Moscow's disregard for the results of the Operation "Tempest" in the eastern territory of the Republic of Poland and advancing of the Red Army put Polish government in London and AK command before the choice of making an attempt to free Warsaw with own strengths, before the arrival of the Russians. It was expected that a successful anti-German uprising in the capital city of Poland, thus in the territory to which Moscow was not making any official claims, would exert an effect that the right of Poles to self-determination should be respected. The proclamation of PKWN (pl. Polski Komitet Wyzwolenia Narodowego; eng. Polish Committee of National Liberation) created a new political situation. From that time on two independent centers of state authority were acting simultaneously: The Government of the Republic of Poland in London and PKWN in Lublin.
         The first one had the support of the majority of Polish nation and was recognized by the western allies, the latter one was under the influence of Big Power, the armies of which entered the Polish territory forcing the Nazi occupant back.
         At the end of July, 1944, Soviet armies came closer to the line of the Vistula River. Multiple advantage of the Soviets over the Germans in force made people believe that the battles for Warsaw would start any day. It forced the command of Polish underground to take a final decision about the outbreak of an uprising against the Germans. The proclamation of PKWN showed that, unless AK proved its strength and significance in battle and liberated Warsaw before the Soviet forces, the further fate of the country would lie solely in the hands of Stalin.
         On July 25 the government of the Republic of Poland, upon the notice of AK military readiness, empowered the Government Delegate for Poland, Jan Stanislaw Jankowski, to make the final decision of the beginning of fights without the necessity of further contact with London.
         The decision of the beginning of open armed struggle was made on July 26 by AK commander, General Tadeusz Komorowski "Bor" with the consent of Jan Stanislaw Jankowski and the head of Rada Jednosci Narodowej (eng. Council of National Unity), Kazimierz Puzak. The date of the Warsaw Uprising was repeatedly moved.
         General "Bor" Komorowski noted:
         "According to the received reports, on July 28, the German defense lines has been broken at the bridgehead to the east of Warsaw. Soviet forces took Otwock, Falenica, and Jozefow located in the outskirts of Warsaw. Russian patrols, after crossing the Vistula River by the Red Army near estuary of the Pilica River, were coming up to Mszczonow (50 km to the southwest of the capital) and operating far behind the enemy lines. (...) On July 30 one of our scouts came across the column of Russian tanks near Radosc (16 km from Warsaw). Russian soldiers claimed that the Red Army would capture Warsaw in the near future. (...) On July 31 we received the message of further advance of the Soviet wedge and the presence of Soviet units in Radosc, Wiazowna, and Radzymin - all within the radius of 12- 16 km from Warsaw".
         In connection with the following situation, on July 31 General "Bor" took the decision of the beginning of uprising in the capital.
         In the meantime, AK soldiers were waiting impatiently for specific orders, for the beginning of the battle of Warsaw, the battle for the country's future.
         Zygmunt Jedrzejewski - "Jedras" recalls those days:
         "In the last week of July, the march-past of German units through Warsaw assumed the character of a panic retreat. The readiness of Warsaw units of AK was decreed then, and later the assembly in waiting points. On Friday, July 28, after German armored units went through Warsaw in the east direction, the readiness was called off. It meant that there would not be any uprising. (...) On July 28th/29th we were listening to radio messages, from which it followed that the Germans had led two additional armored divisions in the area to the east of Warsaw in order to stop the Soviet attack.
         On July 29 I was riding a bicycle to my wife (...) and on the level of Zeran I heard the sounds of battle coming from the side of Marki and Radzymin. I could hear the cannons, guns and machine guns very clearly. (...) We were listening to the radio again. We were waiting."
         Soldiers gathered in their contacting points, went through the successive watches. In that situation Zbigniew Scibor-Rylski found himself, waiting for the progress of events in Hoza Street, after being summoned from 27th Volhynian Infantry Division of AK.
         He was assigned to "Czata 49", a battalion taking its origins in Centrala Zaopatrzenia Terenu (CZT - code name "Czata"; eng. Logistics Headquarters), subject to Kedyw (eng. Directorate of Diversion) of AK Headquarters. "Czata" originated from "Stadion", operating since September 1, 1943, which had been supplying the area in battle means and various necessary materials, and also in officer and expert staff. Since April 1944, "Czata" was commanded by Major Tadeusz Runge "Witold", "cichociemny".
         In the late evening of July 31, a messenger brought the order that on September 1 the W-Hour (from Polish "Wybuch" - eng. "Outbreak") would take place. In the morning partisans started to receive arms at 3/5 Panska Street. The area was secured by Second Lieutenant Z. Jedrzejewski "Jedras" and his squad. Soldiers came to volunteer to the place in Panska Street, including Lieutenant Z. Scibor-Rylski "Motyl" with a large group of young people. The distribution of arms proceeded very efficiently. The remaining weapons, ammo and equipment was loaded on several trucks.
         At 4 p.m., from the house at 3 Panska Street, armed groups started to go out and march in loose formation in the west direction. The assembly point of "Czata 49" battalion, which was a part of the "Radoslaw" group formation commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jan Mazurkiewicz "Radoslaw", was the junction of Karolkowa and Mireckiego Streets in Wola District, in the vicinity of Jewish and Protestant Cemeteries.
         "Czata 49" consisted of the platoon of Lieutenant "Frank" (F. Gramza), the squads of Lieutenant "Rolicz" (J. Kaczmarek), Lieutenant "Bronek" (H. Walewski), Second Lieutenant "Cedro" (J. Byczkowski) and officers, officer cadets and NCOs, in the strength of three platoons, coming from the Warsaw company of 27th Volhynian ID of AK who joined in the last days before the uprising, while being on leave. Lieutenant "Piotr" (Z. Zolocinski), Lieutenant "Czarny" (M. Szymanski), Lieutenant "Motyl" (Z. Scibor-Rylski), as well as a youth platoon of Konfederacja Narodu (eng. Confederation of Nation; one of Polish resistance organizations - translator's note), commanded by officer cadet "Miecz" (M. Kurzyn), a sub-unit of Captain cc "Zgoda" (T. J. Wierzejski), composed of the officers and NCOs prepared to leave for 30th Polesie Infantry Division of AK, and a HQ messenger squad of Lieutenant "Stanislaw" (Z. Ziemba).
         By order of the AK commander, General "Bor" Komorowski, on August 1, 1944, at 5 p.m. (W-Hour) the units of the AK District of Warsaw revolted against German units in all districts of Warsaw. The commander of the uprising in Warsaw became the commandant of AK District of Warsaw, Colonel Antoni Chrusciel "Monter".

Warsaw Uprising [in: ] Encyklopedia szkolna. Historia.

         The district consisted of sub-districts:
         Sub-district I of Srodmiescie - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel E. Pfeifer "Radwan",
         Sub-district II of Zoliborz - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel M. Niedzielski "Zywiciel",
         Sub-district III of Wola - commanded by Major J. Tarnowski "Waligora",
         Sub-district IV of Ochota - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel M. Sokolowski "Grzymala",
         Sub-district V of Mokotow - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel A. Hrynkiewicz "Przegonia",
         Sub-district VI of Praga - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel A Zurowski "Bober",
         7th Infantry Regiment "Garluch" - the area of Okecie airport - commanded by Major S. Babiarz "Wysocki",
         Independent Region of Bielany - the area of Bielany airport - commanded by Captain J. Krzyczkowski "Szymon",
         AK HQ Guard Regiment "Baszta" - Mokotow - Lieutenant Colonel S. Kaminski "Daniel",
         Sub-district of the District's Headquarters - "Pawel" group formation (battalions: "Wigry", "Antoni")- Wola - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel F. Rataj,
         Sub-district of AK HQ - "Radoslaw" group formation (battalions: "Zoska", "Parasol", "Czata", "Broda", "Miotla" i "Piesc") - Wola - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J. Mazurkiwicz "Radoslaw".

         The strength of "Radoslaw" group formation on August 1 amounted to 2300 men, however only 900 soldiers came to the assembly due to the late notification and the fact that groups were scattered all around the city, what made it difficult for messengers to pass the order.
         The Home Army (AK) led into the fight for Warsaw over 40 000 soldiers (600 full line platoons and background).
         On the opposite side there were German units consisting a part of 9th army, covering Warsaw by its range of operation. The army was reinforced by Luftflotte 6 and a Paratroop Panzer Division "Herman Göring" and SS Division "Wiking". Germans had about 40 000 men at their disposal, including the units of Wehrmacht, Air Force, Waffen-SS, police and military police.
