Polish armoured train Nr. 51 ("Pierwszy Marszałek")

Early history – Combat use in 1939 – Train composition

Armoured train "I Marszałek" on a bridge on the Kamienna near Skarżysko-Kamienna, 1937.

During Polish-Soviet war, in 1919 and 1920 Polish forces captured many Soviet broad-gauge armoured trains. Several of them were modern ones, better armed and armoured than contemporary Polish partially improvised units. One of such captured trains had probably the most interesting and longest life of all the armoured trains in the world. Its artillery wagons served for 25 years in different armies: Soviet, white Russian, Polish, Soviet again, and finally German. In the Polish Army they served for the longest period of 19 years, firing their guns in several campaigns. They also definitively ended their combat career on Polish soil.

Note: links without an underline lead to relevant Wikipedia articles.

Special thanks to Krzysztof Margasiński for an immense help with gathering information on early service.

Early history:

Polish-Soviet war

Armoured train No. 21 "Imeni Shaumyana i Dzhaparidze" after its capturing [11]

O^K 7348 locomotive in the "Strzelec Kresowy". A red star on a dome cover is overpainted.

Despite there were different versions in the 20th century literature about the exact origin of the train, now it is known, that wagons of "Pierwszy Marszałek" came from the Soviet train: "Imeni Shaumiana i Dzhaparidze", or: "Imeni Tovarishchi Shaumiana i Dzhaparidze" (Named after Comrades Shaumian and Dzhaparidze), captured in Ukraine. The train was built in 1919 and belonged to the most successful type of standard Soviet armoured trains, built at Krasnoye Sormovo plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Then it was captured by white forces of Gen. Denikin's Volunteer Army, and its wagons were used in the train "Dobrovolets" (Volunteer), fighting against the Soviets in Ukraine^{[note 1]}. On 30 January 1920, the train was abandoned and fell into Soviet hands again. In the Soviet service it was named in honour of communist leaders from Baku – comrades Shaumian and Dzhaparidze, who were shot by the British intervents in September 1918. It also carried a number BP (bronyepoyezd – armoured train) No. 21.

In 1920 the train "Imeni Shaumiana i Dzhaparidze" was used in the war with Poland. During Polish Kiev offensive, on 27 April 1920, the train was detected at Holendry station near the village of Kotiuzhyntsi on the Koziatyn – Zhmerynka line. Polish patrols cut tracks on both ends, and after several hours of fighting and shelling by the 1st Battery of the 13th Kresy Field Artillery Regiment, the train was captured by soldiers of the 2nd Company of the 50th Kresy Rifle Infantry Regiment under the command of 2nd Lt. Julian Dotzauer (Kresy was a name of Polish Eastern Borderlands). Among other things, the banner of the Soviet 44th Rifle Division was found in the train. The train was initially manned by the 15th Sapper Battalion. Its locomotive and one wagon, the turret of which had been damaged by an artillery shell, were repaired in the railway workshops in Koziatyn. On 9 May the captured train was manned in Koziatyn by the crew from Polish standard-gauge train "Zagończyk", useless in a further offensive to the east. Lieutenant Bolesław Babecki, who had commanded "Zagończyk" since March 1919, became the commander of the new train. The train retained its original composition of two twin-turret artillery wagons of Krasnoye Sormovo type, armed with a total of four 76 mm cannons and 16 machine guns, and an armoured locomotive O class with standard Russian armour. The locomotive did not however belong to the most popular O^V class, as is widely believed, but to the similar O^K, number 7348 (according to K. Margasiński's findings). In addition, the train had two flatcars with sapper equipment, tools and materials for track repair at both ends. The crew consisted of 5 officers and 98 privates, as well as 4 civilian engineers. The train also had an administrative section consisting of 13 wagons, including five covered 4-axle wagons for privates, two passenger wagons for officers, and two ammunition wagons.

A railway network in an operation area in 1920 and 1939 (W. Mroczek/M. Derela).

On 19 May 1920 the train was ready and put into service as a broad-gauge armoured train "Strzelec Kresowy" (Kresy Rifleman) assigned to the 13th Kresy Infantry Division, by which it had been captured. The full name was written on the wagons as: "Strzelec Kresowy 13 Dywizji Piechoty" (initially only on one side, due to a lack of paint). On the same day, it was sent to the front, onto Koziatyn – Uman line, stationing initially at Lypovets. It entered action on 22 May, riding on a reconnaissance 48 km to the rear of the Bolsheviks near Monastyryshche, in a cooperation with the 45th Kresy Rifle Regiment, bringing first news of an approaching Budyonny's cavalry army. On 23 May it fought a duel against the more heavily armed Bolshevik train "Leytenant Schmidt" near Orativ, forcing it to withdraw. On 26 May it fought against three, and then five Bolshevik trains near Orativ, after which it withdrew after dark, damaging the track (according to a report, there were observed trains with names: "Leytenant Schmidt", "Tovarishch Rudnyev", "Gibiel Petlury", "Gibiel kontrrevolutsiy", and "Krasnyi Uragan", whose locomotive was reportedly damaged). After the Soviet counter-offensive began, the "Strzelec Kresowy" took part in two months of continuous retreat fighting, covering a retreat of Polish units, patrolling, repeatedly repairing or destroying tracks, and at the same time avoiding encirclement by Budyonny's Cossacks. On 29 May the train took part in a battle at Pohrebyshche, repelling cavalry attacks and protecting the 25th Infantry Brigade from being outflanked, also saving commander Col. Adolf Paqualen along with the ensign of its "parrent" 50th Kresy Rifle Regiment^{[note 2]}. On 30 May it continued fighting near Pohrebyshche, breaking the Soviet cavalry attack and protecting a headquarters of the 26th Infantry Brigade in the town. In following days, the train was in constant combat. On 1 June two of its cannons got damaged from intensive fire. At the beginning of June the train operated again south of Pohrebyshche, among others supporting the capture of Pliskiv village on 3 June.

