McGilvray, Evan
First Polish Armoured Division 1938-47: A History
- ISBN 13:
- 9781526724151
- author:
- McGilvray, Evan
- format:
- Hardback
- publisher:
- Pen & Sword Military
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2022
- Pages:
- 352
- Dimensions:
- 24.6 x 17.2 centimetres (1.09 kg
- Genre:
- History, Military History, World War II,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 4 working days
Description
The First Polish Armoured Division 1938-47 A History by Evan McGilvray and Janusz Jarzembowski is a detailed account of the division's formation, training, and service during World War II. Formed in Scotland in February 1942 from Polish exiles who had escaped Poland and France, the division was led by Stanislaw Maczek, a veteran of the Polish 10th Motorized Cavalry Brigade. The division played a crucial role in several key battles, including Operation Totalize and the Falaise Pocket. Its stand at Hill 262 prevented an orderly German withdrawal from the battlefield, while its participation in the advance across Western Europe into Germany was significant. This history is supported by dozens of archive photos and provides a comprehensive look at the division's service during World War II. The book concludes with an examination of the often-poor treatment of Maczek and his men after the war, offering a nuanced perspective on their experiences and legacy.