         Before 5 p.m. "Czata 49" group, which set forth on foot and by cars, having come closer to the assembly point, encountered a German truck near Karolkowa Street. It was raked by their fire.
         The assembly of the unit took place, the companies and platoons were formed. The tasks were assigned, and ammo and armaments distributed. The commander of "Czata 49", Major "Witold", the staff, "Motyl's" unit, "Piotr's" and "Czarny's" platoons took a quarter at 86 Karolkowa Street.
         Around 6 p.m. Lieutenant "Motyl" (platoon commander) and his men were sent to "Radoslaw" to Okopowa Street, where the command of the group formation was situated. He received the task of attacking the State-owned Tobacco Monopoly (pl. Panstwowy Monopol Tytoniowy; PZT) from the side of Dzielna Street. The sappers of "Miotla" planted explosives under the wall of the factory and the Poles broke into the PZT. After a short battle they captured the object, gained a car - Mercedes 170 V, with the use of which "Motyl" repeatedly moved to Stawki Street and the Old Town, several trucks, arms, ammo, some food, and taken the remaining Germans prisoner.
         Since the morning of August 2 the shootout intensified. In Wola District, behind Mlynarska Street, the uprising was suppressed and the Germans were slaughtering the Poles. At midday, tanks were attacking through Karolkowa Street from Wolska Street, and infantry was advancing behind them. In a quarter between Zytnia, Karolkowa, Gibalskiego, and Mireckiego Streets "Czata" battalion was located. Its soldiers, together with "Zoska" battalion, captured a tank. The tank had been pelted with grenades and petrol bombs and the Germans that jumped out had been shot up and taken prisoner.
         On the third day of fights Lieutenant "Motyl" sent a patrol of 2nd Lieutenant "Stanislaw" (Z. Ziemba) to an conspiratorial warehouse for ammo. It came to a skirmish with the enemy in Zytnia Street.
         On August 4 a fierce fight to defend Wola District began. Since the early morning hours Luftwaffe was operating over Warsaw. As a consequence of air raids fire was spreading in the city. Strong German assault on "Radoslaw" group formation came along Wolska and Gorczewska Streets.
         The next day brought a heavy fire from the German side, who began to counter-attack on the axis of Gorczewska, Wolska, and Dworska Streets. The goal of that attack was to create a communication axis, enabling the Germans to link up the units with forces fighting in Praga District.
         The group formation of Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw", a fundamental part of it - battalions "Zoska", "Parasol", "Czata", and "Piesc" were since the early morning hours the target of diving fighter planes Ju 87 and Heinkel bombers that were taking off from Okecie airport and thus capable of resuming airstrikes on insurgent Warsaw every hour or so.
         The airstrikes were accompanied by more and more dangerous fire of grenade launchers. The soldiers of "Radoslaw" on the Protestant Cemetery encountered that weapon for the first time; it was deceptive and dangerous - one could not hear the sound of a shot or a projectile itself. Also a German armored train joined the bombardment. There were many wounded, who were transported to the Jan Bozy Hospital in Bonifraterska Street.

Lieutenant Zbigniew Scibor-Rylski a.k.a. "Motyl" in the first days of the Uprising

         The main German attack went along Wolska Street, where the advancing were supported by tanks. The Germans were capturing successive insurgent barricades, all the more difficult to defend as the main road was wide there, and in some sections not walled by densely situated buildings.
         As the enemy was moving to the east, reaching successive intersections of Wolska Street, Poles had to bend the front, creating a defensive line, directed to the south. The Germans were constantly moving in the direction of Gorczewska Street.
         Around the noon, the forces of "Radoslaw" that until then were situated in the Protestant Cemetery joined the fight. At 2 p.m. Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" decided to carry out a counter-attack from the region of cemeteries in the direction of the school in Gostynska Street, held since the beginning by the Germans. He expected that after capturing that object he would be able to come to Kolo [a small district] and get out of Warsaw from there.
         According to the initial assumptions, the main forces of "Radoslaw" group formation were to take part in the counter-attack. When it turned out that the Germans moved far to the east along Wolska Street, the commander decided to perform the counter-attack in the south direction. The attack was led by Major Waclaw Piotr Janaszek "Bolek", the staff commander of Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw". "Czata" and "Parasol" units also took part in it.
         In the morning of the same day, just after realizing that Germans had launched a general advance, "Zoska" battalion took up the fight with the German garrison of "Gesiowka" - a work camp in Gesia Street, in order to create the connection with the Old Town and bring about the possibility of the withdrawal of the whole "Radoslaw" group formation from the cemeteries.
         The school on Gostynska Street was attacked by the units of "Piesc" and the platoons of "Czata" led from the side of the Protestant Cemetery by Lieutenant "Motyl", Z. Scibor-Rylski. Encouraged by "Motyl", the brave soldiers were moving forwards and the enemy fire abated. After a moment it turned out to be the enemy trick. The Germans laid down barrage fire. The Poles were defeated near the school. The disorderly retreat in the direction of Gostynska and Obozowa Streets ensued. They got under machine-gun fire, but managed to reach the barricade on Plocka Street. The fight was still going on there. Many of the insurgents died, including officer cadet Staszek Potworowski "Potwor", a companion of Lieutenant Scibor- Rylski from the school in Rydzyn.
         In the evening Major "Witold" and Lieutenant "Motyl" went round the battalion positions in the area of Mlynarska, Plac Opolski, and Zytnia Streets. On that day Germans captured also the hospitals of St. Stanislaw, St. Lazarus and the tram depot in Mlynarska Street. They were a threat to the Karol and Maria hospital, which since the beginning of the uprising counted as the hospital of the "Radoslaw" group formation. Lieutenant Colonel Jan Mazurkiewicz gave the order to evacuate the hospital to the Old Town.
         On August 6 the Germans were attacking along the streets: Okopowa and Karolkowa from the side of Chlodna, Gorczewska and Zytnia from the side of Mlynarska and through the Protestant Cemetery. The attack caused the withdrawal of the insurgents from the Protestant and Jewish Cemeteries. In the afternoon there was a counter-attack. Lieutenant "Motyl" led the attack of "Czata" in the Calvinistic Cemetery. After some time the insurgents had to leave it. The soldiers were moving forwards in large steps, in the open field they got stuck under German fire. At 6 p.m. after the shelling of both cemeteries by a Polish tank platoon and tying down the enemy forces with the sham-attack of tanks, two platoons of "Zoska" battalion began the counter-attack. At 6.30 p.m. the Protestant (Evangelical) Cementery was recaptured, fifteen minutes later the same happened with the Calvinistic one.
         "Czata 49" battalion started the uprising well-armed. However, after a few days of fights it ran short of arms and ammo. There remained some rusty ammo from 1939 in Panska Street. Second Lieutenant "Jedras", who had returned from hospital after the treatment of a wound from the first day of the Uprising, was appointed as a gunnery officer in the battalion. He sent a patrol on Panska Street that returned with bags full of loose ammo. After the cleaning, the bullets were distributed among the soldiers.
         In the evening the air drop from the West was announced. Around midnight airplanes came. Simultaneously the firing of anti-aircraft artillery started from all around. Nevertheless, the operation was a success, the insurgents received the containers in their regions. There were arms inside, wrapped in blankets for protection, ammo, and the free spaces of containers were filled with bandages and medicine. On the next day the units of "Czata 49" were rearmed with weapons and ammo, gained in the distribution of supplies. PIATs were highly valued, they were the only anti-tank weapon in the hands of the insurgents.
         The Germans were pressing harder and harder on the positions of the formation. The German infantry, covered by tanks, supported by artillery and grenade launchers, was charging from the side of Mlynarska Street in the direction of cemeteries and on the Karol and Maria hospital, also on the Old People's Home, which were being defended by the battalions "Zoska" and "Parasol". At the same time the enemy was attacking from both sides of the junction of Zytnia and Karolkowa Streets, the latter of which was being defended by "Czata", and charging on Okopowa Street from the Kercelego Market Square in the direction of Zytnia Street.
         Lieutenant "Motyl" was defending himself in the building on the corner of Karolkowa and Zytnia Streets. The Germans were charging along Karolkowa Street from the side of Wolska Street and along Zytnia Street from Mlynarska Street. The whole corner house was under tanks' fire. "Motyl's" boys were defending themselves firmly in the building already pretty much damaged by tanks.
         Lieutenant "Piotr" was defending the access to the region of "Czata 49" deployment against the Germans. Those battle-experienced commanders, partisans of 27th Volhynian Infantry Division of the AK, were able to draw strength out of their soldiers and did not give up on further fighting despite heavy losses. Supported by tanks, the Germans had been attacking since morning, but had failed to force the Poles out of their positions. Meanwhile, intense battles were being fought within the Protestant Cemetery. "Zoska" and "Parasol" battalions were being pushed out from there only to regain the lost positions after counter-attacks.
         On August 8 "Czata 49" battalion were still at their posts. Fatigued soldiers were replaced by the men of Major A. Kotowski "Okon" of "Piesc" battalion. Second Lieutenant "Jedras" received the task of collecting provisions. It was necessary to secure food for "Radoslaw" group formation gained from German warehouses located in Stawki Street. The insurgents had found canned meat, pasta, groats, dried potatoes there, as well as large supplies of German tunics, camouflage field caps, some backpacks, belts, and helmets. The food was placed in several warehouses in Wola, Muranow, and the Old Town, thanks to which in case of losing one of them the supplies could be brought from the other one. The whole group formation was provided with camouflage suits, it was their distinguishable feature.
         The German attack continued. The Germans captured the cemeteries. In the late evening Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" gave the order to leave the taken sectors. "Czata" went to Gesiowka. After the rest and reorganization of the units, Major "Witold" called commanders for a briefing and announced that the battalion would go to Kampinos Forest through Powazki Cemetery. The battalion began the march out again to Okopowa Street late at night, but it was soon stopped. The soldiers waited a couple of hours for the progress of events. Eventually, "Czata" was sent to Stawki Street.
         The first day of the stay in the area of Stawki Street passed relatively calmly and there were no direct German attacks, except for the shelling conducted by grenade launchers and the armored train that was moving on the railway tracks between Warsaw Gdansk Station and Powazki Cemetery.
         The following days constituted a period of heavy struggles for holding Stawki Street, which after losing of Wola District had become a forward bastion that protected the Old Town. The position of "Czata" changed in such manner that the Germans moved and were threatening from three sides: from the north, from the south, and from the west. Lieutenant "Motyl" was fighting there along with his platoon.
         The Germans were supported by the artillery of the armored train, the air raids of Stukas, and the German infantry also by tanks and self-propelled guns. At that time the Germans used "Goliaths" for the first time. It was a mini-Wunderwaffe, self-propelled, remote controlled tracked mine with the demolition power of 500 kg of explosive materials it was filled with.
         On August 11 the platoon of Lieutenant "Motyl" took the position in a school in Stawki Street. Major "Witold" was following the tactics of defending the individual objects, two schools and warehouses near the side tracks, with use of small task forces.
         Stawki Street were changing hands repeatedly. "Radoslaw" group formation, threatened by encirclement, started to retreat in the direction of Muranow District and the Old Town. Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" was wounded in fierce combats. The command over the formation was taken by Lieutenant Colonel Franciszek Rataj "Pawel".
         For his fighting in Wola District Lieutenant "Motyl" was awarded the Cross of Valour.

Certificate of the award of the Cross of Valour

         The battles for the maintaining of Muranow were fought until August 16. "Lesnik" group formation took part in it. There appeared the possibility of joining with the units of Kampinos Forest. An attack commenced in the evening. "Jedrasy" were to capture the area between Pokorna Street and the school in Stawki Street. Lieutenant "Motyl" and the insurgents from 27th Volhynian Infantry Division of AK were to attack from the side of Inflancka Street and then in the direction of railway tracks. The advance behind Muranowska Street and the ruins of ghetto was to be led by Captain J.K. Andrzejewski. Those units should facilitate the breakthrough of the forces from Kampinos to the Old Town.
         "Jedrasy" entered the ruins. The "Motyle" ("Motyl's" battalion) under the command of Lieutenant Z. Scibor-Rylski charged from the right. The German resistance decreased. Despite being a success, the Polish maneuver did not bring anything, as the breakthrough attempt of Kampinos forces was suppressed.
         On August 17, the commander of "Czata 49" battalion, Major "Witold" moved for the nomination of Lieutenant "Motyl" to the rank of Captain and awarding him the Cross of Virtuti Military 5th class. He wrote in the substantiation:
         "Lieutenant "Motyl", permanent active duty, seniority 1943. Very good commander, performing every assigned task persistently. He distinguished himself with personal courage in defending the barricade in Karolkowa Street. In the moment of the attack of four tanks, he keeps his soldiers in positions by his own example. In the night of August 16th to 17th he commanded the sally to Stawki Street and showed there great virtues of a commander: caution, acumen accompanied by determined courage."
         The Major "Witold's" motions were supported on August 18 by Major "Bolek", the staff commander of the group formation, and at that time the commander of "Radoslaw" group:
         "I submit with the request of positive consideration of all Major "Witold's" motions. In particular, I strongly second the motion for the nomination of Lieutenant "Motyl" to the rank of Captain - he is the only real replacement of Major Witold. In the present battles he proved personal and commander virtues."

Certificate of the Award of the Cross of Virtuti Militari

         On September 4 Colonel "Radoslaw" enclosed his opinion:
         "Outstanding officer. Highly initiative, intelligent, extraordinarily dedicated and courageous. He possesses battle intuition. He performed singlehandedly successful night sallies on Stawki Street and Traugutt Fort. Full of initiative, dedicated, a capable commander of company."

Certificate of the appointment to the rank of Captain

         The preparations for joining the Old Town with Zoliborz District were still in progress. First blow of the insurgents from Zoliborz District and Kampinos on the German positions in the area of Warszawa Gdanska Station was struck in the night of August 20th to 21st, but turned out to be a failure and resulted in heavy losses.
         Because the situation of the Old Town was getting worse and worse and predictions indicated that the district could still resist for a dozen of days, it was decided to repeat the attempt to make a connection with Zoliborz District the next day. It was planned that the attack from Zoliborz would be led by General Tadeusz Pelczynski "Grzegorz" in person. A combined battalion under the command of Major "Okon" was to arrive from Kampinos. Two hundred men from battalions: "Wigry", "Chrobry I" and "Gozdawa" were sent through canals from the Old Town. That battalion was commanded by Lieutenant "Trzaska" (E. Konopacki) of "Wigry".
         The blow from the side of the Old Town was to be struck by Lieutenant Colonel "Pawel", commanding the northern defensive front of the district. The battalions of "Radoslaw" group formation were subordinated to him. He received at his disposal around 300 soldiers from battalions "Zoska", "Czata", "Piesc" and Czwartacy".
         During a briefing on August 21, Lieutenant Colonel "Pawel" divided the units assigned to the attack into two parts. The left wing consisted of 1st and 3rd company of "Zoska" and AL (pl. Armia Ludowa; eng. People's Army) soldiers ("Czwartacy") and was to strike from the premises of Jan Bozy Hospital in the direction of Muranow and reach the railway tracks near Warszawa Gdanska Station. A part of "Czata" and "Piesc" constituted the right wing, which was commanded by Captain "Motyl" and assigned with the main task, the capturing of Traugutt Fort. The Fort was separated from the insurgent positions with the pitch of "Polonia" sports club and Traugutt Park. It was decided that "Czata" platoons would go on the right - through the park, nearby the heavily garrisoned Legions' Fort. The soldiers of "Piesc" would strike from the left side, through the "Polonia" pitch. The attack was scheduled on 3 p.m. and was to be commenced by the Zoliborz units.
         When the shooting in the area of Warszawa Gdanska Station began, the units from the Old Town thought it was German firing, so they set off a quarter later. The soldiers of "Czata" and "Piesc" ran relatively easily, reaching the "Polonia" pitch and Traugutt Park. Suddenly they were nailed down by enemy fire. The insurgent attack did not surprise them. The dawn came and the Germans from the Fort's garrison that was towering over the Polish positions were able to see the soldiers lying on the grass and between the benches of stand perfectly well. They resumed fire with even greater strength, supported by the guns on the Citadel and the machine weapon located along the railway tracks as well as by the armored train's shelling.
         More and more insurgents were dying and many were wounded. Platoon leaders gave an order to retreat. The soldiers were moving to the attack positions on all fours. Konwiktorska Street was also under enemy machine gun fire. Both night assaults broke down. The insurgents incurred heavy losses - around 500 dead and wounded.
