10th Infantry Division (Poland)
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10th Infantry Division (10. Dywizja Piechoty) was a unit of the Polish Army during the interbellum period, which took part in the Polish September Campaign. It was created in 1919 from the former Polish 4th Rifle Division. Stationed in Lodz and commanded in 1939 by General Franciszek Dindorf-Ankowicz, it was part of the Army Lodz. Its task was to defend the fortified area along the upper Warta river, near the interwar border of Poland and Germany.
Since early morning of September 1, 1939, the Division was mercilessly attacked by the German 8th Army, supported by aircraft and artillery. The Poles managed to keep their positions until Sept. 3, then was ordered to withdraw towards Sieradz and defend the river crossings. However, in the organizational and communicational chaos, the unit arrived at the destination several hours too late, after the Germans of the 17th Polish I.D. had already crossed the Warta in some spots.
Soon afterwards, the 10th I.D. was attacked by the German 10th and 24th I.D.’s and after a bloody battle, it was defeated. Remains were gathered and ordered to withdraw towards Glowno and Zgierz. On Sept. 8, after several German attacks, the Division was scattered, a group of soldiers crossed the Vistula near Otwock.
