The V-1 and V-2 Rockets
The Polish Home Army discovered the existence at Peenemunde, Hitlers secret Wunderwaffe, " Wonder
Weapons", the V-1 and V-2 rockets, the forerunners of todays cruise missles. Polish Intelligence reports
about these findings were recorded on microfilm and smuggled to London by Polish Underground couriers.
During one of its test flights, a V-1 rocket crashed into the River Bug, but had not exploded. Before the
Germans could get to it, the Poles found the wreckage,and shipped its parts to London the very next day.
On August 17, 1943, Great Britain dispatched a fleet of RAF bombers and destroyed the entire installation at
Peenemunde. It did not crush Hitlers rocket production, but only delayed it. The first flying bombs were
launched against London on June 12, 1944 and lasted for several months. The last V-1 salvo was fired on
London March 28, 1945. Vast areas of London were destroyed. About 10,000 people were killed.
Polish pilots however found a unique way to disable the V-1 and V-2 rockets. Their Spitfires were fast enough
to keep up with the rockets. They were able to fly slightly beneath them, and by lightly tipping them off balance,
were able to disrupt its internal guidance system.
