I Corps (Polish Armed Forces in the West) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids I Corps |
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| I Korpus Pancerno-Motorowy | |
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| Active | 28 September 1940 |
| Country |  Poland |
| Allegiance | Polish government-in-exile |
| Branch | Polish Armed Forces in the West |
| Engagements | World War II |
The Polish I Corps was a special military group of the Polish Armed Forces in the West during World War II. It was also known as the Polish I Armored-Mechanized Corps from 1942.
This unit was created in the United Kingdom on September 28, 1940. Its main job was to help protect a long part of the Scottish shore. This was important because there was a chance Germany might try to invade Britain. Later, the Corps became a key place for Polish Army units to get supplies and support while fighting alongside the Allied forces.
The Corps had its main office at Moncreiffe House in Perthshire, Scotland. It started with about 3,498 officers and 10,884 soldiers.
How the Corps Operated
For most of its time, the Polish I Corps helped train and organize different military groups. Once these groups were ready, they were sent to fight in various battles as part of other Allied armies.
Some of the important units that came from the First Corps were the 1st Armoured Division and the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade. These units fought bravely in different parts of the war.
After Germany surrendered in May 1945, the Corps started to work more as one big unit. Its main parts came together in northern Germany. The Corps then helped with the occupation of Germany, which meant helping to keep peace and order after the war.
Like many other Polish military units that fought in the West, the Polish I Corps was officially ended in 1947. Its soldiers were then moved to the Polish Resettlement Corps. This group helped them settle into new lives after the war.
Leaders of the Corps
The Polish I Corps had several important leaders over the years. These generals guided the unit through its operations:
- Marian Kukiel (1940-1942)
- Józef Zając (1943)
- Mieczysław Boruta-Spiechowicz (1943-1945)
- Stanisław Maczek (1945-1947)
Main Units of the Corps
The Polish I Corps was made up of several smaller units that changed over time.
- Initially, it had two main Rifle Brigades (numbered 1 and 2).
- The 2nd Rifle Brigade became the 10th Armored Brigade in October 1940.
- In 1942, this 10th Armored Brigade grew into the famous 1st Armoured Division.
- Another unit, the 4th Brigade, became the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade in October 1941.
During the war, the 1st Armoured Division and the 1st Parachute Brigade were often sent to fight under different Allied commands. For example, the 1st Armoured Division fought with the First Canadian Army. The 1st Parachute Brigade was part of the First Allied Airborne Army.
By the end of the war, the Corps included the 1st Armoured Division, the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, the 4th Infantry Division, and the 16th Independent Armoured Brigade.
