Was it courage or duty that defined the soldiers of the 77. pułk piechoty WP? This stone marks the spot where stories of bravery and sacrifice echo through time. The 77. pułk piechoty WP Stone stands as a testament to the unit’s contribution to Poland’s history.
The 77. pułk piechoty also known as the 77th Infantry Regiment was a distinguished infantry unit in the Polish Army during the Second Republic. Formed in Zambrow on December 16 1918 it was part of the Lithuanian-Belarusian Division. The regiment saw extensive action in the Polish-Bolshevik War enduring significant losses.
Imagine the chaos of the Polish-Bolshevik War. Reduced to a single battalion after heavy losses the 77. pułk piechoty WP was reassigned to the 60th Wielkopolska Infantry Regiment. They fought valiantly capturing Łomża and Stawiski. Near Wincenta and Leman the regiment halted the 3rd Cavalry Corps of Gaj-Chan attempting to breach the border. After a failed defense at Leman many soldiers were captured and killed. Their final resting place is the old cemetery in Kolno.
During the interwar period the 77. pułk piechoty WP was integrated into the 19th Infantry Division stationed in Lida within the Corps District No III. In 1922 the regiment received its standard. Every year on February 12 the regiment celebrated its anniversary. The date marked the regiment’s departure from Zambrow to the Soviet front.
As part of the defensive war in 1939 the 77. pułk piechoty WP fought within the 19th Infantry Division of the Prusy Army. Mobilized in Lida the regiment faced numerous challenges including shortages of horses and equipment. They were transported through Warsaw and Łowicz eventually reaching Bełchatów Jeżów and Borowiny. Soldiers received identification tags vaccinations and trained to identify aircraft and tanks.
The 77. pułk piechoty WP played a crucial role in the battle near Piotrków Trybunalski. Commanded by ppłk dypl. August Wiktor Nowosielski they marched towards Skierniewice enduring enemy fire. On September 5 the regiment became part of the Operational Group of General Rudolf Dreszer intended for a counterattack against the German 1st Panzer Division.
The 77. pułk piechoty’s journey was fraught with peril. They lost contact with their supply trains which were later destroyed near Ruski Bród. Despite setbacks the main forces crossed the Pilica River near Sulejów under heavy air attacks.
After ppłk Nowosielski’s departure command was assumed by ppłk Stanisław Konstanty Gąsiorek. The regiment continued fighting behind enemy lines. A unit ambushed and eliminated SS General Wilhelm von Roettig marking him as the first general killed during World War II.
Facing overwhelming odds the 77. pułk piechoty WP fought fiercely but suffered heavy losses. Many soldiers were captured or killed. The surviving members regrouped and attempted to reach the Vistula River. About 1500 soldiers crossed the river under intense enemy fire.
The remnants of the 77. pułk piechoty WP continued to fight near Lublin joining other units. They engaged German forces in Janów Lubelski capturing prisoners and destroying equipment. The Soviet advance forced their surrender. Officers were captured and many soldiers were granted leave.
From September 10 to 27 two separate units carried the name 77. pułk piechoty WP. The regiment’s story is one of resilience determination and immense sacrifice.
Remember the soldiers of the 77. pułk piechoty WP. Their courage and dedication in the face of adversity continue to inspire. Let this stone remind us of their unwavering commitment to Poland.