On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Dutch Breda we remember soldiers of the 1st Armoured Division of General Stanisław Maczek. The completion of this successful formation to this day is simply a origin of our Community pride. The Polish Armed Forces carried out their goals and tasks, which straight contributed to the final triumph over Hitler's German army.
General Maczka's soldiers were peculiarly celebrated both at the beginning of the war, erstwhile many of them in September 1939, as part of the motorized 10th Cavalry Brigade, fought against the enemy, stopping the pace of the German attack on the assigned sections, as well as in the final chords of this terrible conflict. It was the Poles, among others, who took part in the surrender of the German naval base in its key port Wilhelmshaven.
The conflict way of the 1st Armoured Division of Gen. Maczek, formed within the Polish Armed Forces in the West, led by France, Belgium, the Netherlands, until the Rhine and the 3rd Reich were crossed. This is the way of victory, hope and freedom.
Stanislaw Maczek at the command of the division, 1944.
And although soldiers of the 1st Armoured Division fought far from their homeland, it was a way across Poland, marked by yearning for the country, concern for the destiny of families, concern for the Polish cause, for its future in a precarious political situation. The 1st Armoured Division gained well-deserved fame and the reputation of a highly trained, disciplined and effective army, but above all – a perfectly commanded one. "Fight hard, but in chivalry" – this command of the Polish general besides contained a strong moral message. General Stanislaw Maczek proved that conducting the war could be an art of achieving maximum targets with minimal losses, both in France, in the Falaise boiler, over the Belgian Ghent Canal, in Dutch Axel, Hulst and Bred, in German Oberlangen, where prisoners of the camp, participants of the Warsaw Uprising, had been liberated until the dense battles on the Coast Canal, which became a pass to occupy the city and the war port of Wilhelmshaven. General Maczek's army experienced the struggle, the cruelty of war, the physical exhaustion – but besides the soldier's taste of victory, the satisfaction of restoring peace and order in Europe, the gratitude of the liberated population. “Thank you, Poles!” – the Polish soldier was greeted by the inhabitants of liberated European cities and villages.
May the memory of Poles, who were characterized by the power of the spirit, the strength of arms and the love of the Homeland, proceed in Polish hearts. Let their example radiate and build our national identity. Let it besides affect respect for those who inherit their traditions. Modern Polish Army refers to the large tradition of our weapon. We cultivate the memory of formations that have entered not only the native history, but besides the past of restoring freedom to the peoples of Europe.
Hello and glory to the Heroes!
