Diary 3
From 1943 to 1945
Page 1
Introduction The Support Arms Battalion was formed following the disbandment of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment. This decision was finally taken after many postponements. The interventions of various more or [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 1st November 1943
Page 2
More than half of the men have been assigned to different units to reinforce or rebalance the lack of leadership that our entire army in exile is suffering from. Some [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 1st November 1943
Page 3
Organization Support Weapons Battalion Following the disbandment of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment, the authorities could not reallocate all the personnel of this unit together. However, due to British imposed [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 1st November 1943
Page 4
3. MGs Squadron - equipped with Vickers 303 Regarding the Anti-Aircraft Squadron, it was never organized and never saw any weapon. During its training, it wasted several months to look [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1, 1943 to April 5, 1944
Page 5
CKM Squadron Squadron formation: command and escort + 3 platoons. Each platoon is divided into two squads in a platoon: 4 heavy machine guns - 8 trucks . The escort [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1, 1943 to April 5, 1944
Page 6
The list of squadron's soldiers attached gives an accurate plan. Some names have disappeared from the list in the military engagement, many have remained. Officers Heavy Machine Gun Squadron (CKM): [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1, 1943 to April 5, 1944
Page 7
Characteristics of the CKM Squadron The Heavy Machine Gun Squadron was created, as mentioned above, from the 3rd Squadron of the Support Weapons Battalion of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment not [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 1941
Page 8
As we shall see later the third squadron performed very well. It was somewhat strange that the third squadron was under the command of a cavalry captain. In Perth, cavalry [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - Late 1941 until April 1942
Page 9
This may have been the cause of this passion for the third Squadron. The high standard of this squadron was not only due to the merits of its three [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - First half of 1942
Page 10
Well, Cavalry Captain Zawisza had young officers who kept a close eye on the squadron and watched for any shortcomings. Once the officers of the third squadron ordered an evening [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - First half of 1942
Page 11
Much has changed in the course of its three-year existence. It seemed that there would be nothing left of people who had lost all traits of morality and balance. Some [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 1 October 1940 to 1 November 1943
Page 12
I. Period of training in the squadron Even before leaving Dalkhert the squadron was given a full complement of equipment, i.e. 25 carriers - Fordand 6 motorbikes. From the very [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1 to November 17, 1943
Page 13
To them belonged platoon leader Żuchowski Stanisław (in January 1944 promoted to the rank of sergeant) platoon leader Janiak, platoon leader Wójcik and others. Working with such staff [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1, 1943 to April 5, 1944
Page 14
In the first few weeks the squadron had several training and improvement drives, to harmonise the column, to remind the discipline of the march and to introduce the drivers to [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 18, 1943
Page 15
From a purely military camp in Dalkeith the squadron came to quarters that were almost private, for they were accommodated in two Church Halls. In one, on Leithen Road in [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - End November 1943
Page 16
Health condition improved considerably. There is also entertainment for the troops. The cinema is open almost daily, and is generally frequented by our boys, despite the fact that the seats [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 18, 1943 to April 5, 1944
Page 17
II. Training period of the squadron In the first period of November, training was not very intensive due to our recent installation and the large number of secondary activities ordered [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1943
Page 18
Our Command gave programmes with time calculations and the squadrons submitted weekly programmes of activities with exact time for each subject. The attached programme with time calculation shows us the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - From 18 November to December 1943
Page 19
In the programme for January the number of hours for combat training was increased. The squadron had marches once a week, 2 hours long, about 7 miles, with drill, morning [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - January 1944
Page 20
All this, of course, was extremely tiresome for our soldiers, in addition to the fact that reorganisations were quite frequent and the transfer of privates even more frequent. In spite [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - January 1944
Page 21
Often a well-laid out timetable would be thrown out of whack as a result of odd orders such as a parade, a review by the authorities, demonstrations, funerals for [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - Late January 1944
Page 22
In January we received our own CKM with some equipment and spare parts, we also received PIAT - i.e. tank bomb launchers, one per platoon. Rifles borrowed from the infantry [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - Late January to february 1944
Page 23
The shooting training had one gap in the squadron: namely, the squadron had no special aiming instruments. While in the British unit some of our men and officers became acquainted [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - Late January to february 1944
Page 24
