This is a wonderful tribute to the brave Polish soldiers. They fought on all fronts and helped my country, the Netherlands, to liberate. I am ashamed that recognition took so long. Especially Gen.-Major Sosabowksi of the paratroopers holds a special place in my heart. Peace to you all and a prosper 2011.
My grandfather from my mom's side was in the Greek Cavalry during the WW2(1940-1941). They wore similar uniforms like in the video so every time i watch it i have tears in my eyes. Respect for the Polish Cavalry. Heroes for ever. Ride fast in paradise all of you.
My Granddad Rudolf who died before I was born so unfortunately I never got to meet he was originally from Poland and he was in the Polish Cavalry then he was in the Polish infantry during World War II. After World War II he decided to settle in Edinburgh, Scotland where he met and married my granny. I asked my mom if my granddad ever talked about his time in the army and she told me he never ever talked about it nor did he ever talk about his life in Poland I think in the 1950's and 60's seeing what was happening in eastern Europe with the Berlin Wall and the communists taking over was just a bit too painful for him.
Overlooked in history is the great damage done by Poland to invading Germans. The Germans lost fifty thousand men, seven hundred aircraft, almost a thousand tanks, and an entire Waffen SS division. These losses in turn delayed the German invasion of Russia, which trapped the Germans in the Russian winter for which they were ill prepared. (Also over looked in the west is "The Miracle on the Vistula", in the Russo-Polish War of 1920, in which the Polish Army under Marshall Pilsudski kept the Soviet Army from invading Europe!) Poland has never received credit for these military efforts on behalf of the West - and no, I am not Polish!
Actually, the German Army relied on horses far more than the Poles and continued to do so throughout WW2. The only fully mechanised army of the 1939-42 period was the British Army. The Polish Army was one of the best equipped, best led and best trained in the world, far more than US one at the time. And had the best anti-tank gun as well. Little wonder the Germans suffered a higher rate of loss in the September campaign than they did up to the Russian War in fact.
For those of us who study history (and not watch the History Channel), it is common knowledge that the Germans had several setbacks in Poland. The Polish cavalry had early success fighting German infantry, however, lack of air support and pressure from the Soviet invasion from the East, led to capitulation. I can think of no other nation that has such a long history of outsanding and couragous cavalry traditions than Poland. As an American my comment should be viewed as unbiased.
This is the best cavalry in the world !!! Nothing come close to Polish cavalry. These man were the bravest man in September 1939. They answered the call to defend their country. I live in US now but I will always answer the call to come back and defend my motherland.
@sh1ft9 The polish cavalry actually had quite a lot successes. Due to heavy rainfall a lot of the german logistics got slowed down and the polish horses moved much faster. If it wasn't for the soviet attack in the east the Polish army would never have surrendered and the battle for Poland would go on a lot longer.
is a myth that the Polish cavalry riding, fought with tanks using just swords and lance, but their courage is a fact! horses used to transport artillery, in rough terrain, the Polish cavalry to destroy German tanks used artillery guns, anti-tank guns, mortars, grenades, they always fought to the end and most of the artillery guns was not captured by the Germans, but their tanks crushed them, so looked like David and Goliath battle when the allies do not help us
One thing people forget is that the German army was also dependent on horses - they weren't doing cavalry charges, but badly needed them for transportation and moving cargo, their forces being less mechanized than the Soviets and much less so than the Americans. When they went into the USSR in 1941, the Germany army employed 750,000 horses, many of them no doubt stolen from the Poles...
I can't count the number of professors and students in college, whom I met, who vehemently believed that it was established fact that Polish cavalry charged german tanks on horseback with lances.... The Polish cavalry were, in reality, the most effective anti-tank units in the Polish army in 1939. The germans lost about 700 tanks of their 1800 tanks in the campaign, and almost 400 of those losses were inflicted by the Polish cavalry.
Good film, and a good choice of music for it. As far as all those who doubt the Poles and their ability should really ask all the families of the dead German (and Russian after 17th Sept) soldiers that died at the hands of these formidable soldiers. Those that go on about this being propaganda should really start reading books, not watching movie clips.
