Quest for Freedom, A History of the 1st Polish Armoured Division 1939-1946

This is a new production by authors Jack Didden and Maarten Swarts. It follows the formula of their earlier books, ‘Autum Gale’, ‘Kampfgruppe Walther’ and ‘The Army that got away’. It was written at the request of the Maczek Memorial Breda, Netherlands. Again it is characterized by in-depth research, exciting stories, loads of photographs and accurate maps, all based on original documents. This book narrates and analyses the history of the 1st Polish Armoured Division from its prewar beginnings until its demobilisation in 1946. The book describes all the major battles, starting in Normandy culminating in the battles on Mont Ormel where the division stood in the path of the German army fleeing the trap around Falaise. The division then followed the retreating Germans through northern France, into Belgium and the Netherlands as far as the banks of the Scheldt estuary. The advance was continued that autumn, ending at Moerdijk on 9 November. The winter period was one of recovery, but also of intense patrolling with the bloody struggle at Kapelsche Veer as its lowest point. From early April 1945 until VE Day the division fought against desperate German rearguards until it captured Wilhelmshaven, home of the German navy. All too often the role of the 1st Polish Armoured Division has been marginalised or even neglected in books about the war in the West in 1944 and 1945. Now this is finally rectified. Moreover, this book also pays great attention to the German opponents with some interesting outcomes. It is a must have for anyone interested in the war in the West.

The book is unique because it is the first English language edition that covers the exploits of the Polish division in detail. Both military enthusiasts and descendants of the Polish soldiers in the division are able to follow the actions of each battalion on any given day. That is why the book has 110 full-colour maps which accurately show the day by day operations. The text is supplemented by nearly 600 photographs, many of them never published before. It also contains appendices listing all the major units, their officers and a brief history of the commanding officer, General Maczek.

Hardcover edition from 2025 (€ 65.00)

The book is illustrated with 600 photos and 110 full-colour maps. The book will be available from October 24 - but you can order it NOW. We will send you a payment request as soon as the books have arrived here!