Original subtitles

Westerplatte. A peninsula at the entry to Gdansk Harbor.

A Polish ammunition depot in the Free City of Gdansk,

established by a resolution of the League of Nations.

It's crew, one infantry company and a group of civilian workers.

A total of 182 people.

The only Polish guard-post at the mouth of the Vistula.

Five outposts, one field cannon, two anti-tank guns, four mortars.

Westerplatte was the first obstacle to Hitler's predatory march across Europe.

The first shots of World War II were fired here.

Attention! Slope arms!

Present arms! Look right!

Colonel, sir! Ensign Gryczman reports the crew ready for inspection.

Thank you.

Hello, boys!

Welcome, Colonel, sir!

Put them at ease.

Attention! Slope arms!

Rest arms! At ease!

-Flu? -Yeah, damn it!

During building of the fortifications, Colonel.

Nights are cold and the Lieutenant works with the men. He got wet.

-Take a drink and stay in bed. -Yes, that's the best way.

-Anything with your coffee? Liqueur, Cognac? -Cognac.

The old German battleship Schleswig-Holstein is still here. Do you know when it will leave?

They say it needs repairs. It's a pretext, of course.

What about my operating table?

Nothing's changed. It's still in customs. We can't get it out.

It all looks very suspicious.

It looked as ominous in March, but it dissipated.

It was different then. Now we're faced with an ultimatum.

A corridor. Gdansk, Poznan, Upper Silesia.

No room for a compromise here.

-Hitler likes to bluff. -But not with us.

We must understand our situation.

I think we can hold them off for 12 hours.

Even longer, If necessary.

We prepared for a 6 hour defense in case of a local coup d'etat.

Now we should prepare for an out-and-out war.

Is the High Command aware of our capabilities?

That old battleship has as much firepower as a heavy artillery division.

And what do we have? One field cannon.

They won't forget about you.

Well..., gentlemen...

-I'll go set the guards, Major. -Go ahead.

I'm on the first-name basis with everyone. Except you, my boy.

That's right, Colonel.

I was told you had an ailing mother.

Yes.

-Give me her address. -Why would you need that?

Who was the goal-keeper in the game against Hungary?

-Krzyk. -Here you are.

-Are you crazy? Krzyk? -Krzyk. From the Czestochowa brigade.

Did you hear that, Baran?

-Put it down! -You'll miss, anyway.

Do you recall how it was with Klaypeda?

Torpedo boats at the entry to the port. Maneuvers in the city.

Everyone thought it's now.

And what happened? Zilch!

They saw we weren't scared and left us alone.

But did you see, Soboczinski?

In the past he'd always joke around.

But today? "Hello boys" and that was it.

I have to be off, gentlemen.

You should sleep here. Hitler likes odd-numbered days.

The devil only knows what might happen.

Sure. No trains will be leaving anyway. The harbor is empty.

To each his own. Good night.

-What is, what is...? -Don't worry...

My dear...

Come in.

-Sit down. -All outposts are in order.

The Schleswig was towed inside. Nothing's left in the harbor.

Maybe it won't happen today.

I must tell you that I felt uneasy during the colonel's visit.

Now I'm calm again.

What are you thinking about?

That the forest in front of The Ferry is too thick.

It will impede fire in the direction of the railway gate.

But Szamlewski and The Fort post are there.

They won't be able to hold for very long.

The Germans will also attack from the beach...

...and our other positions are too spread out.

In fact, all we have is the ring formed by the Outposts...

but by then they will be already at the barracks.

We can't move the damn peninsula to the middle of the sea.

Too bad.

Call me if anything happens.

OK.

This is The Marina. The Germans seem to be leaving the harbor.

Yes, sir. I'm watching.Yes, sir. I'm watching. I'll keep reporting.I'll keep reporting.

Szamlewski.

Aren't you afraid of staying here alone, Mr. Najsarek?

-Why should I be afraid? -The war is coming.

Idle talk. I've been listening to Warsaw.

They say tension will be easing off. There will be negotiations.

-Good night, Mr. Najsarek. -Good night.

Did you apply for pass to Gdynia on Sunday?

The chief won't let me go. I've screwed up a weapon inspection.

That's too bad. I met a girl.

Not too tall, Blacky. She said she'd bring a girlfriend.

Quiet.

You really don't know how well I take care of you. Look what I brought.

It's only between you and me.

Field rations.

-No war. No booze. -Then let's shoot.

Not from this rifle.

How is it, Gryczman? Everything OK?

Yes, Major. I've checked all the positions.

Zieba reported seeing patrols on the other side.

Corporal! A pistol shot in the direction of the railway gate.

Don't touch that.

-Who was firing? -In the forest. A rifle shot.