An artillery wagon of the "Strzelec Kresowy" with an inscription: [of] 'the 13th Infantry Division'. Old names and badges (including white Russian badges) were overpainted. Below, with a crew of 95.

The "Strzelec Kresowy" reached as far as Orativ again on 5 June, but the situation on the front forced a withdrawal. The train avoided being cut off thanks to a quick provisional establishment of a blown-up bridge on the Rostavitsa before Koziatyn on 10 June by the 5th Railway Company. In following days it was assigned to the Koziatyn Defense and fought in Berdychiv area. Then it covered an evacuation of Koziatyn (14 June) and Vinnytsia (16 June), destroying the infrastructure left behind. It next came under the command of the 6th Army. From Zhmerynka it moved to Derazhnia on 19 June, helping to suppress a peasant diversion in villages between Zhmerynka and Serbinivtsi on the way. It remained in that area for several days, and on 23 June it forced the train "Bela Kun" to withdraw in an action off Radivtsy village (according to information obtained, the Soviet train got damaged).

After receiving a withdrawal order, the "Strzelec Kresowy" reached Zdolbuniv via Proskurov and Shepetivka on 29 June. Its armoured locomotive was left there for four days for repairs, and the train temporarily patrolled from Rivne with an ordinary locomotive, assigned to Rivne Defence Group. It then fought in the defence of Rivne town and a bridge over the Horyn north of the town in Oleksandriia on 4–8 July, together with the train "Groźny". On 5 July it was damaged by a locomotive fleeing from Rivne, and on 8 July by artillery, which damaged one artillery wagon and crashed a flatcar. The "Strzelec Kresowy" withdrew from Rivne towards Sarny as one of the last units. The crew had to repair a torn track and clear obstacles at Malynsk station under attacks on the night of 8/9 July, while also helping to save the derailed armoured train "Podhalanin"^{[note 2]}. Then, through Sarny and Kovel, it moved back to a front area near Kivertsi, protecting the bridge over the Styr in Rozhyshche on 12–20 July, subordinated to the 1st Legions Infantry Division. At that time, it temporarily formed an armoured train unit (dywizjon) with "Zagończyk" and "Generał Listowski", under a command of Lt. Babecki. On 21 July these trains supported an infantry raid on Klepachiv village behind the Styr, and at night on 22 July another one on Rudnia and Olganivka villages. While going back, on 23 July the "Strzelec Kresowy" was shelled by artillery near Valerianivka, which damaged its bogie springs, and was withdrawn through Kovel for an overhaul. Due to an impossibility of repairs in Brest workshops and a threat of rapid advances by the Red Army, the train was then evacuated between 28 July and 10 August through a specially rebuilt wide track to Dęblin in central Poland, together with three others and more captured rolling stock, at a slow pace due to trafiic jams^{[note 3]}.

In last days of July 1920 the name of the train was changed at the request of the crew by an order of the Supreme Command of the Polish Army to "Pierwszy Marszałek" (The First Marshal) in honor of Marshal Józef Piłsudski. The name was also written in short as: "I Marszałek" (with a Roman numeral), or just "Marszałek". On 11 August the train (without its O class steam locomotive) was provisionally converted in Dęblin to the standard gauge of 1435 mm, by the crew's efforts to change bogies to standard gauge ones, however they had too weak springs, making it impossible to fire the cannons. It became the only wide-gauge armoured train, which has been converted in time to participate in a battle of Warsaw. It came under the orders of the 4th Army, and was immediately sent to patrol Dęblin – Ryki line, with an unarmoured standard gauge locomotive, clashing with Bolshevik patrols. After a short repair, it was sent back into combat on 16 August 1920, attacking north from Dęblin to Garwolin as a part of the counter-attack from the Wieprz river during the Battle of Warsaw. It supported the capture of Sobolew, Łaskarzew and Garwolin. On 18 August it was sent to Siedlce to support an attack of the 1st Podhale Rifle Regiment on Sokołów Podlaski. The train patrolled on this line, destroying or capturing retreating Bolshevik units. The problems were caused by the uarmoured steam locomotive, which was breaking down. From 25 August the train was stationed in Ostrołęka. On 29 August it was finally sent for a major overhaul to Radom, where the bogies of the wagons were replaced with stronger ones (although they caused initially problems as well). It was probably only before its departure that the train received a Prussian G5² class locomotive no. 4153, armoured in Poland, previously used in the "Mściciel" train. In September 1920 the "Pierwszy Marszałek" received a number 21, as a regular Polish armoured train (P.P. 21, pociąg pancerny nr 21). After repairs, on 18 September the train was directed to Białystok. It covered railway companies repairing tracks destroyed during the retreat, and operated with trains: "Paderewski" and "Poznańczyk". On 22–23 September, the train with the 1st Podhale Rifle Regiment and "Paderewski" defended Kuźnica against the Bolsheviks. On 24–25 September, the "Marszałek" supported the Podhale riflemen in an attack on Grodno. Further advance was prevented by the destruction of bridges on the Neman.

Locomotive G5² 4153 of the "Pierwszy Marszałek" (formerly "Mściciel")

After the ceasefire in the Polish-Soviet war, from 17 October the train was stationed in Lida, and on 27 October its crew joined "rebel units" of General Żeligowski in Wilno (Vilnius). It was a Polish false flag operation to capture a territory around Vilnius, inhabited by Polish majority at that time, resulting in a creation of a short-lived puppet state Central Lithuania. Vilnius itself was a historical Lithuanian capital and a major center of Polish culture during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and a period of its partitions. Today Vilnius is rightfully a capital of independent Lithuania.

The "Marszałek" next subordinated itself to the Central Lithuanian military command. The crew numbered 7 officers and 140 privates at that time. Throughout November the train took part in skirmishes with Lithuanian troops, patrolling from Vilnius towards the south, and on 7 November it was ineffectively attacked by aircraft at Lentvaris station, dropping three bombs. It took part in an occupation of the village of Klepacze (Klepočiai) on 12 November and in raids on the village of Lejpuny (Lieponas) on 16–17 November.