An important day in the life of our unit. On 13 March, Polish units were visited by Gen. Montgomery, commander-in-chief of North Africa, commander of 8th Army and winner of [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - March 13, 1944
Page 25
The officers entered the centre of the battalion grouping and only then did the general start to walk between the lines. He talked with the soldiers, asking them questions about [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - March 13, 1944
Page 26
I am enclosing the exact text of General Montgomery's speech. The impression Gen. Montgomery made on everyone was immense. Although not very 'combat' looking, he was not wearing any 'service' [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - March 13, 1944
Page 27
A new reorganisation. As mentioned above the Supporting Arms Battalion was formed from the former Reconnaissance Regiment on 1. XI.1943 and on 18.XI. 43 with mp. Dalkeith transferred to Immerliethau, [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1, 1943 to April 5, 1944
Page 28
However, the voices of the sceptics were stronger and it was constantly claimed that we would be disbanded. Logically, the reorganisation had to take place, because months were passing by [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - November 1, 1943 to April 5, 1944
Page 29
On 5 April 1944 the last order of the Supporting Arms Battalion was given. The next day we received the first order of the Independent Heavy Machine Gun Squadron (see [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - April 6, 1944
Page 30
The explanation came when the first orders were received and from then on we did not talk about it. The verbal order of the division, repeated in writing, said that [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - April 1944
Page 31
The attached lists illustrate the organisation of the C.K.M. Squadron. Personnel of the C.K.M. Squadron This is the manning of the squadron after mobilisation shortly before leaving for [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 6 April to early June 1944
Page 32
As far as the composition of the men of the C.K.M. Squadron is concerned, it is safe to say that in terms of the selection of men, their training [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 6 April to early June 1944
Page 33
Today there are no more temptations to pull people out, which we are very happy about. To come back to this question of the value of our detachment, it [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 6 April to early June 1944
Page 34
The list of assignments by speciality shows that the detachment was well provided for on the technical and economic side. The squadron was an autonomous detachment. It had [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 6 April to early June 1944
Page 35
Change of quarters and incidentsin the squadron Just after the reorganisation of the unit, we received secret orders to mobilise for a mission that was difficult to organise, especially [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicle - Early June 1944
Page 36
The initial composition of the squadron was not a success, as it was Major Szajowski who was appointed as the squadron commander. During the reorganisation he made many mistakes in [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 9 April 1944
Page 37
Several officers were unhappy about being assigned to different units and they all expressed regret about this. Major Szajowski, not liking Lieutenant Jedrzejowicz very much, started a discussion with him [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 9 to 11 April 1944
Page 38
Major Szajowski did not suffer any punishment or consequences as a result of his inappropriate behaviour, on the contrary, he was promoted after his outrageous behaviour. Officers often referred to [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chroniques de guerre - 11 April to 10 May 1944
Page 39
A unit of over 400 men was disbanded, a new unit was created, and the rest of the men were delayed. It was clear who would go where, as lists [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 11 April to 10 May 1944
Page 40
On 23 May 1944, we changed our settlement place. The whole Division was moved to York. C.K.M. Squadron was quartered at Menethorpe near Malton, 29 kilometres from York. The new [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of War - 11 April to 10 May 1944
Page 41
Several major exercises were organised within brigades, divisions and with the French division. The exercises were organised by the Polish command except for one called "Cartel", prepared by the British [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 6 June 1944
Page 42
Assignments of Former Officers Former 1st Reconnaissance Regiment and Support Weapons Battalion. It is appropriate to mention which assignments were given to officers from our unit. Commandant of the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 6 April to early June 1944
Page 43
Second Lieutenant Karol Mlynarz to 9th Rifle Battalion. Cavalry captain Teodor Lesser to the post of the Division Material Park Commander. Cavalry Captain Janusz Rudnicki, assigned to the position of [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 6 April to early June 1944
Page 44
Gathering district. On 26 June 1944 the first contingents left for the new area, but were recalled from the road by the English Command. Then on 11 July the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 26 June and 11 July 1944
Page 45
The weather is pleasant - there are no exercises, although the Brigade has a project to organise exercises for the Battalions. We are looking for a slogan for the march. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 11 July to 28 July 1944
Page 46
On the way to France. On 28 July 1944, the entire 3rd Brigade received orders to move to the so-called "Marshelling Area" - a place to wait for embarkation. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 28 July to 31 July 1944
Page 47
Without a murmur, quiet as night spirits, we crossed the Strait of Dover - the English Channel. Continuing westwards along the English coast, we turned southwards at Portsmouth. On the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 31 July to 1 August 1944
