This archived 2009 press release announced the launch of First to Fight, a book created to highlight Poland’s vital contribution to Britain’s freedom in the Second World War. It includes statements from Baroness Thatcher, senior military leaders, and members of the Royal Family, all stressing the importance of remembering the Polish forces who fought alongside Britain from the first day of the war. The release also outlines key historical facts, dispels common myths, and marks the dedication of the first official Polish Forces memorial in the UK.
Press Release: First to Fight and the Polish Contribution to WWII
- English
- Version Française
Table of Contents
Related Articles

Selected chapters from First to Fight, sharing powerful personal stories of Polish veterans from the USSR, Italy, Tobruk, the RAF and the Warsaw Uprising.
La traduction française de cet article n'est pas encore disponible.

Translation of Article in The Polish Daily (11/09/03)
In 2003, the UK government apologised for excluding Polish soldiers from the 1946 Victory Parade, after a campaign by Michael Moszynski.
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Excerpt from A Question of Honor
In 1946, Poland’s war heroes—who helped win the Battle of Britain and crack Enigma—were barred from London’s Victory Parade, their sacrifice overshadowed to appease Stalin.
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SOE and the Poles in Hungary
SOE and Polish agents in Hungary ran escape lines, sabotage, and rescue missions amid Nazi control, Soviet interference, and complex Allied politics.
Read ArticleOperations
Forces
- The Technical and Non-Technical Services for the PAF
- Operation BARRIER (Bariera)
- Training Bases for the Polish Section S.O.E & Cichociemni
- Cichociemni & The Role of Couriers
- Trial of the Sixteen
- Polish Batallions
- The Wellington Crew No.304 Squadron (NZ-B) W5627
- Special Planning Unit 22
- Polish Resettlement Corps 1946 – 1948
- The Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade
People
Events
Places
Other
- Threads of History: Selected Chapters from First to Fight
- Press Release: First to Fight and the Polish Contribution to WWII
- History of the Stole
- Enigma
- Gallery of Photographs from the Victory Parade (10/07/05)
- Letter from 10 Downing Street (18/06/03)
- Translation of Article in The Polish Daily (11/09/03)
- Press Release – Poles at Victory Parade (9/07/05)
- Excerpt from A Question of Honor
Book Reviews
- Two Paths One War: A Journey of Polish Resilience & Service throughout World War Two
- Sunlight & Shadow: Memoirs of childhood in Poland and exile in Siberia.
- Project Eagle: The Top-Secret OSS Operation That Sent Polish Spies Behind Enemy Lines in World War II.
- Threads of History: Selected Chapters from First to Fight
- Press Release: First to Fight and the Polish Contribution to WWII
- Poles in World War II as seen in British fiction
- Poland Betrayed: The Nazi-Soviet Invasions of 1939
- Market Garden: The Island
- V Weapons Hunt: Defeating German Secret Weapons.
- Through Hitler’s Back Door: SOE Operations in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria 1939 – 1945.