Polish 1st Armored Division Captures German Port of Wilhelmshaven

Following the breakout from Normandy, Maczek’s division participated in the Allied advance with their Canadian comrades. The 1st Armored liberated the cities in of Ghent and Ypres in Belgium. During the final Allied push beyond the Rhine, Maczek was assigned to capture the northern Dutch city of Breda. His skillful outflanking moves forced the German defenders to abandon the city without putting up major resistance, sparing the city and inhabitants from major destruction and loss of life. On 3 May 1945, the division fought its way into the outskirts of Wilhelmshaven and two days later Gen. Maczek accepted the surrender of a large part of the German Navy headquarter in that city. In May 1945, Maczek was assigned overall command of the Polish 1st Corps.

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