After the situation calmed down at the end of November 1920, the train remained in Central Lithuania for the next three years, stationed in Vilnius, Nowa Wilejka (Naujoji Vilnia) and Nowe Święciany (Švenčioneliai), with a gradually reduced crew. From January to March 1921 it was a part of the Central Lithuanian Armoured Train Unit, with the train "Śmierć". Throughout this early period of service the train retained its original composition of two strong twin-turret artillery wagons. Until November 1920 it was also equipped with a wagon with a searchlight. From August 1921 it was supplemented with additional wagons from demobilised armoured trains, including an assault wagon 4913 from the train "Kaniów" (despite the objections of the commander, who claimed that the assault wagon would only "get in the way"). Three semi-armoured wagons from the Lithuanian armoured train "Gedyminas", captured in Vilnius, were also temporarily assigned. Finally, on 14 February 1924 the train left for Kraków to the 1st Railway Troops Regiment for a liquidation.

The "Pierwszy Marszałek" near Lida, 18 October 1920. Both artillery wagons are visible, as well as G5² 4153 locomotive. The commander Lt. Babecki is in a foreground.

Interwar period

The "Pierwszy Marszałek" around 1934 in early camouflage.

The "Pierwszy Marszałek" during exercises in Pilawa in 1934, with its own assault wagon, radio-fitted. The Ti3-2 locomotive has a standard command turret still.

After the hostilities, the "Marszałek" was assigned for further service, among 12 most modern trains. Temporarilly in 1923 it carried a number P.P. 3. In the winter of 1923/24 most of Polish armoured trains were demobilized and stored, among them was also "Marszałek". In spring of 1925 it was given a new number P.P. 9 and was assigned "on paper" to the 5th Armoured Train Unit in Kraków, along with P.P. 10 "Bartosz Głowacki". In case of a mobilization, the "Pierwszy Marszałek" was supposed to be equipped with only one original twin-turret artillery wagon no. 460 023 with two 76 mm wz. 1902 cannons (the second one was assigned to the "Bartosz Głowacki"), and one unknown single-turret wagon no. 430 023, armed with one such cannon. The train had assigned Austrian locomotive 73.86, armoured at Zieleniewski factory in Kraków (earlier used in P.P. 22 "Groźny")^[11]. The train had no assault wagon assigned. It should be noted, that the train actually remained in a storage. It was planned to change a locomotive to Prussian G7 class (PKP: Tp1), which was not realized because of a decision to unify locomotives to G5³ (Ti3) class.

After a final reorganization and creation of only two armoured train units, the train no. 9 "Pierwszy Marszałek" was assigned to the 2nd Armoured Trains Unit (dywizjon pociągów pancernych) in Niepołomice near Kraków, created in 1928. The train was put back into service and used as a manoeuvre train of the unit, used for crew training, stationed at Kraków Bonarka station. At that time a final composition of the train was established, with both original twin-turret artillery wagons. In 1930 at the latest the locomotive was changed to a standard Ti3-2 (formerly used in the "Generał Sosnkowski"). The train was also given ex-Austro-Hungarian assault wagon, used in the disbanded train "Stefan Czarniecki" until 1930. Because the "Marszałek" was used for training, also bigger assault wagons from "Piłsudczyk" or "Śmiały" armoured trains were sometimes attached (the latter of a half-rounded Warsaw type).

In the early 1930s the stock underwent some modernization. The train's armament was standardized (75 mm wz.02/26 guns and 7.92 mm wz.08 machine guns) and anti-aircraft machine gun turrets were added to artillery wagons. The train also received radio and signal equipment then, and Westinghouse pneumatic brakes.

In 1939, during the mobilization, the 2nd Armoured Train Unit in Niepołomice mobilized five trains, among them the armoured train nr. 51 - former "Pierwszy Marszałek" (the names were not used anymore officially). It started its mobilization on 23 August 1939, and completed it on 27 August at Skawina station near Kraków.

"Strzelec Kresowy" means: "Kresy Rifleman". A simplified English pronounciation: [st-SHELLets cre-SOvee].
"Pierwszy Marszałek" means: "First Marshal" - Marshal Józef Pilsudski (1867-1935), one of founders of the independent Poland, Polish Head of State in 1918-22; later: the actual head of state in 1926-35, after his authoritarian coup d'etat of 1926. A simplified English pronounciation is: [PYER-v-shee marSHA-wek].

Armoured train no. 9 "Pierwszy Marszałek" in a final camouflage, but with an assault wagon from the train "Śmiały", in 1937-1938.

Armoured trains of the 2nd Armoured Train Unit: Nos. 51, 52, 53, 54, 55

Combat use in 1939:

The armoured train nr. 51 (former "Marszałek") was commanded by Cpt. Leon Cymborski, since 2.09.1939 - Cpt. Zdzislaw Rokossowski.

Fighting one enemy:

The train was initially assigned to the Kraków Army – see a map.

The "Marszałek" with the assault wagon of the "Śmiały" in 1938 in Podbrodzie. A camouflage pattern indicates wagon 460 022 (only contrasting dark brown patches visible)

On 1 September 1939, when the war broke out, the train was at Skawina railway station, south of Kraków. It was sent south to Chabówka in the morning. Its draisines were sent on reconnaissance towards Zakopane and, according to the driver's account, helped to shoot down a German Hs 126 reconnaissance plane with a fire of machine guns mounted on anti-aircraft mounts on TK tankettes^[12]. The train went into action that same day, supporting the 1st Mountain Brigade fighting in the Beskids with artillery fire - in the afternoon it shelled German units near Jordanów (on the Spytkowicka Pass and on the Obidowa ridge). On 2 September the train remained at Jordanów station. In the morning, as a result of artillery fire at the station, the train commander, Captain Cymborski, was wounded in a leg and taken to hospital, after which he was handed over command to Captain Rokossowski. For the next few hours, the train fired at units of the German 2nd Armoured Division with a fire corrected from a forward observation post, cooperating with the motorised 10th Cavalry Brigade (10.BK) of Colonel Maczek. At that time, German artillery also tried to locate the train. When at around 4 p.m. the observation post was destroyed and Lieutenant Kazimierz Pfaffenhofen-Chłędowski was seriously wounded, attempts were made to correct the fire using armoured draisines with radios (according to some publications, one R draisine sent towards Chabówka was destroyed^[2], but there is no confirmation in the account of the draisine driver K. Rudkiewicz^[12]). Finally, when the Polish units defending Jordanów withdrew at around 5 p.m., the train also departed for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, then Skawina.

