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{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = 18th "Żelazna" Mechanised Division
| unit_name = 18th Infantry Division
| native_name = 18 Dywizja Zmechanizowana
| native_name = {{lang|pl|18 Dywizja Piechoty}}
| image = 18 DZ odznk pam (2019).png
| image = Odznaka 18 Dywizji Piechoty 1978.jpg
| dates = 2018–present (traditions from 1919)
| dates = 1920-1939, 2018 - present
| country = Poland
| country = Poland
| branch = [[Polish Land Forces]]
| branch = [[Polish Land Forces]]
| type = [[Mechanized infantry]]
| type = [[Infantry]]
| size= [[Division (military)|Division]]
| size= [[Division (military)|Division]]
| command_structure = [[Armed Forces General Command (Poland)|Armed Forces General Command]]
| command_structure = [[Armed Forces General Command (Poland)|Armed Forces General Command]]
| garrison = [[Siedlce]]
| garrison =
| patron =
| patron =
| battles =
| battles =
Line 15: Line 15:
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours =
| website =
| website =
| commander1 = Major General Jarosław Gromadziński
| commander1 =
| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol_label =
| identification_symbol_label =
}}
}}


The '''18th "Żelazna" Mechanised Division''' (18. Dywizja Piechoty) is a [[division (military)|division]] of the [[Polish Armed Forces]]. The division was originally part of [[Polish Army]] during the interbellum period, which took part in the [[Polish September Campaign]]. Stationed in [[Łomża]] and commanded in 1939 by Colonel [[Stefan Kossecki]], it was part of the [[Narew Independent Operational Group]].
The '''18th Infantry Division''' ({{langx|pl|18. Dywizja Piechoty}}) is a [[division (military)|division]] of the [[Polish Armed Forces]]. The division was originally part of [[Polish Army]] during the interbellum period, which took part in the [[Polish September Campaign]]. Stationed in [[Łomża]] and commanded in 1939 by Colonel [[Stefan Kossecki]], it was part of the [[Narew Independent Operational Group]].


The division was established in its modern form in September 2018 as part of an expansion of the Polish Army, partially as a result of heightened security threats to Poland. The division will have achieved initial operating capacity by the end of 2019, with further strengthening of the formation to be completed by the mid-2020s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nowa dywizja Wojska Polskiego|url=https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/nowa-dywizja|agency=MON|accessdate=2019-03-14}}</ref>
The division was re-established in its modern form in September 2018 and renamed to the [[18th Mechanized Division (Poland)|18th Mechanized Division]] as part of an expansion of the Polish Army, partially as a result of heightened security threats to Poland. The division will have achieved initial operating capacity by the end of 2019, with further strengthening of the formation to be completed by the mid-2020s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nowa dywizja Wojska Polskiego|url=https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/nowa-dywizja|agency=MON|access-date=2019-03-14}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
It was formed in 1919 from the units of the [[Blue Army (Poland)|Blue Army]].
It was formed in 1919 from the units of the [[Blue Army (Poland)|Blue Army]].


=== Interwar ===
Between 1919 and 1939, Łomża and neighboring towns were located very close to the border of Poland and German province of [[East Prussia]]. Defense of this area was regarded as crucial in any future conflict, so 18th Division was regarded as an elite unit. More than 50% of its soldiers were local [[conscript]]s from northern [[Mazovia]] and [[Podlasie]], whose patriotism was highly appreciated.
Between 1919 and 1939, Łomża and neighboring towns were located very close to the border of Poland and German province of [[East Prussia]]. Defense of this area was regarded as crucial in any future conflict, so 18th Division was regarded as an elite unit. More than 50% of its soldiers were local [[conscript]]s from northern [[Mazovia]] and [[Podlasie]], whose patriotism was highly appreciated.