I read a lot of history, and I have read that the oft-shown footage of Polish cavalry charging against Panzer tanks was staged by the Germans for propaganda purposes, mostly to bolster support for the war within the Reich, but also to impress enemy nations. Despite the modern image of the superior Nazi war machine with its advanced technology, the German army used more horses than all other armies of WWII combined. Ironically, this proved a blessing to starving troops in the winter of '42.
BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE - The Heroic Polish Cavalry! The Officers, men and airmen of the Free Polish Forces fought bravely and contributed greatly to the Allied Victory in WW2. Col Christopher Alam
My Father was in the Polish artillery (horse) . He was captured by the Germans in November 1939 and spent the rest of the war as a POW. Despite the harsh treatment and bayonet wounds in his legs he survived. my Grandparents were not so lucky, grandfather was shot, my grandmother and an aunt perished at Treblinka despite the fact that they were catholic not jewish.
i know it a myth. but even if the cavalry had charge tanks, for me, they would be the bravest men in history. Greetins from Brazil, respect for cavalry polish.
The Polish get a really hard time from people that do not understand what sacrifice they gave for their people and Europe as a whole. Even now, they seem to be the only country in Europe that understand what could happen if we forget what has has happened in the past. Never forget what has gone before, because if you do, it will only happen again...
One cannot fail to be moved by the sight of the charge against the nazis. It was done to protect the little ones and the women, and the homestead and animals. It was a gesture to make the enemy respect them and their peoples' spirit, hopeless against modern weaponry (after their success against the german infantry, they were decimated by tanks and machine guns), and moving in the extreme to see. Poland should be very proud.
Pierwszy atak błyskawiczne w Historii : Taktyka wynialeziona przez Generała Sikorskiego 10-12 września 1920 w Kowelu! Faktwm jest że w latach 1939-45, niemcy używali 600 000koni : dla transportu.
@Nowik1991 Rules of engagemend of the polish cav was never charge at entrenched infantry and tank so they could't do something that was against the law furthermore they were used as elite infantry. They used horses for mobility they were normally fighting on foot same as dragons
Polish cavalry in sep 1939 charged only on infantry. But they were well armed to fight against tank. They had anti tank rifles: Wz. 35 anti-tank rifle and guns: Bofors 37 mm So yes, theye were attacking tanks but dismounted and prepared.
You presume you have the choice. From your comfy chair, it is pretty easy to call previous generations stupid. The Poles did not have any choice. It was that, charging with what they had or sitting at home tweedling their thumbs.
Maybe it is just a myth, the thing about charging tanks with sabres in horseback. But in my eyes, it gives a much more heroic idea of the Poles than your version. Think about it: Charging tanks with sabres is a feat of incredible bravery, even if in the end not successful Fighting as normal infantry is just losing the war I prefer the first version, its at least very gallant.
@sh1ft9 And what's said in the video is true. The germans did create a negative image of the polish cavalry for, obviously they're own glory, and mainly to discourage remainder units of Polish soldiers who didn't surrender even after Poland capitulated.
German propaganda, Polish cavalry brigades never charged tanks with their sabres or lances as they were equipped with anti-tank weapons such as 37 mm Bofors wz.36 (exported to UK as Ordnance Q.F. 37 mm Mk I) antitank guns, that could penetrate 26 mm of armour at 600 m at 30 degrees. The cavalry brigades were in the process of being reorganized into motorized brigades.Myth bro
@Nowik1991 I think he is right. How do u expect horses will do against tanks and machine guns ? logically, cavalry can't stop tanks!! I agree that they were heroes to do so, but that doesn't mean they succeeded.
This is propaganda unknowingly fostered by an Italian journalist (Indro Montanelli) who was "invited" by nazis to report on the battlefront in Poland. For further details on how this myth was born & how nazis quickly seized the propaganda value against Poles, look up: "Charge of Krojanty".
Yeah sure try find somteing about battle of Mokra in 1 sep. 1939. One Polish cavalary brigade "Wolynska" vs. Geman "IV Tank Div". supported by Stuka dive bombers.
