Poland-24.com - News from Poland

02/09/2024

01/09/2024

💥 On this day in 1939, N**i Germany invaded 🇵🇱 Poland, which by most historians marks the beginning of World War II, by far the deadliest conflict in human history; it resulted in 70 to 85 million fatalities, mostly among civilians.

👉 Tens of millions died due to genocides (including the Holocaust), starvation, massacres, and disease. For Poland, it meant a loss of at least a fifth of its pre-War population, as well as end of the independence for the next 45 years, during which it had to endure brutal and oppressive Soviet occupation. ☠️

👉 Between 5.47M and 5.67M Poles died under the German occupation, while between 150,000 and 320,00 died under the Soviet rule. Among the 100,000 people murdered in the Intelligenzaktion operations in 1939–1940, approximately 61,000 were members of the Polish intelligentsia: scholars, book authors, clergy, former officers, and others. 🎓

👉 German forces invaded Poland from the north, south, and west the morning after the Gleiwitz incident. Slovak military forces advanced alongside the Germans in northern Slovakia. As the Wehrmacht advanced, Polish forces withdrew from their forward bases of operation close to the Germany–Poland border to more established defense lines to the east. ➡️

👉After the mid-September Polish defeat in the Battle of the Bzura, the Germans gained an undisputed advantage. Polish forces then withdrew to the southeast where they prepared for a long defence of the Romanian Bridgehead and awaited expected support and relief from France and the United Kingdom. 🇫🇷🇬🇧

👉France and Britain declared war on Germany on 3 September but failed to provide any meaningful support. The German-French border saw only a few minor skirmishes, and most German forces, including 85% of armoured forces, were engaged in Poland. According to some historians, there was no better moment than this to conduct a pre-emptive strike and attack Germany to stop Hi**er from invading Poland (and later most of Europe). 😡

👉On 17 September, the Soviet Red Army invaded Eastern Poland, the territory beyond the Curzon Line that fell into the Soviet "sphere of influence" according to the secret protocol of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact; this rendered the Polish plan of defence obsolete. 😢

👉No declaration of war was issued by Britain and France against the Soviet Union. This and lack of direct help led many Poles to believe that they had been betrayed by their Western allies. British Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax said they were obligated to declare war only on Germany due to the first clause of the Anglo-Polish Agreement in 1939. 🏳️

👉Facing a second front, the Polish government concluded the defence of the Romanian Bridgehead was no longer feasible and ordered an emergency evacuation of all troops to neutral Romania. 🚛

👉On 6 October, following the Polish defeat at the Battle of K**k, German and Soviet forces gained full control over Poland. The success of the invasion marked the end of the Second Polish Republic, though Poland never formally surrendered.

👉About 65,000 Polish troops were killed in the fighting, with 420,000 others being captured by the Germans and 240,000 more by the Soviets (for a total of 660,000 prisoners). Up to 120,000 Polish troops escaped to neutral Romania (through the Romanian Bridgehead and Hungary), and another 20,000 to Latvia and Lithuania, with the majority eventually making their way to France or Britain. Most of the Polish Navy succeeded in evacuating to Britain as well.

18/08/2024

Poland is beautiful 🇵🇱😍
📍Mazury, Polish Lake District ⛵🌲🌳🏕️

02/08/2024

The real Popeye was Polish! ⚓

His name was Frank "Rocky" Fiegel. He was a sailor who was born in 1868 in Chester, Illinois. His parents were Polish immigrants from Czarnków (Wielkopolskie Voivodeship).

Fiegel was known for his strength, love of brawling, and his distinct, prominent jawline. His character inspired E.C. Segar, the cartoonist, to create the character Popeye in 1929.

Frank Fiegel passed away in 1947, but his memory lives on through the character of Popeye, who became a pop culture icon. In Chester, there is a monument dedicated to Fiegel and other places commemorating him as the original inspiration for the famous sailor.

01/08/2024

🕯️ Remembering the Warsaw Uprising 🕯️

Today marks a solemn day in history as we commemorate the Warsaw Uprising, a significant event that began exactly on this day, 1st August 1944, at 5 pm, known as "W-hour." 🗓️

The Warsaw Uprising was an armed resistance against the German forces occupying Warsaw, organized by the Home Army as part of Operation "Tempest," accompanied by the official activities of the highest structures of the Polish Underground State. It constituted the largest military operation of the Home Army. Its maximum reach included parts of the left-bank districts of the city, a small area of right-bank Warsaw, as well as the Kampinos Forest, Legionowo, and the vicinity of Marki. It represented the largest battle fought by an underground organization against occupying forces during World War II.

