SERVICE OF THE MEMBERS

of the Women’s Military Training

IN WARSAW UPRISING

st. sierż. Jadwiga Tomaszewska (z d. Podrygałło) ps. “Isia”

20 IX 1919 - 2 V 2015

Liaison Officer, “Dysk” Unit, "Radosław" Group (first half of the uprising in the ranks of the "Kryska" Group)

Born in Warsaw on September 20, 1919, she joined the Women’s Military Training in the late 1930s. In September 1939, she became a block commander for Air Defense, and after the fall of Warsaw, she cared for wounded soldiers. By the fall of 1939, she began assisting Wanda “Lena” Gertz in finding locations for underground activities, and in January 1940, she was sworn into the Union of Armed Struggle, adopting the codename “Isia.” In 1941, she completed a sabotage and diversion course. After the establishment of the Women’s Diversion and Sabotage Unit (“Dysk”), she took a driving course and completed officer cadet training, later teaching in subsequent courses. Her primary responsibility was managing and guarding a weapons depot, distributing arms and accepting combat materials with the correct password.

 

In August 1944, unable to reach her “Dysk” assembly point, she joined the “Kryska” Group. She became a special tasks liaison in the “Narew” company, adopting the codename “Przybłęda,” which was later changed to “Szczeniak.” On September 5, “Isia” returned to her original “Dysk” unit. In mid-September, while transporting her wounded father to a hospital, she was severely injured. At the end of September, she was promoted to senior sergeant cadet. She left Warsaw with the civilian population.

Decorated with the Cross of Valour, the Warsaw Uprising Cross, the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, and other decorations.

Physical Education and Field Knowledge

The basis of PWK training was physical education, aimed at promoting health consciousness and improving physical fitness. The exercise program aimed to encourage consistency and prepare individuals to conduct physical activities independently. The physical education program included physical games, gymnastics, running, jumping, team sports, such as volleyball and basketball, swimming, and athletics. Methodical training was also provided, covering principles of sports training, training hygiene, preparation for instructing others, and officiating. Archery, aimed at improving accuracy, patience, and posture, was an interesting sport included in the program.

A practical test of physical ability was participation in activities called “field service.” It consisted of elements of field knowledge, communications, field games, and camping. Its goal was to teach self-reliance, cooperation, deduction, and initiative.

Field knowledge included map reading and navigation skills, terrain sketching, and practical knowledge of terrain features. During field games, participants practised moving using terrain irregularities and lighting conditions during both day and night. The PWK members learned terrain observation skills, including estimating distances, describing observed targets, memorizing phenomena, drawing conclusions, and reporting findings. They practised moving in small teams, such as reconnaissance patrols and messenger duty, as well as camping skills, terrain security, and guard duty. Communication was another topic covered during the training. Its importance in military life was discussed, communication tools were introduced, and methods of hand signalling were taught, along with telephone operation

Liaison Officers

Maintaining communication was an important objective of insurgent units. Women often excelled in the roles of liaison officers. Their task was to convey reports and orders, both between headquarters and soldiers, and to ensure the transfer of information in specific areas, often separated by enemy-held territories. The courage and determination of the liaison officers were crucial.

To effectively carry out their assigned tasks, knowledge of Warsaw’s topography and the changes occurring with the progress of the fighting was essential. Often, the liaison officers had to rely on their own resourcefulness, intuition, and observations. Familiar with the enemy’s habits, such as meal breaks, they set out on their routes. It was not always possible to avoid shelling and difficult terrain. Open spaces were extremely problematic, making anyone within them an easy target for snipers, and debris threatened burial or serious falls.

Liaison officers often received other tasks, which they carried out when there was no need to convey orders or reports. Also, when their numbers clearly exceeded the demand, they received entirely new assignments. They often acted as guides, distributors and medics, or were involved in administrative or field support. Their comprehensive training to date was crucial in facilitating their work.

Archival photographs

  1. Jadwiga Tomaszewska-Podrygałło / Warsaw Uprising Museum
  2. Morning gymnastics at the PWK camp /General Elżbieta Zawacka Foundation
  3. Liaison officer with new orders; identified as J. Wiktorowska/public domain
  4. Czerniaków, observation post. Visible in the photo is “Isia” – Jadwiga Tomaszewska – Podrygałło / Warsaw Uprising Museum