The British government issued a statement in which it recognised the “courage and commitment shown by the First Polish Independent Parachute Brigade during Operation Market Garden”. 

This statement serves as an important symbol for the families of Polish veterans and their commander during the operation, General Stanisław Sosabowski.

Full statement:

“Last September, the British Embassy in The Hague commemorated the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands when British airborne forces, alongside our Allies, including the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade under the command of General Sosabowski, fought side by side for our freedom.

On this 80th anniversary, the UK government has conveyed to the Polish authorities and to the last surviving Polish veteran of the battle, Mr Bolek Ostrowski, its gratitude, appreciation and recognition of the courage and commitment shown by Polish forces in and around Driel and Oosterbeek in September 1944. This includes helping many British airborne forces withdraw across the river when it was clear that the Allies would be unable to take the Bridge at Arnhem.

We will forever be grateful.”

On 18 September 1944, Polish soldiers from General Sosabowski’s 1st Independent Parachute Brigade entered combat in Operation Market Garden.

British, American and Polish airborne battalions took part in the Operation Market Garden with 35,000 troops.

At first, the Allied forces succeeded in taking control of several bridges, but the outcome of the operation was a complete failure as several other bridges, including one located in Arnhem, were not captured. Stretched Allied positions gave the Germans time to reinforce their defence positions.

The Polish commander General Stanisław Sosabowski who was sceptical about the tactical plan of the operation was later made a scapegoat for the operations failure. 

After the operation at the request of the British, by order of 27 December 1944, the First Parachute Brigade was taken away from its commander.

After the war, General Sosabowski worked in the UK as a warehouse worker in an electric motor factory and then a TV factory.

Stanislaw Sosabowski died of a heart attack on 25 September 1967 in London. Two years later according to his will, his body rested at the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw.

Source: Dzieje.pl, www.gov.uk

Photo: @Vanguard_WW2

Tomasz Modrzejewski