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Black Devils' March - A Doomed Odyssey: The 1st Polish Armoured Division 1939-1945
The Black Devils March is an account of how the 1st (and only) Polish Armoured Division in the West under the leadership of General Stanislaw Maczek, arose out of the ashes of defeat and while attempting to avoid the internal politics of the Polish Government in Exile, was able to return to Europe in August 1944 on the side of the Western Allies. In Europe the Division achieved glory, honour and victory but was unable to liberate Poland owing to the politics of the post-war settlement in Europe.
The account of the formation and combat service of the Division is fully researched from Polish, English and German sources, and includes training in Scotland, the unit's sharp introduction to warfare in the Normandy bocage, the Falaise Gap and Hill 262, the advance into Belgium and Holland, and final victory on German soil. The text is supported by nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps, and detailed appendices, including a list of the Division's medal recipients. In addition, there are four pages of outstanding colour profiles showing the camouflage and markings of the unit's tanks and other vehicles.
The politics of the Polish Army are examined as well as the historical legacy of the Polish soldier in exile.
Much of the book was researched from hard-to-find Polish sources. The text is supported by 4 pages of colour AFV profiles, nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps and appendices.
The account of the formation and combat service of the Division is fully researched from Polish, English and German sources, and includes training in Scotland, the unit's sharp introduction to warfare in the Normandy bocage, the Falaise Gap and Hill 262, the advance into Belgium and Holland, and final victory on German soil. The text is supported by nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps, and detailed appendices, including a list of the Division's medal recipients. In addition, there are four pages of outstanding colour profiles showing the camouflage and markings of the unit's tanks and other vehicles.
The politics of the Polish Army are examined as well as the historical legacy of the Polish soldier in exile.
Much of the book was researched from hard-to-find Polish sources. The text is supported by 4 pages of colour AFV profiles, nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps and appendices.
- GenresHistoryWorld War II
503 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 15, 2015
A history of the polish 1st armoured division from its formation and training in Britain, through Normandy, Falaise, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Highly informative in some respects (often listing the names of troopers killed in an engagement) the author clearly has a deep respect for the units achievements but I found his writing style difficult to remain interested in. Recommended only until I can find a better book on Polish troops in the British army during World War 2.
December 12, 2008
Great story for everyone interested in not very mainstream history. Big machines in a fight - invasion of Normandy and Falaise pocket. Very good pictures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
lots of information, very little in the way of writing. this is a collation of events
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews