The liberation of Breda, a key transport junction in the Netherlands, was one of the most impressive achievements of General Maczek’s 1st Armoured Division. After several days of intense fighting, the city was liberated exactly 80 years ago, on 29 October 1944. 
 
By the decision of General Stanislaw Maczek, his soldiers did not use heavy artillery or air support during the fighting. This brought Breda not only freedom, but also saved the city from serious damage. As General Maczek himself recalled, the inhabitants of Breda euphorically welcomed their liberators. The streets were filled with cheering locals, with shop windows covered with placards that read in Polish: “Thank you, Poles.”

In order to return for a moment to those days full of emotion, we invite you to watch a film made by the Polish Embassy in The Hague especially for this occasion. It is a remarkable story of the courage and sacrifice of young Poles who, with their heroic deeds, changed the fate of this place forever. Today, their memory is still alive among the people of Breda and the veterans’ descendants. Praise the Heroes! 

The film by the Polish Embassy in The Hague can be seen on the mission’s YouTube channel: