The Black Devils March a Doomed Odyssey by Evan Mcgilvray

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The Black Devils March a Doomed Odyssey by Evan Mcgilvray

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The Black Devils March a Doomed Odyssey by Evan Mcgilvray

The Black Devils' March is an account of how the 1st (and only) Polish Armored Division in the West under the leadership of General Stanislaw Maczek, arose out of the ashes of defeat and while attempting to avoid the internal politics of the Polish Government in Exile, was able to return to Europe in August 1944 on the side of the Western Allies. In Europe the Division achieved glory, honor and victory but was unable to liberate Poland owing to the politics of the postwar settlement in Europe.

The account of the formation and combat service of the Division is fully researched from Polish, English and German sources, and includes training in Scotland, the unit's sharp introduction to warfare in the Normandy bocage, the Falaise Gap and Hill 262, the advance into Belgium and Holland, and final victory on German soil. The text is supported by nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps, and detailed appendices, including a list of the Division's medal recipients.

The politics of the Polish Army are examined as well as the historical legacy of the Polish soldier in exile. This helps the reader understand the frustration of the Poles as they sought to form an armored unit - not only was it of value as part of the Polish Army fighting alongside the Allies, it was also of considerable political value to the Poles as they sought to preserve their dignity and sovereignty. The conclusion points to a rather hollow victory for the Poles by May 1945, as Germany may have been vanquished but Poland remained occupied, this time by the Soviet Union.

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McGilvray, Evan: - Evan McGilvray has written several books on Polish military history for Helion and is writing a book about Poland, NATO and the failure of democracy in Poland since joining the European Union.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9781874622420
ISBN 10 1874622426
Title The Black Devils March a Doomed Odyssey
Author Evan Mcgilvray
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Hardback
Publisher Helion & Company
Year published 2004-01-01
Number of pages 160
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.