Polish Military Equipment in World War II

The Polish forces was involved heavily in the Second World War, despite facing superior enemy forces and facing overwhelming odds. Polish forces depended on a variety of weapons, including small firearms, armored vehicles, and artillery. Though many of these weapons were outdated, Polish soldiers fought with determination and courage using what they had available.
A primary firearm issued to Polish troops was the Mauser Karabiner 98k, a bolt-action firearm. It was one of the most widely used rifles in Europe, known for its precision and reliability. The Polish army relied on this rifle in many battles, even though newer designs were available. In addition to the Mauser, Polish forces utilized the Mosin-Nagant M91/30, another bolt-action weapon used by many armies. Although an older model, the Mosin-Nagant proved effective in combat.
When it came to pistols, Polish officers and certain troops used the Vis pistol, known for its stopping power and accuracy. Renowned for its reliability and power, the Vis wz. 35 was highly respected. However, its limited production meant not every soldier could carry one.
When it came to larger arms, the Polish army utilized various artillery pieces from different sources. One of the key artillery pieces was the 75mm wz. 1897 gun, based on a French design. This gun was widely used by the Polish army, especially during the early stages of the war. It proved effective against enemy infantry and lightly armored vehicles due to its rapid-fire capability.
WW2 Scarce Polish Paratroopers Booklet - 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade - Sarmatia Antiques
In the fight against armored vehicles, Poland used the Bofors 37mm cannon, a small but effective weapon designed to counter enemy tanks. Though small, this gun was highly effective against early German tanks. As the war progressed and tanks became better armored, the Bofors gun lost some of its effectiveness.
Regarding armored vehicles, Poland's tank fleet was relatively small. The 7TP light tank was the primary armored vehicle used by Polish forces. It was based on the British Vickers 6-Ton design, but it featured improvements such as a more powerful engine and better armor. However, it was no match for heavier German tanks.
Another important vehicle used was the TKS light tankette, a very light armored vehicle used for reconnaissance. It served primarily as a reconnaissance vehicle and in light support roles. Although fast, the TKS was not well-protected. Equipped with machine guns or a small cannon, it was not effective against heavier tanks.
Over the course of the war, Polish forces used a variety of light and heavy machine guns, such as the Ckm wz. 30 heavy machine gun and the Browning wz. 1928. These machine guns were key in supporting infantry during battle, with the Ckm wz. 30 used primarily in defensive positions. Meanwhile, the Browning wz. 1928 provided mobile firepower for infantry troops.
To sum up, Polish forces in WWII used a variety of weapons, including small arms, tanks, and artillery pieces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, they displayed great courage, making the most of their equipment. Their bravery and sacrifice remain a proud part of Poland's military history.