Independent Operational Group Narew Explained

Independent Operational Group Narew (Samodzielna Grupa Operacyjna Narew, SGO Narew) was one of the Polish Army Corps (Operational Groups) that defended Poland during the Invasion of Poland in 1939. It was created on 23 March 1939 and was commanded by general Czesław Młot-Fijałkowski.

Tasks

SGO Narew was to defend the north-eastern frontline near the Lithuanian border, and prevent the German forces from crossing Narew and Biebrza rivers. It was to secure the left flank of Modlin Army.

Operational history

The SGO Narew was defeated in the battle of Zambrów on 6 September, with the 18th Infantry Division being mostly destroyed. The remaining units retreated to Puszcza Białowieska large forest complex, and were later incorporated into Independent Operational Group Polesie.

Organization

The commander of the unit was general Czesław Młot-Fijałkowski.^{[1] [2]} His chief of staff was colonel Stanisław Podkowiński.

It consisted of 2 infantry divisions and 2 cavalry brigades:

• 18th Infantry Division (Polish: 18 Dywizja Piechoty).^[3]
• 33rd Infantry Division (Polish: 33 Dywizja Piechoty - reserve.).
• Podlaska Cavalry Brigade (Polish: Podlaska Brygada Kawalerii).
• Suwalska Cavalry Brigade (Polish: Suwalska Brygada Kawalerii).^{[4] [5]}

Air Units attached to SGO Narew:

• Polish 151st Fighter Escadrille (Polish: 151 Eskadra Myśliwska)
• Reconnaissance Squadron 51 (Polish: 51 Eskadra Rozpoznawcza)
• Polish 13th Observation Escadrille (Polish: 13 Eskadra Obserwacyjna)
• Liaison Platoon No. 9 (Polish: Pluton łącznikowy nr 9)

References

• Armie i samodzielne grupy operacyjne Wojska Polskiego 1939 WIEM Encyklopedia

Notes and References

1. Web site: Poland in Exile - The Polish September Campaign 1939 . 2022-05-24 . www.polandinexile.com.
2. Web site: Samodzielna Grupa Operacyjna "Narew" - Kampania Wrześniowa 1939.pl . 2022-05-24 . www.1939.pl.
3. Web site: World War II unit histories & officers . 2022-05-24 . www.unithistories.com.
4. Web site: Narew Independent Operational Group, Polish Army, 01.09.1939 . 2022-05-24 . niehorster.org.
5. Web site: SAMODZIELNA GRUPA OPERACYJNA NAREW . 2022-05-24 . www.schrony1939.fortyfikacje.pl.