The invasion of Poland

[123everton]

When, where and in what battle(s) during the German invasion of Poland in 1939 were the German Panzers attacked by Polish cavalry?

[benaddam]

In the battle for the Corridor on the 4th of September 1939, while racing eastward the force under the command of General Heinz Guderian came under a counterattack by the Polish Pomorska Brigade of cavalry.
Source: The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich by William Shirer

[Zen]

http://info-poland.buffalo.edu/classroom/cinem a/rzepinski.html

"Perhaps the most vivid image to have emerged from the September Campaign is the picture of a squadron of courageously foolhardy Polish lancers charging a wave of steel Panzers. That such attack never occured does not sem to have diminished the popularity of these tales, even among serious historians. The tales originated in the first days of the campaign from the pens of Italian correspondents on the Pomeranian front. They were embesllished by German propagandists and became more fanciful with each new telling

[123everton]

Nice one, thanks.

[123everton]

They're both founded in reason and from quotable sources. I appreciate the fact that they've both took the time to answer my question. I don't know which is correct I lean mainly towards the first because I remember seeing a documentary (I think it was the World At War) which had old German film footage of the event. I have an open mind, god willing an old Pole will write in and say his dad was there, or a German, I don't mind. Plenty of food for thought.

[MrSensible]

Yes it is correct, the Polish did use cavalry units I believe they were known as "Lancers". Its fair to say they didn't do very well.

[123everton]

No I don't suppose it was, but at least they had a go not like the French! Remember Poland was the first country to stand up against the Nazis, they fought alongside us in the skies during the Battle of Britain, they fought in deserts of Africa, they overcame the garrison at Monte Casino, they were with us at Arnem (and I think Normandy), they never surrended. An act of foolish bravery? Yes! But so was standing alone against the most formidable war machine of the 20th century, I think it happened, and as such their sacrifice stands as a testament to the honour of their nation.

[Peter Pedant]

Well the rumour was certainly rife in the POW camps (1939 English French and Polish,, with AMericans in large numbers from 1944) in Germany

My late father was told by a Pole

'everyone knew that the tanks were not decoys covered in canvas. We just wanted to show the Germans we had no fear.'

[bigbus]

i think the german panzies were painting each others toe nails, but dont quote me on it!

[bigbus]

I believe it was near a small village called Mokra and it was on the 1st day of battle !st september 1939 and sure it was the battle of mokra.

[123everton]

Thanks bigbus, we're getting warmer now. We'll have to get Tony Robinson's Time Team onto it.