Polish Cavalry Charges German Tanks

The Polish Cavalry Charged German Tanks in WWII — And That's Only Half the Story On September 1, 1939, near the town of Krojanty, Poland, a unit of Polish cavalry engaged German armored forces, resulting in heavy casualties for the Poles. This event, often cited as a symbol of bravery and futility, has become a topic of debate among historians. The details of the engagement are still disputed, with some arguing it was a deliberate charge against tanks, while others claim it was a misunderstanding.

What Everyone Knows

The standard story goes that most people think the Polish cavalry, armed with lances and swords, charged head-on into German tanks, exemplifying the obsolete nature of horse cavalry in modern warfare. This notion has been perpetuated by various accounts, including popular media and historical narratives, which often portray the Poles as valiant but misguided. However, a closer examination of the events surrounding the Battle of Krojanty reveals a more complex picture. Historian Steven Zaloga, in his book "Poland 1939: The Birth of Blitzkrieg", notes that the Polish cavalry was not as ineffective as commonly thought.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Steven Zaloga and David G. Williamson have actively researched the Battle of Krojanty, and their findings contradict the popular narrative. On September 1, 1939, the German 76th Infantry Regiment, supported by tanks, attacked the Polish 18th Lancer Regiment near Krojanty. The Poles, initially successful in repelling the German infantry, were ultimately forced to retreat due to the arrival of German armor. The Polish cavalry did charge, but it was against German infantry, not tanks, and they were successful in breaking through the German lines. By September 3, 1939, the German forces had regrouped and continued their advance, pushing the Polish army back. Historian Williamson, in his book "Germany and the Second World War", argues that the Polish cavalry was not as antiquated as often portrayed, and that they played a significant role in the early stages of the war. On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east, further complicating the situation for the Polish military. As historian Zaloga notes, the Battle of Krojanty was just one of many engagements during the German invasion of Poland, and it should not be viewed in isolation. By examining the events of September 1939, it becomes clear that the story of the Polish cavalry charging German tanks is both true and false, and that the reality is far more nuanced.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians and writers like Samuel Mitcham and David Irving have played a significant role in obscuring the true story of the Polish cavalry charge against German tanks. They have often relied on incomplete or misleading sources, which has contributed to the perpetuation of the myth that the Polish cavalry recklessly charged German tanks. The German propaganda machine also actively worked to spread this myth, and institutions like the German Ministry of Propaganda and National Enlightenment were instrumental in disseminating false information. One concrete reason this history was not told accurately is that many primary sources, including eyewitness accounts and official documents, were destroyed or lost during the war, leaving historians to rely on secondary sources that were often biased or incomplete. As a result, the story of the Polish cavalry charge has been distorted, and the true circumstances surrounding the event have been buried beneath a layer of misinformation.

The Ripple Effect

The misconception about the Polish cavalry charge has had concrete consequences, particularly in the way military tactics and strategies are taught and understood. The false narrative has been used to illustrate the importance of adapting to new technologies and strategies on the battlefield, and it has influenced the development of modern military doctrine. For example, the US military's current emphasis on combined arms and armored warfare can be traced back to the lessons learned from World War II, including the supposed folly of the Polish cavalry charge. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the development of the M1 Abrams tank, which was designed with the lessons of World War II in mind, including the need for armored vehicles to be supported by infantry and air power.

The Line That Says It All

The Polish cavalry charged German infantry positions, not tanks, on September 1, 1939, near the village of Krojanty, and this fact has been consistently overlooked in popular accounts of the battle.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the invasion of Poland in 1939.