During the following days the train did not participate directly in combat, only its draisines conducted reconnaissance near Oświęcim on 4 September, and from Kraków Bonarka towards Skawina on 5 September. The commander of the draisine unit was wounded in a clash behind Borek Fałęcki (part of Kraków)^[2]. The train was subordinated to the command of the Operational Group "Boruta", and then directed to Tarnów, where it arrived on 6 September, shortly before the blowing up of the bridge on the Dunajec near Bogumiłowice (what doomed the train no. 54 "Groźny"). During the march, the crew had to remove wrecked transports and repair tracks. On 8 September, the train was on its way from Tarnów through Dębica and Mielec to Tarnobrzeg. According to the commander's account, in the morning between Pustynia and Pustków it came across a reconnaissance unit of the 2nd Armoured Division (again) and damaged an enemy armoured car^[2]. A short line from Tarnobrzeg to Rozwadów was blocked by wrecked or abandoned evacuation trains and the crew had to work all day removing their wagons from the tracks. Finally, on 10 September train no. 51 reached the ruined junction at Rozwadów, where it remained for the next few days, while its crew helped to organise an evacuation train to Lublin for the wounded. On 10 September the train was used to deliver food and ammunition from Zaklików to Kępa Rzeczycka by the San river, destined for General Szyling's troops, still fighting on the western bank of the Vistula. On 11 September the crew of armoured train no. 51 found an abandoned 40 mm wz.36 Bofors anti-aircraft gun in Stalowa Wola, which was placed on one of flatcars and strengthened the train's anti-aircraft defense. On 13 September the train protected the bridge over the San in Kępa Rzeczycka, and set off for Lublin the next day, after the bridge had been blown up by sappers. In Szastarka it suffered a heavy air raid, without losses, but which required further works upon a removal of wrecked trains and repair of the tracks. Later that day the train was directed by the command of the Lublin Army back south to cover a retreat of Polish troops. North of Zaklików it managed to delay an advance of the German 4th Infantry Division until the morning of 15 September, saving the Polish 94th Infantry Regiment from being cut off.

A retouched pre-war photograph of the artillery wagon in 1937-1939 camouflage.

Then the train was withdrawn again to Lublin, where it was decided to break through to Lwów (Lviv) by a roundabout route due to information about the Germans taking over the Zamość region and cutting off direct connections. On 16 September, in order to clear a way to Kovel through the railway jam, the train crew had to throw wagons of immobilized trains off the track again, and even build new detours to bypass destroyed and completely blocked sections of the track. The train's administrative section underwent an air raid near Luboml, with several wounded. The armoured section was also attacked by aircraft several times those days, without major effect though.

...and the second enemy:

On 17 September 1939, the Soviet Union invaded eastern Poland, as Hitler's ally, fulfilling Ribbentrop-Molotov pact. In a changed situation, in the mornig the train no. 51 was subordinated to the commander of Sarny Border Protection Corps (KOP) regiment, and sent on a reconnaissance from Sarny to Rokitno. Its draisines reached as far as the border station Ostki, without encountering the enemy in this direction. After returning, from 10 a.m. the train repelled raids of Soviet aircraft on Sarny, and shot down one SB bomber of three lost in total that day (or according to another version, R-5 plane)^[8,13]. Later that day the train also patrolled south towards Rivne, but returned after encountering Soviet tanks. On 18 September in the morning, near Kostopil, the train encountered a Soviet motorized column coming from Rivne. In a skirmish, the train reportedly destroyed four "3-axle type" (BA-6 or BA-10) armoured cars, three Komsomolets artillery tractors and several trucks. In following days the train patrolled in Sarny vicinity, occasionally strafing Soviet aircraft and cavalry patrols. It is noteworthy, that it was the same area, in which the "Pierwszy Marszałek" fought against Soviets 19 years before. On 20 September the train supported Polish KOP soldiers with fire from Nemovichi station south of Sarny – it shelled a concentration of units threatening the rear of the “Tynne” fortified section. The train then covered a retreat of Polish soldiers and departed for the Antonivka station west of Sarny, in order to cover the crossing over the Horyn.

In the evening of 21 September the train attempted to retreat back to Kovel, but a single-track line was blocked by trains behind Povorsk station. According to a common version in literature, the armoured train was surrounded there by Ukrainian nationalist militias, demanding a surrender, which the crew refused. However, according to J. Ledwoch, it was in fact the Soviet 1st Battalion of the 61st Rifle Regiment of the 45th Rifle Division^[13]. On 22 September Soviet occupation authorities in Kovel transmitted an order through Polish railway workers to surrender the train, but Captain Rokossowski refused to talk. That day in the afternoon the train was bombed there by Soviet R-5 biplanes, probably from the 62nd Light Bomber Brigade^[13]. According to the commander's unverified account, two planes were shot down in the process. According to the report, however, both the wagons of the combat section and the administrative section were damaged and there were casualties, so the commander ordered to abandon the train, which happened in the evening. Most of the crew joined the KOP group of General Orlik-Rückemann, which continued to fight against Soviet units in battles of Szack and Wytyczno, and then joined Independent Operational Group "Polesie", which surrendered to the Germans after the battle of Kock on 5 October 1939, as the last Polish regular unit in the field.

Older Polish publications issued during the communist period did not report on any fighting during last days of the train, claiming, that it was just abandoned as a result of the advance of Soviet troops, and part of the crew supposedly left the train spontaneously (the whole Soviet invasion was presented in an official communist historiography as an intervention from the Soviet side to protect citizens of Western Ukraine and Belarussia from the Germans). For obvious reasons, this version is less trustworthy due to a political censorship, however the truth might be in the middle. A damage to combat rolling stock due to a bombing might not have been significant – if at all, since it was later taken to Soviet service, and photographs don't show visible damage.