=== Invasion of Poland ===
The Division assembled on August 30, 1939, and the next day it occupied defense positions along the [[Narew]] river. Until September 3, it had a limited contact with the [[Wehrmacht]]. It was then ordered to take positions previously held by the Polish 41st Infantry Division. On September 7, it left [[Ostrołęka]] and was ordered to halt the advance of German [[21st Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|21st Infantry Division]] near Nowogrod. The efforts of Polish soldiers were mixed, but on the night of Sept 9-10, it attacked a German armored column, destroying several vehicles and tanks.
The Division assembled on August 30, 1939, and the next day it occupied defense positions along the [[Narew]] river. Until September 3, it had a limited contact with the [[Wehrmacht]]. It was then ordered to take positions previously held by the [[41st Infantry Division (Poland)|Polish 41st Infantry Division.]] On September 7, it left [[Ostrołęka]] and was ordered to halt the advance of German [[21st Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|21st Infantry Division]] near Nowogrod. The efforts of Polish soldiers were mixed, but on the night of Sept 9-10, it attacked a German armored column, destroying several vehicles and tanks.


During the next days the Division was engaged in heavy fights with units of General [[Heinz Guderian]]'s [[XIX Panzer Corps]]. After several bloody skirmishes, the Germans severely wounded Colonel Kossecki. Twenty volunteers, who wanted to take his body from the battleground, were killed by a German machine gun. Kossecki himself survived, but was captured by the Soviets and killed by them probably in 1940 (see: [[Katyn Massacre]]). The division effectively ceased to exist.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.kr/books?id=XX5KcTNWbooC&lpg=PA474&dq=Zambr%C3%B3w%201939&pg=PA474#v=onepage&q=Zambr%C3%B3w%201939&f=false|title=Boje Polskie 1939-1945. Przewodnik Encyklopedyczny|last=|first=|publisher=Bellona|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=474-476|language=pl|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the next days the Division was engaged in heavy fights with units of General [[Heinz Guderian]]'s [[XIX Army Corps]]. After several bloody skirmishes, the Germans severely wounded Colonel Kossecki. Twenty volunteers, who wanted to take his body from the battleground, were killed by a German machine gun. Kossecki himself survived, but was captured by the Soviets and probably killed by them in the [[Katyn massacre]]. The division effectively ceased to exist.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XX5KcTNWbooC&q=Zambr%C3%B3w+1939&pg=PA474|title=Boje Polskie 1939-1945. Przewodnik Encyklopedyczny|publisher=Bellona|pages=474–476|language=pl}}</ref>


In the night of September 13–14 the Germans massacred 200 Polish POWs, gathered in the courtyard in the barracks in [[Zambrów]] (the [[Zambrów]] massacre).<ref name=":1">Tomasz Sudoł, [http://www.polska1918-89.pl/pdf/zbrodnie-wehrmachtu-na-jencach-polskich-we-wrzesniu-1939-roku,2028.pdf ZBRODNIE WEHRMACHTU NA JEŃCACH POLSKICH WE WRZEŚNIU 1939 ROKU], Biuro Edukacji Publicznej IPN</ref>
In the night of September 13–14 the Germans massacred 200 Polish POWs, gathered in the courtyard in the barracks in [[Zambrów]] (the Zambrów massacre).<ref name=":1">Tomasz Sudoł, [http://www.polska1918-89.pl/pdf/zbrodnie-wehrmachtu-na-jencach-polskich-we-wrzesniu-1939-roku,2028.pdf ZBRODNIE WEHRMACHTU NA JEŃCACH POLSKICH WE WRZEŚNIU 1939 ROKU], Biuro Edukacji Publicznej IPN</ref>


== 21st century ==
The reactivation of the division was announced by the Polish Ministry of Defence in September 2018 as part of the effort to expand and modernize the Polish Army amidst heightened tension with [[Russia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/minister-blaszczak-podjal-decyzje-o-utworzeniu-nowej-dywizji-|title=Minister Błaszczak podjął decyzję o utworzeniu nowej dywizji|last=|first=|date=|work=Ministry of National Defence|access-date=8 December 2019|language=Polish|trans-title=Minister Blaszczak decided to create a new division .}}</ref> Initially, the division will be two brigades strong, with the already formed [[1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade]] and the 21st Podhale Rifles (Mountain) Brigade making up its strength. The division will be further strengthened by the creation of a new brigade, the 19th Mechanized Brigade, which is in the process of being formed as of 2019.
The reactivation of the Division was announced by the Polish Ministry of Defence in September 2018 as part of the effort to expand and modernize the Polish Army amidst heightened tension with [[Russia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/minister-blaszczak-podjal-decyzje-o-utworzeniu-nowej-dywizji-|title=Minister Błaszczak podjął decyzję o utworzeniu nowej dywizji|work=Ministry of National Defence|access-date=8 December 2019|language=pl|trans-title=Minister Blaszczak decided to create a new division .}}</ref>