The Warsaw Uprising was a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Polish people, who, despite being outnumbered and facing overwhelming odds, stood united in their fight for independence and dignity. For 63 days, the city of Warsaw became a battleground, with the heroic insurgents of the Home Army (Armia Krajowa) fighting valiantly against the German occupiers. 💔🔥

Upon hearing news of the uprising, Hi**er issued an oral order to Himmler and Guderian, instructing them to completely destroy Warsaw and exterminate all its inhabitants. According to Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski's account, the order stated: "Every resident must be killed, no prisoners are to be taken. Warsaw is to be leveled to the ground, creating a terrifying example for the whole of Europe." As a result, among the approximately 150-180 thousand civilian residents of Warsaw who perished during the uprising, at least one-third were victims of executions carried out by German police and military forces.

During the two-month-long battles, the losses of the Polish military amounted to approximately 16,000 killed and missing, 20,000 wounded, and 15,000 taken as prisoners. Due to airstrikes, artillery shelling, harsh living conditions, and massacres carried out by German forces, between 150,000 and 200,000 civilian residents of the capital lost their lives. As a result of the insurgent fighting and systematic demolition of the city by the Germans, the majority of the left-bank Warsaw's infrastructure was destroyed, including hundreds of invaluable historical landmarks and culturally significant sites.

The Warsaw Uprising was a military action against Germany and a political resistance against the Soviet Union and its affiliated Polish Communists. The Home Army command aimed to liberate the capital independently before the Red Army's arrival, hoping to strengthen the international position of the Polish government in exile and halt Stalin's process of subordinating and Sovietizing Poland.

Upon the outbreak of the uprising, the Red Army halted its offensive on the Warsaw front, and the Soviet dictator consistently refused to provide significant assistance to the insurgents. The support provided by the United States and Great Britain to the uprising was limited in nature and did not significantly impact the situation in Warsaw.

Consequently, the poorly armed insurgent units fought a solitary 63-day battle against overwhelming German forces, culminating in their surrender on October 3, 1944.

The Uprising was a symbol of hope and resistance, as the brave men, women, and even children took to the streets, defending their city and their ideals with unwavering determination. The sacrifice made by these brave souls will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on as a shining example of courage and patriotism. 🕊️🇵🇱

As we commemorate this historic day, let us honor the memory of those who fought and perished during the Warsaw Uprising. Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of freedom, unity, and the strength that lies within the human spirit. May their courage inspire generations to come and may we never forget their unwavering dedication to liberty and justice. 🌹🙏

01/08/2024

🕯️🇵🇱 Remembering the Warsaw Uprising 🇵🇱🕯️

Today marks a solemn day in history as we commemorate the Warsaw Uprising, a significant event that began exactly on this day, 1st August 1944, at 5 pm, known as "W-hour." 🗓️

💪 Your bravery and resilience will forever inspire generations. 🙏

In the heart of Poland, the city of Warsaw bore witness to one of the most dramatic episodes of World War II: the Warsaw Uprising. It began on August 1, 1944, a time when the city was under the oppressive grip of N**i Germany, and the Red Army was advancing from the east. The Polish

31/07/2024

Świątek's achievements have not only brought pride to Poland but have also inspired many young athletes globally.

Iga Świątek has advanced to the semifinals of the tennis tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a surprising conclusion to her quarterfinal match. Świątek, the reigning world number one, was leading 6-1, 2-6, 4-1 when her opponent, American Danielle Collins, unexpectedly retired from the ma...

29/07/2024

28/07/2024

Varso Tower earns prestigious international award nomination. https://poland-24.com/warsaw-skyscraper-among-the-most-beautiful-in-the-world/

28/07/2024

As the Paris 2024 Olympics progress, Polish athletes and fans alike remain hopeful for more medal-winning performances.

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics have already brought thrilling moments for Poland, with the nation securing its first medal on the second day of the games. Polish kayaker Klaudia Zwolińska delivered an outstanding performance in the K1 canoe slalom, earning a historic silver medal. Zwolińska showca...

27/07/2024

We're supporting Poland at 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! 🇵🇱🙌

24/07/2024

Lublin resident claims innocent error as police seize over 30 plants.

A 34-year-old man from the Susiec municipality in Lublin faces up to three years in prison after police discovered he was cultivating cannabis plants on his recreational plot. The man insists the cultivation was unintentional, claiming he planted the cannabis seeds by mistake. The local police, spec...

23/07/2024

A 72-year-old woman from Lublin fell victim to a sophisticated investment scam.

A 72-year-old woman from Lublin fell victim to a sophisticated investment scam, losing approximately 550,000 zloty. The incident highlights the growing risk of online fraud targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly. The woman was approached by a man posing as a financial advisor on....

22/07/2024

This accolade was presented to ten outstanding mathematicians under the age of 35, including 2 Polish scientists.

This accolade, was presented to ten outstanding mathematicians under the age of 35.

22/07/2024

This natural occurrence has been shrouded in mystery and superstition for centuries.

This natural occurrence, which has been shrouded in mystery and superstition for centuries

22/07/2024

This natural occurrence, which has been shrouded in mystery and superstition for centuries.

