Bernard WYSOCKI

Tribute to...

...Corporal

Kazimierz WYSOCKI

WWII 1939-1946

 

Kazimierz WYSOCKI enlisted as a volunteer on 12.08.1939 to fight the invaders and defend FRANCE (country of work and residence) and his homeland, Poland (country of his ancestors).
He joined the Polish Forces, being established in Coëtquidan.
From there he followed a soldier training (and cook, his "spare time").
He integrated the army which was missioned to repulse the enemy in eastern France.  
There he was taken prisoner and sent home (Northern France in Sallaumines) where he worked in the coal mines occupied by the Germans.
But his fate did not stop there ...

After the annexation of Poland by the German army, a large part of Polish troops successfully join France. General Sikorski, head of the Polish government in exile in Angers, signs an agreement with the French authorities for the establishment of an independent Polish army in France.
Polish forces organized themself under the French uniform, and after intensive training, although they suffer from inadequate equipment and armaments. This army was made up of Poles fleeing the German and Soviet yoke and immigrants from countries such as Canada or the USA.
KW, installed in the north of France since 1923, left by train to Coëtquidan camp in Britain (France), which is the main Army training center of the Polish General Sikorski in France.
After registration, newcomers receive the old French uniforms "blue horizons" dating from the years 1918/1920 and obsolete weapons. They are installed in wooden barracks built during WWI. For lack of space, some take quarters homestay.

Thereafter the various units consisting moved toward different regions of France and, like the French troops, found themselves in waiting position against the enemy. At the beginning of hostilities, KW was taken prisoner and sent to Germany.
A few months later, as part of compulsory labor, he was sent home in Noyelles sous Lens to work in the coal mines.
This period was relatively difficult and frustrating. KW married in 1942 and founded a family.
The First Polish Armored Division who landed at "JUNO" (Normandie), headed by General Maczek, move toward the "pocket" of Falaise to destroy the SS divisions still stationed in the area.

This time of the Normandy campaign was decisive and deadly.
It allowed to end weeks of fighting with the military's most experienced German and fiercest, and to open the roads to the east and north.
After leading with courage the mission that the Allied High Command has dictated, the first Polish Armoured Division take the direction of the North of France, final destination: Holland and Warsaw. The march was called "la poursuite".
KW joined again POLISH forces, 29/09/1944, during their movement towards the North of France. He had a much better adapted equipment, British origin.
He joined a motorized brigade as "Messenger" (9th battalion of Flanders), on motorcycle BSA 1940, No. C5211018. The 1st Polish Armoured Division was part of the 1st Canadian Army General Crerar (21st Group Army Marshal Montgomery)

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BELGIUM CAMPAIGN

 

Leaving France (St Omer), during the night of 5 to 6 September, the allies have built a bridge over the "Nine-Fosses" channel.
This allowed, the Polish 1st Armoured Division, to make its entry on the Belgian territory at dawn on September 6-1944, in the following training:
- Division HQ
- Reconnaissance Regiment "Cromwell"
- 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade (Colonel Tadeusz Majewski)
- 1 battle tank regiment
- 2nd battle tank regiment
- 24th regiment of lancers on tanks
- 10th Dragoons (motorized infantry).
3rd Infantry Brigade:
- 1st Rifles "Podhale"
- 8th Rifles
- 9th Rifle Battalion (9th battalion named Flanders, KW, and decorated by Prince Charles
(Regent of Belgium)
- 1 independent squadron of machine guns.
Divisional Artillery:
- 1st Field Artillery Regiment (self-propelled)
- 2nd Field Artillery Regiment (towed)
- 1st Air Defence Regiment
- 1 anti-tank artillery regiment

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September 6, 1944
The first AD took the direction of Ypres and, by skilful maneuvering bypass the city, put an end to four and a half years of German occupation.
This operation was carried out "properly" (without gunfire) and avoided unnecessary losses to a population already well proven.
The 9th battalion distinguished himself in this battle and was welcomed triumphantly by the people.
 
