1st Armoured Division (Poland)
The Polish 1st Armoured Division was an armoured division of the Polish Armed Forces in the West during World War II. Created in February 1942 at Duns in Scotland, it was commanded by Major General Stanisław Maczek and at its peak numbered approximately 18,000 soldiers.The division served in the final phases of the Battle of Normandy in August 1944 during Operation Totalize and the Battle of Chambois and then continued to fight throughout the campaign in Northern Europe, mainly as part of the First Canadian Army.
Crusader tank of the 1st Armoured Division near Haddington 1943.
Polish Crusader AA MKII tank of the 1st Polish Armoured Regiment near Caen at the beginning of the Falaise operation.
German POWs interrogated by a Lieutenant of the 1st Polish Armoured Division during Operation Pheasant, October 1944
Memorial in Saint Omer to the Polish 1st Armoured Division
Polish Armed Forces in the West
The Polish Armed Forces in the West refers to the Polish military formations formed to fight alongside the Western Allies against Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II. Polish forces were also raised within Soviet territories; these were the Polish Armed Forces in the East.
Shoulder sleeve insignia of the Polish Armed Forces in the West
Polish soldiers welcomed by the residents of Breda, Netherlands, 1944
Polish military grave (the text reads "unknown soldiers") in the cemetery at Grainville-Langannerie, France
126 German airplanes shot down by the 303 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Painted on a Hurricane.
