The Battle of Wilno (1939) – The Hopeless Polish Defense Against the Red Army
November 2, 2024
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8:56Now PlayingThe Battle of Wilno (1939) – The Hopeless Polish Defense Against the Red Army
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as posted by the channelOn September 18-19 the Battle of Wilno (1939) took place between the Red Army and Polish forces. The first Soviet forces that arrived in the citye were armored reconnaissance units that had clashed with Polish infantry during their approach. Colonel Okulicz-Kozaryn then ordered a general retreat towards the Lithuanian border, with the experienced Border Protection Corps tasked with covering the withdrawal. Lieutenant Colonel Podwysocki was sent to notify the Soviets that the Poles did not plan to defend the city, but he was fired upon and returned to the Polish lines. Since Okulicz-Kozaryn had already left, Podwysocki chose to organize a defense, even though most of the Polish troops had withdrawn. That evening, the Polish defenders repelled the initial Soviet assault. However, the Soviets continued advancing into Wilno, securing the airfield and capturing the Rasos Cemetery by the day's end.
By the morning of September 19, Soviet armored units had received reinforcements from infantry and cavalry. The Polish defenders managed to delay the Soviet advance, especially by holding key bridges. However, the uncoordinated Polish defense eventually collapsed later in the day, allowing the Soviets to seize control of the city.
History Hustle presents: The Battle of Wilno (1939) – The Hopeless Polish Defense Against the Red Army.
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SOURCES
– The Red Army and the Second World War (Alexander Hill).
– Ivan's War. The Red Army, 1939 – 45 (Catherine Merridale).
– Russia's War (Richard Overy).
– Bloodlands Europe. Between Hitler And Stalin (Timothy Snyder).
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Western Ukraine Liberated by Red Army 1939 (1/8)
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