September 7, 1944
Operation of recognition enemy lines in Roeselare and its surroundings, by the 10th regiment of hunters.
After hard fighting and perilous situations, the Poles created the surprise when they charge on the enemy, making its way to join their squad.
The information provided was crucial and allowed the release of Roeselare by the 3rd brigade of hunters.
After these two days, the 9th battalion of hunters got the glorious name of "Flanders Hunters" and the fodder of the Belgian War Cross.
 
September 8, 1944
The first AD continues its path and succeeded in the area of Thielt and Ruysselede. Thielt was taken after a clever maneuver of Lieutenant Colonel Dowbor which made around the city to the south by the 10th regiment of cavalry.

At the same time, the 2nd Armored Regiment stormed the city of Ruysselede. The fighting was very hard, but the courage of the Polish routed the occupant to abandon its positions after suffering numerous losses. Another key objective; mastering the cross of the Ghent Canal to Aeltre.
Difficult mission Lt. Col. Koszutski not able to complete; German troops camped on their positions effectively. This slow-down of the progress of the 1st AD can be explained by topographic changes; between the great plains of France where advanced armor was facilitated and the marshy fields of Flanders is not conducive to rapid maneuvers.
 
On 9 and 10 September 1944
The evening of the September 9, began the attacks against German resistance. The relief hardly facilitated the task of these brave Poles who could just win the first arm of the Ghent Canal. September 10 morning, enemy fire was such that the Poles had to retreat to reorganize.
The strong German resistance and the proximity of the British Forces (from the left) forced the Polish high command to change strategy. The first AD joined the "British Desert Rats"  and together liberated Ghent. Then Poles took the direction of St Nicolas for a cleaning mission between Ghent Canal and the Scheldt.

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September 11, 1944
The afternoon was outstanding for the people of Ghent who welcomed with joy the arrival of the Allies. But you had to be careful because the enemy was present in the area and still bombing the city.
The Poles settled in the city and the Staff took the city hall as Headquater. Fighting took again with an attack of the 9th battalion, supported by aviation and artillery. Objective: taking possession of a wood located northwest of the city, defined as a strategic area. The fighting was hard. Advances and retreats were many who obliged the 9th battalion to retreat on Lokeren and St Nicolas .

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September 12, 1944
Reorganization day of Polish forces.

September 13, 1944
The attack was launched against the elite German forces from the 8th and 9th Battalion front, while the 24th Regiment of Uhlans took the rear. Victorious intervention that made many prisoners German side. Ghent was finally released.

September 14, 1944
The release continued by conquering cities as Stekene, Saint-Gilles-Waas and the La Trompe.
Period from 15 to 26 September 1944
The first DB fought the German troops of General Neuman. Very hard fightings in difficult condition, with many raids on Dutch territory. She released the cities of Axel, Hulst and Terneuzen. 21, the first DB have claimed a well deserved rest before getting back into the battle; objective the mouth of the Meuse (Maas).

The September 27, 1944
The situation in Belgium was improving, with the entire southern and northern west that were released. Antwerp was held by the British and the Canadians. Only the port was occupied by the Germans. The objective was to launch to the north of the country and get in Holland. The 1st Canadian Army, where the 1st AD was, engaged fighting on the island of Wacheren to conquer the northern part giving access to port.

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Anecdote about Kazimierz  
"I move toward a stream, maybe Scheldt (!) In recognition. It was dark ... it was dusk. I was on my BSA when suddenly bullets whistled around me. afterwards I realized that it was a -snipper-, common practice among the enemy.In a split second I found myself lying in the ditch. he reigned such silence ... and it was cold. I waited a few moments, was raising the motorcycle and left silently pushing it. I browsed a few hundred meters before reaching a bridge.
This bridge crossed a stream, which I had to admit.
And what was my surprise; it was destroyed in the middle, by shelling certainly. So I go back way (in another way) and realized to my superiors.
I admit that there I almost wanted to thank the "snipper" because normally I would have crossed the bridge at high speed and who knows what would have happened !! "  
Anecdote related by F Wysocki, KW oldest son.

