Westerplatte was my main reason to visit Gdańsk Poland recently. And I’m glad I did! But I did leave it with a bad taste.
Why Westerplatte
Westerplatte was one of the the first battle grounds of word war 2. As such its an important part of the European history and. a place well wort a visit. You can easy get here from Gdansk with either ferry, car, bike or bus. Because I had a sunny day I decided to take a ferry and get some tan on the sun deck. It also sounded interesting with a guide tour thru the harbor on the way out. Sadly al the guide information about the harbor and Westerplatte is given in german instead of english. A little strange in my opinion.
How ever I had visited the world war 2 museum in Gdansk the previous day. So I had some updated information about the second world war. Just a few minutes after Germany attacked Wielun and started the second world war they attacked Westerplatte. The german battleship Schleswig-Holstein that was on a friendly visit to what’s to day is Gdansk opened fire against the polish fortress.
The battle
The german attack on Westerplatte started with artillery followed by marine infantry. At that time the polish garrison was only protected by 180 polish soldier. But even if the germans succeeded to breach the first barrier they was sone ambushed by polish forces and needed to retreat. On the following days Germany attacked with naval and field artillery as well as dive bombing with Stukas and 570 soldiers. But over and over again the 180 polish soldier did fight back the german attacks. Even when they was told that no help or supplies would come from the Polish army the defenders keep fighting. On the 7 of September the defenders finally gave up in lack of ammunition and supplies.
Westerplatte today
As a visitor you can still to day see the remains of the bunker and fortress. There is also a small military cemetery where you can read about some of the Polish victims life and history. What I found specially good was that they also presented the history of privates as well as mention one non identified soldier.
But most visitors comes to see the monument of the Coast Defenders. The monument is worth seeing and the hill where it stands also gives you a beutyful view over the Gdansk harbor. So far everything sounds great. So why did I leave with a bad feeling in my soul. To honor people who died for their lands should be a maybe sad but still good moment to reflect of the past and tomorrow. But on the way up to the monument there are some stalls where you can buy plastic guns. For me, this is a totally digrace! Westerplatte is a place where brave men defended and died for their country. Not a place for kids to have war games. Please show some respect.
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