On the sidelines of the meeting between British Prime Minister Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Tusk on January 17, 2025, in Warsaw, an announcement appeared that went unnoticed by many: There is now no longer any disagreement regarding the role of the Polish forces in September 1944. After more than 80 years, British recognition has been granted.
The Meeting
The purpose of the meeting between the two prime ministers was to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, both economically and military terms. This latter, of course, in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which both countries support, as well as shared concerns about security in the Baltic Sea.
During the press conference, the British Prime Minister briefly recalled the role of Polish pilots in the Battle of Britain and the presence of the Polish government-in-exile in the UK. However, the contribution of the paratroopers was not mentioned at that point.
Later that same day, a joint statement was released on the Polish Prime Minister’s website, which included the following passage:
“Szefowie rządów omówili kwestie historyczne. Perspektywy Polski i Wielkiej Brytanii w stosunku do udziału 1. Samodzielnej Brygady Spadochronowej gen. Stanisława Sosabowskiego w Operacji Market-Garden stały się zbieżne.
„Generał Sosabowski doczekał się pełnego uznania. Cieszę się, że te różne interpretacje historyczne przestały już nas niepokoić”podziękował brytyjskiemu Premierowi Donald Tusk.”
In English:
“The heads of government discussed historical issues. The perspectives of Poland and the United Kingdom regarding the participation of the 1st (Polish) Independent Parachute Brigade under the command of General Stanisław Sosabowski in Operation Market-Garden have converged.
‘General Sosabowski has received full recognition. I am glad that these different historical interpretations no longer disturb us,’ thanked Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to British Prime Minister.”
On the 22nd, the British Embassy issued a statement:
“Last September, the British Embassy in The Hague commemorated the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands when British airborne forces, alongside our Allies, including the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade under the command of General Sosabowski, fought side by side for our freedom.
On this 80th anniversary, the UK government has conveyed to the Polish authorities and to the last surviving Polish veteran of the battle, Mr. Bolek Ostrowski, its gratitude, appreciation, and recognition of the courage and commitment shown by Polish forces in and around Driel and Oosterbeek in September 1944. This includes helping many British airborne forces withdraw across the river when it was clear that the Allies would be unable to take the Bridge at Arnhem.
We will forever be grateful.”
The Honour of the Poles restored
The difference in perspective mentioned in Tusk’s statement refers to the criticism by British generals Montgomery and Browning, who claimed that the lack of engagement by the Polish forces and the stubborn stance of their commander, General Sosabowski, were reasons why the bridge at Arnhem became “a bridge too far” during the September days of 1944.
This even led to the dismissal of General Sosabowski. Restoration of honour came from the Netherlands goverment in 2006. British veterans later honoured the general with a monument in Driel, but official recognition from the British government had been lacking until now.
Letter to the Last Surviving Veteran
Many people have fought for this restoration of honour, including the Driel-Poland Foundation and Cora and Arno Baltussen. The latter made an emotional plea during the September commemoration for the British Prime Minister not to wait too long with this recognition, as it should happen while the last surviving Polish veteran, Bolesław Ostrowski, was still alive.
This plea has clearly had an effect, and Ostrowski has now received a personal letter, as we learn from the foundation’s press release. This is a testament to the tireless efforts of the foundation, particularly its (now former) chairman, Arno Baltussen.