# Polish Army in France Source: https://www.polishgenealogist.co.uk/military/polish-army-in-france/ Last updated: 2026-09-29 Summary: Explore the Polish Army in France, its wartime units and the records that may help trace a relative's service during the 1940 campaign and beyond. Publisher: The Polish Genealogist (professional Polish genealogy research, polishgenealogist.co.uk) --- When discussing World War II, the contribution of the Polish Army in France is an important and often overlooked chapter. This article covers how the army was formed, where it fought and what happened to its soldiers after the fall of France. ### Formation of the Polish Army in France With the invasion of Poland in 1939, Polish forces fought valiantly against the German and Soviet armies but were eventually overwhelmed. Many Polish soldiers, however, managed to escape, and their journey led them to France. Recognising their courage and expertise, the French government agreed to the formation of a Polish army on its soil in late 1939. ### How many Polish troops fought in France? Estimates of the number of Polish troops who fought in France vary, but it is believed that between 80,000 to 100,000 Polish soldiers joined the French forces to defend their ally’s territory. These troops were part of the Polish Army in France, formed under the command of [General Władysław Sikorski](https://ipn.gov.pl/ftp/wystawy/general_wladyslaw_sikorski/wstep.html), who had become the Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile. The Polish soldiers were involved in several crucial battles during the campaign, particularly during the Battle of France in May and June 1940. One of the most notable instances of their bravery and determination was during the Battle of Montbard, where a Polish armored train named “Smok” (The Dragon) successfully engaged German forces. ### Composition and Deployment of the Polish Army in France The Polish Army in France, also known as the Polish Army in the West, consisted of various units, including infantry divisions, an armoured brigade, and an air force squadron. Despite shortages in equipment and some initial training hurdles, they were deployed in 1940 in anticipation of the German invasion. Despite their valor, the rapid advance of the German army and the eventual fall of France put an end to their resistance efforts on French soil. Many Polish troops were forced to evacuate to the United Kingdom, where they would go on to play an important part in later Allied operations, particularly during the [Battle of Britain](https://www.polishgenealogist.co.uk/military/battle-of-britain/). ### The Polish Army in the Battle of France The Polish Army played a significant role during the [Battle of France in 1940](https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-France-World-War-II). Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, they fought with tenacity and bravery. Notably, the 1st Grenadier Division made a stand at the Battle of Lille, holding off German forces and enabling the evacuation of British and French troops during the Dunkirk operation. ### How to find the records of Polish soldiers in France? In France, the [Service Historique de la Défense (SHD)](https://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/) in Vincennes retains archives of the Polish forces in France. This institution holds a vast collection of personnel files, military unit diaries, and other related documents. Another essential source is [the Sikorski Institute in London](https://pism.org.uk/). Named after Władysław Sikorski, the Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile and Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces during World War II, this institution preserves extensive archives concerning the Polish military’s activities in the West. ### Finding Records of Polish Soldiers in France For instance, the National Digital Archives of Poland (NAC) holds military and personal documents related to Polish soldiers. Similarly, [the Central Military Archive in Warsaw](https://wbh.wp.mil.pl/) preserves military documentation from the 19th and 20th centuries, including World War II. Lastly, resources such as the [International Red Cross’s International Tracing Service](https://www.icrc.org/en/document/international-tracing-service-and-icrc) can provide information about soldiers who were prisoners of war. ### Related guides - [Anders' Army Records: How to Trace Your Ancestor in the 2nd Polish Corps](https://www.polishgenealogist.co.uk/military/polish-anders-army-records/) - [Polish service records held in the UK](https://www.polishgenealogist.co.uk/military/ministry-of-defence-mod-polish-service-records/) - [A guide to Polish military records](https://www.polishgenealogist.co.uk/military/tracing-polish-military-service/) - [Haller’s Blue Army records](https://www.polishgenealogist.co.uk/military/polish-blue-army-records/) > **Research service:** Trace a relative’s Polish service in France · One person and one defined research question · [Explore military research packages](https://www.polishgenealogist.co.uk/services/polish-military-service-records-research/) --- Research help: The Polish Genealogist researches Polish family history, military service and citizenship evidence in Polish, British and international archives, with reports in English. 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