German state of Prussia. The capital city was Königsberg.East Prussia...
.
Between September 1 and 3, 1939 (see: Polish September Campaign), the Division defended positions around Mława (see: Battle of Mława), facing the more numerous and better equipped units of the German 1st Army Corps (composed of: 11th Infantry Division, 61st Infantry Division and the Panzer Division Kempf).
The Wehrmacht
Wehrmacht
The Wehrmacht – from , to defend and , the might/power) were the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer , the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe .-Origin and use of the term:...
was advancing southwards, towards Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
, but first attacks were repulsed with the loss of around 25 German tanks. Unable to capture Mława in frontal attack, the Germans decided to go around and attack from sides. As they threatened 20th I.D.'s rear, the Poles were ordered to withdraw. However, supported by the neighbouring Polish 8th Infantry Division
Polish 8th Infantry Division
The 8th Infantry Division was a tactical unit of the Polish Army. It was active in the Polish-Bolshevik War, as well as during the Invasion of Poland in 1939...
, the defenders kept their positions.
On September 2, German attacks failed again, even though they ordered Polish civilians to walk in front of their tanks. The Germans decided to organize an offensive from the area of Ostrołęka and Przasnysz
Przasnysz
Przasnysz is a town in Poland. Located in the Masovian Voivodship, about 110 km north of Warsaw and about 115 km south of Olsztyn, it's the capital of Przasnysz County. It has 18,093 inhabitants . One of the most important towns in Mazovia during the Middle Ages. City laws - 1427.-Famous...
. This succeeded, and on September 3, Polish positions were broken. To make matters worse, the counter-attack of the 8th I.D. was ill-organized and failed, resulting in chaotic, panic withdrawal of 8th I.D. units.
Facing the difficult situation, the 20th I.D. was ordered to withdraw on the night of September 3-4. Bombed by the Germans, the Division around September 7 reached the area of Płock. Then, the remains of the unit entered Warsaw, helping with its defence from northwest. They capitulated together with the Warsaw garrison on September 28 (see: Siege of Warsaw (1939)
Siege of Warsaw (1939)
The 1939 Battle of Warsaw was fought between the Polish Warsaw Army garrisoned and entrenched in the capital of Poland and the German Army...
).