Further service:

The BEPO of the 77th NKVD regiment after capturing by the Germans.

Wagons of the former "Marszałek" in the Panzerzug 10b.

This was the end of the "Marszałek", but not the end of the train itself, though. The armoured train was captured by the Soviets, repaired and put into service as BEPO or BP (Bronyepoyezd – armoured train) of the 77th NKVD Regiment from the 10th NKVD Division. The division was used in a border protection and an occupation service in former eastern Polish territories, which had just became "Western Soviet Ukraine" at that time. In June 1941, the train was stationed in Ivano-Frankivsk (formerly Polish Stanisławów), south-east of Lviv, commanded by Lt. I.D. Turganov (it is noteworthy, that former Polish train nr. 53 "Śmiały" was stationed nearby, as BEPO of the 75th NKVD Regiment of the same division). The Soviet 12th Army of the South-West Front operated in that area. After German attack on 22 June 1941, the train was supporting the withdrawing 77th NKVD Regiment. On 5 July 1941 the train was fighting against German tanks, and according to Soviet sources, destroyed or immobilised a few. On 7 July the train, after running out of ammunition, was left, and reportedly blown up by the crew.

...Still further service (PZ 10b and PZ 11):

Again, damages to the train could not have been severe, because after several months the armoured train was repaired, rebuilt and put into the German service in December 1941. The Germans formed one strong armoured train, Panzerzug 10 of two Polish armoured trains, captured on the Soviets. The Panzerzug 10 consisted of two independent parts: Kampfzug A (former train nr. 53 "Śmiały"; BEPO of the 75th NKVD Rgt) and Kampfzug B (PZ 10b; former train nr. 51 "Marszałek"; BEPO of the 77th Rgt). The Panzerzug 10b had two original artillery wagons of the "Marszałek" and initially also the original Polish armoured locomotive Ti3 class (Ti3-9 from the "Śmiały"). In June 1942 the train received new infantry wagons and German locomotive. During all the service the train was used in the Eastern Front, mostly in Ukraine, and was damaged several times. It was a fate of bloodlands, as Norman Davies called them, that the train fought again in familiar places like Kovel, Sarny, Rivne, Kiev...

The illustrated history of Panzerzug 10b (Panzerzug 11).

On 31 July 1943 the Panzerzug 10 was split into two separate units: Kampfzug A (former train nr. 53) remained PZ 10, while Kampfzug B (former train nr. 51) was designated the Panzerzug 11. In summer of 1944, Panzerzug 11 took part in a retreat combat. Finally in the end of 1944, it was operating in south-eastern Poland, in Kielce area. The Panzerzug 11, former Polish "Pierwszy Marszalek" and Soviet "Imeni Shaumiana i Dzhaparidze", ended definitely its combat career on 13 January 1945 near Chęciny (a small town south of Kielce, known for its royal castle ruins), abandoned by the crew, when it could not retreat before advancing Soviets, due to a destroyed bridge over the Nida river.

2nd Armoured Train Unit trains: nos 51, 52, 53, 54, 55

Train composition in 1939:

The armoured train nr. 51 consisted of:

armoured section:

					Drawing: A. Jońca

flatcar	artillery wagon	assault wagon	armoured locomotive	artillery wagon	flatcar

armoured draisines platoon


TK-R-TK unit	draisine TK	draisine R

unarmoured administrative section

The armoured train, as a military unit, consisted of: an armoured section (the armoured train in a strict meaning), a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles) and an unarmoured auxiliary administrative section. The armoured section and armoured draisines were the combat section of the armoured train, while the auxiliary section was supporting the operation of the combat section in respect of logistics and accommodation, and did not take part in combat.

From around 1936–37, the train was painted in a standard three-color camouflage of Polish vehicles, consisting of brown-green and dark brown irregular patches, airbrushed upon a greyish sand basic color. Patches were oblong, mainly horizontal. Earlier – from early 1930s, there was used a scheme of three unknown colours (probably dark yellow, olive green and light blue gray, like in armoured vehicles), separated with black lines. There is not known a camouflage in 1920s – probably it was painted in a single uniform colour, possibly gray.

The armoured section was fitted already in 1920s with pneumatic brakes Westinghouse. Maximum permissible speed was 45 km/h. Crew of the armoured section was approximately 120-130, and of the whole armoured train about 191, including 9 officers.

Locomotive

Ti3-2 locomotive of Nr. 51 armoured train in 1939 (captured by the Soviets)

PP.9 "Marszałek" in 1938 (an assault wagon is from "Piłsudczyk"). Such boiler plates division was typical for Ti3-2 only.

The standard locomotive of Polish armoured trains in 1939 was the armoured steam locomotive PKP Ti3 class - former Prussian G5³ class, produced between 1903 and 1906 and fitted with a typical full armour in Poland. At least from 1930 until 1939 the "Pierwszy Marszałek" used locomotive Ti3-2 (former G5³-4024 Danzig), manufactured in 1904 by Hanomag, factory number 4117. It was initially used in the train "Generał Sosnkowski" and was the first locomotive of this class fitted in 1920 with an armour, which was later accepted as a standard pattern. It differed from later locomotives by a different division of plates on the boiler. Before 1930 other locomotives were used, mentioned above.

The Ti3-2 locomotive was coupled with a typical three-axle tender 12C1 class no. 428. Upon the tender, there was a commander's turret (compartment). It had optical and sonic means of internal communication (color lights, bells and horns). By early 1930s commander compartments in all locomotives were modified, enlarged and equipped with short-range radio RKB/C to contact the draisines, and an intercom to contact the wagons. Ti3-2 locomotive was one of three locomotives differing from the rest in having an angular commander's turret with slanted side corners, in mid-1930s equipped additionaly with an angular unarmed wz.29 observation cuppola instead of a more common low cylindrical cuppola.

