WW2-Poland-2015

epelled by the 180 Polish soldiers for seven days. Major Henryk Sucharskihad been informed that no help from the
Polish Army would come. Cut off, with no reinforcements or chance of resupply, he continued his defense, keeping
the main German force stalled at Westerplatte and so preventing further attacks along the Polish coast.
On 7 September the Major decided to surrender, due to lack of ammunition and supplies. As a sign of honor for the
soldiers of Westerplatte, German commander, Gen. Eberhardt, allowed Major Sucharski to keep his sword while being
taken prisoner.
Post-war[edit]
The ruins of the defenders' barracks and guardhouses are still there. After the war, one of the guardhouses (#1) was
converted into a museum. Two 280mm shells from the Schleswig-Holstein prop up its entrance.
Westerplatte educational path
Educational path on Westerplatte was opened in June 2011 r. The educational trail on Westerplatte complements the
"Westerplatte: A spa – a bastion – a symbol" outdoor exhibition, focussing on the peninsula’s architecture and
topography.
Information boards along the path tell visitors about the peninsula’s appearance during the fighting of September
1939. They also serve as a guide to the buildings of the Military Transit Depot, which was situated here in 1926-39,
which makes it possible to take an interesting tour alone. There are historical photographs, etchings and maps on the
boards, as well as texts in Polish and English.
Information boards along the educational trail on Westerplatte Peninsula. Photo: R. Jocher
»A visit to Westerplatte is a historic venue from World War II. We saw the first shot holes from WWII and the
monument. Going by boat from the old city to Westerplatte is a nice trip.«
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