Living in the United States, a country that takes up a
large portion of North America, it is hard for me to imagine what it’s like to live
in a tiny country on a small continent-a country that could be easily overrun.
But that’s what happened seventy six years ago today. At
4:45 A.M., Germany invaded Poland, first by bombing air bases, railroads,
communication lines and munitions dumps, then by conducting a massive land
invasion with troops, tanks, and artillery.
Hitler declared the German attack was a counter-attack
in response to a Polish offensive move. However, testimony at the Nuremburg
Trials tells a different story. On August 31, 1939, Nazi operatives posed as
Polish military officers and took over a radio station in the city of Gleiwitz.
The men broadcast an anti-German message then killed a Polish-sympathizer and
left him at the scene to be used as proof of the act to the police and press.
Journalist William L. Shirer was stationed in Berlin
at the time of the attack. Here is a portion of his diary entry for September
1:
“At six a.m. Sigrid Schultz-bless her heart-phoned.
She said: “It’s happened.” I was very sleepy-my body and mind numbed, paralysed
(sic). I mumbled: “Thanks, Sigrid,” and tumbled out of bed. The war is on!”
Later he wrote:
“It’s a “counter-attack!” At dawn this morning Hitler
moved against Poland. It’s a flagrant, inexcusable, unprovoked act of
aggression…A grey morning with overhanging clouds. The people in the street
were apathetic when I drove to the Rundfunk for my first broadcast…None of the
men bought the Extras which the newsboys were shouting. Along the east-west
axis the Luftwaffe were mounting five big anti-aircraft guns to protect Hitler
when he addressed the Reichstag at ten a.m…Throughout the speech, I thought as
I listened, ran a curious strain, as though Hitler himself were dazed at the fix
he had got himself into and felt little
desperate about it.”
Two days later, England declared war on Germany. The
second World War had begun.
A freelance writer for over ten years, Linda Shenton
Matchett also writes historical fiction. She is currently seeking a publisher
for her series about WWII war correspondent Ruth Brown. Visit her at www.LindaShentonMatchett.com