After capturing by the Soviets, the locomotive was given a designation ЖБO-107 (ZhBO-107).

Artillery wagons

	Artillery wagon 460 022 in late 1930s, with an AAMG turret and a new camouflage. The second wagon differed in a camouflage pattern only.
	The same wagon 460 022 from the other side in September 1939, captured by the Soviets. A turret on the right shows the same side as above.

Artillery wagon 460 023 in 1937-39 camouflage before the war.

Armoured train No. 51 had two four-axle artillery wagons, of the standard Soviet type S-30, manufactured at Krasnoye Sormovo works in Nizhny Novgorod, and hence commonly known as Krasnoye Sormovo type. Such wagons were typical for Soviet trains from a civil war period, built in a significant number. They were built upon chassis of open freight wagons with Fox-Arbel bogie type. Their armoured body consisted of a combat compartment connected with two barbettes, covered with turrets. Their unusual feature was asymmetrical mounting of an armoured body, towards one end of the chassis (for an unknown reason). The "Marszałek", and earlier "Imeni Shaumiana i Dzhaparidze", had later type of these wagons, fitted with 76 mm M.1902 field cannons (early ones had 76 mm Lender AA guns). In Poland they were assigned railway numbers 460 022 and 460 023.

Each of the wagons was armed from the 1930s with two 75 mm wz. 02/26 cannons in two turrets. It was a Polish modification of a standard Russian 3-inch gun of the Putilov Works, to fire French ammunition. The turrets could be rotated in a range of 360°. The turrets were mounted on characteristic 14-sided barbettes (90 cm high), protruding beyond the width of the floor. In barbettes from the inside of the wagon there were openings for entering the turret. Turrets were also of a 14-sided form, with eight full height rectangular plates in the rear and middle part, and two triangular side plates, on which the sloping front plate rested, with an embrasure for the gun barrel, a sight window and two oval loopholes for machine guns. In the rear part of the turret there was a rectangular hatch on a roof. The turret rotated on a ball bearing using a manual gear; the gun was mounted on a rotating central base. In Polish service the turrets were later modified by enlarging box-shaped artillery panorama sight covers on the roof.

Krasnoye Sormovo wagon interior (from a Soviet manual)
1. ammunition racks, 2. hatches of a raised roof, 3. removable wooden floor, 6. entrance to the turret

Other armament consisted of two 7.92 mm wz. 08 (Maxim) machine guns in each artillery turret face (on either side of the cannon) and four 7,92 mm wz. 08 machine guns in drum mountings in wagon's sides. In early 1930s each of artillery wagons in Polish service was fitted with one 7.92 mm wz. 08 anti-aircraft machine gun in a small turret in a middle of the roof, with the maximum elevation of 90° (some of Soviet wagons had an observation turret in this place, but "Imeni Shaumiana i Dzhaparidze" had no such turrets). The total for an artillery wagon was eight wz.08 machine guns and one AAMG. The ammunition was probably 3,750 rounds per each MG (in 250-round belts). According to the Soviet manual there should be racks for 640 artillery rounds in a wagon (what roughly corresponds with a description of an initial supply in Polish service as 1232 gun shells – 616 per a wagon, and 36,000 MG rounds). We have found no official information on ammunition storage in 1939. Initially wagons were armed with original Russian 76.2 mm M.02 (3in) cannons and 7.62 mm Maxim M.05 or M.10 machine guns.

The armour consisted of two layers of high-hardness steel (not armour steel), sandwiched by a layer of wood. According to Polish descriptions after capture, steel layers were 10 and 8 mm thick, and the wood 5 cm thick (or according to another description, they were of a ship steel about 15 mm thick). It was built of rectangular plates attached to the frame, in two horizontal rows, with outer plates being screwed with 9 screws in three rows.

An unmistakable feature of these wagons was an elevated roof in the middle of the wagon, along the entire length of the combat compartment, with small hatches on the sides of the elevated section (originally 11 on each side, then 10 due to AAMG turret mounting). Hatches were covered by lifting flaps and had characteristic side protecting ribs. The elevated roof above a central passage increased comfort, and hatches were useful for observation, lighting, ventilation, and if necessary, according to a Soviet manual, for dropping grenades. The wagon had one door in the middle of each side wall. The ammunition was stored in four racks 140 cm high, placed by the walls between side doors and machine gun casemates. According to the Soviet manual each rack was made of two sections for artillery rounds, with ten shelves for eight rounds each, and a section for machine gun belts. Therefore, one rack housed 160 rounds (or 154, according to a Polish description). Racks were covered by three horizontal rows of iron doors (upper one covered four shelves and opened downwards, two lower ones covered three shelves each and opened upwards). The floor was made of thin sheet metal 5-6 mm, covered with removable wooden racks, and had hatches under side doors for exiting under the wagon. According to the Soviet manual there was a water tank on the right in each artillery turret (presumabaly for machine guns) and two tanks in a combat compartment, probably under the floor. The crew of the wagon was about 35 men (there is no exact data).

After capturing by the Soviets, wagons 460 022 and 460 023 were marked as ЖБO-108 and 109 respectively (ZhBO).

Assault wagon:

Assault wagon from both sides in 1937-1939 camouflage: above Polish photograph with extended machine gun protrusions, below the wagon captured by the Soviets.

The assault wagon (Polish nomenclature) was intended for a transportation of an assault platoon. The two-axle wagon of the "Pierwszy Marszalek" was originally a standard Austro-Hungarian WWI type infantry wagon no. 140 866, built in Budapest and captured in 1918 at Kraków Prokocim station along with the whole armoured train (more on the page on the train no. 15 "Śmierć"). In Poland it was rebuilt and renumbered as 393 088. Only for training in 1930s, bigger assault wagons from "Piłsudczyk" or "Śmiały" armoured trains were sometimes attached (the latter of a half-rounded Warsaw type). During a modernization in late 1920s or early 1930s four hollow casemates for machine guns were replaced by big rectangular side hatches, used also as machine gun sponsons.

