18-та ДИВІЗІЯ ПІХОТИ У ТРАВНЕВОМУ НАСТУПІ 1920 РОКУ 6-ї АРМІЇ ВІЙСЬКА ПОЛЬСЬКОГО В УКРАЇНІ

Abstract

The article concerns the 18 Iron Infantry Division (ID) of the Polish Army, which was one of the best divisions during the Polish-Soviet war of 1919-1921. In April 1920, the 18th Infantry Division took part in the Polish – Soviet War. After the first battles against the Russians in Podolia, the 18th ID participated in the Polish offensive in the Ukraine. It led to the capture of Kiev. From 26th May 1920, the 18th ID took part in the defensive battles of the 6th Polish Army in the area of Haisyn. On June 5th 1920, the Polish front in the Ukraine collapsed. It was a result of an offensive action of the 1st Cavalry Army of Semyon Budyonny. On June 29th 1920, one of the most glorious chapters in the history of the 18th Infantry Division began. It was a successful fight against Semyon Budyonny’s 1st Cavalry Army, in the region of Ostroh, Dubno and Brody in Volhynia. The Battle of Brody for some time stopped the Red Army's offensive on the southern section of the front.During those battles, the soldiers of General Krajowski gained great experience and reputation of the war. Then the 18th ID was transported near Warsaw. The 18th ID formed part of Wladyslaw Sikorski’s 5th Army. It participated in the Battle of Warsaw, which became the turning point of the 1920 War. After the battle, the 18th ID also took part in the winning battles for the Polish side in Volhynia and Polesie, where it ended the war in 1920.The article reproduces and characterizes in detail the participation of the 18th Infantry Division, being part of the 6th Army of the Polish Army, in battles with Soviet troops between April 25 and May 25, 1920. During the march to the east of the 18th DP under the command of General Franciszek Kralicek-Krajowski, fighting side by side with the Ukrainian troops against the Red Army, she captured many places, taking numerous Russian prisoners and capturing many spoils, including rolling stock, weapons, ammunition and food. After stabilizing the front, 18th Infantry Division took a position on the Sob River near Hajsyn.