Where is evidence that German propagandists created the "Polish cavalry charges" myth??? This story looks more like an Allied propaganda lie for the substantiation of their "Defenseless Little Poland" & "Good-hearted Allied Rescuers" myths. I find the explanation given in this video (i.e. "to convince Western nations that Poland was not a valuable ally") not very convincing, if not quite laughable…
Why "stupid"?---Have you taken the time to evaluate the difference between documented evidence & myth before pronouncing your ignorant opinion,in effect, revealing stupidity on your part? After all, I'm sure, Kazimierz Pulaski wasn't appointed to train the US Continental cavalry because he was "stupid", nor that Tadeusz Kosciuszko was "stupid" when he helped engineer American victory & also helped design & build West Point Academy.
This is a wonderful tribute to the brave Polish soldiers. They fought on all fronts and helped my country, the Netherlands, to liberate. I am ashamed that recognition took so long. Especially Gen.-Major Sosabowksi of the paratroopers holds a special place in my heart. Peace to you all and a prosper 2011.
The last Christian European knights.
My grandfather from my mom's side was in the Greek Cavalry during the WW2(1940-1941). They wore similar uniforms like in the video so every time i watch it i have tears in my eyes. Respect for the Polish Cavalry.
Heroes for ever. Ride fast in paradise all of you.
My Granddad Rudolf who died before I was born so unfortunately I never got to meet he was originally from Poland and he was in the Polish Cavalry then he was in the Polish infantry during World War II. After World War II he decided to settle in Edinburgh, Scotland where he met and married my granny. I asked my mom if my granddad ever talked about his time in the army and she told me he never ever talked about it nor did he ever talk about his life in Poland I think in the 1950's and 60's seeing what was happening in eastern Europe with the Berlin Wall and the communists taking over was just a bit too painful for him.
Honor the fallen cavalry men, ride fast in paradise,from Greece
Overlooked in history is the great damage done by Poland to invading Germans. The Germans lost fifty thousand men, seven hundred aircraft, almost a thousand tanks, and an entire Waffen SS division. These losses in turn delayed the German invasion of Russia, which trapped the Germans in the Russian winter for which they were ill prepared. (Also over looked in the west is "The Miracle on the Vistula", in the Russo-Polish War of 1920, in which the Polish Army under Marshall Pilsudski kept the Soviet Army from invading Europe!) Poland has never received credit for these military efforts on behalf of the West - and no, I am not Polish!
Actually, the German Army relied on horses far more than the Poles and continued to do so throughout WW2. The only fully mechanised army of the 1939-42 period was the British Army. The Polish Army was one of the best equipped, best led and best trained in the world, far more than US one at the time. And had the best anti-tank gun as well. Little wonder the Germans suffered a higher rate of loss in the September campaign than they did up to the Russian War in fact.
@Nowik1991 As far as I know one charge they did use lancers, which were a choice not slandered, and they worked fantastically!
For those of us who study history (and not watch the History Channel), it is common knowledge that the Germans had several setbacks in Poland. The Polish cavalry had early success fighting German infantry, however, lack of air support and pressure from the Soviet invasion from the East, led to capitulation. I can think of no other nation that has such a long history of outsanding and couragous cavalry traditions than Poland.
As an American my comment should be viewed as unbiased.
Polish cavalry has long and old traditions so even during WW2 this cavalry proved to be good. They still had that spirit from the past
This is the best cavalry in the world !!! Nothing come close to Polish cavalry. These man were the bravest man in September 1939. They answered the call to defend their country. I live in US now but I will always answer the call to come back and defend my motherland.
@sh1ft9 The polish cavalry actually had quite a lot successes. Due to heavy rainfall a lot of the german logistics got slowed down and the polish horses moved much faster. If it wasn't for the soviet attack in the east the Polish army would never have surrendered and the battle for Poland would go on a lot longer.
is a myth that the Polish cavalry riding, fought with tanks using just swords and lance, but their courage is a fact! horses used to transport artillery, in rough terrain, the Polish cavalry to destroy German tanks used artillery guns, anti-tank guns, mortars, grenades, they always fought to the end and most of the artillery guns was not captured by the Germans, but their tanks crushed them, so looked like David and Goliath battle when the allies do not help us
One thing people forget is that the German army was also dependent on horses - they weren't doing cavalry charges, but badly needed them for transportation and moving cargo, their forces being less mechanized than the Soviets and much less so than the Americans. When they went into the USSR in 1941, the Germany army employed 750,000 horses, many of them no doubt stolen from the Poles...
