Rendezvous the Vistula

BATTLE OF GERMANY (East)

Out of the westering sun, U.S. Flying Fortresses appeared over Warsaw. They had flown 900 miles from Britain, with an escort of Mustangs most of the way. Now all but a handful of the Mustangs had turned back, but fresh fighter cover was provided by the Red Air Force, flying from the east. In the clear afternoon light the Forts had little difficulty in finding the areas designated for the drops. Then they went on to a base in Russia.

The previous week, the Russians themselves had finally started to drop food and ammunition. This week they continued. And from the south came what may well have been the most useful aid: Mediterranean Air Force planes carried loads of German ammunition captured in Italy, to fit German guns captured in Warsaw.

Despite destruction, disease, famine and continued German shelling, the outlook for the Warsaw patriots under their pseudonymous commander Bor, now promoted to Major General, was improving. Crossing the Vistula under enemy fire from the bluffs, Russian units carved out a modest bridgehead on the west bank, made contact with Bor's forces.

The best indication that Warsaw could soon hope for liberation was news that the enemy had begun to prepare new defensive positions outside the city to the south and west.

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