What if a single act of bravery could rewrite history? The Zdobycie Gęsiówki Stele commemorates such a moment. It stands as a testament to the courage of the Polish Home Army’s “Zośka” battalion. Right here, on August 5, 1944, they stormed the Gęsiówka concentration camp. The Zdobycie Gęsiówki Stele serves as a powerful reminder of this daring rescue.
The Zdobycie Gęsiówka, originally a military prison, became a concentration camp during World War II. It was located on the former Warsaw Ghetto site. The camp held prisoners from across occupied Europe, forced to dismantle the ghetto ruins. In July 1944, with the Red Army approaching, the Nazis began evacuating the camp. Most prisoners were sent to Dachau. About 400 remained to assist in the camp’s liquidation.
The Warsaw Uprising ignited on August 1, 1944. The “Zośka” battalion, part of the elite “Radosław” Group, fought near the camp. They witnessed the plight of the remaining prisoners. They knew they had to act. Their plan was audacious. They would use a captured German Panther tank, nicknamed “Magda,” to breach the camp’s defenses.
On August 5, at 10:00 AM, the assault began. The “Magda” tank, its camouflage blending with the rubble, advanced towards the gate. The German guards, mistaking it for reinforcements, initially held their fire. The tank smashed through the gate. The “Zośka” soldiers poured into the camp. The surprised Germans, caught off guard during their meal, scrambled to defend. The battle was swift and fierce. The resistance was quickly overcome.
The Zdobycie Gęsiówka was a resounding success. 348 prisoners were liberated, including 24 women. They represented a mix of nationalities. Many joined the uprising. This victory not only saved lives but also improved the insurgents’ connection between Wola and the Old Town. The captured weapons and equipment provided a much-needed boost to the resistance. This act, commemorated by the Zdobycie Gęsiówki Stele, became a symbol of resistance, courage, and solidarity.
The story of the Zdobycie Gęsiówka is not simply a military victory. It is a story of human compassion amidst the horrors of war. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and bravery can prevail. This stele stands as a symbol of that enduring spirit. It urges us to remember the past. It reminds us to cherish the freedom that was fought for here.