Remember the Warsaw Uprising. It was a time of immense courage and sacrifice. We stand before the Powstańcy Obwodu AK Żywiciel Stone. It is a memorial to the soldiers of the Żywiciel area. They fought in the Warsaw Uprising. This stone commemorates those who fell. They clashed with Germans near Boernerowo. The battle happened at dawn on August 2 1944. The soldiers were marching towards the Kampinos Forest.
The Warsaw District of the Home Army included Warsaw and its surroundings. This was known as the Powiat of Warsaw. The Żoliborz, Marymont, and Bielany areas formed Sub-district II. It was also called Obwód Żywiciel. Mieczysław Niedzielski commanded this sub-district. He used the pseudonyms Żywiciel, Wojciechowski, and Sadownik.
The Home Army in the Warsaw District had about 50000 soldiers in 1944. During the Warsaw Uprising around 25000 to 28000 soldiers fought. At the start, about 2500 armed insurgents began combat. The Żoliborz district was very active during the uprising.
The Obwód Żoliborz of the Home Army had various code names. These included Siedemnastka, 17, 42, XXII, and II. Different organizations formed the district. These included the Polish Scouting Association. Also the Union of Reservists and the Polish Socialist Party joined. Soldiers of the 21st Infantry Regiment “Children of Warsaw” created the oldest group.
In July 1944, the district had about 3400 people. This included officers, soldiers, and women. The soldiers of Żywiciel had important tasks for the uprising. They were to capture the Citadel and other key locations. These included Fort Traugutta and the Gdańsk Railway Station. Also the Chemical Institute and anti-aircraft batteries needed to be taken. The soldiers were to secure the Central Institute of Physical Education too.
On August 1, 60% of the soldiers reported. Due to lack of weapons, the attacks failed. The units suffered many losses. Lieutenant Colonel Niedzielski ordered a retreat to the Kampinos Forest. A liaison officer returned with orders to return to Żoliborz. On August 4, the troops joined the fighting. Niedzielski reorganized the district on August 5. He created new battle groups.
Battles were fought until the district surrendered on September 30. Every year on July 31, there are ceremonies at the Powstańcy Obwodu AK Żywiciel Stone. It is a way to remember the soldiers of the Żywiciel area.
The Powstańcy Obwodu AK Żywiciel Stone stands as a testament. It embodies the spirit of resistance. It honors those who fought for freedom. Take a moment to reflect on their bravery. Consider their sacrifices.