-Baranski reported a pistol shot. -Maybe pistol. Could be the echo on the sea.

Outpost 1. They've heard a shot too. From the canal. OK. Thanks.

Outpost 5. Yes, I'm receiving. By the railway gate?

A rifle or a pistol?

They all say something different.

Ensign Gryczman has sent the HMG to the forward position.

It's Outpost 2. One moment.

Corporal Grudzinski wants to speak with you, Major.

Yes, I know about the shot. It was reported by the other outposts.

A gun? What kind?

What color uniforms!?

Green? Yes, police reserves.

Report at once, if you'll see anything new.

Switch to "announce".

This is your commander. A watch alert at all positions.

Report anything suspicious at once. Do not succumb to provocation.

Well, one more night without an incident.

-Yes... Assemble the men. -Yes, sir.

Lopatniuk called to say we should abandon the position.

Tell him we have to finish the emplacements.

-But... -Tell him I know when to get back!

-But it's the major's order. -Leave your tools! We're off!

Baran!

-Inspect the positions. -OK.

Run to your positions!

I can hear! Turn on the alarm!

Take it easy. It's nothing. It's war.

Tell Grabowski to roll out the cannon.

Yes, sir.

What?

What's happening?

What is it?

To your positions!

HMG downstairs!

I won't be able to fight without a helmet.

Here you are.

Go left! Into the woods!

Push it up!

Baran!

-Wladek, go back. -Yes, sir.

Dominiak! Cover the left flank!

Take up your positions when the shelling subsides!

-Fire at my command! -Yes, sir.

What is it? Why are you shaking? You came here to fight!

Wait.

Najsarek.

Grenades! We're falling back!

The lighthouse straight ahead. HMG in the main window!

I see the target.

Armor-piecing round, short fuse, sight 400!

Sight 400!

Fire!

Everything's OK, boys. I just spoke to Captain Dabrowski. The Germans took a beating.

A whole bunch of them are piled up in front of The Ferry.

Well done, boys. Just few more hours.

-Lieutenant, sir. Ensign Gryczman... -Hang on.

Schupo Outpost.

-Destroy with the grenades bundle. -OK.

Take him away when things calm down.

Kowalczyk!

Take two volunteers and get rid of that son of a bitch!

Yes, sir.

Let them come closer!

Sir! Ships!

Help is coming, boys! The British!

The British!

Well?

Mortar fire on the wall!

At once!

Bieniasz! All mortars fire ahead of The Ferry!

Sight 6,40!

Four quick bursts! Fire!

Hello?! The Ferry?! Hello?! Hello?!

Yes, Major! This is Pajak. Attack repelled.

Take cover!

Now.

-He got shot again! -How can we carry him?

Leave me here.

Krzak didn't come back.

What do you know?

Keep firing as long as you can, then fall back to Outpost 1.

Yes, sir!

This is The Ferry. Lieutenant Pajak. I'm preparing the outpost...

Gryczman!

Take command, Gryczman, try to save the men.

Faster!

-Are you wounded, Ensign? -The Germans!

The Germans are right behind us!

Faster, God damn it!

Get going!

Faster! Faster!

Give me that!

Short bursts!

We need to operate. But with what?

-Mr. Szwedowski. Boil some water. -Maybe we should wait?

Maybe the assault they promised from Gdynia will come after all.

Then there will be chance to send the wounded to a hospital.

Don't be afraid. You'll live

Password?

Krakow.

Major, sir. Sergeant Gawlicki at your orders.

How's the power plant?

It's OK. There was some fire from the sea, but it missed us.

I have a job for you. Loosen the rail tracks in front of Outpost 5.

-Get help from the barracks. -Maybe we should just blow them up?

-Got any mines? -No.

-Then execute. -Yes, sir.

Sucharski. Boats? OK. I'll get them identified.

Outpost 2. Send out patrols along the canal to The Marina.

There seem to be some boats there. Report.

Do you think they've got some food at The Marina?

Ask them. Maybe they will share with us.

-Yes, sir. -Be careful.

They're moving toward the harbor.

-Should we open fire? -Wait.

We need to report back.

Stradomski! Grenades, fast!

All the time I was afraid that they'd be using tanks.

Rusted junk though the poison ivy here is the worst, damn it.

Wait, I've got something for that.

It cures everything.

After drinking this, you'll be able to sleep even while standing up.

Have some.

Attention! Attention! They're coming.

47 - 23 - 18.

Attention! Attention! They're coming.

Sir! They've brought some ammunition.

Is that all?

You have to conserve it.

Here's some rations. One can for three men.

I've got three new men. Nothing for the machine gun.

We brought all the ammo they gave us.

I've got a few magazines for this weapon.

It's still not enough.

