Recce: April 2011

Six members of the Guild completed the Guild's third Recce tour since their introduction last year. They flew to Poznan in Poland between 1- 3 April to look at the battle for Poznan Jan/Feb 1945 on 'The Road to Berlin'.

The tour was lead by Norman Sibbald who brilliantly stepped in when the original Team Leader Paul Burton had to withdraw due to illness. We wish Paul a speedy recovery on behalf of the Membership. Our party arrived in Poznan over a 24 hour period but by midday Friday we were ready to go and look at the battle of Festung Posnan!

Norman conducted his tour in a manner which would have seen him pass much of his validation programme. Maps were produced with photographs from the battle so we could stand on the spot where they were taken and and compare then and now. Fascinating stuff! Over the next two days we visited many of the battle sites of 1945 including the Prussian fortress of the Citadel where the German garrison of Poznan were finally forced to surrender.

The casualties on both sides are beyond the comprehension of most of us who cover the Second War western campaigns. Over 10,000 Soviet soldiers died in this relatively short battle in Jan/Feb 1945 and over 6,000 German and Hungarian soldiers were killed. This should be compared to one of the largest battles in the west when in 1944 at Arnhem 2,100 men of the 1st British Airborne Division perished. 4 out every 5 German casualties occured on the Eastern Front.

This was the Guild's first foray to the Eastern Front and I hope not the last. Poland is relatively inexpense compared to other places in Eastern Europe and very accessible by many of the 'bucket' airlines. Hotels are relatively cheap as is food and drink and much was made of this by our travelling party.

On behalf of the Guild our group carried out a short act of Remembrance at Poznan CWGC where are buried 48 of the 50 British and Allied Serviceman murdered by the Gestapo after the 'Great Escape'

Lastly the people themselves are very welcoming especally the young. All seem to speak remarkably good English having spent some of their formative years in the UK. Norman Sibbald with his local knowledge and contacts made this trip the undoubted success I believe it was. It is very likely some of our Guild Members with websites and/or guiding business will be including Poznan within their guiding portfolios. Go and see it!

The railway bridge over the road leading up to the Citadel in 1945. The main axis of the Soviet forces attacking the Citadel. Below the same bridge can be seen above the Chairman's head In front of Soviet T34 Tank at the Citadel Museum

Poznan Old Market 2011 and below February 1945. The Studebaker in the lower picture was supplied as part of the US Lend-Lease Agreement. It is towing a 122mm gun After a hard day's listening and guiding!