         In the evening of August 22 "Czata 49" battalion left Muranow and went on two-days rest in the quarters at 3 Mlawska Street. The slightly wounded were bandaged. Soldiers visited their companions from the Old Town, they exchanged their views, e.g. Captain "Motyl" (battalion's Staff Commander at that time ) talked with Lieutenant "Jedras".
         After Stawki Street and Muranow, the Old Town seemed a quiet haven to the insurgents. However, on its peripheries fierce battles were being fought. "Czata 49" battalion spent the following days on fighting by the building of Securities National Printing Office, in the old Sapieha Barracks, "Fiat" factory and St. Jan Bozy Hospital.
         On August 28, several dozen of battalion soldiers died when Stukas bombed the quarters of "Czata" at 3/5 Mlawska Street.
         Z. Scibor-Rylski "Motyl" recalls that incident:
         "I had incredible luck on August 28, during the tragic German air raid of Stukas. I was staying with Major "Witold" and my aide Daniel Jaksa-Debicki in the first floor of the house at 3/5 Mlawska Street. We were sitting at a table in a room. Suddenly airplanes came up flying. The building was showered with bombs. I managed only to shout to my companions to throw themselves on the couch in the room's niche. All of a sudden - an explosion. The whole apartment house collapsed next to us. We were choking with smoke, dust, and soot. The three of us survived on the couch in the niche by the only one remaining wall. I felt the roof under my feet. It was a meter below. We slid down to a yard."
         Major "Witold" sent a report to Lieutenant Colonel "Pawel" with a request for the help of a sapper company. Before the sappers arrived, Lieutenant "Drzewica" (W. Poplawski) was leading the rescue action performed by "Czata" forces. They gathered the survivors and were digging up the victims from under the ruins. The fire was spreading. All of a sudden a terrible explosion (of the battalion's ammo depot) caused the collapse of a back annex, affected by the bombardment. Falling walls and rubble covered several dozen of rescuers. Lieutenant "Drzewica" died. The sappers that arrived were rescuing "the rescuers" The remaining soldiers of "Czata" risked their lives as they were digging up their brothers-in-arms, friends, brothers, sons or sisters. The 28-day struggle to avoid unnecessary losses within the platoon were shattered by the explosion of one bomb.
         General T. Bor-Komorowski describes the situation in the Old Town at the end of August:
         "In the evening I entered the first floor of our house for the last time, wanting to look at the Old Town once again. During daytime it was hidden in dust raised by projectiles. The artillery fire had calmed down a bit, and wind was dispersing the dust clouds from fires. The Old Town was lying in front of me, or rather the ruins of what had been known as a town long time ago. (...) The burned frames of houses were protruding here and there among the ruins.
         The frontier of our fortress was marked by the black ground of trenches against the background of ghetto ruins, then the green of Krasinscy Garden - the area of fierce battles, attacks and counterattacks of both sides; then our redoubts: Jan Bozy Hospital and a crashed ferroconcrete building of PWPW (Securities National Printing Office), which had been withstanding the continuous German attack for many days.
         I was looking at the ruins of Blessed Virgin Mary church, at the burned-out dome of the convent of Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, at the St. Hyacinth's Church's roof, torn with projectiles and at the ruined cathedral towers. (...)
         Six hundred years of Warsaw history had been reduced to rubble.
         Involuntarily I glanced at the other side of Vistula where one could see the outline of forests of Wawer, Anin and Radosc on the horizon. There lied the line of German-Soviet front. Since twenty one days what had reigned at that front was dead silence."
         The heart of the Old Town's defense was Colonel "Wachnowski", always calm, composed, talking briefly and in a hushed voice. He was aware of the fact that his task was to hold the remaining part of the Old Town until the end to ensure the survival of other districts until the relief came. General "Bor" knew that the commander of "Polnoc" group would perform the soldier's duty to the very end.
         However, in the face of enormous losses, food and water shortage, the AK commander and the District commander were prepared to lose the Old Town and decided to move the units from there in order to use them in other fighting sectors. After arriving at that decision, Colonel "Monter" ordered Colonel "Wachnowski" to start the evacuation of slightly wounded, some of the population and the civil administration through canals. On August 30 he sent the order to the commander of "Polnoc" group to break through from the Old Town to Srodmiescie District.
         On August 29 a meeting took place in the Colonel "Wachnowski's" headquarters, situated in the sacristy of the church on Freta Street. The following officers took part in it: Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" (J. Mazurkiewicz), Major "Witold" (T. Runge), Captain "Motyl" (Z. Scibor-Rylski) and Lieutenant "Jedras" (Z. Jedrzejewski). The Staff Commander, Lieutenant Colonel "Florian" (J. Lamers) outlined the master plan of the intended breakthrough by the groups from the Old Town to Srodmiescie District and the detailed aims of leaving through canals.
         Lieutenant Colonel "Florian" informed the present at the briefing that the reconnaissance had been done. The Bank Square was free from the enemy. The German stationed in the Maltese Hospital in Senatorska Street and in the Saxon Garden. There were three manholes in the Bank Square. The enemy was to be attacked at 11 p.m. from the side of Senatorska Street, through Zabia Street, and in the direction of the Mirowskie's Halls.
         "Czata 49" battalion was ordered to form a raiding party in the strength of around 125 men. It was to be joined by about 30 men from "Kuba" group formation (of Major. G. Bilewicz "Sosna"), commanded by Lieutenant "Juliusz" - M. Urbanyj. The whole group under the command of Captain "Motyl" (Major "Witold" was wounded and could not take part in the operation) was to enter the canal through a manhole in Krasinski Square at 8 p.m.
         Major "Witold" gathered the commanders of sub-units and decided who would take part. He chose three LMG squads from Lieutenant "Torpeda" (K. Jackowski), a full squad of Lieutenant "Cedro" (J. Byczkowski), a platoon of "Jedrasy" commanded by Lieutenant "Marek" (Z. Marczyk) without the squad of Sergeant "Pionek" (M. Kaminski), and the unit of Captain "Piotr" (Z. Zolocinski). The "Sosna's" unit joined at the manhole.
         Lieutenant "Jedras" (Z. Jedrzejewski) recalls:
         "I entered a canal for the first time in my life. At once I was struck by a horrid odour. In the light of flash lights I could see a quite big chamber under manholes. I was surprised by its considerable depth. At the bottom we entered the proper canal. We were moving knee-deep in a thick gunge led by a guide.(...) The march was very arduous, although the canal was tall at first. After an hour the guides told us that we were under Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street and ordered the absolute silence, because we were about to move under the manholes in the area occupied by the Germans.
         After another hour we arrived under Krolewska street. The canal was much lower there, under 1.5 meter, and we had to go on bent knees, leaning strongly, knee-deep in sewage, carrying ammo containers. (...)
         It was not until Graniczna Street that we could straighten up a bit. The Bank Square was close by. (...) We were afraid that we were late (the passing took over four hours).
         On the basis of the passing through of a group consisting of several people, it had been calculated that it would take three hours. However, the breakthrough of 150 men carrying arms, ammo and grenades had to take longer".
         They got under the Bank Square. Unfortunately, only one manhole was open and, in addition, there were Germans on the square. The reconnaissance of Lieutenant Colonel "Florian" had brought incomplete information or the situation had changed since that time. The troops started to go out on the surface. Ten men from "Torpeda" went out as the first ones. They were followed by Lieutenant "Cedro" and his squad.
         When "Jedrasy" began appearing on the surface, a shootout started. The men who were coming out next were shot wounded and fell into the manhole. Lieutenant "Cedro" died, and so did many of his soldiers. Two-thirds of the sent up came back (the canal was left by around 30 men). In order to avoid the panic, Captain "Motyl" and Captain "Piotr" gave the order to retreat. It relieved the tension. Everyone in the canal tried to take such position that would enable him to move forward in the opposite direction than the previous one. One went on their knees, others on the knees or hips bent and in such manner they managed to arrived after a few hours to the sewerage under the junction of Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Trebacka Street. There were tanks passing over them. The men were inhumanly tired and nervously exhausted after the unsuccessful operation.
         A messenger was sent to Major "Witold". They waited for an answer in the canal under Krakowskie Przedmiescie. The whole group was ordered to march to Srodmiescie District. They got out of the canal on Warecka Street, in the corner of Nowy Swiat Street. After almost 20 hours of the "canal purgatory" all of them were dirty, smudgy and stinking,. From the Old Town, destroyed, burned and covered with dust, they arrived at the streets of untouched houses, with windows, panes, curtains. There were green, flowers, and clean people around.