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The September 28, 1944
This day was that of the Allied strategists who defined the missions of each, including that of the Polish 1st AD.
The Poles had to go toward north and enter the Netherlands.
The destinations were the following: cross the Scheldt and go toward Merxplas. Then move toward Baarle-Nassau and Tilburg (Holland).
The units involved were:
- 3rd Brigade fighters
- 10th regiment of cavalry
- 24th Regiment of Uhlans
- 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade,  
reinforced by the 8th Battalion.

 The September 29, 1944
So the Poles crossed the Scheldt to a north-south axe to take the city of Merksplas.
The 9th Rifle Battalion Flanders mission was to attack Merxplas from the west. Fighting engagement by Podhale hunters followed the hunters of Flanders. Yet hard fighting that slowed the allied advance. Wolfspotten was released.
 
The September 30, 1944
Change in strategy: attack Merxplas on two fronts and circle it. The 9th Battalion should move from the south to the wood Luijsterborg for an attack on the city of Molenzijde. The attack was launched simultaneously on two lines supported by artillery division and the British artillery.
Podhale hunters occupied the city of Merksplas. The 9th Rifle Battalion Flanders conquered Molenzijde.
The aim was now to open the road to the west. What were responsible hunters of Podhale and Flanders hunters.
They advanced rapidly, through the "Horse-hunters" who arrived on Strikken without struggle, and surrendered master west passage.
By order of the brigade commander, the Poles took in "pincer" enemy; battle that turned out to be a total success.

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HOLLANDIA CAMPAIGN

1 October 1944
The Poles moved on Dutch territory and go toward "Baarle-Nassau". The fighting lasted three days and allowed to take possession of the city. The Breda approach becomes clearer day after day.
The first AD 44/45 wintered along the Meuse in Holland.

Kazimierz took the opportunity to write his wife these few words on the back of a picture:
Pamiątka z Bredy 01.08.45 Kazimierz Wysocki. Dla moj ukochany zony, Genowefy Wysocka
(Translation: Remember Breda 01.08.45 Kazimierz Wysocki To my beloved wife, Genevieve Wysocki.)

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On October 6, 1944
The first AD takes possession of Baarle-Naasau, Alphen and Turnhout. The road is now open to Breda.  
Given the efforts and the state of the troops, a respite is granted for, among other things, repair and maintain the equipment.
 
On October 22, 1944
Offensive size of the allies (Canadian, British, Americans) to Roosendall, Diep, Tilburg.  
The first DB ordered to push German forces to Terover anti-tank ditches, Gilze and Osterwyk.
The first DB occupies Gilze. Direction Breda and the Wilhelmina Canal.

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October 29, 1944
Massive attack by the 1st AD on Breda which continues until October 30. The city was liberated in the evening with, as usual, a minimum of damage to the population.
This battle appears to be the second great battle conducted successfully by the 1st AD after that of Chambois.
Needless to say how much the population of Breda was enthusiastic when General Maczek officially installed the former mayor at City Hall!
The first AD continued on to Moerdijk where the expected new tough fights.

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On November 3, 1944
The Poles face a fierce Germans defense. They have built walls of bunkers. It was necessary to call aviation to silence them.
On November 8, 1944
Moerdijk is in sight, and the attack imminent. The advance is difficult, due to the land and field conditions. The fights will take place all day and only late at night that the Poles will take possession after the enemy had fled. The 1st Polish Armoured Division is housed in Breda to spend a good part of the winter 44/45.  
Then she took the direction of Germany, with the 2nd Infantry Division and the 4th Canadian Armoured Division. The order was given to move toward Wilhelmshaven, the largest naval base in the German Baltic Sea.

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May 5, 1945
The first AD was 20 km from Wilhelmshaven. The hostilities ended at the time when it was state of the capitulation of German forces occupants town. The Poles occupied it until 1947. It is with great regret that the Polish soldiers saluted the departure of their General. General Rudnicki succeeded him. Then there was this desire to return home; but to better understand the refusal of the majority of Poles from the West to return home ... remember the agreements made before and which include, in this period, much of Poland in the Soviet borders! Communism was viscerally rejected by this population holds indestructible values  as religion and human rights. Therefore many of them joined Britain, Canada, the United States or France. This was the case of KW which was demobilized on 09/04/1946. He could join his family remained in the North of France. He was decorated by the French military authorities, especially Belgians and British.