Warsaw rising

In World War II, uprising against German occupation of Warsaw August–October 1944 organized by the Polish Home Army. The rebellion was brutally quashed when anticipated Soviet help for the rebels did not arrive.

The German army had begun withdrawing from Warsaw in anticipation of the arrival of the Soviets when the Home Army rose to keep the German troops occupied and so make it easier for the Soviets to enter the city. Street fighting began 1 August, but on the following day the Soviet attack was halted and the Germans were free to turn their full power against the rebellion.

In spite of appeals for help the Soviets made no move to assist the Poles and would not permit Allied aircraft flying in arms and supplies to the Poles to land in Soviet territory.

Home Army detachments from outside Warsaw which attempted to go to the city's aid were surrounded and disarmed by the Soviets. Eventually the Poles realized the Soviets were waiting for the Poles and Germans to wear each other out so they could impose their own regime with no resistance and they surrendered 2 October 1944.