         Captain "Motyl" managed to visit his sister, living in the corner of Nowy Swiat and Foksal Street. She dressed his wounds (he still has a shrapnel in his arm). After two days of rest in the area of Chmielna and Traugutta Streets and joining of the rest of the unit, they received the order to move to Czerniakow District. They went through a barricade in Aleje Jerozolimskie, Three Crosses Square, and through a ditch along Ksiazeca Street. They took quarters by Okrag Street. The commander, Major "Witold", and the staff took up the building at 2 Okrag Street.
         At 8p.m. on September 1, amid the disappearing fires, the insurgent units from the Old Town began to go down into the canals, taking some of the wounded with them. The group formation of Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" took its position near the Krasinski Square, gradually leaving Franciszkanska Street and the east part of Dluga Street. The units which were late were constantly coming.
         At 5 a.m. the insurgents started to retreat. Meanwhile the Germans poured burning gasoline into the canal, making a further withdrawal impossible. Then they began the air raids on the region around Krasinski Square and attacked with their infantry. There were around 200 insurgents left in the Old Town. Some of them got through the side, low canals, some died lost in the canals. Most of them hid themselves among the civilians. Two thousand five hundred seriously wounded stayed in the basements with some part of nurses, as well as thirty five thousand of the healthy and around five thousand of the slightly wounded.
         On September 2 the Germans garrisoned the Old Town. The SS units and the soldiery from the eastern collaboration formations were committing not only plunder and rapes, but also horrid murders - some of the wounded were burned in hospitals and others were executed. The civilians were gathered and after killing the sick, the old or those unable to be transported, they were moved to the camp in Pruszkow.
         After capturing the Old Town, the main effort of the Germans was directed at the Districts that were located by the Vistula River. Having been reinforced, they were trying to force the insurgent units from the river bank. They were undoubtedly afraid of leaving an access to the Vistula River in Polish hands, anticipating a Soviet offensive.
         On September 3 the Germans started the air-raids and intensified their artillery shelling on Srodmiescie and Powisle Districts. In the south of Srodmiescie a German attack was repelled. In Mokotowska Street "Radoslaw" group formation was reorganized and after gathering the remaining units numbered 360 soldiers in two battalions: "Broda" of Captain "Jerzy" (R. Bialous) and "Czata 49" of Major "Witold" (T. Runge). From the rest of the 3rd company of "Zoska" battalion, the company of Lieutenant "Morro" (A. Romocki) was created, counting around 90 soldiers; from "Parasol" battalion and other units from "Broda" - the company of Lieutenant "Jeremi" (J. Zborowski).
         Major "Witold's" battalion consisted of only two companies: the 1st of "Szczesny" (M. Panasik) and the 2nd company of Captain "Motyl" (Z. Scibor-Rylski), who was also the deputy of Major "Witold".
         In the night of September 3rd to 4th and the next one the group formation was moved down Ksiazeca Street to the south of Powisle District, to the position of the commander of which Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" (Jan Mazurkiewicz) had been appointed, whereas Captain "Kryska" (Zygmunt Netzer) had become his deputy. During the same night, the 1st company of "Czata" battalion captured some of the buildings of St. Lazarus Hospital in Ksiazeca Street, which had been entered by the Germans.
         On September 4 the German units of General Reinefarth began the scheduled attack on the north of Powisle District. Since the morning the artillery was shelling the hospital with the large-caliber projectiles. The shrapnels of explosive projectiles cut the trees growing on the slope. The enemy attack came from the side of the National Museum and the Poniatowski Bridge. The group of Lieutenant "Jedras" (Z. Jedrzejewskiego) managed to defend its positions. The following days were getting more and more tragic.
         General Bor-Komorowski sent a message to London. On September 6 he reported:
         "The situation reached its climax. The civilian population is experiencing a crisis that can have a significant influence on the fighting units. The reasons of crisis: the stronger and completely not retaliated shelling and bombardment of the city; the awareness that the enemy intends to destroy the whole territory just like the Old Town and a part of Srodmiescie District; the prolongation of fight with no end in prospect; smaller and smaller starvation rations for the victims of fire, and fast depleting of food fot the others; high infant mortality, the propaganda of enemy factors; finally, lack of water and electricity in all districts.
         If we add to the abovementioned that ammo supply is running low, then we will see the whole picture of the fight which is getting more difficult with every day, with every hour.
         It is difficult to say what could be the consequences of the mass migration of the population from the battle areas and its concentration in the districts without any exit.
         In compliance with the announcement of Prime Minister, I ask for the information about the specific date of receiving the promised help or the notification that it will not be received. It will be the essential factor in making our decisions in near future.
         Are you estimating that the operations in the West will bring the end of war in the nearest future?
         We do not expect seizure by the Soviets any time soon".
         General "Bor" tried to learn about the situation in the capital by himself.
         "Meanwhile, everywhere where I went to, I was came across the exemplary spirit and the impeccable morale of soldiers. Perhaps, I was more proud of them then, in the period of defeats and misfortunes than in the first days of excitement and victories. That group of workers, artisans, students, gymnasium's pupils and clerks, which transformed into openly fighting army, presented an incredible resistance and vitality. A soldier would not sometimes leave his post for a few nights in a row. Being hungry, sleepy, covered in rags and with only several bullets in a pocket, he was defending himself and went on with unbelievable endurance and devotion. (...) The only thing keeping the hope alive, was the thought that a Soviet attack would begin on a following day ".
         On September 11 the situation of the fighting units was even more difficult. The groups in Powisle District and in the north of Czerniakow District were defending each and every house. The headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Radoslaw was located at 18/20 Czerniakowska Street. The units of the former "Radoslaw" group formation were on the positions to the south of Aleja 3 Maja. "Czata" battalion of Major "Witold" was securing the connection with Srodmiescie District. The 2nd company of Lieutenant "Szczesny" garrisoned in a house at 7 Ksiazeca Street and in the ruins of St. Lazarus Hospital. The 1st company, commanded by Captain "Motyl" was occupying Ludna Street with the posts in the Municipal Gasworks. Lieutenant "Maly's" sappers were in Okrag Street, Lieutenant's "Morro" company stationed at 1 Ksiazeca Street, while "Broda" battalion led by Captain took its position in the western sector.
         On September 12, at about 9 a.m., around 80 Soviet bombers appeared over Praga District.
         Bronislaw Tronski a.k.a. "Jastrzab", AK soldier from "Lesnik" group formation, described in his reminiscences "Tedy przeszla smierc" (lit. "Here death walked through") the reactions of insurgents to the restart of fighting on the right side of the Vistula River:
         "Thick clouds of smoke were up in the air from the side of the Vistula River. Anti-aircraft guns could be heard somewhere near a bridge. Pak, pak, pak... The exploding bullets were creating white clouds in the sky. A red glow of fires was hovering over Praga District.
         For the first time, I experienced tangibly the presence of the Soviet Army attacking from somewhere on the other side of the Vistula River. "After all we are not alone - I thought happily. Could it be really that our expectations would be fulfilled? Could it be that the agony would really come to an end?" We were afraid of saying that aloud. The reality shattered our unconcealed hopes for so many times".
         Air fights were going on for a whole day. The Soviet artillery fire shifted on the west riverbank, it was covering the Citadel, Traugutt Fort and Warszawa Gdanska Station. The charge of the Red Army was forcing the Germans to the north, in the direction of Jablonna and Modlin. The German army were not retreating through Warsaw, but on the eastern side of the Vistula River. In the evening Soviet units captured Goclawek District and crossed the south frontiers of Praga District.
         On that day Polish units incurred heavy losses, especially among commanders and medical staff. In the northern sector of Captain "Motyl" a fierce fight for large area of the buildings of the gasworks in Ludna Street, which was hit from the direction of the Poniatowski Bridge by a battalion of "Dirlewanger" brigade, supported by the units of "Azerbaijan" regiment.
         The attack was assisted by assault guns shelling from the overpass of the Poniatowski Bridge and by heavy machine guns shooting from the tall buildings in Aleja 3 Maja (eng. 3rd May Avenue). Defending insurgents organized a line of resistance along Ludna Street. The strong, ferroconcrete edifice of Zaklad Ubezpieczen Spolecznych (eng. Social Insurance Institution) in Czerniakowska Street endured the artillery shelling.
         A strong German blow from two sides took almost all, scarce reserves of Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw". In the afternoon the Germans attacked with two tanks along Na Skarpie Avenue from the direction of the building of the Polish Parliament Czerniakow District became the sector of the most animated activity of the Germans. After dark there was another assault, again the units of SS Oberführer Dirlewanger took part in the operation. Both sides incurred serious losses. The connection between Srodmiescie and Powisle Districts were broken.
         On September 13, in connection with the battle in Praga District on the other side of the Vistula River, the Czerniakow's part of Powisle District became the subject of very fierce attacks of the enemy, both from air and ground. Warsaw citizens started to believe in a prompt retreat of the Germans from the city for the first time. The particular defensive actions of the enemy seemed to be the confirmation of the atmosphere. At noon, the Germans blew up the Poniatowski Bridge, in the evening - the railway bridges of the Warsaw cross-city line and by the Citadel, before midnight - the Kierbedz Bridge.
         Since the morning all three battle sectors of Powisle District were under the constant fire of heavy artillery, assault guns and heavy guns of infantry, as well as under air raids of air sections. Czerniakowska Street and the first part of Solec Street changed into a rubble. The main attack came from the north, ensued by a violent battle the among the extensively built-up area of the Municipal Gasworks in Ludna Street. The Germans forced the units of Captain "Motyl" to the that part of Ludna Street that had odd numbers. The successive groups of "Czata" captured the corner of Czerniakowska and Ludna Streets, also the ZUS edifice and the PKO (pl. Pocztowa Kasa Oszczednosci; eng. Post Office Savings Bank) house at 9 Ludna Street were in their hands.
         In the afternoon Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" gave an order to counter-attack. "Motyl" assaulted the gasworks. There was an air raid on the ZUS at the same time, the building was burning and it partly collapsed. The wounded, the sick and the staff were dying. Thanks to the fire of the "Motyl's" soldiers from Ludna Street, a unit of Lieutenant "Ksiaze" could retreat from the burning building. However, a convenient moment for a counter-attack was thwarted by necessity of carrying the wounded from the ZUS. The Polish had a tough battle. The insurgents were forced from the opposite side of Rozbrat Street.
         On September 14, the battles for Powisle District resembled the August fights for the Old Town. There was an another assault on the already shaken units of Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw". The Germans attacked along Czerniakowska and Przemyslowa Streets and the vicinity. The insurgents ran short of grenades and ammunition. The ZUS edifice became the area of fights once more. The Germans covered themselves with the barricades made of about 200 civilians taken from the gasworks premises. "Motyl" and his units was defending the line Ludna Street to its intersection with Solec Street.
         Having faced such a difficult situation, Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" made the decision of moving the rest of remaining insurgent forces in the direction of the Vistula River and gathering them together there in order to hold the bridgehead. The defensive line was shortened to a small area between the following streets: Okrag (Captain "Motyl), Czerniakowska and Zagorna (Major "Bicz"). Captain "Jerzy" was defending Wilanowska Street from the side of Czerniakowska Street.
         In the evening the units of Captain "Motyl" repelled an enemy assault, which hit the intersection of Ludna and Czerniakowska with the unprecedented strength. After repeated attacks, the insurgents were forced back from Ludna Street, which had been destroyed to a large extent. During a meeting at Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" the possibility of sending the wounded and unarmed soldiers to Mokotow District through the canals was considered.
         In the late evening of September 14, Officer Cadet Stanisla Komornicki - "Nalecz" and two of his companions from Czerniakow District crossed the Vistula River in order to reconnoiter. On the right bank of the Vistula River he met with the commander of 9th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Tadeusz Kosciuszko Division.
         In the night of September 14/15 three boats crossed the river to the south of the Poniatowski Bridge in order to get from Praga to Czerniakow District (out of 15 men, 5 soldiers with the wounded commander, PFC Officer Cadet, Janusz Kowalski). They were scouts from the 1st Tadeusz Kosciuszko Division, who after reconnoitering in the situation returned to the right riverbank, taking Major Witold Sztampke with them. The Kowalski's report and the "Radoslaw's" letter confirmed the commander of the Polish 1st Army's (pl. 1. Armia Wojska Polskiego - 1 AWP) belief about the necessity of throwing his forces on the bridgehead.
         For General Zygmunt Berling coming with help to the fighting Warsaw was not only the matter of regaining the soldier's honor, but also his personal ambition. In the case of succeeding, he would enter the capital as the one who was right staying in 1942 in the territory of USSR and choosing different political option than the rest of the Poles.
         Since the morning of that day the enemy forces of General Rohr together with Dirlewanger brigade subordinated to him, constantly supported by artillery and tanks, was attacking repeatedly the surrounded insurgent units in Czerniakow, Lower and Upper Mokotow districts.
         The hospital in Okrag Street (in basements) was overcrowded with the wounded. It looked as if the sight of the Old Town was repeated - the corridors were congested with the wounded and there was the odor of rot, pus and ether in the air. There were a lot of the weakened and exhausted soldiers from "Parasol", "Motyl" battalions and other units that had fought in the Old Town.
         "A sea of fire. It seemed that the whole Czerniakow District was one large stove".
         In the night of September 15/16 the first soldiers from 1st battalion of 9th Infantry Regiment of 3rd Division of the Polish 1st Army disembarked in Solec Sub-district in front of Wilanowska Street. About 300 well-armed soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Sergiusz Kononkow came to Solec Sub-district in the morning. The incoming were awaited at the riverbank by Major "Bicz" (Edward Jaworowicz), the deputy of Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw", Captain "Motyl" (Zbigniew Scibor-Rylski) and Lieutenant Zbigniew Paszkowski - "Stach" from AL (pl. Armia Ludowa - the People's Army). Almost all units arrived successfully. On the riverbank, however, they were caught in enemy fire from a span of the bridge. Lieutenant Kononkow was wounded, but he commanded further on.
         Since the morning the insurgent units supported by the 9th Infantry Regiment soldiers who came to help were repelling a strong enemy attack. The shelling of artillery and assault guns was constantly demolishing Solec and Wilanowska Streets. Attacking from the side of Gornoslaska and Cecylii Sniegockiej Streets, the Germans encroached the buildings on the odd number side of Czerniakowska Street that were being defended by the insurgents and soldiers. They also manned the house at 16 Zagorna Street, attacked in the direction of Idzkowskiego Street and captured the estate at 5/7 Zagorna Street.
         The Germans forced their way into the insurgent hospital at 9 Zagorna Street, on the odd number side, where over 200 wounded were lying and murdered some of them in the basement, taking most of them to the Gestapo headquarters in Sucha Street.
         The remaining units of "Zoska", "Czata" and "Parasol" battalions, together with 1st and 3rd company of 9th IR of 3rd Division of the Polish 1st Army were defending Okrag Street. They were forced out from the PKO edifice, but managed to hold the barricades in Okrag and Solec Streets that were closing the access from the north. The struggle of the soldiers was supported by the artillery situated on the other riverbank, directed by a forward observer equipped with a radio station. The 1st Army command's plan to expand the Czerniakow bridgehead failed to be realized.
         In the night of September 16/17 3rd battalion of 9th Regiment under the command of Captain Stanisla Olechnowicz managed to cross over from Saska Kepa District to the left side of the Vistula River . The battalion incurred heavy losses during the river crossing. Many of the soldiers had died on the right bank, before they set out, many died during the crossing itself, and many were shot after reaching the shore of Czerniakow District. About 400 soldiers crossed the river successfully. The staff commander of 9th Regiment, Major Stanislaw Latyszonek crossed over together with the battalion and took command over all the forces that had managed to reach the right side of the Vistula River.
         Shortly after, a combined meeting of the Polish 1st Army officers and the insurgent officers - Second Lieutenant "Igor" (W. Mutusewicz) from "Kryska" unit, Captain "Motyl" (Z. Scibor-Rylski) from "Czata" battalion. It was decided that there would be an AK officer of officer cadet by the side of every commander from the other side of the Vistula River.
         Berling's soldiers were often ordinary farmers from the east, trained to fight in the front, in large spaces. They were scared of the ruins, shooting, they could not fight in city, hide from the firing. They were eager to fight, well-equipped in guns and ammo, but the 3rd Division's soldiers were not skilled in street fights and were incurring heavy losses.
