RATTLE OF SABERS*
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DATE: 2 September 1939*
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BATTLE LOCATION: East of Mlawa, Poland*
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BATTLE TYPE:*
Germany vs. Poland (Meeting Engagement)*
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HISTORICAL SITUATION:*
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As its role in Case White, the German 3rd Army was to thrust southwards from East Prussia toward the Polish capital. While the infantry of the 1st Corps launched its attack on the west flank to break the Polish line along the border, the Wodrig Corps-a battlegroup of Infantry and cavalry formations-was to capture the stoutly defended city of Mlawa. At Mlawa, the Polish 20th Infantry Division, ensconced behind extensive fortifications and minefields, was able to repulse the first frontal assault. Under pressure from OKW to eradicate this obstacle quickly, General von Kuechler ordered the 1st Cavalry Brigade to outflank the Polish defenses and encircle the city. Crossing the Ulakowka River east of Mlawa, the brigade had turned west and was attempting to slip past the trenches there when the horsemen encountered their Polish counterparts, the Mazowiecka Cavalry Brigade. *
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FORCES:*
Germany: Elements of Kavallerie-Brigade 1*
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Poland: Elements of Mazowiecka Cavalry Brigade*
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AFTERMATH:*
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The clash between the two brigades is one of the rare examples of cavalry-versus-cavalry combat during the Second World War. As the Germans pressed west, they encountered Polish pickets in camouflaged positions. With the eruption of the firefight, nearby elements of the Mazowiecka Brigade rode to the scene. The battle soon spread along a wide front, as the cavalrymen on both sides sought an advantage. While most of the fighting took place dismounted, there were, it seems, several small saber clashes when mounted troops blundered together in the forest. After an afternoon of confused fighting, the Mazowiecka Brigade was forced to withdraw that evening due to growing pressure upon its over-extended flanks. Although Polish Lt.-General Przedrzymirski held Mlawa for three days in the face of increasing enemy superiority, on the 3rd he was forced to order a withdrawal towards Modlin. *
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NOTES: This scenario was converted from an ASL scenario (see below) to SPWW2 format. Can be played PBEM as either side, or if playing against the AI, take the Germans. *
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SOURCE: ASL Scenario 138*
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SPWW2 Scenario Creation by Don Lazov*