WWII: Outbreak | Britain on the brink of World War II

When War Came to Poland

A reporter remembers Poland in the summer of 1939.

CHANNEL | Radio 4

FIRST BROADCAST | 21 June 1974

DURATION | 9 minutes 12 seconds

FIRSTBROADCAST

1974

Synopsis

William Forrest was a newspaper journalist staying in Warsaw when Germany invaded. He was one of the few to meet the significant people and witness the historic events surrounding the outbreak of the war. From observing the build-up of troops on the border to enduring heavy bombing raids, this account shows what it was like to be in Poland as war began.

Did you know?

John F Kennedy was in Warsaw in the summer of 1939 as part of a European tour and William Forrest encountered him at the US Embassy there. Kennedy's Harvard University thesis on Britain's involvement in the Munich Agreement was based on research carried out during this tour and was later published as a book titled 'Why England Slept' (1940). Its foreword by Henry R Luce warned the USA about the dangers of not being prepared for war.

Associated subjects

Home Front | Poland | World War II

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Programmes in Wartime Committee document.

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What will the BBC's role be during war?

The BBC 'War Book' on air raid warnings.

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The BBC 'War Book' on Variety Programmes.

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Plans for variety programmes during wartime.

A report on the BBC's defence plans in the event of war.

The BBC 'War Book': Defence

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A memo on how the 'Radio Times' would continue during wartime.

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Document with instructions for the News Department on the Outbreak of War (page 1 of 2).

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'Radio Times': Programmes for September 3-9.

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Memo Regarding the Protection of Broadcasting House.

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Reply to Memo Regarding the Protection of Broadcasting House.

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Galleries

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Outbreak of War

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