Polish forces predictably beat Teutons at 20th Grunwald battle reenactment
The Polish-Lithuanian army on Saturday, just like 607 yrs ago defeated the Teutonic Knights on the north Poland's Grunwaldzkie fields. Over 1,000 volunteers from Europe took part in the reenactment of the famous battle. They were watched by 75,000 spectators.
The reenactment - staged for the 20th time - included, as always, the key moments of the battle, such as: the gifting by the Teutonic Knights of two bare swords to the Polish-Lithuanian army before the fighting; the Polish side losing, and then regaining its main banner during battle; and the slaying of the Teutonic Grand Master, which effectively secured victory for the Polish-Lithuanian side.
But organisers also try to surprise the audience with something new every year. This time, the reconstruction comprised events from before the battle itself, such as when the Teutonic Knights captured and set alight a borderland village. This year there were also fewer educational events (in the past, they included e.g. tactical lectures).
During the battle itself, foreign guests fought on both sides. Some of the German participants, for example, joined the Polish forces. As always, the reenactment was exciting and action-packed, including attacks of the sorcerers, charges of the horsemen, salvos from the simple shotguns of the period.
The battle was professionally directed. Unit commanders on both sides were in contact with the director through two-way radio, modyfying the movements of their charges.
The reenactment, despite its massive audience, was entirely peaceful, a spokeswoman for the local police station in the town of Ostroda, told PAP.
Saturday's events also included the Grunwald roll-call on Monument Hill, attended by authorities, a contingent of the Polish Army, as well as Poland's boy scouts, taking part in their annual Grunwald Rally.
The events are part of the Grunwald Days which extend through Sunday, featuring knightly contests, showcases and concerts. Participants can also visit a knightly camp and a village of artisans and merchants. The latter contains stalls with replicas of the medieval armoury, clothing and footwear, as well as other historical paraphernalia. (PAP)
NOTE: The Battle of Grunwald, also known as the Battle of Tannenberg, was fought on July 15, 1410 during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led by King Wladyslaw Jagiello of Poland and Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas, won a decisive victory over the German–Prussian Teutonic Knights led by Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen. (PAP)
