Did Polish Cavalry charge at Tanks in WWII?

Simple History
29 Aug 201803:41
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script dispels the myth of Polish cavalry charging at German tanks with sabers and lances during World War II. It explains that on September 1, 1939, during the Battle of邹兰提 (Krańcowy Las), the 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment, under Colonel Jozef Matuszewicz, charged at German infantry with sabers and lances, successfully dispersing them. However, when German armored cars arrived, they inflicted heavy casualties on the Polish cavalry. The myth was born when two Italian war correspondents, witnessing the aftermath, reported that the Polish cavalry had charged at German tanks. This story was then used by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union for propaganda, painting the Polish as using outdated tactics. The Polish army, despite being less equipped with tanks, had the WZ 35 anti-tank rifle capable of penetrating German Panzer I and II tanks. The video also mentions that the Polish cavalry continued to be used throughout the war, with the last charge occurring during the Battle of Świętochłowice in 1945. The script is sponsored by the free-to-play online game War Thunder, which allows players to experience tank warfare from World War II.

Takeaways
  • 🎮 Sponsored by War Thunder, a realistic free-to-play online game, offering a free premium vehicle and three days of premium time to new players.
  • 🇵🇱 The myth of Polish cavalry charging at German tanks with sabers and lances during World War II is debunked as false.
  • 🏺 The Battle of Kranti on September 1, 1939, involved Polish cavalry using their horses for mobility to quickly reinforce infantry positions.
  • 🐎 The 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment, under Colonel Moustache, was ordered to repel Germans to cover the retreat of Polish units.
  • 🔪 A surprise cavalry charge by the Polish cavalry with sabers and lances was successful against unprepared German infantry but led to heavy losses when German armored cars responded.
  • ⚔️ The event known as the charge at Krojanty was misreported by two Italian war correspondents, leading to the propagation of the myth.
  • 📰 Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union used the myth for propaganda to depict the Polish as using outdated tactics and to showcase their own military might.
  • 🤠 Despite the myth, the Polish army had modern anti-tank rifles capable of penetrating early German tank models.
  • 🏃 Both German and Soviet armies also made significant use of cavalry during the war.
  • 📚 The script provides historical context about the use of cavalry in warfare and the inaccuracies in the popular narrative of World War II.
  • 🎯 War Thunder allows players to experience tank combat in a realistic setting with a variety of vehicles and large-scale battles.
Q & A
  • Which online game is mentioned as a sponsor for the episode?

    -War Thunder

  • What bonus does the War Thunder link in the description offer to new players?

    -A free premium vehicle, three days of premium time, and a free premium tank or aircraft.

  • What is the myth surrounding the Polish cavalry during World War II?

    -The myth is that Polish cavalry units charged at German tanks with sabers and lances during the invasion of Poland in 1939.

  • What was the actual purpose of the Polish cavalry during the war?

    -The Polish cavalry was used for mobility on the battlefield to quickly get from one point to another, reinforce infantry, and then dismount to fight on foot.

  • What event is the myth believed to originate from?

    -The myth originates from the Battle of Kranti on September 1st, 1939, which was the first day of the invasion of Poland.

  • What was the 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment's objective during the Battle of Kranti?

    -Their objective was to repel the Germans from a key railroad junction to cover the retreat of Polish units in the area.

  • What led to the charge by the Polish cavalry during the Battle of Kranti?

    -Colonel Moustache saw German infantry in the clearing and decided that a surprise cavalry charge could be effective.

  • What were the consequences of the Polish cavalry charge at the Battle of Kranti?

    -The charge successfully dispersed the German infantry, but later German armored cars moved in and opened fire, causing devastating casualties among the Polish cavalry.

  • How did the myth of the Polish cavalry charging at tanks spread?

    -Two Italian war correspondents wrote an article about the event, which was then used for propaganda purposes by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

  • What was the Polish Army's capability in terms of anti-tank weaponry during the war?

    -The Polish Army had the WZ 35 anti-tank rifle, which was capable of penetrating the armor of German Panzer I and II tanks.

  • Were there any further cavalry charges by the Polish after the Battle of Kranti?

    -Yes, there were further Polish cavalry charges during the Polish September Campaign and beyond, with the last charge occurring during the Battle of Schönfeld in 1945.

  • On which platforms is War Thunder available for playing?