I can't count the number of professors and students in college, whom I met, who vehemently believed that it was established fact that Polish cavalry charged german tanks on horseback with lances.... The Polish cavalry were, in reality, the most effective anti-tank units in the Polish army in 1939. The germans lost about 700 tanks of their 1800 tanks in the campaign, and almost 400 of those losses were inflicted by the Polish cavalry.
Good film, and a good choice of music for it.
As far as all those who doubt the Poles and their ability should really ask all the families of the dead German (and Russian after 17th Sept) soldiers that died at the hands of these formidable soldiers. Those that go on about this being propaganda should really start reading books, not watching movie clips.
I read a lot of history, and I have read that the oft-shown footage of Polish cavalry charging against Panzer tanks was staged by the Germans for propaganda purposes, mostly to bolster support for the war within the Reich, but also to impress enemy nations.
Despite the modern image of the superior Nazi war machine with its advanced technology, the German army used more horses than all other armies of WWII combined.
Ironically, this proved a blessing to starving troops in the winter of '42.
Poland has always had one of the best cavalry in the world, but unfortunately Nazi propaganda destroyed its reputation a little.
BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE - The Heroic Polish Cavalry!
The Officers, men and airmen of the Free Polish Forces fought bravely and contributed greatly to the Allied Victory in WW2.
Col Christopher Alam
it is amazing how people in 2017 still believe Polish Cavalry charged tanks. I get so angry.
Then what did happen?
My Father was in the Polish artillery (horse) . He was captured by the Germans in November 1939 and spent the rest of the war as a POW. Despite the harsh treatment and bayonet wounds in his legs he survived. my Grandparents were not so lucky, grandfather was shot, my grandmother and an aunt perished at Treblinka despite the fact that they were catholic not jewish.
@Nowik1991 Mieli również karabiny przeciwpancerne Ur-y, polskiego pomysłu i konstrukcji...
Beautiful army and that music.Good job :)
i know it a myth. but even if the cavalry had charge tanks, for me, they would be the bravest men in history. Greetins from Brazil, respect for cavalry polish.
Ułańska Krew płynie niestety w mniejszości z nas . Teraźniejszy Ułani tzw "Huligani "walczą za nas szacun dla nich
a proud honest hard working family orienated people im one and stand tall and am a proud polish america
The Polish get a really hard time from people that do not understand what sacrifice they gave for their people and Europe as a whole. Even now, they seem to be the only country in Europe that understand what could happen if we forget what has has happened in the past. Never forget what has gone before, because if you do, it will only happen again...
One cannot fail to be moved by the sight of the charge against the nazis. It was done to protect the little ones and the women, and the homestead and animals. It was a gesture to make the enemy respect them and their peoples' spirit, hopeless against modern weaponry (after their success against the german infantry, they were decimated by tanks and machine guns), and moving in the extreme to see. Poland should be very proud.
Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard "Now we are free" from "Gladiator".
Very nice and romantic images of cavalry life.
One lives and learns. Fascinating to think that it was German dis-information.
Pierwszy atak błyskawiczne w Historii :
Taktyka wynialeziona przez Generała Sikorskiego 10-12 września 1920 w Kowelu!
Faktwm jest że w latach 1939-45, niemcy używali 600 000koni : dla transportu.
@Nowik1991
Rules of engagemend of the polish cav was never charge at entrenched infantry and tank so they could't do something that was against the law furthermore they were used as elite infantry. They used horses for mobility they were normally fighting on foot same as dragons
thats like bringing a knife to a gunfight
Polish cavalry in sep 1939 charged only on infantry. But they were well armed to fight against tank. They had anti tank rifles: Wz. 35 anti-tank rifle
and guns: Bofors 37 mm
So yes, theye were attacking tanks but dismounted and prepared.
