History
1 September 1939, the beginning of World War 2 was set in motion when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Unprovoked and drawn into what was globally titled as a Blitzkrieg, meaning lightning war, Poland was forced to defend themselves. The Soviet Union joined the war on 17 September by invading Eastern Poland. The country was divided into Soviet and German territories, splitting Poland in two.
However, the Polish people were not alone as their allyship with Great Britain and France triggered the response for a declaration of war against Germany. The fight against the Nazi’s was strengthened when Germany broke their non-aggression pact with the Soviets and attempted to invade Russia in July 1941. This caused the Soviet Union to join the allies and supported the reformation of the Polish Armed Forces who were relocated in Iran. They were given the unofficial title of Anders’ Army as it was named after the commander in charge Lieutenant General Władysław Anders. This is where Wojtek becomes a part of their story and joins the Polish 22nd Artillery Supply Company sworn in under the rank of Private.
They marched in 1944 alongside the British 8th Army to overthrow the German occupation in Italy. The allies needed to break through the Nazi’s Gustav Line, a defensive stronghold spanning across the Italian Peninsula, blocking the way to Rome. After many strategic assaults from the allies, they finally found victory at the Battle of Monte Cassino where German soldiers were exhausted and retreated.
Germany surrendered on 8 May 1945 which marks the end of World War 2 in Europe. This day is now celebrated as V-E Day.