=== Organization 2024 ===
==Structure==
{{split|18th Mechanized Division (Poland)|date=March 2021}}
[[File:Poland Army 18th Mechanized Division Structure.png|thumb|right|360px|18th Mechanised Division Structure (click image to enlarge)]]
{{Main|Operational Structure of the Polish Land Forces}}
The 18th Mechanised Division (nicknamed ''The Iron Division'') is headquartered in [[Siedlce]] and is structured as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=Minister Blaszczak decided to create a new division |url=http://www.wp.mil.pl/aktualnosci/artykul/najnowsze/minister-blaszczak-podjal-decyzje-o-utworzeniu-nowej-dywizji-y2018-09-09/ |publisher=Polish Ministry of Defense |accessdate=16 September 2018}}</ref>


[[File:Poland Land Forces - 18th Mechanized Division Organisation 2023.png|thumb|right|420px|18th Mechanized Division organisation 2023 (click image to enlarge)]]
* 18th Staff Battalion in Siedlce
* [[1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade|1st ''Warsaw'' Armoured Brigade]] [[Tadeusz Kościuszko|'''''"Tadeusz Kościuszko"''''']] in [[Wesoła]]
** Command Battalion in Wesoła
** Tank Battalion in Wesoła with [[Leopard 2|Leopard 2A5]] [[main battle tank]]s
** 1st Mechanised Battalion in [[Chełm]] with [[BMP-1|BWP-1]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]s
** 3rd Mechanised Battalion in [[Zamość]] with BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles
** Self-propelled Artillery Group in Chełm with [[2S1 Gvozdika]] 122mm self-propelled howitzers
** Anti-aircraft Group in [[Siedlce]] with [[ZU-23-2|ZUR-23-2&nbsp;kg "Jodek-G"]] anti-aircraft systems and [[Grom (missile)|Grom]] surface-to-air missiles
** Reconnaissance Company in Siedlce with [[BRDM-2]] vehicles
** Engineer Company in Siedlce
** Logistic Battalion in Wesoła
* '''21st ''[[Podhale Rifles]]'' (Mountain) Brigade ''"Brig. Gen. Mieczysław Boruta-Spiechowicz"''''' in [[Rzeszów]]
** 21st Command Battalion in Rzeszów
** 1st Tank Battalion in [[Żurawica]] with [[T-72|T-72M1]] [[main battle tank]]s
** 1st Podhale Rifles Battalion in Rzeszow with [[BMP-1|BWP-1]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]s
** 5th Podhale Rifles Battalion in [[Przemyśl]] with BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles
** 22nd [[Carpathian Mountains]] Infantry Battalion in [[Kłodzko]] with BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles
** 14th Self-propelled Artillery Group in [[Jarosław]] with [[2S1 Gvozdika]] self-propelled howitzers
** 21st Anti-aircraft Group in Jarosław with [[Hibneryt]] anti-aircraft systems and [[Grom (missile)|Grom]] surface-to-air missiles
** 16th Engineer Battalion in [[Nisko]]
** 21st Logistic Battalion in Rzeszów


