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Questions about Slovak invasion of Poland

Short answers, pulled from the story.

What was the Slovak invasion of Poland in 1939?

The Slovak invasion of Poland was a military operation in September 1939 in which the newly created Slovak Republic joined Nazi Germany's attack on Poland. Field Army Bernolak, comprising over 50,000 soldiers in three infantry divisions, advanced into southern Poland alongside the German 14th Army under Wilhelm List. The campaign met weak Polish resistance because most Polish forces were deployed against the larger German assault to the north.

How many Slovak soldiers fought in the invasion of Poland?

Field Army Bernolak launched with 51,306 soldiers organized in three infantry divisions. Additionally, 160,000 reservists were mobilized, with 115,000 of them entering active service before the 20th of September 1939.

Who commanded the Slovak forces during the 1939 Polish campaign?

Slovak Defence Minister Ferdinand Catlos led the Bernolak army group. The three divisions were commanded by Anton Pulanich (1st Division "Janosik"), Alexander Cunderlik (2nd Division "Skultety"), and Augustin Malar (3rd Division "Razus").

What were Slovak casualties in the 1939 invasion of Poland?

Total Slovak losses during the campaign were 37 dead, 114 wounded, and 11 missing. Two Slovak aircraft were also lost, one to anti-aircraft fire and one in an accidental crash.

Why did Slovakia participate in the 1939 invasion of Poland?

Slovakia, a German client state created on the 14th of March 1939, agreed to join the invasion during secret discussions with Germany on the 20th and the 21st of July 1939. The official pretext was a disputed border area that Poland had taken on the 1st of October 1938 following the Munich Agreement. Slovakia also resented Polish political support for Hungarian territorial claims in the region.

What happened to Polish prisoners taken by Slovakia in 1939?

The Slovak Army captured around 1,350 civilian prisoners during the campaign. In February 1940, approximately 1,200 were handed over to Germany and some others to the Soviet Union. The remainder were held in a Slovak prison camp at Lest.