Amidst Warsaw’s historical tapestry stands a poignant reminder. It is the Pu\u0142k AK Baszta Plaque. This plaque commemorates the brave soldiers of the Baszta Regiment. These soldiers fought valiantly during the Warsaw Uprising.
The Baszta Regiment emerged from humble beginnings. It started as a small group of scouts from \u017boliborz in 1939. Ludwik Berger and Henryk Mittak led them. They formed an underground military group. It was part of the Service for Poland’s Victory. This later became the Union of Armed Struggle. The regiment evolved into a battalion. It was named the staff battalion. Baszta means bastion.
In 1943 the High Command of the Home Army transformed Baszta. It changed it from a staff protection battalion into an infantry regiment. It consisted of three full battalions and support units. The Baszta Regiment distinguished itself. It was one of the few underground infantry regiments. It had no pre-1939 traditions. The regiment received the Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari. General Maczek led the chapter of the Cross in 1945.
Lt. Col. Stanis\u0142aw Karpi\u0144ski “Daniel” commanded the regiment. Major Kazimierz Szternal “Zryw” was the chief of staff. He was also the deputy commander. The Baszta Regiment included three battalions. “Ba\u0142tyk” was under the command of Major Eugeniusz Ladenberger “Burza”. “Olza” was under the command of Major Anatol Witold Bia\u0142ynowicz-Obarski “Reda”. “Karpaty” was under the command of Major J\u00f3zef Hoffman “Majster”.
The Mokot\u00f3w district faced a formidable defense. The 10th Infantry Division of the Home Army defended it. They were named after Maciej Rataj. Lt. Col. J\u00f3zef Rokicki “Karol” commanded them. The Baszta Regiment played a crucial role. It was a significant part of these forces.
Just before the hour “W” a decision changed everything. The Home Army Headquarters moved from Mokot\u00f3w to Wola. Despite this the Baszta Regiment remained in Mokot\u00f3w. They received orders to seize German facilities. Most of these facilities were in the northern section.
The regiment faced daunting tasks. The SS-Staufferkaserne housed two security battalions. A third reserve battalion of SS armored grenadiers also was stationed there. In total approximately 500 SS men occupied the building. The Germans reinforced them on July 30. They added a company of tanks from the SS “Viking” division. The tanks included four “Tigers” one “Panther” four PK IVs and self-propelled guns.
Other key locations included public schools. The Public School on Narbutta Street housed a company of 150 SS soldiers. The Handicraft School was home to an SS battalion of 400 men. SS companies also occupied the Public School on R\u00f3\u017cana Street. They had 120 men. Gestapo officers and agents occupied the Wedel houses on Pu\u0142awska Street. The gendarmerie headquarters had around 250 men. They were stationed in houses on Dworkowa Street.
The Baszta Regiment’s fight began almost precisely at 5 PM. The tasks assigned to the regiment exceeded its capabilities. Nevertheless the battle continued. It lasted for 58 days and nights. The soldiers fought despite poor weaponry. They lacked heavy machine guns and anti-tank weapons. Many soldiers went into battle with only a grenade or a bottle of gasoline.
The Germans deployed all types of weapons. They used aircraft armored weapons heavy artillery mine launchers and a heavy railway gun. The Mokot\u00f3w Uprising faced its inevitable end. The Baszta Regiment fought bravely. Their sacrifices are forever etched in Warsaw’s memory. The Pu\u0142k AK Baszta Plaque stands as a testament to their courage. It is a symbol of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.