The Polish Navy 1918-45 - From the Polish-Soviet War to World War II
This illustrated history examines the development and wartime service of the Polish Navy from its creation in 1920 through the Second World War.
Poland initially established its naval force with six former German torpedo boats. Following concerns about German-Soviet naval activity in 1924, funding was allocated for new warships, including two destroyers and three submarines built in France. Dissatisfied with these vessels, Poland subsequently ordered further ships, mainly from British and Dutch shipyards.
By the summer of 1939, the Polish Navy comprised four destroyers, five submarines, one minelayer, six minesweepers and several smaller vessels. On 30 August 1939, three destroyers sailed for Britain, followed by two submarines that escaped internment. Most of the remaining Polish surface fleet was lost by 3 September.
In exile, the Polish Navy operated Polish and Royal Navy vessels, including cruisers, destroyers, submarines and motor torpedo boats. These forces participated in the Battle of the Atlantic, Arctic Convoys and the Normandy landings. The book also covers the actions of the Polish destroyer Piorun, including its encounter with the German battleship Bismarck, and the wider contribution of the Polish Navy to the Allied war effort.
Product details
| Author: | Przemyslaw Budzbon, Paul Wright |
|---|---|
| Details: | 48 pages, 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.31 in (24.5 x 18.5 x 0.8 cm), paperback |
| Illustrations: | 40 b&w photos, 8 illustrated pages in color |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Osprey Publishing (GB, 2022) |
| ISBN: | 9781472847003 |
The Polish Navy 1918-45 - From the Polish-Soviet War to World War II
Language: English
