Organizacja i ochrona zaplecza wojsk polskich na Litwie i Białorusi (luty 1919-lipiec 1920)

ENAlmost throughout the entire period of the Polish-Russian war of 1919–1920 the front line ran far to the east from the central Poland. It was separated from it by vast areas devastated during World War I, populated mostly by inhabitants who were neutral or hostile to the Polish state and susceptible to Bolshevik propaganda. It was through these areas that communication and supply lines connecting the front line with the country ran. That was why the Supreme Headquarters of the Polish Forces paid a lot of attention to the organisation of the so called „staging area” in these territories and to protect it as best they could. Forces and means that were at their disposal were proportionally very small compared to the needs of the huge front line that extending from the Latvian border to the steppes of Ukraine. They were allocated in very modest amounts, because all assets of the reborn state, already devastated by the occupants, were consumed by heavily fighting front line troops. The modest staging formations, which suffered painful lack of staff, poor equipment and training, received much criticism during the war. And still, despite the heavy conditions of service, rare mentions in despatches, and lack of public opinion recognition, they were able to protect the rear of the front line and the communication lines that connected it with the country. The retreat of the Polish forces in the summer of 1920 proved a dire test for their effectiveness and endurance. It was largely thanks to the work of the staging services and troops that Polish forces managed to evacuate, despite the rapid advance of the Red Army, almost all supplies and railway rolling stock that subsequently played an enormous role during preparations for the Battle of Vistula and the Niemen Operation.