The morning of September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of World War II, a global conflict that would reshape history. Across Europe, acts of aggression unfolded with devastating speed as Nazi Germany launched its invasion of Poland. This day was defined by heroic resistance, harrowing tragedy, and a global shift toward war.
Early Clashes: The First Shots of War
Jeziorki, Poland (1:40 a.m.): The first casualties of the war occurred when German saboteurs clashed with a Polish border patrol near Jeziorki. Corporal Piotr Konieczka became one of the first Polish soldiers to lose his life, defending his post against the initial wave of German aggression.
Krzepice, Poland (3:30 a.m.): German forces ambushed a Polish border patrol unit on bicycles near Krzepice, signaling the start of ground attacks. The breach of Polish defenses marked the opening moves of a calculated blitzkrieg strategy.
Praszka, Poland (4:30 a.m.): In a bid to slow the German advance, Corporal Józef Górecki detonated a bridge in Praszka as German troops attempted to cross. This act of defiance was one of many Polish efforts to delay the overwhelming German forces.
Westerplatte: A Symbol of Defiance
At 4:44 a.m., the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish garrison at Westerplatte, launching the first cannon shots of the war. The defenders, under Major Henryk Sucharski, withstood fierce bombardments and multiple assault attempts. By 1:00 p.m., a second German assault collapsed under the Polish defenders’ determination. The resistance at Westerplatte would become a lasting symbol of Polish resilience.
Polish Border Battles: The Blitzkrieg Begins
German forces crossed the Polish border from multiple directions in the coordinated assault known as the Battle of the Border. By morning, the Luftwaffe had launched devastating bombing raids on airfields, rail stations, and military installations. The aim was clear: cripple Poland’s ability to respond and overwhelm its defenses with speed and precision.
At Tczew, German dive bombers attacked Polish sappers near a key bridge. Despite the assault, Polish forces succeeded in destroying the bridge by 6:00 a.m., severing a vital rail link between East Prussia and Germany.
Aerial Combat: The First Skirmishes in the Sky
Near Kraków, the first aerial combat of the war unfolded. At 6:30 a.m., Polish pilot Mieczysław Medwecki was shot down, becoming the first air casualty of the conflict. However, Polish pilot Władysław Gnyś struck back, shooting down a German bomber, marking the first Allied aerial victory. Elsewhere, Polish fighters intercepted a formation of 80 German bombers near Warsaw, forcing them to scatter and abandon their mission.
German Propaganda and Leadership
In Berlin, Adolf Hitler appeared before the Reichstag at 11:00 a.m., dressed in a field-gray uniform to emphasize his role as the “first soldier” of the German Reich. In a fiery speech, he justified the invasion, citing fabricated Polish provocations. Declaring his intent to remain in uniform until victory was achieved, Hitler rallied his nation for war.
Simultaneously, Nazi propaganda machinery worked to portray Germany as a victim of Polish aggression. At 4:00 a.m., communications to the Polish Post Office in Danzig were cut, and by 7:00 p.m., the post office defenders surrendered after 15 hours of intense fighting. Most survivors faced execution by German forces, illustrating the brutal methods already in play.
Polish Leadership and Unity
In Warsaw, President Ignacy Mościcki declared a state of emergency at 6:30 a.m. Broadcasts urged Polish citizens to defend their homeland, rallying a nation under siege. Civilians in towns and cities prepared for the worst, organizing shelters and aid stations. Messages were sent to Britain and France, pleading for immediate assistance as Polish forces engaged in desperate battles along multiple fronts.
At Mokra, Polish cavalry units bravely faced German tanks. Using anti-tank guns and strategic maneuvers, the WoÅ‚yÅ„ska Cavalry Brigade destroyed 12 German tanks and held their positions, a testament to Poland’s tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds.
Allied Responses: Britain and France Mobilize
In London, the British government issued an ultimatum to Germany at 9:00 p.m., demanding the immediate withdrawal of troops from Poland. An hour later, the French delivered a similar note. Both nations prepared for war, ready to honor their commitments to Poland. The Royal Navy secured key shipping lanes, while the RAF deployed squadrons to strategic locations.
In Paris, military leaders coordinated closely with Britain, confirming plans for mobilization. France’s forces along the Maginot Line were placed on high alert, and the government reaffirmed its pledge to defend Polish sovereignty.
Neutral Nations React
Switzerland accelerated its defensive measures, fortifying Alpine passes and preparing for any potential incursion. General Henri Guisan’s leadership reinforced the country’s commitment to neutrality and self-defense.
In Liechtenstein, a formal declaration of neutrality mirrored Switzerland’s stance. The small principality sought to avoid the conflict consuming Europe.
Elsewhere in the World
In the United States, physicists Niels Bohr and John Archibald Wheeler published their groundbreaking paper on nuclear fission, laying the scientific foundation for the Manhattan Project. Meanwhile, Germany established the Uranverein (Uranium Club), its own nuclear research program.
Cannes, France saw the postponement of its inaugural International Film Festival, as the outbreak of war overshadowed cultural aspirations. The festival, which had intended to showcase global cinema, would not resume until 1946.
The End of the Free City of Danzig
By afternoon, Nazi authorities formally incorporated the Free City of Danzig into Germany. Albert Forster, the Nazi leader of Danzig, annulled the city’s constitution, marking its absorption into the Reich. Nazi flags replaced Polish symbols, signaling the end of the city’s semi-autonomous status.
A Global Reckoning
As night fell, Poland fought valiantly against the might of the German war machine. In the United States, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reaffirmed a commitment to neutrality, though he acknowledged the gravity of the unfolding events. Messages from Warsaw to London and Paris underscored Poland’s dire need for Allied intervention.
September 1, 1939, marked the start of a cataclysmic war. The invasion of Poland not only shattered European stability but set in motion a global conflict that would claim tens of millions of lives. On this day, the world was irrevocably changed, entering an era of devastation, resistance, and ultimately, transformation.