Odwach Polish WWII

"Odwach" Reenactment Association recreates the life of the Polish soldier from 1939 to 1945.

The name of our group comes from the 18th century guardhouse building in Poznan (a city in western Poland), where our association was brought into existence.

Our purpose is to remember, in every possible detail, the sometimes unknown history of the Polish Armed Forces during the Second World War.

We portray two Polish Army units:

The first one is a reconnaissance company of the army from the 1939 campaign, which was an important element of every infantry regiment in the Polish pre-war army.

The unit consisted of a cyclists platoon and a mounted platoon, and was the "eyes and ears" of the regiment.

Apart from cavalry regiments and scarce motorised units, the cyclists were one of the most mobile units of the Polish Army during 1939 campaign.

The combat history of the latter began in September 1939, when the reconnaissance squadron of the famous 10th Mechanized "black" Brigade took part in heavy fighting against the Germans.

The 10th Dragoons Regiment continued this tradition into 1944, as a motorised infantry unit (the equivalent of motorised battalion in the British armoured division) in the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade of General Maczek's 1st Armoured Division.

Polish dragoons, using Halftracks and Carriers, were supporting tanks and infantry during the campaign in North-West Europe from Normandy to Wilhelmshaven, including the Falaise Pocket and Falaise Gap battles.

They proved they were worthy successors of Polish 17th century dragoons.

Polish soldiers provided crucial assistance to the Allies throughout the war, from its first to the last day, loyally acting In accordance with the credo "for our liberty and yours".

POLAND, FIRST TO FIGHT!

 

Living History