Outdoor exhibition on Polish paratroopers during Operation Market Garden

On 1 September 1939, Poland was the first country to be attacked by Nazi Germany. After Poland was also attacked by the Soviet Union, it had to abandon the hopeless battle in October 1939. Outside occupied Poland, however, several Polish units were created and trained. In Scotland, General Sosabowski formed the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade.

The Polish paratroopers were deployed during Operation Market Garden. The brigade largely landed in the Driel area, tasked with crossing the Rhine and reinforcing British troops surrounded in Oosterbeek. Under unprecedentedly difficult conditions, the Polish brigade distinguished itself by its courage and fighting spirit. It provided indispensable support to the British and made the eventual withdrawal across the Rhine possible.

But after the battle, the brigade was unfairly blamed and their part was forgotten, partly due to international political relations. Only in 2006 did the deserved tribute follow. The Polish Parachute Brigade was awarded the Military William Order by Queen Beatrix and General Sosabowski, posthumously, the Bronze Lion.

The outdoor exhibition tells the gripping story of the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade. It shows how the fugitive Polish soldiers were forged into an elite unit by the charismatic General Sosabowski, how the brigade distinguished itself in September 1944 and how, after unjustified reproaches, it finally came to be honoured with the highest military decoration known to the Netherlands.

The exhibition will be opened by the ambassador of Poland, H.E. Mrs Kassangana, and will be on display until Sunday 27 October