Battle of Łomianki

The Battle of Łomianki was a part of the opening campaign of World War II during the 1939 German invasion of Poland, fought between Polish and German forces. It was a failed counter-offensive attempt by the Polish forces.

Battle of Łomianki
Part of German invasion of Poland
Troop movements during the battle
Date 22 September 1939 Location Łomianki 52.3357°N 20.8953°E / 52.3357; 20.8953 Result German victory
Belligerents
Germany	Poland
Units involved
8th Infantry Division	Various remaining Battle of Bzura units
Strength
Unknown	5,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	800

Background

After the defeat of two Polish Armies in the Battle of Bzura, except for a few units, all Polish divisions and brigades were cut off in the Western Poland. They had no choice, but to withdraw to Modlin Fortress or Warsaw. A couple divisions and brigades did successfully reach Warsaw, but majority was halted by the Germans who were about to close the ring around the Polish capital. Around 5,000 Polish soldiers and officers led by General Mikołaj Bołtuć decided to fight by Łomianki.^[1]

Battle

The Poles were opposed by 3 German infantry divisions who dug in. In spite of the low odds of success, a combined assault of the Polish infantry, cavalry, and police did find a weak spot and penetrated the 1st line of the German defenses. However, afterward, the Poles made no progress.^[2]

Aftermath

800 Poles ended up dead. Moreover, 4,000 were seriously wounded. Only about 200 men survived the battle suffering only minor injuries. General Mikołaj Bołtuć, the commanding officer was killed by sniper fire while leading the charge. The German losses are unknown.^[3]

See also

• List of World War II military equipment of Poland
• List of German military equipment of World War II

References

1. Apoloniusz Zawilski: Bitwy polskiego września. Kraków: ZNAK, 2009, s. 617. ISBN 978-83-240-1214-5.
2. Apoloniusz Zawilski: Bitwy polskiego września. Kraków: ZNAK, 2009, s. 617. ISBN 978-83-240-1214-5.
3. Apoloniusz Zawilski: Bitwy polskiego września. Kraków: ZNAK, 2009, s. 617. ISBN 978-83-240-1214-5.