History

The Battle of Kołobrzeg. A bloody struggle of Polish soldiers for access to the Baltic and return to the sea

On March 18, 1945, history recorded a triumph for Polish soldiers in the Battle of Kołobrzeg. After 11 days of fierce fighting, the city was captured by the 1st Polish Army, symbolizing Poland's return to the Baltic Sea. This operation was crowned by the ceremonial wedding of Poland with the sea, conducted by corporal Franciszek Niewidziajło.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 18.03.2025, 08:07 Reading time: 2 min

Black and white archival photo of soldiers marching in a column with a flag on a beach — Defilada żołnierzy 5. Brygady Artylerii Ciężkiej po zdobyciu Kołobrzegu marzec 1945. Zdjęcie ze zbiorów Tadeusza Delawskiego / fot. Wikimedia

In brief

The 1st Polish Army captured Kołobrzeg on 18 March 1945 after 11 days of fighting that began on 7 March 1945. The German garrison numbered about 10 thousand soldiers supported by Kriegsmarine units, coastal artillery and an armoured train, and about 8,000 soldiers were taken prisoner. Of the 28 thousand Polish soldiers taking part in the battle of Kołobrzeg, 1,266 were killed and more than 2,500 were wounded. Corporal Franciszek Niewidziajło performed the symbolic wedding of Poland to the Baltic Sea on the beach in Kołobrzeg.

Defilada żołnierzy 5. Brygady Artylerii Ciężkiej po zdobyciu Kołobrzegu marzec 1945. Zdjęcie ze zbiorów Tadeusza Delawskiego / fot. Wikimedia

Strategic importance of Kołobrzeg

In the German defense system, Kołobrzeg served as a crucial evacuation point and naval base. Due to its location, it was well-prepared for prolonged defense—Germans utilized natural obstacles such as the Parsęta river and Drzewny canal, built an extensive system of fortifications and barricades, and reinforced civilian buildings for military use. The garrison, consisting of around 10,000 soldiers, was supported by Kriegsmarine units, coastal artillery, and an armored train.

Course of battle

The siege of Kołobrzeg began on March 7, 1945. Polish units systematically broke through German defensive lines. The fiercest battles took place around St. George's church, the white and red barracks, and the old town area. Among the key clashes was the destruction of the German armored train Panzerzug 72A and the capture of the port.

The final assault started on the night of March 17-18. By morning, Polish forces had seized the railway station and the port. Despite desperate resistance, the Germans failed to hold the city. Some forces managed to retreat by sea, but approximately 8,000 soldiers were taken prisoner.

Wedding with the sea

Following the battle, on March 18, 1945, a symbolic ceremony of Poland’s wedding with the sea took place on Kołobrzeg’s beach. Corporal Franciszek Niewidziajło, throwing a ring into the waves, uttered the following words:

"We have come, sea, after hard and bloody effort. We see that our struggle was not in vain. We swear never to abandon you. Throwing this ring into your waves, I take you in marriage, for you have been and always will be ours."

Losses and remembrance

The battle of Kołobrzeg was one of the toughest independent engagements fought by the Polish army during World War II. Out of 28,000 Polish soldiers involved in the battle, 1,266 lost their lives, and over 2,500 were wounded.

Today, the heroism of Polish soldiers is commemorated on the tomb of the unknown soldier in Warsaw and Kraków. Thanks to the sacrifices of thousands of Poles, Kołobrzeg was reclaimed, reaffirming Poland’s historic connection to the Baltic Sea.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier