Part of The KB41 Collection On This Day Series !
This is part of a small series commemorating The Invasion of Poland and the start of The Second World War.
Here at KB41 Collection we are honoured to own such rare and detailed historical photographs, like many from the collection. We bring you this detailed series in collaboration with KB41 Team members Simon Tierney and Tamara Markmann.
This post is shared on the 1st September 2022, this signifying the 83rd anniversary of the beginning of WW2. As mentioned above this is part of a short series on the Polish Invasion.
On 1 September 1939, at 04:45, the Battleship SMS/KMS Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the coast of the Free City of Danzig, whilst the Land forces of Slovakia, Germany and Russia crossed into the 20 year old Polish Nation. Russia and Germany both simultaneously invaded Poland, relying on the agreements and clauses of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact. This pact leading to Russia being able to annex parts of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, whereas German was able to re-occupy the Northern areas of Poland. In essence, the two factions divided Poland into two zone. Regardless of this pact, an ultimatum from Britain to be forthcoming later in the day, in defence of the Sovereignty of Poland (but Soviet Russia did not receive one).
This very rare photograph here shows not only the German Invasion of Poland, but the two variants of the widespread reconnaissance vehicle which would become iconic of the German army. With this depicted in the photograph we see two Leichter Panzerspähwagen ("light armoured reconnaissance vehicle") with their Baltic Crosses on (Changed in time for later invasions to the more common German Cross). Leading is the Sd.Kfz. 222 [Sonderkraftfahrzeug 222, or Special Purpose Vehicle Model 222] This version of the vehicle was armed with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 autocannon and one MG 13 machine gun; full designation was Leichter Panzerspähwagen (2 cm).
Following is the Sd. Kfz. 221, which was both the base model and first production series of the light armoured car. The full designation was Leichter Panzerspähwagen (M.G.), armed with a single 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr (MG) 13 machine gun, replaced from 1938 onwards with a Maschinengewehr (MG) 34. It had a two-man crew (driver and commander/gunner), and was equipped with four-wheel drive. Production ran from 1935 to 1940 with at least 339 vehicles produced. It was only produced with Ausf. A chassis and a maximum frontal armour of 14.5 mm. Some Sd. Kfz 221 were rearmed with a 2.8 cm sPzB 41 heavy anti-tank rifle in a modified turret. These Vehicles would be used for the task of light armoured reconnaissance, with Leichter Panzeraufklärungs-Abteilungen of the German Army, and Waffen SS (During the Polish Invasion, the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT or V-Truppe) lit. "SS Dispositional Troops ) in this case, it is unclear which unit they are from, but we can conclude it is not SSVT, but Army (Heer). This is not only clearly seen by the "WH" on the number plates of the SdK's but also by the shield on the Driver's helmet, and the Beret of the Commander of the leading vehicle.
These Recce Cars are seen moving across a trackway on the outskirts of some rural buildings, somewhere in Poland. Whilst it is not known of the exact location, it is suspected that as a part of the Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung, they would be supporting the advance of the Invasion of Poland. The likelihood is that, in conjunction with the other photographs in this series, that they are heading for Warsaw.
In the distance the small picket fence can be seen to signify the boundaries of a small house and possible start to a village or town. Behind this is some buildings can be seen, one of which is engulfed in flames. Large clouds of black and grey smoke can be seen bellowing out of the structure. This showing that this photograph is taken at the forefront of battle. The burning showing the impact the attacking forces of the German Wehrmacht are having on the landscape. These buildings could hold defending Polish forces, none can be seen in this photograph but the light reconnaissance of the SdK's would swiftly eliminate any small arms of any remaining militia.
This is a crisp and detailed photograph of a important event in history, showing the early further expansion of the Third Reich as a part of the lebensraum (Living space) policy that the growing Deutsches Reich needed to grow and be economically self sufficient. It would not be until much later, 22nd June 1941, that Germany would break the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact when they declared war on the Soviet Union with Operation Barbarossa.
One of many rare photographs in this small series posted from the collection. The aim is not only to commemorate the events but to show that even 83 years on the events that happened are not forgotten and the photographs act as a reminder for what happened and can happen in war. The collection preserves their history for future generations so that the history shall not be forgotten and we are proud to share these photographs and stories whilst paying respect to the fallen and the memory of those who served.
Excellent fr. John v. Wolanski