Tell Piotrowski that it will be his fault if the Germans get through.

Why weren't we given artillery support from Hel?

It's too far.

But they could have sent some planes.

I hope they will send help today.

They're coming.

Be careful for Christ's sake!

Sadowski! Go to Outpost 5!

Did you get wounded?

Calm down, man!

-He fell down on me dead. -Who?

It's his blood.

One of the new guys fell down on me.

Calm down.

Take it easy, boys.

I'm wounded in the head!

You've been sleeping, you idiot

-Where is it coming from? -Hel and the Oksywie battalion.

Relief operations?

Terrible transmission. Only shreds of a communique from Warsaw.

Westerplatte is still fighting...

and the Commander-in-Chief congratulates his men.

They think we should have all been killed by now.

Get some rest while it's quiet. You haven't slept for two nights.

Tell the men the C-in-C has congratulated them.

Go to sleep.

Erys! Erys!

Take a pee, Erys.

He's too scared.

Get him to run around a bit, Aniolek.

Catch!

Ours?

German. Come to see if we are still alive.

Let's see.

Not bad.

I've used it against the Germans already.

Come on. You'll get a drink for that.

They look weird.

Maybe British?

Everyone downstairs!

-What about the outposts? -Cables are all cut.

Codes, Codes!

-Make a fire! -The chimney is gone, Major.

Then on the floor!

Stop!

Where are you running to?

Grabowski!

Open it!

Open it, God damn it!

It won't move!

-This is the end! -Gas!

What gas?!

I've got no mask and I'm alive! Calm down!

Magdziarz!

Outpost 5 destroyed! Everybody's dead. Everybody's dead.

Can you walk?

Go to the barracks and report to the Major.

Tell them to send me a carpenter.

-They're gone. -Now the assault will come.

We'll set up defenses in the barracks.

With what?

Petzelt.

There's someone inside.

Edek!

Edek! It's us! Friends.

-I made you some tea, Major. -Thanks.

Szwedowski boiled some water.

-Your wife will be proud of you, Aniolek. -Not really, Major.

-Do you have a girlfriend? -Not really.

My father's farm is small, girls don't really flock to me.

-You know how it is in the country? -Yes, I know.

There is one I like. I'll get her when I make some money.

I made a deal with a guy in our regiment in Kielce.

He has a barber shop.

I'll be helping him out and make a decent living.

As soon as we get rid of the Germans I'll move to the city.

You think we'll get rid of them?

Of course. We're fighting on the side of the truth.

Make some tea for the captain too.

Yes, sir.

I filled the hole in Outpost 5 with the HMG.

I've sent Baran with five men.

It's strange they haven't attacked yet.

Attack right after the air raid and that would be the end of us.

I don't understand it either. What are they waiting for?

Probably for us to surrender. This silence is their question.

We'll answer when they attack us.

This broken contact with headquarters is very annoying.

We were supposed to hold for 12 hours.

-What do want to do? -I'm responsible for the men.

People are dying.

We're supposed to set an example, right?

After 20 years of freedom we should give up in two days?

We, the officers?

Our men are not thinking about giving up.

They are ready to die. Just peasants.

I'm just a peasant too.

It's a matter of effectiveness.

We don't know what's happening on the front.

If they knew that our continued resistance was meaningful...

Outpost 2.

Get the telephone operators.

We need to re-establish contact with the Outposts.

This is Outpost 2.

They're firing but too far behind.

Thank you. We can use some coffee.

Yes, sir. We can hold on without reinforcements.

We got hit! Right in the corner!

Coffee is coming.

-In here. -Pour it carefully but quickly.

-You're in a hurry? -I sure am.

You're not the only ones getting coffee. I've got to take it to the others too.

Drink it.

I guess you'll get a new uniform now. Yeah, a totally new one.

Iodine, pyramidone, aspirin, sleeping pills. That's all I have.

Leon...

It's gangrene.

-What's with him? -A wall fell down on him.

What do you want, son?

He's asking for a rifle.

Hand it over.

Stop it, for Christ's sake.

Stop shooting! You're just wasting ammunition?

You should take a nap, Ensign.

-The church bell. -It's Sunday.

They're calling Mass and we haven't even shaved.

They're yelling something.

Maybe Hitler has come to Gdansk.

Quiet!

Major, sir! England and France have declared war!

Let's go!

In the face of overwhelming enemy forces...

supported by tanks, heavy artillery and aircraft...

our troops have been compelled to retreat from Silesia.

Westerplatte is still fighting.

The Commander-in-Chief congratulates our heroic army.

What's going on?! Why aren't you shooting?!

Three days under fire. No sleep. No water. We ought to be replaced.

There's no one to replace you!

There are enough of them in the barracks. It's just that nobody wants to take the risk.

