The White Horse Major

Poland in the summer of 1939, was an isolated and back woodsy place.  With little industry, this nation of small farmers, found horses more suitable to their roadless environment.  Fading chivalry lingered, as much of the twentieth century passed them by.

The Polish Army considted of 37 mounted regiments, 90 infantry regiments, 1 Armored Brigade and 2 mountain Brigades.  Their Air Force consisted of 842 obsolete aircraft.  Poland’s army certanily had size and determination, but it lacked modern equipment, tactics, and leadership.

The cavalry tradation  survived through 125 years of foreigh rule.  Reinstated when Poland became a nation again in Novermber, 1918.  In August 1920, the cavalry proved its worth by stopping the Red horsemen of Marshal Budenny, on the outskirts of Warsaw.

The Polish cavalry was on par with the other armies of the area.  The Russians, the Bulgarians, and others relied on their cavalry arm.   A tradation dating back to the Tartars.  The Germans also relied heavily on horse transport, as well as cavalry.  Their 1st Cavalry Brigade was given the task of protecting the eastern flank of the 3re Army, when they marched from East Prussia into Poland.

Then war clouds grew dark and let loose with Nazi thunder.  On Sept. 1, Uhlans saddled up to meet the first taste of Blitzkrieg.  For the first time in Polish histroy, the horse dose not rule the battlefield.  They were mowed down by armor and machine gun fire.

The 110th Uhlan Regiment of the Reserve cavalry Brigade, was trailing some Germans from the Grodno area.  Having been passed by in the initital blitz, they were hoping to find a large Polish unit to join.

 However, on the night of Sept. 23, Colonel Dabrowki announced that regiment was disbanded and to go home.  The Reserve Uhlans stared into the campfire.  They knew the war was over before they had a chance to fight.  Poland was occupied.

Major Henryk Dobrzanski announced, “I am taking over command of the Regiment.”  And called for volunteers.  Some joind him.  The next morining, the REgiment disbanded and went their seperate ways.

Major Henryk Dobrzanski cut a fine figure with a trim red beard, mounted on his Englsih Thoroughbred, Damon.

An Accomplished horseman, he won the INternational Horse Tournament at Nice France in 1925.  He was a connoisseur of fine wine, beautiful women and fast horses.

He and his followers rode out on a lonely trail through war-torn Poland.  First they headed towards Warsaq, only to find that it has capitulated.  They turned around and went into the woods.  Riding through remote villages in full uniform, they made a deep impression on the locals.