         On September 17, 18, and 19, the rest of "Czata 49" battalion fought bloody battles for the occupied houses, even for particular floors. The battalion was commanded by Captain "Motyl" at that time. Many of the "Czata" insurgents died in combat in Czerniakow District (complete data is not known, according to the relation of Major "Witold" since the beginning of the uprising 179 insurgents died and 390 were wounded until the loss of the battalion's log book in Czerniakow District).
         The battle at the bridgehead lasted for the whole day of September 17. The enemy focused its main effort on the sector of Czerniakowska Street and on Okrag Street. The Germans demolished the house at 2 Okrag Street with "Goliath" tracked mines, but failed to capture it. A similarly fierce battle was fought in the intersection of Solec, Wilanowska and Czerniakowska Streets. Despite the devastation created by tanks and assault guns, despite the heavy losses incurred by all the units, the insurgents and two battalions of Major Latoszonek held all the positions, repelling a series of attacks.
         The defense was supported by the 1st Army anti-tank batteries and the 47th Soviet Army's division of armored trains, situated on the eastern bank of the Vistula River.
         In the evening Captain Olechnowicz organized the assault on the house at 5/7 Idzkowskiego Street, capturing it, which made it possible to evacuate the wounded from the hospital at 9 Zagorna Street, using the boats that had brought food to the bridgehead.
         Since the morning of September 18 the fight for the house at 5/7 Idzkowskiego was still in progress, with the enemy trying to take it back. The German infantry broke through the ruins of an ultramarine factory as far as the headquarters of 9th Infantry Regiment at 39 Solec Street, planning to force their way to the bank and cut the Polish bridgehead into two halves. The attackers were driven back by 3rd mortar company of the Polish 1st Army, commanded by a woman, Second Lieutenant Janina Blaszczak. The Germans did not let rescue the wounded from the burning hospital in the house at 41 Solec Street. About 60 people, the wounded and nurses, died there.
         The German aircrafts were bombing Wilanowska and Okrag Streets. Until the evening, under the strong enemy pressure, the insurgents were completely pushed out from the demolished houses in Czerniakowska Street deeper into Wilanowska Street. The whole Czerniakowska was lost.
         On that day, the companies of 1st battalion of 9th Regiment and the insurgent units of Captain "Motyl" took heavy casualties, among the fallen there was the battalion commander Lieutenant Kononkow and many of his subordinates. The rest of "Parasol", "Czata" and "Zoska" battalions were decimated.
         The death of the battalion commander caused a confusion in the ranks of 1st battalion. On Major Latyszonek's request Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" appointed Captain "Motyl" to the position of the commander of all units in Wilanowska Street. Captain Z. Scibor-Rylski started to organize the defense at once, appointing the commanders of resistance points, their crew and means. Only one-third of its original strength remained of 1st battalion. Eleven German attacks, supported by 10-12 tanks, were repelled at the bridgehead that day. Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" asked the command of 1st Army to take the wounded to the right riverbank.
         The evacuation was dragging on, because there was few boats. At some moment a mortar projectile hit the "cichociemni" who were waiting for the crossing - Fryderyk Zoll, Zygmunt Milewicz and "aunt Antosia" (Michalina Wieszeniewska), a guardian of "cichociemni", a messenger that had been bringing orders also for Z. Scibor-Rylski. Boats were coming to shipwreck of "Bajka", on which the wounded had been carried in order to protect them from the enemy fire. There were many casualties during the crossing again.
         September 19 was the fiftieth day of the uprising. The Germans were still attacking very intensively in Czerniakow, along Wilanowska and Zagorna Streets. A tough battle was being fought for the ruins of the factory of ultramarine and canned food, for "Spolem" warehouses, 196 Czerniakowska Street, which had been captured by the enemy. Powerful blows of tanks and "Goliaths" stroke Wilanowska Street defended by the units commanded by Captain "Motyl".
         The Germans, supported by air raids, captured several houses in Idzkowskiego, Zagorna, Solec Streets, and then murdered the civilians and the insurgents that had been taken prisoner. After many hours of battle the enemy encroached the area of houses at 5/7 Idzkowskiego, from where he was forced back by a successful counter-attack. The soldiers of the AK, AL, and 1st Army had still a part of the riverbank in their hands, in the sector from Zagorna Street to the "Syrena" harbor and a few houses in Wilanowska Street.
         Although there were still 750 soldiers, including the slightly wounded, from 9th Regiment and about 400 insurgents, but they were short of ammo and food. The lack of water was severe, it was being taken from the Vistula River at night. The fatigue from the continuous fighting and standing guard, heavy losses among the commanders disorganized the units.
         In such a hopeless situation Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw", using Major Latyszonek's radio, asked the Soviet command for the help or the crossing means. He was assured that the help would soon come. On September 19 he established contact with the Soviet command for the second time and warned that if there was not any help until the evening he would have to stop fighting. He was assured once more, this time specifically, that the help would arrive not later than at 12 p.m. The fight with Germans continued. After 1 a.m. Major Latyszonek reported to "Radoslaw" that there would be no landing of reinforcements, but the artillery would support the defenders with its fire.
         At the same night, September 19/20, Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" decided that further defense was pointless and gave the order of retreat through the canals to Mokotow District. Some of the units however were scattered, tied up in battle with the Germans in separate houses, so not everyone received the commander's order. The others did not have the possibility of retreat, e.g. the unit of "Jerzy" and the groups of Major Latyszonek. The fight continued further on and without a break, until the limits of human capabilities. The defenders did not have anything to eat, they were short of water, bandages, and the enemy concentrated destructive fire on two, and later on one building located at 1 Wilanowska Street.
         Even the 1st Army artillery shelling was striking in the same degree both the Germans and the defenders, because of the closeness of their positions. The soldiers of "Jerzy" (Ryszard Bialous) and Major Stanislaw Latyszonek were compelled to fight further on, not only with the enemy tanks and infantry, but also with the spreading fire. Finally they were overcome by hunger. The healthy and wounded soldiers and the local citizens had not eaten since four days. Only few managed to break through the Vistula River to Saska Kepa District ( a handful of soldiers with repeatedly and severely wounded Captain "Kryska"). The commander of "Broda" - Captain "Jerzy" led to Srodmiescie District four soldiers, while sixty had set out.
         The last shots were fired in Upper Czerniakow District on September 23. Eighty-two soldiers from 9th Regiment (including Major Latyszonek) and 57 insurgents were taken prisoner. The Germans executed on the spot some of the officers and NCOs, taking revenge for the strong resistance. About 120 wounded at a dressing station were also killed at that time.
         In the morning of September 20 Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw's" units started to come from Powisle to Mokotow District. About 200 insurgents walked through the canals, half of them wounded men from the units of Major "Kryska", Major "Witold" and the rest of "Parasol" battalion (around 45 soldiers including the wounded).
         It was very difficult to get through canals, the insurgents had to pull themselves up the rope over a dam, the canal was blocked with objects left by previous refugees, and there were a lot of the wounded among the evacuating. They went through a storm drain from Solec through Mysliwiecka, Agrykola Streets and the Baths Park (pl. Park Lazienkowski). The wounded were received in the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth's hospital, while the rest of the insurgents were incapable of further fighting. Only a part of that group joined the battles for Krolikarnia Palace (lit. The Rabbit House).
         The shelling of artillery and heavy mortars (von dem Bach's corp) on Mokotow District (including a strong, energetic attack on Krolikarnia Palace) intensified on September 23. The Mokotow's defenders were struggling at the end of their strength, having less and less ammo, and running short of food.
         Since the early morning of September 25 the artillery shelling and bombardment of Mokotow District showed that the Germans had prepared the final (in its intention) blow to Mokotow District. A fierce fight developed and it's worth mentioning that in the south section the school in Woronicza Street by Pulawska Street was going from hand to hand seven times.
         The commander of Mokotow District, Lieutenant Colonel "Karol" - Jozef Rokicki, asked General Berling by use of Soviet forward observers for artillery support. They did not provide it despite the promises.
         "Karol" reported on that day: "The situation is very serious. No help from the Soviet artillery". According to the commander the casualties among the soldiers amounted to 70%. In the afternoon Lieutenant Colonel "Karol" decided to leave Mokotow District.
         Because of such trend of events, on September 25 "Radoslad gave an order to his units to head to Srodmiescie District through canals.
