It was the largest battle in Upper Silesia (Polish southwestern province) in September 1939.
From September 1 to 3, Polish troops bravely fought against the Wehrmacht near the villages of Wyry and Gostyń. Some even call the battle a “Polish Thermopylae”.
This year marked the 17th time reenactment groups from across Poland gathered on the spot to remember these events.
Joanna Pasierbek-Konieczny, the mayor of Wyry, said: “This is the largest event of its kind in the Silesian Voivodeship. We gather to keep the memory of these events alive.”
The event also featured displays of Polish military equipment.
History of the battle of Wyry
On September 1, 1939, Wehrmacht units encircled Polish forces near Boża Góra, Żory, and Rybnik, engaging in fierce combat along Hill 341 to the Gostynka river.
On September 2, the 201st Battalion had to retreat towards Wyry, joining other Polish forces. That evening, German troops fought a heavy border battle in the Wyry forest, gaining control over areas near the Gostynka River.
On the night of September 2-3, a retreat was ordered, and Polish forces withdrew from Upper Silesia.
Alojzy Brząkalik from the “Piechota Heer” reenactment group reflected on the historical outcome, saying: “If the Polish army hadn’t been ordered to retreat, the Wehrmacht would have been driven back. Unfortunately, a lack of men and ammunition forced a retreat to Krakow, allowing the Wehrmacht to occupy Silesia.”