Page 48
As we loaded, travelled and landed we saw one thing: The might of the British Empire, of the Allied generally, and the childish weakness of Germany. There was no air [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 2 August 1944
Page 49
Until the evening our platoons disembarked men and equipment. The numerous troops gathered (according to the British organisation) in a large square meadow near the locality of Sainte-Croix-sur-Mer, from where [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 2 August 1944
Page 50
The machines work everywhere, everything is done in the American way. For most of the work is done by machines of various types, spinning steel over our heads. The so-called [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 2 August 1944
Page 51
Gathering area of the 1st Division About 5 miles north of Bayeux our Division stood in a concentration area. It has been three days since the division started to [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 1 to 4 August 1944
Page 52
The attitude of the French population towards the Allied Forces. From conversations with the civilian population, it can be deduced that the attitude of the civilians is not favourable. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 1 to 7 August 1944
Page 53
Housing, furniture, food, light work and a good income. This was done to the detriment of the rest of the population, for when a young wife had no home the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 1 to 7 August 1944
Page 54
There are rumours (not yet confirmed) that a French woman (supposedly a German lover or wife) stabbed two Poles, etc. etc. It is certain that the population is hostile [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 1 to 7 August 1944
Page 55
Baptism of fire of the 1st armoured division. On 8 August 1944 the division went into action. The day before, the 10th P.S.K. had gone up to the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944
Page 56
On 9 August, the battle of Bourguebus. Particularly harsh are the mortars coupled with the bombings, which kill and wound our men in numbers. On this day Private Jan Sobieski [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 9 to 11 August 1944
Page 57
It was with the 9th Battalion on the left wing of the division. Corporal ZajÄ…c was killed southeast of Soignolles. Sergeant Bodanowicki and Sergeant Kotowski were seriously wounded. The platoon [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 11 August 1944
Page 58
It is not a retreat, as it is located right next to the battle line. Mortars are also falling on this place, as there are artillery positions here. We were [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 13 August 1944
Page 59
Enemy positions are bombed and shelled by air and artillery. In the Quesnay forest, the enemy was well established and we could not dislodge them. On 14 August the air [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 14 August 1944
Page 60
Our artillery supports the infantry assault with precise fire on the Quesnay forest. That evening, the forest was conquered without a single shot being fired, as the whole area is [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 14 to 17 August 1944
Page 61
German units withdrew to the east and southeast. The 18th of August was a day of pursuit. The division advanced very fast and even went too far. It occupies Barou. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 18 August 1944
Page 62
19 August 1944 How much truth is there between radio announcements and reality? As soon as the situation allows it, we listen to the radio. We brought a portable battery-operated [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 19 August 1944
Page 63
Yes, it is retreating, but not very quickly, inflicting extremely heavy losses on the Canadian corps. The front in our section is, it is safe to say, unstable. No one [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 19 August 1944
Page 64
Action from 20 August 1944 to 23 August 1944 On 20 Aug we carry out a real chase after the enemy. The German defence south-east of Jort collapsed. Infantry and [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 20 to 21 August 1944
Page 65
The 10th Dragoon Regiment and the 10th Mounted Rifle Regiment meanwhile occupied Chambois, a town on the main roads, 6km south-east of Trun. The German command ordered its troops to [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 21 August 1944
Page 66
The supply transports sent four times were destroyed on the road by the Germans. Many soldiers died needlessly. Only the approach of the 4th Canadian Division finally eliminated the German [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 22 to 23 August 1944
Page 67
Combat action of the CKM Squadron As mentioned above, the CKM Squadron was usually deployed to the infantry battalions to support the activities of the battalions - strictly speaking [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 8 to 22 August 1944
Page 68
Despite this isolation, the Commanders of the individual platoons were up to the task. Often under very difficult conditions, not knowing the whole of the operations in their battalion's sector [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 8 to 22 August 1944
Page 69
Then, when the mortars were assigned to the battalions due to the proximity of the enemy and the ignorance of the situation, they could fulfil the role of a rifle [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 8 to 22 August 1944
Page 70
At the rearguard. After the end of the battle on 22 August 1944, after having liquidated the pocket in which there were about 80,000 Germans and heaps of corpses, [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 23 August 1944
Page 71
There are a lot of Russians, Mongols, Kalmyks, Turkmen, Kirghiz and God knows what other nationalities. The Poles are separated and after a while they change their uniforms and are [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - from 23 to 25 August 1944
Page 72