This natural occurrence, which has been shrouded in mystery and superstition for centuries

22/07/2024

🌟 Today, we honor the incredible life and achievements of Janusz Korczak, a true hero in the realm of child welfare and education. 🌟

📚 Janusz Korczak was a visionary educator, pediatrician, and author who dedicated his entire life to advocating for the rights and well-being of children. His innovative ideas on child development and his unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds have left an indelible mark on generations to come. 👧👦💕

💔 Tragically, his legacy was intertwined with the horrors of the Holocaust. During World War II, Janusz Korczak was faced with an unimaginable choice, yet he chose to stay with the orphans he cared for, rather than abandon them in their time of need. He demonstrated profound courage and compassion until the very end. 🕊️🌹

🕊️🙏 Let us remember Janusz Korczak's remarkable contributions and his ultimate sacrifice as we celebrate his birthday today. May his memory inspire us to continue advocating for the rights and protection of all children, and to work towards a world where their voices are always heard and valued. 💖🌍

22/07/2024

Annual event commemorates Jewish lives lost in 1942 Great Liquidation.

On Monday, July 22, the streets of Warsaw will once again be filled with the somber procession of the March of Remembrance. This annual event pays tribute to the victims of the deportation action carried out in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. The Great Liquidation Action began on July 22 and....

20/07/2024

Gdańsk, Poland 🇵🇱

19/07/2024

Poland is poised to continue its ascent in the world of superfruits.

Blueberry consumption in Poland has surged to an impressive 1.83 kilograms per person, surpassing even the United States. This remarkable achievement highlights Poland's growing influence in the global blueberry market and its commitment to promoting healthy living through the consumption of this hi...

19/07/2024

Jantar Beach, Poland 🇵🇱⛱️☀️

📸 Hello Mierzeja

19/07/2024

The story of Fr. Mach's life and untimely death serves as a reminder of the dedication required in the service of others, often far from home and in challenging conditions.

Beloved Missionary and Clergyman Passes Away

18/07/2024

Warsaw Zoo has announced the birth of a male snow leopard cub, affectionately known as the "Ghost of the Mountains."

Warsaw Zoo has announced the birth of a male snow leopard cub, affectionately known as the "Ghost of the Mountains." The cub, now six weeks old, was born on June 2 and is the offspring of Suri, who arrived from the Leipzig Zoo in Germany in May 2023, and Jamir, who came to Warsaw in

17/07/2024

His final photo was taken with a sign that read “Mom, I’m alive”. https://poland-24.com/young-polish-climber-dies-in-iceland-a-dream-cut-short/

17/07/2024

Poland and Lithuania are advancing a strategic energy initiative with the Harmony Link, a new power connection set to enhance the energy security of the region by 2030.

Poland and Lithuania are advancing a strategic energy initiative with the Harmony Link, a new power connection set to enhance the energy security of the region by 2030. The agreement for this crucial project was signed by Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) and Litgrid, the Lithuanian transmissi...

17/07/2024

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16/07/2024

Read more:
https://poland-24.com/polands-military-success-acknowledged-by-nato-third-largest-army-in-the-alliance-biggest-in-europe/

16/07/2024

Książ Castle, located in northern Wałbrzych in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of Poland, dates back to the 13th century.

It is the largest castle in the Silesia region and the third-largest in Poland, following Malbork Castle and Wawel Castle.

16/07/2024

The law aims to bolster civil defense by ensuring accessible shelters in urban areas.

The new shelter law, officially termed the "small shelter act," has generated significant confusion among Polish businesses, leading to an official clarification from the Ministry of Interior and Administration. Initially perceived as imminent, the law is now set to take effect on January 1, 2026. T...

15/07/2024

On this day, we remember the historic Bitwa pod Grunwaldem, or the Battle of Grunwald, one of the largest and most significant battles in European history.

Fought on July 15, 1410, this monumental clash saw the forces of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania unite against the Teutonic Knights. The battle not only marked a turning point in medieval military history but also played a crucial role in shaping the future of Poland.

The Battle of Grunwald stands out as the biggest medieval battle in Europe due to the sheer size of the armies involved and the ferocity of the combat. With tens of thousands of knights, infantry, and archers clashing on the fields, it was a testament to the strategic prowess and bravery of the Polish-Lithuanian alliance.

For Poland, the victory at Grunwald was more than a military triumph. It symbolized the strength and resilience of the Polish nation and its ability to defend its sovereignty against powerful adversaries. This victory disrupted the dominance of the Teutonic Order in the region and paved the way for a period of peace and prosperity.

Today, as we honor this pivotal moment in our history, we reflect on the unity and determination that led to this historic win. The legacy of Grunwald continues to inspire us, reminding us of the importance of solidarity and the enduring spirit of the Polish people. 🇵🇱