Anche la cavalleria Polacca vanta gloriosi trscorsi come l'Italiana. Bravi!
Who charged tanks? Surely not Poles, no historical evidence for that.
You presume you have the choice. From your comfy chair, it is pretty easy to call previous generations stupid.
The Poles did not have any choice. It was that, charging with what they had or sitting at home tweedling their thumbs.
Maybe it is just a myth, the thing about charging tanks with sabres in horseback. But in my eyes, it gives a much more heroic idea of the Poles than your version.
Think about it:
Charging tanks with sabres is a feat of incredible bravery, even if in the end not successful
Fighting as normal infantry is just losing the war
I prefer the first version, its at least very gallant.
@sh1ft9 And what's said in the video is true. The germans did create a negative image of the polish cavalry for, obviously they're own glory, and mainly to discourage remainder units of Polish soldiers who didn't surrender even after Poland capitulated.
I'm quite sure they did know what tank was since they carried (or towed) AT guns and rifles.
If they did not charge Sabers, what did happen?
Chylę czoło przed wami bohaterowie
@steve4123456789
Lances not pikes,and in 1939 lances were out of use, they had only rifles, bofors guns, and sabres.
The mystery of the Polish soul
Yeah I saw a documentary made in the 90s where a Polish calvaryman talked about how they charged German tanks and were slaughtered. So.......
German propaganda, Polish cavalry brigades never charged tanks with their sabres or lances as they were equipped with anti-tank weapons such as 37 mm Bofors wz.36 (exported to UK as Ordnance Q.F. 37 mm Mk I) antitank guns, that could penetrate 26 mm of armour at 600 m at 30 degrees. The cavalry brigades were in the process of being reorganized into motorized brigades.Myth bro
www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/06/myth-of-polish-cavalry-charge
skeptoid.com/blog/2014/03/10/the-myth-of-the-polish-cavalry-charge-against-tanks/
Włosy sie jeżą na widok szarży.
omg thy had no chance
horses vs panzer...
fuck.
long live to poland.
Its was Nazi Propagand
@Nowik1991
I think he is right.
How do u expect horses will do against tanks and machine guns ?
logically, cavalry can't stop tanks!!
I agree that they were heroes to do so, but that doesn't mean they succeeded.
Co to jest Kowel to ja doskonale wiem, część mojej rodziny mieszała tam przed 1940 rokiem lepiej uważać na odmianę bo potem wychodzą cuda na kiju
Ye... that would be very brave....
🇵🇱🇺🇦 we know
This is propaganda unknowingly fostered by an Italian journalist (Indro Montanelli) who was "invited" by nazis to report on the battlefront in Poland. For further details on how this myth was born & how nazis quickly seized the propaganda value against Poles, look up: "Charge of Krojanty".
a co to jest przepraszam w Kowelu ,może w Kowlu???
Yeah sure try find somteing about battle of Mokra in 1 sep. 1939. One Polish cavalary brigade "Wolynska" vs. Geman "IV Tank Div". supported by Stuka dive bombers.
☺️
no troche ale ,zawsze zpauzowac mozna ;]
tak, miasto na Ukrainie!
Where is evidence that German propagandists created the "Polish cavalry charges" myth??? This story looks more like an Allied propaganda lie for the substantiation of their "Defenseless Little Poland" & "Good-hearted Allied Rescuers" myths. I find the explanation given in this video (i.e. "to convince Western nations that Poland was not a valuable ally") not very convincing, if not quite laughable…
Therefore you have to look at all the other propaganda Germany did spread before and during WW2.
That's true. Even today in documentaries.
Nie rozumiem o co Ci chodzi,
Pisz po Polsku
Why "stupid"?---Have you taken the time to evaluate the difference between documented evidence & myth before pronouncing your ignorant opinion,in effect, revealing stupidity on your part? After all, I'm sure, Kazimierz Pulaski wasn't appointed to train the US Continental cavalry because he was "stupid", nor that Tadeusz Kosciuszko was "stupid" when he helped engineer American victory & also helped design & build West Point Academy.