The commander-in-chief, Colonel Wieronski, left for London. Before leaving, he gave an order to the brigade, which I enclose. The Commander-in-Chief after the first period of fighting of the 1st [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - from 23 to 25 August 1944
Page 73
New phase of fighting. After a rest in Grandmesnil. On 30 August we move eastwards. In the afternoon of that day we stop at La Haye Malherbe 5 [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 31 August 1944
Page 74
1st September we reach the Lambercourt area about 4 km northeast of Abbeville on the opposite side of the Somme. The bridges over the river were blown up. The following [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 1 to 6 September 1944
Page 75
7th September 1944, we march on through Belgium, welcomed everywhere by ovations. They cover us with flowers, giving us fruit, beer and vodka. 8th September, we capture the town of [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 7 to 10 September 1944
Page 76
11 September we arrive in Ghent (Gent) and relieve the English divisions that have captured most of the city. On the northern part the fighting continues. Germans are holding firm. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 5 to 16 September
Page 77
Our artillery and heavy mortars are active all the time. We push the Germans further and further back. Many are taken prisoner, among them many Poles. The infantry brigade is [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 17 September 1944
Page 78
Following the failed action of the dragoon regiment, the front line passes along the canal. On one side the Germans, on the other our division. Our tactic is to 'attack [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 17 to 19 September 1944
Page 79
Once this task was accomplished, the division was able to take a rest. A break for 3rd brigade is planned in the Axel area. C.K.M. Squadron was stationed in [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 20 to 29 September 1944
Page 80
Our objective: Ostman-Baarle. The bloodiest fighting takes place near the town of Merksplas. The Germans are well entrenched. On 30 September in this town Private Krakus died, and here is [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 30 September to 4 October 1944
Page 81
On 4 October we occupy the village of Baarle-Nassau, located in the Netherlands. We face a battalion of Dutch SS soldiers. They fight well. The 3rd company of the 8th [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 4 October 1944
Page 82
Fighting in the Alphen area The town itself was taken fairly quickly. However, in an arc from west to north and east, the Germans put up extremely strong resistance. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 4 to 6 October 1944
Page 83
The 1st platoon is almost destroyed. Lieutenant Janikowski was wounded, his deputy was wounded and eighteen other soldiers. The 1st platoon was relieved, and the 2nd platoon went to the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 6 to 7 October 1944
Page 84
The Germans, entrenched in good bunkers, held on and could not be removed. There are active patrols on both sides. We took some prisoners from one of their patrols. On [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chroniques de guerre - 8 au 9 octobre 1944
Page 85
Changes of personnel and promotions. As always in wartime, there are frequent changes in personnel. Many people leave, others arrive. Others are promoted and receive awards. They are happy [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 7 October 1944
Page 86
In a large hospital in Antwerp, if you look at the lists of patients, every second name is Polish. The Polish division has the title of the best division. Everyone [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 7 to 27 October 1944
Page 87
[ But Britain is not here. ] Time off would also be useful for those who don't have a wife but are in an "advanced" relationship in England, which is [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 7 to 27 October 1944
Page 88
Defensive battle in Alphen. The fighting in the Alphen area went on for quite a long time, although the Germans did not have a particularly convenient defensive line. It [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 5 to 27 October 1944
Page 89
The Germans used heavy and lighter mortars, artillery of all calibres, including 88mm armoured S.P.'s, which were on the job, firing in a straight line through the houses, demoralising and [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 5 to 27 October 1944
Page 90
The worst moment was when the unit was relieved, when the heavy weapons had to be taken out of their positions and relief platoons were brought in to replace them. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 5 to 27 October 1944
Page 91
The decisive moment during the fighting in South Brabant was the breaking of the enemy resistance at Alphen. The fighting here lasted from 4 October to 27 October. They were [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chronicles of war - 5 to 27 October 1944
Page 92
In addition, our positions and those of the enemy in Alphen are covered with mines, traps of all kinds. These mines protect us from intruders and night attacks, alerting those [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 27 to 29 October 1944
Page 93
That same day, our troops reached the suburbs of Breda. The fighting continues in Ginneken. The Germans retreated behind the canals. On 30 October, Breda is captured by the 1st [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 30 October 1944
Page 94
Fighting in the direction Breda-Moerdyk. After withdrawing from Breda, the Germans decided to create a defensive line behind the Mark Canal, the Polish troops pursuing them had to stop [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 31 October 1944
Page 95
The tank squadron of one of the armoured regiments suffered huge losses in equipment and when it became clear that they could not hold this bridgehead, the equipment was destroyed [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 1 November 1944
Page 96
The forcing of the Mark Canal and the retreat was done at point 898421 on the maps used by the troops. Our command abandoned the crossing and moved the whole [...]