{{Location map+ |Poland
In September 2019 the 19th Mechanized Brigade will be activated in Lublin and join the division.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 19th Mechanized Brigade will be raised in garrisons in Lublin, Chełm and Zamość |url=https://www.lublin.uw.gov.pl/aktualnosci/w-garnizonach-lublin-che%C5%82m-i-zamo%C5%9B%C4%87-powstanie-19-brygada-zmechanizowana |publisher=Lublin City Government |accessdate=22 March 2019}}</ref>
| width = 420
| float = right
| caption = 18th Mechanized Division units 2020
| relief = 1
| places =
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>'''18 Mech. Div.'''</small>
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 52 | lat_min = 9 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 22 | lon_min = 16 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>1 Armored</small>
| position = left
| background = white
| mark = Orange pog.svg
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 52 | lat_min = 15 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 21 | lon_min = 02 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>18 Motorized</small>
| position = left
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 51 | lat_min = 11 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 22 | lon_min = 03 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>19 Mechanized</small>
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 51 | lat_min = 14 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 22 | lon_min = 34 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>21 Podhale</small>
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Green 008000 pog.svg
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 50 | lat_min = 2 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 22 | lon_min = 0 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>18 Artillery</small>
| position = left
| background = white
| mark = Yellow pog.svg
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 50 | lat_min = 25 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 21 | lon_min = 46 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>18 Air-Def.</small>
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Cyan pog.svg
| marksize = 6
| lat_deg = 50 | lat_min = 45 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 23 | lon_min = 14 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>18 Sapper</small>
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Black pog.svg
| marksize = 6
| lat_deg = 50 | lat_min = 31 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 22 | lon_min = 08 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~|Poland
| label = <small>18 Logistic</small>
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Purple pog.svg
| marksize = 6
| lat_deg = 53 | lat_min = 11 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 22 | lon_min = 05 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}

The 18th Mechanized Division (nicknamed ''The Iron Division'') is headquartered in [[Siedlce]] and is organised as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=Minister Blaszczak decided to create a new division |url=http://www.wp.mil.pl/aktualnosci/artykul/najnowsze/minister-blaszczak-podjal-decyzje-o-utworzeniu-nowej-dywizji-y2018-09-09/ |publisher=Polish Ministry of Defense |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref>

* '''18th Mechanized Division''', in [[Siedlce]]
** 18th Command Battalion, in Siedlce
** [[1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade|1st "Warsaw" Armored Brigade]] "[[Tadeusz Kościuszko]]", in [[Wesoła]]
** 18th Motorized Brigade, in [[Poniatowa]] (activated on 3 October 2023)<ref>{{cite web |title=18. Brygada Zmotoryzowana z siedzibą w Poniatowej |url=https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/18-brygada-zmotoryzowana-z-siedziba-w-poniatowej--rozpoczyna-sie-formowanie-czwartej-brygady-18-dywizji-zmechanizowanej |publisher=Polish Government |access-date=7 March 2024}}</ref>
** 19th "Lublin" Mechanized Brigade "[[Franciszek Kleeberg]]", in Lublin
** 21st "[[Podhale Rifles]]" Brigade "Brig. Gen. [[Mieczysław Boruta-Spiechowicz]]", in [[Rzeszów]]
** 18th Artillery Regiment, in [[Nowa Dęba]] (being formed)
** 18th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, in [[Sitaniec]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Obrońcy nieba z Sitańca |url=https://polska-zbrojna.pl/Mobile/ArticleShow/37660 |publisher=Polska Zbrojna |access-date=9 February 2023}}</ref>
** 18th Sapper Regiment, in [[Nisko]] (former 16th Sapper Battalion, reorganization underway)<ref>{{cite web |title=Żelazna Dywizja rośnie w siłę! |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/dgrsz/articles/aktualnosci-w/zelazna-dywizja-rosnie-w-sile/ |publisher=Polish Armed Forces |access-date=7 March 2024}}</ref>
** 18th Logistic Regiment, in [[Łomża]]


==See also==
==See also==
Line 77: Line 160:
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1919]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1919]]
[[Category:Infantry divisions of Poland in World War II]]
[[Category:Infantry divisions of Poland in World War II]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1939]]

Latest revision as of 05:09, 27 October 2024

18th Infantry Division
18 Dywizja Piechoty
Active1920-1939, 2018 - present
CountryPoland
BranchPolish Land Forces
TypeInfantry
SizeDivision
Part ofArmed Forces General Command

The 18th Infantry Division (Polish: 18. Dywizja Piechoty) is a division of the Polish Armed Forces. The division was originally part of Polish Army during the interbellum period, which took part in the Polish September Campaign. Stationed in Łomża and commanded in 1939 by Colonel Stefan Kossecki, it was part of the Narew Independent Operational Group.

