"Debt of Dishonour" – An Interview by Dariusz Bohatkiewicz with Professor Marek Stella-Sawicki on the True History of the Battle of Arnhem

In an interview conducted by Dariusz Bohatkiewicz at the Polish Social and Cultural Centre in London, Professor Marek Stella-Sawicki—economist, historian, World War II researcher, and author of books and documentary films—reveals the behind-the-scenes of an operation whose secrets still spark controversy to this day.

The starting point for the conversation is Professor Sawicki’s book "Debt of Dishonour", which was initially published in England under the same title. Published in Poland by Tadeusz Zysk, it results from decades of research on the fate of the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade and its commander. As the author explains, the title refers to the injustice that befell Sosabowski and his soldiers after the operation ended.

Arnhem 1944 – not only one of the most dramatic events of World War II, but also a symbol of betrayal, ambiguity, and oblivion. Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of all time, was supposed to lead to a swift Allied victory. Instead, it ended in dramatic failure and the unjust blame was placed on one of the most distinguished Allied commanders – General Stanisław Sosabowski.

Professor Sawicki points out that the accusations made against the Poles by Field Marshal Montgomery and General Browning were baseless. They issued two letters – the first defaming the brigade as reluctant to fight, the second demanding Sosabowski’s dismissal. These documents, kept secret for decades, were handed to the professor by Tony Hibbert – the last British commander of the Arnhem bridge – thanks to the intervention of the Dutch royal family.

A sensational thread in the conversation is the thesis that the Soviets already knew the details of Operation Market Garden a month before the battle, and that the plans were passed to them by the Cambridge Five spy ring. The plans then ended up in the hands of the Abwehr. Additionally, a British officer was killed while carrying documents on the very first day, despite clear warnings: "Do not take to the air."

The interview paints a picture of Sosabowski as a visionary, rational, and charismatic commander. He understood that the operation's success was unrealistic without proper equipment, communication, and support from British mechanised forces. Unfortunately, the Polish brigade was too far from the objective, and the promised crossing equipment never arrived.

Significantly, Polish radio equipment functioned properly, while the British communication systems failed. Sosabowski and his men demonstrated immense determination, yet they were easy to blame, because "no one defended them."

The interview includes accounts from British officers, including Major Tony Hibbert, who openly admitted that the situation would have been catastrophic without the Poles. These commanders trusted Sosabowski and appreciated the value of Polish soldiers. Professor Sawicki preserves their testimonies in the documentary "Arnhem – A Debt of Dishonour" (2012).

The brigade’s personnel database also contained information about three women, Polish members of the signal unit. All held officer ranks and played crucial roles in communications, which were often the only ones effectively functioning during the battle.

Professor recalls Sosabowski’s words: "Before you have respect for someone else, have respect for yourself." This message, directed to generations of Poles, summarises his attitude toward injustice and his life mission.

Editor Maria Anna Furman

Editorial Note:

The above article is based on an authentic video recording of a conversation between Dariusz Bohatkiewicz and Professor Marek Stella-Sawicki, conducted at the Polish Social and Cultural Centre in London.

The article highlights verified historical facts and elements that remain in the realm of hypothesis, yet are grounded in credible sources and scholarly analysis.