Polish Resistance Smuggles Nazi V2 Rocket to Britain During WWII, Historian Reveals

British historian and journalist Guy Walters has unveiled a remarkable World War II story in his new book, "The Theft of Hitler's Rocket," detailing how the Polish resistance smuggled a Nazi V2 rocket to Britain. Developed by Nazi Germany and launched against London and southern England in 1944-1945, the V1 and V2 rockets were revolutionary weapons that Hitler hoped would turn the war in Germany's favor. Walters highlights the critical role of the Polish underground, tasked by British intelligence to locate a V2 rocket and send it to London for analysis.

The Polish resistance gathered extensive intelligence on the V2, including its fuel, range of over 300 kilometers, and guidance system, by observing launches and collecting missile debris. However, British officials demanded an actual rocket. In May 1944, a V2 test launched from a base in Blizna, Poland, failed to explode and landed 250 kilometers away. The resistance retrieved the rocket, hid it from the Nazis, and orchestrated a covert operation to transport it across Poland to a secret airstrip.

Amid the chaos of the Soviet advance, Nazi resistance, and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the Poles maintained communication with London. British forces flew a plane from Italy to retrieve the rocket and bring it to Britain. The operation was led by Antoni Kocjan, a brilliant glider designer who was arrested and likely executed by the Nazis around this time. His body was never found.

The story, published in the Jewish Chronicle, is praised for its detailed reconstruction and bravery of the Polish resistance. Journalist Robert Lowe expressed hope that the tale would inspire a film, noting the incredible courage and risk involved in this daring mission that remains little known outside historical circles.