The assault wagon was originally armed with 4 machine guns 8 mm Schwarzlose M.7/12 in side casemates, probably replaced later in Polish service with standad 7,92 mm machine guns. After the modernization it was armed with four 7.92 mm wz. 08 (Maxim) machine guns in standard drum mountings in side hatches - they could be used to flank-fire along the train with partially open hatches. Three additional armour plates were then folded out, protecting the half-open hatch against a gunfire (see at machine guns page). The ammunition was probably 3,750 per MG (in 250-round belts). The armour was made of double layers of regular steel plates (12 mm and 9 mm), separated with 40 mm wooden layer. The wagon had two hatches in each side wall, and doors in both ends. It also had hatches in the bottom. Axle span was 360 cm. An internal equipment in Polish service covered among others a 15-litre coffee tank (the same in artillery wagons).

The assault platoon consisted of 32 men (1 officer, 7 NCO, 24 soldiers with 2 light machineguns). The total wagon's crew was about 40 (with signalmen and stretcher-bearers).

Since the early 1930s, the assault wagon was equipped with a long-range medium wave radio RKD/P placed in a separate radio cab in the middle of the wagon. The radio had maximum range 50–80 km with telegraphy when stationery (probable some 10 km with a voice transmission). The wagon was also fitted with a power generator, batteries, and a large clothesline aerial of a copper pipe on the roof. Distinguishing features from its twin wagon in the "Śmierć" train was a different aerial with masts in three rows (the middle one taller than outer ones), an original observation cuppola on the roof supporting the middle aerial, and hatches with machine gun mountings.

Flatcars:

On both ends of the armoured section there were two two-axle flatcars. Their primary function was to carry engineering materials for track repairing (tools, rails and sleepers, logs, explosives, etc). The second purpose was to protect the train against mines or a derailment. There could also be carried eg. bicycles and scout motorcycles (part of them was carried on the auxiliary train's flatcars). During march, there could be an observer upon the flatcar, operating a braking valve. Since 11 September 1939 the train nr.51 was fitted with an additional 40 mm wz.36 Bofors AA-gun, seated upon one of flatcars.

The standard flatcar was PKP (Polish State Railways) Pdkz class type C VIII (described also as Pdks class). Its weight was about 10 t, load capacity – 17.5 t, frame length – 13 m, wheelbase – 8 m. Armoured trains of the 2nd Armoured Train Unit has standard flatcars, without additional lockers.

Armoured draisines platoon:

Each armoured train, mobilized in 1939, had a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles). The train nr. 51 had a standard platoon, consisting of:
- two R type armoured draisine (Renault FT tanks on rail chassis)
- four TK type armoured draisines (tankettes on rail chassis – TK-3 in this case)

Draisines usually acted in two units, consisting of: one R and two TK draisines. All the tanks could be easily detached from their rail chassis' and then used for ground reconnaissance tasks. The fifth TK tankette was in reserve. See the details on armoured draisines page.

Administrative section:

Each armoured train, considered as a military unit, also included an unarmoured administrative or auxiliary section. The auxiliary section accompanied the combat section in operational movements and provided it with an accommodation and logistics support. It was manned by a platoon consisting of 1 officer, 21 NCOs and 26 soldiers. The length of the auxiliary train of the armoured train was about 250 m (820 ft).

The auxiliary train consisted of: an ordinary locomotive (possibly Tr11 class – kkStB 170), coaches for officers (2), box wagons for NCOs (2) and soldiers (8), an orderly wagon, ammunition wagons (2), a fuel store wagon, a technical store wagon, an ambulance wagon, a kitchen wagon, a workshop wagon, an open coal wagon, a water tanker and flatcars (5) – some 27 wagons in all^[2]. According to other sources there were only three flatcars, but also a non-regulation food store wagon and sometimes guard wagon. The coaches were three-axle Dy class, the wagons were by default two-axle adapted boxcars Kd class.

The auxiliary train also should have two wz.34 half-tracked trucks, one truck and four heavy motorcycles with sidecars CWS M-111 – carried upon three flatcars, although actual composition differed and might have contained other cars, like Polski FIAT 508/III field cars and pick-ups. Typical Polish truck was 2.5t Polski FIAT 621L (4x2). Wz.34 half-tracks were in the repair patrol, and they could be equipped with a rail-riding device, although they seem rather rare.

The gallery of "I Marszalek" wagons in Panzerzug 10b (Panzerzug 11).

All corrections and additional information or pictures are welcome

Our thanks to Krzysztof Margasiński, Stefan Zakrzewski, Jarkko Vihavainen, GPM, Artur Przeczek and Adam Jońca

Notes:

1. The use of the train by the white forces of General Denikin under the name "Dobrovolets" results from the report of the head of railways of the Polish 2nd Army, Captain Majewski. There is known a train of this name of the Armed Forces of the South of Russia, formed in July 1919 in the 3rd Kuban Railway Company, which was first named "General Geiman", and from autumn: "Dobrovolets" (volunteer). However, Russian armoured trains of the civil war period have not been described in detail in Russian literature so far (with a few exceptions) and it is not known whether this information is reliable and when "Dobrovolets" received these wagons. This train initially had a single-turret wagon, and in September 1919 it received two new wagons not described in detail, but the information in the source [16] suggests that they were single-turret wagons, like the original one. It was part of the 8th Armoured Train Division (Bronpoyediv). From 2 October it was commanded by Captain Razumov-Petropavlovsky. At the beginning of November this train fought south of Kiev and distinguished itself on 10 November 1919 near Berdichev and on 12 November near Fastiv, capturing the Bolshevik train "Vielikiy Lug" there. From 23 November it protected a bridge in Kiev. Later it received another wagon from the captured Ukrainian train "Hortytsa". In January 1920 it covered the retreat of the Whites to the south on the line: Pomichna – Birzula – Rozdilna. According to reports, it was blown up by its crew (probably only abandoned) during the retreat of the Whites on 29/30 January 1920, near Tiraspol.