Kazimierz Duda - Chroniques de guerre - 2 au 4 novembre 1944
Page 97
This part of the Netherlands is flat and low altitude. Crisscrossed by numerous canals of varying widths, it made infantry advance very difficult and the use of armour weapons downright [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 5 to 6 November 1944
Page 98
Air support armed with rockets was relentless. Our Spitfires and Typhoons behave like real typhoons. Moerdijk is fortified and well defended. Concrete bunkers protect the Germans from artillery fire. The [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 7 November 1944
Page 99
Often they assumed tasks that were not their responsibility. On 8 November, the entire squadron was assembled to stop in Breda. It was assembled on the market square, near [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 November 1944
Page 100
Stationing at Breda As mentioned above, on 8 November, after the end of the operations at Moerdyk and the expulsion of the Germans across the Meuse in our sector, [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 November to 20 December 1944
Page 101
The Dutch women immediately appreciated their liberators. And because our boys have a good heart and everyone brings something home , the relations with the population are very good. It [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 November to 20 December 1944
Page 102
On 21 December, the 3rd Rifle Brigade was moved from Breda to the north-east to Capelle to further clear the area of Germans and push them away across the Meuse. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 21 November 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 103
It was only after many continuous raids using air support and repeated bombing that the German bridgehead was eliminated. The liquidation of the Germans on this 'island' took place during [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 21 November 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 104
There have been cases where a driver has been injured and there is no one to replace him. It was the same in the other detachments. The directives of the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 16 January 1945 to 26 February 1945
Page 105
Description of the detachment and its value. The CKM squadron went to war with full strength, equipment and armament. It had a reserve complement: a total of 2 officers [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 106
All the 'veterans', i.e. all those who had fought from the beginning of the war, had been soldiers with noble ideas, well trained, with a great sense of duty, close [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 107
This situation created all sorts of misunderstandings and bitterness among the veterans. So much so that platoon commanders were asking for them to be sent away because these soldiers [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 108
There was not enough time, although, as the saying goes, 'war years count double'. All divisions of the Division suffered from the same handicap. Especially the infantry battalions and the [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 109
Cavalry Captain Marian Kochanowski (later Major) was unable to stand up and force commanders to use his unit properly. The discontent was immense, especially among the platoon leaders who sent [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 110
So much for the use of the squadron and its command, as observed by a member of the squadron command. Related to the aspect of tactical use is the deployment [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 111
Often, however, food had to be brought to the front line, as a platoon could not always send its own vehicle to collect supplies. Despite these difficulties, the platoons were [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 112
It was rare for platoons to be supplied by the units for which they operated. However, this was not easily done, either by the battalions, who were faced with 'one [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 113
4. difficult to supply despite having an extensive economic apparatus. 5. All this could be avoided by establishing a heavy machine gun platoon with each company in the battalion and [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 114
Divided among the battalions, whether necessary or not, it lost its value as a moving weapon with high firepower and high mobility. We can conclude that if it had been [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 8 August 1944 to 10 January 1945
Page 115
'Surveillance' operations on the Meuse and in the Scheldt estuary. After the liquidation of the Germans in the Capelle sector, the C.K.M. squadron returned to Breda in its former quarters. [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 11 January to March 1945
Page 116
There, service was more difficult, as access to the island itself was rather unpleasant, as was the delivery of food due to the rough sea. These activities were more [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 11 January to 26 April 1945
Page 117
The Dutch were not at all concerned there, on the contrary, they started to organise a new hospital for those little Poles to be born. Many [of our men] have [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 11 January to 26 April 1945
Page 118
The whole of the Netherlands was looted and robbed by the Germans. The army had its YMCA with a mess hall where a soldier could get everything except alcohol. For [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 11 January to 26 April 1945
Page 119
The conditions in which he found himself were excellent, and against the backdrop of the poverty and hunger of the population among whom he found himself, he could indeed be [...]
Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 11 January to 26 April 1945