Liberation of Warsaw concentration camp during the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944
The Zośka Battalion's assault freed 348 Jewish prisoners from Gęsiówka using a captured Panther tank, linking Wola to the Old Town during the Warsaw Uprising.
Key Facts
- Date of assault
- 5 August 1944
- Prisoners liberated
- 348 Jews
- Attacking unit
- Zośka Battalion, Home Army
- Key weapon used
- Captured German Panther tank
- Day of Warsaw Uprising
- Fifth day
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Warsaw Uprising began on 1 August 1944, with Polish Home Army forces seeking to liberate Warsaw from German occupation. The Zośka Battalion was tasked with freeing prisoners held at the Nazi concentration camp Gęsiówka and establishing a tactical corridor between the Wola and Old Town districts.
On 5 August 1944, the Zośka Battalion attacked the heavily defended Gęsiówka concentration camp using a captured Panther tank to overcome German fortifications. The assault succeeded at the cost of minor Polish casualties, and 348 Jewish prisoners were freed from the camp.
Most of the 348 liberated prisoners chose to join the Warsaw Uprising and fight alongside the Home Army. The operation also helped link the Wola and Old Town districts, providing a short-term tactical advantage for the Polish insurgents during the broader uprising.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent