Who commanded the Independent Operational Group Polesie during the Battle of Kock?
General Franciszek Kleeberg commanded the Independent Operational Group Polesie. He received orders from Marshal Edward Rydz-Śmigły to organize a division of infantry from the depot division on the 8th of September 1939.
When did the final battle of the Nazi invasion of Poland take place at Kock?
The main engagement occurred between October 2 and the 6th of October 1939. Polish forces surrendered on the 6th of October at 10:00 after being surrounded and depleted of ammunition and food.
What units made up the Polish forces at the Battle of Kock in 1939?
Kleeberg commanded some 18,000 men spread across diverse formations including the 60th Infantry Division under Colonel Adam Epler and the Drohiczyn Poleski Group led by Lieutenant Colonel Kazimierz Gorzkowski. Other elements included the Jasiołda Group with one infantry battalion and one machine-gun battalion plus a Riverine Flotilla with several dozen small river motor boats and monitors.
How many German casualties were reported during the fighting near Włodawa and Kock?
Casualties included 300 to 400 killed or wounded for the Germans while five officers and 180 NCOs and privates were briefly captured by the Poles. The text does not specify total German losses beyond these figures from specific engagements.
Why did General von Wietersheim order an assault to split Polish forces on October 3 1939?
General Gustav Anton von Wietersheim ordered all his forces for an assault to split Polish forces in two and destroy them. He decided to use two of his divisions to attempt to encircle and destroy the Polish forces on October 4.