    -War Thunder is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Outlines
00:00
🎮 War Thunder Sponsorship and Polish Cavalry Myth

The script begins by acknowledging sponsorship from the online game War Thunder, which allows viewers to start their virtual career as a WWII tanker. It then dispels the myth that Polish cavalry charged at German tanks with sabers and lances during the invasion of Poland in 1939. The actual events of September 1, 1939, during the Battle of Kranti are detailed, where Polish cavalry used mobility to reinforce infantry and fought on foot. The 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment's actions are described, including a successful charge against unprepared German infantry, followed by heavy losses when German armored cars opened fire. The myth was propagated by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union for propaganda, painting the Polish as using outdated tactics. The script also mentions the Polish WZ 35 anti-tank rifle and the continued use of cavalry by various armies, concluding with the final Polish cavalry charge during the Battle of Schönfeld in 1945. The video invites viewers to experience tank warfare in War Thunder, highlighting its realistic military simulations and the variety of vehicles available for play.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡War Thunder
War Thunder is a realistic free-to-play online game centered around military combat, including tanks, aircraft, and ships. In the context of the video, War Thunder is the sponsor of the historical episode being discussed. The game allows players to engage in battles inspired by World War II and other historical conflicts, offering a variety of vehicles and strategic gameplay.
💡Polish cavalry
The Polish cavalry refers to the mounted troops of the Polish Army, which played a significant role in military operations during World War II, particularly during the invasion of Poland in 1939. Contrary to the myth portrayed in propaganda, Polish cavalry units did not charge at German tanks with sabers and lances. Instead, they utilized their mobility on the battlefield to reinforce infantry and engage in tactical maneuvers. The video highlights a specific instance where Polish cavalry engaged German infantry during the Battle of Krojanty.
💡Myth
A myth is a widely held but false belief or idea. In the context of the video, the myth refers to the misconception that Polish cavalry charged at German tanks with sabers and lances during World War II. This myth was perpetuated through propaganda by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union to discredit the Polish military and portray them as outdated and foolish. The video debunks this myth by providing historical evidence and context.
💡Propaganda
Propaganda is information, especially biased or misleading in nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. In the video, propaganda was employed by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union to manipulate public perception of the Polish military's capabilities and tactics. The myth of Polish cavalry charging at German tanks was exploited in propaganda to undermine Polish morale and justify the invasion of Poland in 1939.
💡Charge at Krojanty
The Charge at Krojanty refers to a military engagement during the Battle of Krojanty on September 1st, 1939, between Polish cavalry and German infantry. Colonel Mastalerz, leading the 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment, ordered a surprise cavalry charge against unprepared German infantry in a clearing. While the charge initially succeeded, it ultimately resulted in devastating casualties for the Polish cavalry when German armored cars opened fire on them.
💡Anti-tank rifle
An anti-tank rifle is a firearm specifically designed to penetrate the armor of tanks and other armored vehicles. In the context of the video, the Polish army possessed the WZ 35 anti-tank rifle during World War II. Despite lacking significant numbers of tanks, the Polish army utilized anti-tank rifles to counter German Panzers. This highlights the resourcefulness of the Polish military in adapting to the challenges of modern warfare.
💡September Campaign
The September Campaign, also known as the Polish Defensive War, refers to the series of military engagements between Poland and Germany during September 1939. It marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. The video mentions further Polish cavalry charges during the September Campaign, indicating the continued participation of Polish cavalry units in combat despite the overwhelming German invasion.
💡Battle of Schunfeld
The Battle of Schunfeld was a military engagement that took place in 1945 during the later stages of World War II. It is noted as the location of the last Polish cavalry charge of the war. This event signifies the enduring spirit and commitment of Polish cavalry units throughout World War II, despite facing increasingly mechanized and technologically advanced adversaries.
💡Panzer tank
A Panzer tank refers to a type of armored fighting vehicle used by the German military during World War II. Panzer tanks were a significant component of the German Blitzkrieg tactics, characterized by rapid and coordinated armored assaults. In the video, players are invited to experience combat from the perspective of a Panzer tank in the game War Thunder, highlighting the immersive and historical aspects of the gameplay.
💡Epic battles
Epic battles refer to large-scale engagements between opposing forces, often characterized by significant strategic importance and intense combat. In the context of War Thunder, players have the opportunity to participate in epic battles featuring thousands of players from around the world. These battles simulate historical conflicts and allow players to experience the challenges and strategies of warfare on a grand scale.
Highlights

War Thunder is sponsoring this episode of Simple History.

Players can start their career as an ace tanker of World War II.

Free premium, vehicle, and three days of premium time are offered as a bonus.

The myth of Polish cavalry charging at tanks in World War II is debunked.

The Battle of Kranti on September 1, 1939, is the origin of the myth.

Polish cavalry made up 10% of the army and used horses for mobility.

The 18th Pomeranian Uhlan Regiment was ordered to repel the Germans.

A surprise cavalry charge was used against unprepared German infantry.

The charge at Krojanty led to significant Polish casualties.

Italian war correspondents reported on the aftermath of the charge.

The myth was used for propaganda by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

The Polish army had the WZ 35 anti-tank rifle capable of penetrating German tanks.

German and Soviet armies also used cavalry extensively.

There were further Polish cavalry charges during the Polish September Campaign.

The last Polish cavalry charge of World War II occurred during the Battle of Schönfeld in 1945.

War Thunder is a free-to-play military online game available on multiple platforms.

The game features over 1,000 realistic tanks, aircraft, and ships.

Players can register using the provided link for a free premium tank or aircraft and three days of premium account time.

Transcripts
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