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The Polish forces had a significant part in WWII, although they were outnumbered and facing an outmatched situation. Polish forces relied on a variety of weapons, including small firearms, armored vehicles, and artillery. Though many of these weapons were outdated, Polish soldiers showed great bravery in combat using what they had available. One of the most important rifles employed by Polish soldiers was the Mauser 98k, a widely used standard rifle. This rifle was known for its accuracy and durability. The infantry carried this rifle in numerous engagements, despite its design being older than more modern rifles. Apart from the Mauser, Polish soldiers also used the Mosin-Nagant M91/30, another bolt-action weapon used by many armies. The Mosin-Nagant, despite being slightly older, was still durable and reliable. When it came to pistols, some soldiers and officers carried the Vis wz. 35, a semi-automatic handgun. The Vis 35 was considered one of the finest pistols produced during that era. Unfortunately, production shortages meant that not all troops were issued this weapon. WW2 Polish Badge – Command of Forces in the Middle East – Sarmatia Antiques Regarding heavy weapons, the military used a mix of domestic and imported artillery. One of the key artillery pieces was the 75mm wz. 1897 artillery piece, based on a French design. The Polish military relied heavily on this artillery piece, most notably in the defense of Poland. It proved effective against enemy infantry and lightly armored vehicles due to its rapid-fire capability. To combat enemy tanks, Polish forces employed the Bofors 37mm gun, a Swedish-manufactured anti-tank gun. The Bofors gun, despite its size, was effective at penetrating the armor of many early tanks. As the war progressed and tanks became better armored, the Bofors gun lost some of its effectiveness. Regarding armored vehicles, the Polish army had relatively few tanks. One of the main tanks used was the 7TP, a Polish-built light tank. The 7TP was originally based on the British Vickers tank, but it had better armor and a stronger engine compared to the original. Unfortunately, the 7TP was not as effective against the heavier German tanks used later in the war. WW2 Polish 1st Armored Regiment Badge – German Production – Sarmatia Antiques In addition to the 7TP, Polish forces also used the TKS tankette, a small, lightly armored tank. It served primarily as a reconnaissance vehicle and in light support roles. Its light armor made it highly vulnerable to enemy attacks despite its speed. It was armed with machine guns or a small anti-tank gun, but its effectiveness was limited against heavily armored vehicles. Over the course of the war, Polish forces used a variety of light and heavy machine guns, notably the Ckm wz. 30 and Browning wz. 1928. These weapons provided critical support to infantry units, while the heavier Ckm wz. 30 was used for defensive roles. The lighter Browning wz. 1928 was more mobile and could be carried by infantry units. In summary, the Polish army during World War II used a variety of weapons, from infantry rifles to armored vehicles and artillery guns. Even though they were outmatched and had limited resources, Polish troops fought valiantly using what they had. The legacy of their sacrifice continues to inspire Poland and the world.