BBC-Saturday 2 September 1939-Invasion Continues

BBC Headline: The German invasion of Poland continues regardless of warnings from Britain and France to withdraw. Germany has bombed over 21 Polish cities since beginning her invasion of Poland yesterday. So far, it's estimated that 1,500 people have been either killed or wounded during the last two days. Throughout the day the German invasion forces have been penetrating further into Poland.

The Polish forces are putting up a brave fight, but they are unable to stop the German advance. 'According to Germany, their army is sweeping through Poland ...' A communiqué from her High Command announced German air superiority over the whole of the battle zone. According to Germany, their army is sweeping through Poland, meeting little effective resistance from the Polish forces.

Meanwhile in Berlin a statement, which has just been published from a semi-official political source, says that Germany is not at war with Poland, she is simply trying to 'rectify' her Eastern Frontier. One frontier that was rectified very quickly is that of Danzig, from where Gauleiter Forster has sent a telegram telling the Fuehrer that Danzig is now part of the Reich. In reply, Herr Hitler appointed him as head of the civil administration in Danzig.

Germany is at great pains to ensure that no one else is involved in their conflict with Poland, and so far their gamble seems to have paid off.

Danzig has fallen, and Hitler has announced that to the German People by radio, but sporadic resistance continues by civilians in the Danzig Post Office, and the Westerplatte continues to hold out despite heavy bombardment by an old German Battleship, heavy artillery, and aerial attack.

The Eberhard Brigade, and the SS "Heimwehr-Danzig" Battalion (extra-territorial German Army units set up under German Army officers led by General Eberhard with smuggled German weaponry in mid 1939) has succsessfully attacks it's assigned targets, investing Danzig from within.

Third Army is making rapid time, advancing south from it's lines in East Prussia, toward Warsaw. Tczew (Dirschau) was taken by an engineer task force of Third Army at dawn, but the cities Vistula Bridge was blown up before it could be taken.

Other Vistula crossings have been effected at Gniew (Mewe) and near Marienwerder.

1st Corps is still stuck in front of Mlawa, but has reformed and resumed attacking. However, Corps Wodrig units broke through Polish field fortifications east of the fortress city and have pushed south. Panzer Division Kempf (In reality a reinforced Panzer Brigade) has been ordered to exploit the breech, and are moving to take the Mlawa positions from the rear.

4th Army has crossed the Brda River, and resistence has collapsed before it. Panzer elements of XIX Corps outran their gasoline and ammunition supply, but a supply column fights its way through withdrawing and disorganized Polish units to deliver fuel and supplies.

Other 4th Army units have cleared the Danzig Corridor, and launched a series of heavy attacks against the Pomorze Army's 15th Infantry Division in position north of Bydgoszcz.

The Podlaska Cavalry Brigade of the Narew Group made several local penetrations into East Prussia in the area held by Corps Brand during this period of operations. These actions received much publicity in the foreign press but affected the campaign very little.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.