The division was re-established in its modern form in September 2018 and renamed to the 18th Mechanized Division as part of an expansion of the Polish Army, partially as a result of heightened security threats to Poland. The division will have achieved initial operating capacity by the end of 2019, with further strengthening of the formation to be completed by the mid-2020s.[1]

History

[edit]

It was formed in 1919 from the units of the Blue Army.

Interwar

[edit]

Between 1919 and 1939, Łomża and neighboring towns were located very close to the border of Poland and German province of East Prussia. Defense of this area was regarded as crucial in any future conflict, so 18th Division was regarded as an elite unit. More than 50% of its soldiers were local conscripts from northern Mazovia and Podlasie, whose patriotism was highly appreciated.

Invasion of Poland

[edit]

The Division assembled on August 30, 1939, and the next day it occupied defense positions along the Narew river. Until September 3, it had a limited contact with the Wehrmacht. It was then ordered to take positions previously held by the Polish 41st Infantry Division. On September 7, it left Ostrołęka and was ordered to halt the advance of German 21st Infantry Division near Nowogrod. The efforts of Polish soldiers were mixed, but on the night of Sept 9-10, it attacked a German armored column, destroying several vehicles and tanks.

During the next days the Division was engaged in heavy fights with units of General Heinz Guderian's XIX Army Corps. After several bloody skirmishes, the Germans severely wounded Colonel Kossecki. Twenty volunteers, who wanted to take his body from the battleground, were killed by a German machine gun. Kossecki himself survived, but was captured by the Soviets and probably killed by them in the Katyn massacre. The division effectively ceased to exist.[2]

In the night of September 13–14 the Germans massacred 200 Polish POWs, gathered in the courtyard in the barracks in Zambrów (the Zambrów massacre).[3]

21st century

[edit]

The reactivation of the Division was announced by the Polish Ministry of Defence in September 2018 as part of the effort to expand and modernize the Polish Army amidst heightened tension with Russia.[4]

Organization 2024

[edit]
Main article: Operational Structure of the Polish Land Forces
18th Mechanized Division organisation 2023 (click image to enlarge)
18th Infantry Division (Poland) is located in Poland
18 Mech. Div.
18 Mech. Div.
1 Armored
1 Armored
18 Motorized
18 Motorized
19 Mechanized
19 Mechanized
21 Podhale
21 Podhale
18 Artillery
18 Artillery
18 Air-Def.
18 Air-Def.
18 Sapper
18 Sapper
18 Logistic
18 Logistic
class=notpageimage|
18th Mechanized Division units 2020

The 18th Mechanized Division (nicknamed The Iron Division) is headquartered in Siedlce and is organised as follows:[5]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Nowa dywizja Wojska Polskiego". MON. Retrieved 2019-03-14.
  2. ^ Boje Polskie 1939-1945. Przewodnik Encyklopedyczny (in Polish). Bellona. pp. 474–476.
  3. ^ Tomasz Sudoł, ZBRODNIE WEHRMACHTU NA JEŃCACH POLSKICH WE WRZEŚNIU 1939 ROKU, Biuro Edukacji Publicznej IPN
  4. ^ "Minister Błaszczak podjął decyzję o utworzeniu nowej dywizji" [Minister Blaszczak decided to create a new division .]. Ministry of National Defence (in Polish). Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  5. ^ "Minister Blaszczak decided to create a new division". Polish Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  6. ^ "18. Brygada Zmotoryzowana z siedzibą w Poniatowej". Polish Government. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Obrońcy nieba z Sitańca". Polska Zbrojna. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  8. ^ "Żelazna Dywizja rośnie w siłę!". Polish Armed Forces. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
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