Polish Army at Monte Casino

[Der Alte Fritz]

What I am looking for is details of the Polish Army that fought at Monte Casino, how many and type of units, their casualty figures, time they were in action.
If anyone could point me in the direction of the information or good sources that would be a great help.
Thanks

[Andy H]

Hi

The Polish 2nd Corps and the Italian Campaign 1943-45 by Witold Madeja, Pub Game Publishing 1984 is a good book to get hold off.

Regards

Andy H

[gebhk]

Some extra information would be helpful.

Probably most importantly, what sort of level are you aiming for? In other words, a quick overview, detailed historical research or something in between?

The Polish unit that fought at Cassino was the 2nd Polish Corps and searching under that heading should give you some pointers. It consisted of headquarters, 3rd Carpathain Rifle Division, 5th Borderers Rifle Division, 2nd Warsaw Armoured Brigade and non-divisional units including reconnaissance (Carpathian Lancer Regiment), artillery, engineers, signals, etc. It should be noted the Corps was low on divisional infantry units but high on non divisional and support assets, many of which were normally found at Army level rather than Corps in the allied structure.

Are you taking into consideration the entire operation (including the fighting for Piedimonte), or just the fighting up to and including the capture of the monastery? The bald figures for the former are (according to Wawer, 2009) 13 days and 20 hours of combat, 923 KIA, 2931 wounded and 345 missing of whom 251 eventually returned to their units.

Do you read Polish?

The research base for this action is the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London - so presumably not out of reach for you? The primary archives are held there and you would be able to find information where to find anything else you may require.

Bestest
K

[Der Alte Fritz]

Thank you for this, it is enough to be getting on with.
I am looking at casualty rates and the Poles are a good example because you have Anders Army and Berings Army to compare, same people different armies and theatres.

[henryk]

http://www.polandinexile.com/icrb.html
Polish II Corps: Italian Campaign: Monte Cassino

[Andy H]

Hi

From the same source I quoted earlier:-
"The casualties of 2 Polish Corps in the Monte Cassino battle, 24/4-31/5 1944 were: 307 Officers and 3892OR, a total of 4199men or 9%
of the total Corp strength. This comprised of 923 or 22% Killed, 2930 or 70% Wounded and 345 or 8% Missing. The bilk of these losses naturally occurred in the period of most intense fighting May 12-25. In the Officers corps, losses amounted to 7% of the total casualties , and over 10% of the effective officer strength.
Losses of the 2 Infantry Divisions jointly constituted 80% of Corps casualties. Of the 3rd Carpathian, casualties amounted to 1571 or 11% of its strength, of which 21% were Killed, 76% Wounded and 3% Missing. The 5th Kresowa had a casualty roll of 2174, over 15% of its strength, of which 22% were Killed. 64% Wounded and 14% Missing.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Andy H

[Der Alte Fritz]

Excellent. What is interesting is that these seem in line with British Army losses rates but different from 1 and 2 Polish Army and Soviet losses.
So the same people in different theatres suffer different loss rates.

[Andy H]

Hi

Well, whilst interesting its hardly surprising, given the different doctrines practiced by countries mentioned.

Regards

Andy H

[Der Alte Fritz]

Of course, the point is that by eliminating one variable ie. nationality is highlightins the remaining variables, doctrine, poverty, repression, etc