         Captain Motyl conveyed in his account:
         "On September 26 I evacuated through a manhole in Wiktorska Street together with Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw", Major "Witold" and other soldiers. The manhole in Pulawska Street had been filled up and the further evacuation was performed through the manhole in Szustra Street, which was being protected by Lieutenant "Maly's" platoon. We had a good guide, so we did lose our way and got out in the corner of Wilcza Street and Aleje Ujazdowskie".
         Meanwhile, after the first group evacuated, the Mokotow units encountered German fire. The Germans noticed the defenders move. They were raking the crossings over manholes with their submachine guns and throwing hand grenades into canals. An indescribable panic arose among the men walking through the canal. Some turned back after reaching a dam, others wandered in side branches, while searching for an another exit, and got out to the surface after 36 hours. There were many cases of gas poisoning, trample as well as insanity.
         The remainder of "Czata 49" battalion, the whole "Radoslaw" group formation managed to avoid major casualties in canals and reached the quarters in Aleje Ujazdowskie, near Wilcza and Hoza Streets, in Srodmiescie District.

AK identity card, "Czata" battalion

         The uprising was dying out. The remainder of "Czata 49" battalion did not take part in battles any more, but the soldiers experienced a very dramatic moment. On September 27, in Aleje Ujazdowskie, in the rear of front lines, a grenade launcher's shrapnel hit the temple of Lieutenant "Maly" - Janusz Stolarski, a soldier of 27th Volhynian ID of the AK. He walked the whole battle route of "Czata 49" with the insurgents: he battled in Wola District, in the Old Town, in Czerniakow and Mokotow Districts (he fought two days for Krolikarnia), protected his companions at the manhole in Szustra Street. He was repeatedly covered by rubble and survived, but an accidental bullet took his life.
         The fight in Zoliborz District ended, on September 30, at 6.15 a.m. Thousands of human lives were saved in almost last moment thanks to that. The General "Bor's" message about the surrender was brought to the wounded Lieutenant Colonel "Zywiciel" (Mieczyslaw Niedzielski) by Colonel Ziemski. He presented the position of the insurgents as a stalemate. Only after a longer while Lieutenant Colonel "Zywiciel" agreed to the capitulation of the last (except for Srodmiescie District) fighting units in the capital. One thousand five hundred soldiers and about four hundred wounded from Zoliborz District were taken prisoner by the Germans.
         Then, there were the negotiations about the evacuation of the civilian population. By virtue of the agreement between the Polish Red Cross and the Germans, the population could leave the city on October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
         The AK Commander, General Tadeusz Bor-Komorowski, faced with the lack of help from the side of the Soviet command decided that he would resume the negotiations with the Germans. On October 2, 1944, in Ozarow, the wording of the capitulation agreement was formulated by Colonel Kazimierz Iranek-Osmecki "Jarecki" and Lieutenant Colonel Zygmunt Dobrowolski "Zyndram" (empowered by General "Bor") and the German counterparty, the commanding officer of Warsaw, SS-Obergruppenfüher General Leutnant der Polizei von dem Bach.
         In its final wording, the text could not hide a terrible tragedy that was just beginning. The agreement guaranteed a decent treatment of Warsaw citizens. The Germans acknowledged the AK soldiers as privileged combatants (those who was not wearing regular uniforms were acknowledged as combatants if they had white-red armbands or white-eagle badges; the Germans would also accept the documents made on the basis of aliases ) and decided that they would be treated - like those from western armies - as the prisoners of war protected under Geneva Convention of 1929.
         All Polish prisoners of war were to be kept watched and transported to POW camps by Wehrmacht soldiers. The Germans were absolutely rigid when it came to the clearing the capital from all the citizens. They agreed that the civilians would not be charged with the previous offences against German regulations and they would make efforts in order to preserve order and peace. Finally, the insurgents met with some respect, but provisions could not conceal the perspective of the annihilation of the capital itself.
         In connection with the end of struggle in Warsaw General "Bor" gave the following order to the soldiers of Warsaw garrison:
         "Soldiers of the Fighting Warsaw!
         Our two-month fight in Warsaw, a series of heroic displays of the Polish soldier, strikes with awe, but is a profound proof of our urge for freedom, stronger than anything there. The bravery of Warsaw is admired by the whole world. (...) We failed to achieve military victory over the enemy, because the general trend of war events had not been favorable to our fight.
         Now, when the enemy's technical force managed to tighten us in the central, sole in our hands, district of the city, when ruins and ashes are overcrowded with troops and heroic civilians (...), when there is not enough food even to get poor alimentation, we are faced with issue of the complete destruction of the Warsaw population by the enemy and burying it in the ruins of the ranks of fighting soldiers and hundreds of thousands of civilians.
         I decided to stop the fight.
         I thank all the soldiers for an outstanding military bearing that had not bent against the hardest conditions. I pay homage to the fallen, due for their suffering and sacrifice. I express my admiration and gratitude for the civil population.(...)"
         Warsaw, October 3rd, 1944
         The AK Commander
         Komorowski-Bor, Major General

         The day after undersigning of the capitulation agreement there was a bilateral ceasefire. On October 3 all commands were closing organizational matters. The insurgents dossiers and valuable things were hidden in ruins, the units were reorganized, insurgents received their first soldier's pay - 2 000 zlotys and 7 dollars; there were also promotions and awards. Zbigniew Scibor-Rylski "Motyl" ended the uprising with a promotion to the rank of Major.
         After announcing the capitulation Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" decide that it's for individuals to choose whether they want to be treated as civilians or POWs. Soldiers often simulated to be seriously wounded and having been plaster casted they were leaving the city with civil population. A part of "Czata 49" battalion under the command of Captain "Rolicz" laid down their arms and found themselves in German captivity. Also the wounded insurgents survived after having arrived in Srodmiescie District from the Old Town. They were transported from the field hospital nr. 2 ("Terminus" Hotel at 28 Chmielna Street) to Zeihein IV B camp in Saxony.
         A scheduled removal of frontier barricades, situated in the closest vicinity of German lines began in the morning of October 3. The commander of 28th Infantry Division of the AK, Colonel Edward Pfeiffer - "Radwan", appointed about 300 soldiers from "Kilinski" battalion to stay in the city for administrative order purposes, in compliance with point 7 of the second part of the agreement of cessation of hostilities in Warsaw, which stipulated the temporary stay of three armed AK companies in order to perform specific activities in Warsaw. Robbed of all hope, the population started leaving the city.
         On October 3 and on the following days the crowds of civilians started leaving Warsaw. Together with the Srodmiescie District's citizens, 3500 uprising participants (among them many officers) managed to get out illegally, dressed as civilians, determined to avoid the German captivity. Many politicians and social workers left the capital in the same way.
         The evacuation of insurgents, which began on October 4, was a display of bravery. The AK units arranged themselves in four or six in a row and having created long columns marched to predetermined passages in German lines. The soldiers were striding proudly, with grim faces, but walking tall. All of them had theirs white-red armbands and white-eagle badges. They were led under control to Warszawa Zachodnia station, from where they were transported to Durchgangslager-Dulag 121 (transit camp) in Pruszkow.
         Z. Scibor-Rylski came across his friend, Lieutenant "Jedras", with whom he walked a long path - firstly in Ustianowa, then in battles fought by 27th Volhynian ID and "Czata". Zygmunt Jedrzejewski was wounded and ill. He and a group of POWs got into a transport destined to a camp. Fortunately, he managed to escape. He saw the end of the war in Cracow.
         In the meantime Lieutenant Colonel "Radoslaw" chose from his closest companions a group of soldiers which was to continue conspiratorial activity. "Motyl" and Major "Witold" applied in Pruszkow as civilians for so called "jedynka" (eng. one; a part of camp for civilian population - translator's note), where they got their "wounds" recorded and were sent to the hospital in Grodzisk Mazowiecki. They never got there, arriving in Milanowek after two days. Lieutenant Colonel Tadeusz Runge "Witold" and Major Zbigniew Scibor-Rylski "Motyl" (promotion with seniority on October 2, 1944) still worked in conspiracy. They sent information about enemy army positions and movements to London.
         After liberating Warsaw on January 17, 1945, they moved to Lowicz. "Witold" was familiar with that territory since the period of receiving air drops. They were observing the situation in the territory of Poland. They were in contact with "Radoslaw" (Jan Mazurkiewicz), who managed the intelligence net in the area of Czestochowa and Cracow.
         Major "Motyl" sees the end of war in Lowicz. On May 7, 1945, he reports to "Radoslaw" that in connection with the termination of warfare he quits the conspiratorial activity and leaves for Poznan.