Gladiators of World War II — Season 1, Episode 5: Part 5: Free Polish Forces

Episode synopsis

The German overrunning of their country in 1939 did not crush the Polish spirit. Many escaped to the West to carry on the fight. Polish fighter pilots played a major role in the Battle of Britain, while Polish ground forces helped to liberate Western Europe. Another Polish force, held captive by the Russians in Siberia, made an epic trek to the Middle East to fought in Italy, where their courage brought a victorious end to the bitter battle for Monte Cassino.

About Gladiators of World War II

In this BBC documentary series newly declassified documents are used to examine the strategic roles played in the war by thirteen of the world's regular and resistance land, sea and air forces.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Part 1: Waffen-SS
• E2Part 2: Special Operations Executive
• E3Part 3: SAS
• E4Part 4: Desert Rats
• E6Part 6: RAF Fighter Command
• E7Part 7: The Paras and Commandos
• E8Part 8: Norwegian Resistance Fighters
• E9Part 9: Kamikaze
• E10Part 10: The Royal Navy
• E11Part 11: The Chindits
• E12Part 12: Free French Forces
• E13Part 13: The Anzacs