POLES IN NORMANDY
On D-Day, June, 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation 'Overlord', a combined naval, air and land operation in France. The Allied landings on five beaches - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword – marked the start of a long and bloody campaign to liberate north-west Europe from German occupation.
Polish airmen and several Polish other units took part in missions on D-Day protecting the landing operations.
On 6th of June, 1944, 131st Polish Wing as part of the Allied Air Forces, was tasked with providing low cover to American forces landing on Utah Beach.
In the mission codenamed “Ramrod 976”, pilots from the 133 Polish Fighter Wing under the command of Stanislaw Skalski escorted Stirling glider tugs that towed aircraft packed with paratroopers. On that day, the Poles also provided close support and air cover for the American 82nd and 101st airborne divisions.
Throughout the entire month of June three Polish squadrons flying Spitfire: No. 302 ‘City of Poznan’, 308 ‘City of Krakow’ and 317 ‘City of Wilno’ continued to support the landing operations in the Utah beach sector.
Several Polish Navy and Merchant Navy vessels supported the allied forces.
ORP Dragon light cruiser managed to stop German coast artillery near the Sword Beach sector, and two days later it destroyed 6 tanks of German 21st Panzer Division.
The 1st Polish Armoured Division landed later in the campaign and played a critical role in the battle of the Argentan-Falaise Pocket and in opening the way for the Allies to liberate Paris.
After landing in France, the Polish “Black Division” was tasked with breaking the German defence in the Caen-Falaise sector. Polish soldiers entered the battle on August, 8.
Ten days later, they encircled and destroyed the German 5th Panzer Corps positioned in the Chambois area.
#RememberTheHeroes who fought for your freedom and ours, the freedom we can enjoy now.
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