2. In applications for the decoration of the train commander Bolesław Babecki with the Virtuti Militari order, it was indicated, among other things, that: as the commander of the armoured train "Strzelec Kresowy" from 28 May 1920 to 10 June 1920, he continuously and tirelessly cooperated with the infantry of the 25th Brigade in repelling the first, most ferocious attacks of Budyonny's cavalry... he made his ironclad a first-class combat unit, which rendered invaluable services in repelling the first ferocious attacks of Budyonny. On 29 May, as a result of the defeat of the 50th Kresy Rifle Regiment, he lost contact with the 45th Kresy Rifle Regiment, to which he was tactically assigned. He saves the banner of the 50th Kresy Rifle Regiment and, fighting in isolation, withdraws his ironclad to Pohrebyshche station, where he holds in check masses of the enemy, who have thrown themselves with all their might on the flank of the 25th Infantry Brigade. He fights alone, spreading terror in the enemy's ranks, which allows our reserves to occupy Pohrebyshche station and strengthen it. Thanks to the heroic attitude of the armoured train, the enemy could not take advantage of his initial victory over the 50th Kresy Rifle Regiment and the advantageous situation for him, which arose as a result of the gap between the 26th and 25th brigades. From that moment on, Lieutenant Babecki receives the most difficult and responsible tasks for his ironclad, without a moment's rest, until 10 June. Depending on the situation, it is transferred from flank to flank of the brigade, cooperates with the infantry in repelling attacks and its own counter-attacks, acts independently, patrolling continuously and breaking up enemy counter-attacks, repairs the track and bridges destroyed by the enemy and establishes contact with the division command and neighboring units... Thanks to the significant help of armoured trains "Strzelec Kresowy" and "Generał Listowski" and their truly heroic behavior, the 25th Infantry Brigade, surrounded by the enemy, without communication to the right and left, without communication with the command, maintained its front intact and repulsed all enemy attacks, with extremely bloody losses for him...

During the first battles of Rivne, he supports the units defending Rivne until the end with accurate fire of machine guns and cannons – directing the train to places most at risk and where its help was necessary. On order, almost as the last unit, he leaves Rivne, covering a withdrawal of the armoured train "Podhalanin" and the ammunition train of the 1st Legions Division, in the enemy's crossfire.... Retreating to Sarny, he meets the derailed "Podhalanin" and the ammunition train of the 1st Legions Division near Malynsk station, where the enemy has torn off the track. Despite the night and enemy attacks, he repairs the track under fire and before the enemy manages to pull up the artillery – having lifted the derailed steam locomotive of the "Podhalanin", he breaks through, effectively firing at the enemy, thus saving two armoured trains and an ammunition train from being cut off.

3. Along with the "Pierwszy Marszałek" there were withdrawn to Dęblin armoured trains: PP.19 "Podhalanin", PP.22 "Groźny" and PP.24 "Generał Śmigły–Rydz", along with other captured wide-gauge rolling stock.

Sources:
1. Janusz Magnuski: Pociąg pancerny "Danuta", series Typy Broni i Uzbrojenia (TBiU) No. 18; Warsaw 1972
2. Rajmund Szubański: Polska broń pancerna 1939; Warsaw 1989
3. Janusz Magnuski: Pociag pancerny "Śmiały" w trzech wojnach; Pelta; Warsaw 1996
4. Tadeusz Krawczak, Janusz Odziemkowski: Polskie pociągi pancerne w wojnie 1939r.; Warsaw 1987
5. Paul Malmassari: Les Trains Blindes 1826 - 1989; Heimdal Editions, 1989
6. Halina & Waldemar Trojca: Panzerzuge 1; Militaria; Warsaw 1995
7. Pociagi pancerne 1918-1943, Bialystok 1999
8. Zbigniew Damski: Zapomnianym obrońcom "ośrodka warownego Sarny"; "Żołnierz Polski" nr 37-39/90
9. Janusz Magnuski: 50 lat września - Broń pancerna; in "Wojskowy Przegląd Techniczny" nr. 9/1989
10. Grzegorz Pomorski: Pociąg pancerny PP51 "Marszałek"; in "Kartonówka" nr 3-4(5)/2002 (H0 paper model)
11. Adam Jońca: Polskie Pociągi Pancerne 1921-1939, Warsaw: Vesper, 2020
12. Michał Derela: Polski pociąg pancerny nr 51 („Pierwszy Marszałek”) in: Kampania wrześniowa 1939 roku na ziemi jordanowskiej: materiały z sympozjum naukowego, Jordanów, 3 września 2003 r. pod red. Roberta Kowalskiego. Prace Komisji Historii Wojskowości Tom II, Jordanów: Towarzystwo Miłośników Ziemi Jordanowskiej, 2003
13. Janusz Ledwoch: Polskie pociągi pancerne 1939, Tank Power vol. CXLVIII (407); Warsaw: Militaria, 2015
14. Bolesław Babecki (opr. Krzysztof Jan Margasiński): Pociąg pancerny "Pierwszy Marszałek", 2023 (unpublished yet)
15. Vryemyennoye nastavleniye bronievyh sil RKKA. Matierialnaya chast bronepoyezdov; Moscow, 1931
16. I. Girkin: Bronepoyezd "Dobrovolec". Boi pod Fastovem 12 noyabra 1919 goda in: Bielyie broniepoyezda w grazhdanskoi voinie; Moscow, 2007
17. Leszek Pszczółkowski: Bolesław Babecki w walce o granice Polski (1918-1920) in: "Reduta. Ciechanowskie pismo historyczne" nr 31-32, 2021

Update history:

2025-01-14 – major update and enhancement
2003-09-09 – history ammended, page revised
2002-04-03 – major update, page modernized and revised
2001-02-13 – major update, added a photo and the gallery, improved text
2000-05-16 – title photo replaced with a better one, and added another one
2000 – new page

Main page – Polish armour – Polish artillery – Steel Panthers – Contact

You can mail me with question or comments – corrections or photographs are welcome

	Main page » Polish armour » armoured trains » I Marszałek / Nr. 51 – Polish artillery – Steel Panthers – what's new
	© Michal Derela, 2000	Updated: 14. 01. 2025