No Greater Ally: The Untold Story of Poland's Forces in World War II

by Kenneth K. Koskodan

Overview

An in-depth history of the Polish soldiers who served in World War 2, with previously unpublished first-hand accounts and rare photographs.

There is a chapter of World War II history that remains largely untold; the monumental struggles of an entire nation have been forgotten, and even intentionally obscured. This book gives a full overview of Poland's participation in World War II. Following their valiant but doomed defence of Poland in 1939, members of the Polish armed forces fought with the Allies wherever and however they could.

Full of previously unpublished accounts, and rare photographs, this title provides a detailed analysis of the devastation the war brought to Poland, and the final betrayal when, having fought for freedom for six long years, Poland was handed to the Soviet Union.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780962221
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	12/20/2011
Series:	General Military
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

Ken Koskodan graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Communications, specialising in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations. Of Polish descent, he has researched Poland's participation in World War II for many years, and in the course of his research has interviewed many surviving veterans.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction

1 The Dawn of Darkness: Prelude to World War II
2 French Misfortunes: The Phony War and the Defense of France
3 Everything Was in Secret: The Underground War
4 On Wings of Eagles: The Polish Air Force
5 Warriors from a Wasteland: The Birth of the Polish 2nd Corps
6 A Bloody Job Well Done: 1st Armored Division
7 A Bridge Not Far Enough: The 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade
8 Poles Under Soviet Command: Berling's Army
9 Glory and Heartbreak: The Warsaw Uprising, 1944
10 For your Freedom: A Costly Victory for Poland

Notes
Further Reading
Index

Editorial Reviews

This fascinating book fills a yawning gap in our knowledge of the Second World War. By bringing in the personal reminiscences of people of all stations, the author gives pace and immediacy to this extraordinary story.” —Adam Zamoyski, author of Forgotten Few: The Polish Air Force in World War II

“No Greater Ally is an absolutely crucial contribution to the history of the Second World War. Anybody who seeks to understand the dynamics of betrayal and resistance as they apply to this period, in Poland, in Europe, must read this book.” —Alan Furst, author of The Polish Soldier

“I hadn't realised, before reading this outstanding book, just how crucial the Polish contribution to [Allied] victory actually was. If it hadn't been for their pilots, for instance, we might well have lost the Battle of Britain...” —Henry Coningsby, Waterstones

From the Publisher