Polish armoured train units in Britain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Polish armoured trains in Britain |
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Polish troops in armoured train UK 1941.
Ref: IWM H 7034 |
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| In service | 1940–1943-4 |
| Manufacturer | Derby Carriage and Wagon Works and LNER |
| Number built | 12 |
During World War II, 12 special trains known as Polish armoured trains in Britain were used. These trains were operated by the Polish Armed Forces in the West. They were active from October 1940 until 1942.
Their main job was to patrol British railways. They were meant to protect the country during the war. Luckily, these trains never had to fight in battle. They were eventually stopped from service in England by July 1943. In Scotland, they continued a bit longer, until November 1944.
Contents
What Were These Trains?
These armoured trains were built in two main places. One was the Derby Carriage and Wagon Works. The other was the LNER works in Stratford in London.
They patrolled a huge area of the British coast. This stretched all the way from Cornwall in the south. It went up to the Moray Firth in Scotland. One very unique train was even built for a miniature railway. This was on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. It was the only miniature armoured train ever made.
Why Were They Formed?
The armoured trains were first put together in July 1940. This was part of Britain's plan to get ready for a possible German invasion. The British feared Germany might try to invade their country.
At first, these trains were armed with special guns. They had QF 6 pounder 6 cwt Hotchkiss guns and six Bren Guns. British Royal Engineer crews operated them. Troops from the Royal Armoured Corps also helped man them.
Later in 1940, plans began to give these trains to the Polish Army. The number of trains and equipment used was also increased. The Polish Armoured Train battalions were officially started on October 12, 1940.
Polish Battalions
Four different groups, called battalions, were created. Each battalion was in charge of a specific set of armoured trains:
- 1st Battalion (called I dywizjon in Polish) looked after trains: C, G, and E.
- 2nd Battalion (II dywizjon) was in charge of trains: A, D, and F.
- 3rd Battalion (III dywizjon) operated trains: B, M, and H.
- 4th Battalion (IV dywizjon) managed trains: K, L, and J. These trains were previously known as numbers 10, 11, and 12.
The End of Service
The Polish units operated these trains until 1942. After that, the trains were given to the Home Guard. The Home Guard was a defense organization made up of local volunteers.
Most of the trains in England were soon taken out of service. However, three trains continued to be used in Scotland. The very last armoured train was finally stopped from service in November 1944.
See also
- Armoured trains of Poland
