Pomeranian Army Explained

The Pomeranian Army (Polish: Armia Pomorze) was one of the Polish armies defending against the 1939 Invasion of Poland. It was officially created on 23 March 1939. Led by General dywizji Władysław Bortnowski, it consisted of 5 infantry divisions, 2 National Defence brigades and 1 cavalry brigade.

Tasks

The Army was tasked to defend Toruń and Bydgoszcz from a possible German attack and to carry out delaying actions in the "Polish Corridor" area.

Operational history

The Pomorze Army suffered severe losses during the Battle of Tuchola Forest; losing about a third of its strength. In retreat towards Warsaw from 6 September, it subordinated itself to Army Poznań and took part in the battle of Bzura (9–20 September).

Organization

The Army was commanded by General Władysław Bortnowski; his chief of staff was Colonel Ignacy Izdebski.

The composition of the Pomorze Army:

UnitPolish nameCommanderRemarks
  Army units - Gen. Władysław Bortnowski
9th Infantry Division9 Dywizja PiechotyCol. Józef Werobej
15th Infantry Division15 Dywizja PiechotyGen. Wacław PrzyjałkowskiGreater Polish
27th Infantry Division27 Dywizja PiechotyGen.Bryg. Juliusz Drapella
Pomeranian National Defence BrigadePomorska Brygada Obrony NarodowejCol. Tadeusz Majewski
Chełm National Defence BrigadeChełmska Brygada Obrony Narodowej
  Operational Group "East" - Gen. Mikołaj Bołtuć
4th Infantry Division4 Dywizja PiechotyCol. Rawicz-Mysłowski, Col. Józef Werobej
16th Infantry Division16 Dywizja PiechotyCol. Zygmunt Szyszko-BohuszPomeranian
  Operational Group "Czersk" - Gen.Bryg. Stanisław Grzmot-Skotnicki
Pomeranian Cavalry BrigadePomorska Brygada KawaleriiGen.Bryg. Stanisław Grzmot-Skotnicki
Independent Units Chojnice and KościerzynaOddziały Wydzielone "Chojnice" i "Kościerzyna"

See also

References