The Battle of Wólka Węglowa (Polish: Bitwa pod Wólką Węglową) was a cavalry engagement fought on 19 September 1939 near the village of Wólka Węglowa, in the Warsaw Voivodeship of the Second Polish Republic. The battle occurred during the final phase of the Polish counter‑offensive known as the Battle of the Bzura, which formed part of the broader Invasion of Poland at the outset of World War II.
Combatants
- Poland: Elements of the 14th Regiment of Jazłowiec Uhlans (Podolska Cavalry Brigade) and parts of the 9th Regiment of Lesser Poland Uhlans.
- Nazi Germany: Units of the German Army, including infantry supported by armored elements.
Commanders
- Polish forces were led by Colonel Edward Godlewski, commanding officer of the 14th Jazłowiec Uhlan Regiment.
- German forces were under the command of Hans Schuber (rank and unit unspecified).
Strength
- Polish side: Approximately two cavalry regiments, estimated at about 1,000 men.
- German side: Roughly 2,300 soldiers together with 37 tanks.
Casualties
- Polish casualties were reported as 105 killed and 100 wounded (about 20 % of the force engaged).
- German casualties were recorded as 52 killed and 70 wounded.
Course of the battle During a retreat toward Warsaw, the Polish Uhlan units encountered German infantry positions. Colonel Godlewski ordered a cavalry charge that initially surprised the German troops. However, concealed machine‑gun nests and tank fire inflicted heavy losses on the charging Polish cavalry. Despite these losses, the Polish units managed to break through the German line and continue their movement toward Warsaw as intended.
Outcome The engagement resulted in a tactical Polish victory, allowing the retreating forces to reach the capital area, although at considerable cost. The battle was documented by contemporary observers, including Italian war correspondent Mario Appelius.
Historical significance The Battle of Wólka Węglowa illustrates the continued use of cavalry tactics by the Polish Army in 1939 and highlights the challenges faced by horse‑mounted units when confronting modern mechanized forces. It also forms part of the broader narrative of the early September 1939 campaigns, marking one of the last organized Polish offensive actions before the eventual capitulation later that month.
