Have you ever heard the story about Polish soldiers on horseback charging at German tanks during World War II? It sounds like a scene from a movie, but let’s find out what really happened.
In September 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, a story began to spread. It claimed that Polish cavalry units, armed with sabers and lances, bravely charged at German tanks. This story, however, is more myth than fact.
The myth started on September 1, 1939, during the Battle of Krojanty. At that time, about 10% of the Polish army was made up of cavalry units. These soldiers used horses to move quickly across the battlefield, but they would dismount to fight on foot. The 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment, led by Colonel Mściwój, was tasked with protecting a key railroad junction in northern Poland. They needed to hold off the Germans to allow other Polish units to retreat safely.
In the evening, Colonel Mściwój spotted German infantry in a clearing. He decided that a surprise cavalry charge might work. The Polish cavalry charged out of the woods, catching the German soldiers off guard and scattering them. However, once the Polish soldiers reached the clearing, German armored cars arrived and opened fire, causing heavy losses among the horsemen.
Sadly, Lieutenant Janusz, who led the charge, and Colonel Mściwój were both killed. About a third of the Polish cavalrymen were either killed or wounded. This event became known as the charge at Krojanty.
The next day, two Italian journalists saw the aftermath and wrote about the bravery of the Polish cavalry. Their story was twisted by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union to make it seem like the Polish army used outdated tactics, charging tanks with horses. This was used as propaganda to show the strength of their own armies.
While the Polish army didn’t have many tanks, they did have the WZ 35 anti-tank rifle, which could penetrate German tank armor. Interestingly, both the German and Soviet armies also used cavalry during the war.
Even after the charge at Krojanty, Polish cavalry units continued to fight bravely throughout the war, with the last charge happening in 1945 during the Battle of Schönfeld.
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Imagine you are part of the 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment. Create a short skit with your classmates to reenact the events of the Battle of Krojanty. Focus on the strategic decisions made by Colonel Mściwój and the bravery of the Polish cavalry. Discuss how the myth of the cavalry charge might have started.
Divide into two groups and hold a debate. One group will argue why the myth of the Polish cavalry charge at tanks might have seemed believable, while the other group will present evidence to debunk the myth. Use information from the article to support your arguments.
Design a propaganda poster from the perspective of either Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union, using the myth of the Polish cavalry charge. Consider how the story was used to portray the strength of their armies. Share your poster with the class and explain your design choices.
Research the actual tactics used by the Polish army during World War II, focusing on the use of the WZ 35 anti-tank rifle. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting how these tactics differed from the myth of the cavalry charge.
Try out the game War Thunder to experience World War II battles. Choose to play as a tank commander and explore the different vehicles available. Write a reflection on how the game helped you understand the complexities of warfare during that time.
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Did Polish cavalry charge at tanks in World War II during the invasion of Poland in 1939? It is said that Polish cavalry units charged at German tanks with sabers and lances in a desperate attempt to take on the armored vehicles. This is, in fact, a myth.
The myth dates back to September 1, 1939, during the Battle of Krojanty on the first day of the invasion. At this time, Polish cavalry, which made up 10% of its army, used their horses for mobility on the battlefield to quickly reinforce infantry and then dismount to fight on foot near Krojanty in northern Poland. The 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment, under Colonel Mściwój, was ordered to repel the Germans from a key railroad junction in the Tuchola Forests at all costs, covering the retreat of Polish units in the area. The tankettes and infantry at his disposal were left in reserve to hold their existing positions.
In the evening, with two lancer squadrons, Colonel Mściwój saw German infantry in a clearing and decided that a surprise cavalry charge could be effective. Suddenly, the Polish cavalry emerged from the woods and charged with sabers and lances towards the unprepared German infantry, successfully dispersing them. However, once the Polish cavalry occupied the clearing, German armored cars moved into position and opened fire on the horsemen, causing devastating casualties and forcing those who could to gallop for cover.
Lieutenant Janusz, commander of the 1st squadron who had led the charge, was killed in the fire, as was Colonel Mściwój, who tried to save him. A third of the Polish horsemen were killed or wounded. This event would be known as the charge at Krojanty.
The next day, two Italian war correspondents witnessed the aftermath and wrote an article about how the brave Polish cavalry had charged at German tanks. This myth was soon used by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union for propaganda purposes to portray their Polish enemy as using outdated tactics and its commanders as foolishly wasting the lives of their men. They also used the charge to demonstrate the might of their own weapons. For example, the German press suggested that the Polish cavalry believed the German tanks were dummy tanks or lightly armored.
While the Polish army lacked in tanks, they had the WZ 35 anti-tank rifle, which was capable of penetrating the armor of German Panzers. Additionally, both the German and Soviet armies used cavalry extensively as well.
Following the charge at Krojanty, there were further Polish cavalry charges during the September campaign and beyond, with the last Polish cavalry charge of World War II occurring during the Battle of Schönfeld in 1945.
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Polish – To make something smooth and shiny by rubbing it – During the war, soldiers would polish their boots to ensure they were in top condition for inspections.
Cavalry – Soldiers who fought on horseback – The cavalry played a crucial role in many battles before the invention of tanks and other modern vehicles.
Tanks – Armored fighting vehicles used in warfare – Tanks were first used extensively during World War I and became a dominant force in World War II.
World War II – A global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945 – World War II involved many of the world’s nations and was one of the most significant events in modern history.
Battle – A fight between armed forces – The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the turning points in World War II.
Soldiers – People who serve in an army – Soldiers often face difficult conditions and must be prepared for combat at any time.
Infantry – Soldiers who fight on foot – The infantry is often considered the backbone of an army, engaging directly with the enemy.
Myth – A widely held but false belief or idea – There is a myth that the Polish cavalry charged against German tanks during World War II, but this has been debunked by historians.
Tactics – Plans or strategies used to achieve a goal, especially in battle – Commanders must carefully plan their tactics to outmaneuver the enemy and win battles.
Germany – A country in Europe that played a central role in both World War I and World War II – Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 marked the beginning of World War II.