Go back to your positions!

Let's go.

Now!

I'm asking your opinions.

I understand your intentions, Major.

Sometimes resistance is pointless.

But are we in this situation now?

Or are we living a crisis that will pass?

Today England and France have joined the war.

It's hard for me to say anything.

My task is to oversee equipment.

Now that the power plant is gone, it's all pointless.

Those who are fighting, those in our outposts should talk.

To me, it seems too early to be talking about giving up.

We're deliberating about surrendering...

while our men worry only about having enough ammunition.

We still have ammunition, gentlemen.

As for our situation. Oksywie is still fighting and so is Hel.

We are tying up considerable enemy forces including the Schleswig.

No need for philosophy here! Any peasant can see how it is!

So...How is it then?

I believe that a continued defense is fully justified.

I agree with Lieutenant Grodecki and Captain Dabrowski.

But I must speak as a medical officer, responsible for the wounded.

If we decide to continue fighting. I won't be able to save these men.

Nobody wants to die, but if it comes to that...

Repeat the last communique.

There is fighting on the outskirts of Krakow.

Armored divisions are closing on Warsaw from the north.

The coastline is cut off.

We did what we could.

I can see that most of you are more optimistic than I am.

I hope you're right.

Thank you, gentlemen.

The men would never forgive us.

Major...

Who gave you permission to leave your post?!

Major, I know it's hard to get replacements,

But my men are tired, mentally exhausted.

I..., A few wanted to run back to the barracks

You see what's going on?

The squad is short of men. Nobody has been replaced.

I know.

Hear that?

Go back. I can't do anything for you now.

Lieutenant. We have wounded.

You wanted to go to the barracks?

Take him and you can stay there with him.

Captain, sir! Ensign Bartoszak...

Ensign Bartoszak reports his arrival.

What's this about?

-I came to see the Major. -He's asleep.

Tell me or come back later.

But it's an important matter.

How are things at your post?

Everything's in order, Major.

I didn't come to ask for replacements.

Listening.

I've heard that we've lost contact with headquarters.

I could swim to Gdynia and ask for help.

Thank you, but no. The Germans are patrolling the sea.

It's dark, Major. I could manage.

Request denied.

Captain, sir.

He was hit in the neck.

Let's go back.

It's not because I'm afraid, Chief. It's this damned canned food.

Where's Krzak?

Come.

The British will be here soon.

Sure, sure. Any time now.

Where are your helmets?!

Move the HMG to the east side.

Outpost 2 is barely holding out. The barracks are directly threatened now.

Yes, sir.

Gryczman called. The attackers are not the police but the Wehrmacht.

Do you have enough grenades?

A whole case, Major.

Possible imminent assault at Outpost 2.

Take the LMG from Luczynski and set up a position here.

Yes, Major.

Bring more!

Damn it! I'm weak as a baby!

It was supposed to last 12 hours and how long has it been?

-Four or five days? -Four.

-I think five. -Four.

Sunday was yesterday. Remember the church bells?

-And still no help. -I guess they couldn't send any.

If that was when the British made their move...

...they should be here soon.

Berlin.

Use the cartridges sparingly, son.

Major, sir. Captain Slaby says the wounded must be evacuated.

-We're buried! -Calm down, god damn it!

-Leave it! What are you doing? -The HMG must go upstairs!

Wait! Wait! Are you crazy?!

-What's he saying? -Katowice and Sieradz have fallen.

-Goebbels' propaganda. -Try to get Warsaw.

Warsaw?

This is Warsaw.

6,000 rounds for the entire company.

All belt ammo has been used up.

There are no reports from the outposts.

Defensive grenades have been used up.

We still have 5 cases of offensive grenades,

40 anti-tank rounds

-Handguns? Rocket launchers? -No.

29 wounded. 11 seriously, 2 hopelessly, no medical supplies.

Enemy engineers were seen at work yesterday.

The Germans are bringing in fresh units.

Every day makes our situation more difficult.

We can't count on any outside help.

We must decide now.

I'm taking full responsibility.

We all know the situation.

But the whole country knows that Westerplatte is still holding on.

And maybe that's the most important thing.

If we surrender, the Germans will massacre us.

I was in Verdun, Lieutenant. In the Prussian Army.

The Germans don't do such things.

The Germans you knew were different.

I was at Gdansk Polytechnikal Institute. I know them. The Nazis.

This is not a usual war. No room for negotiations here.

We were the first to resist and we should set an example to the very end.

Take it easy. We're talking about our military situation.

We're talking about our lives!

-Tanks? -Quiet.

They won't get through. The tracks are wrecked.

Aim at the center.

Fire!

The Germans had to retreat. They were stopped by the fire.

They fouled up their own assault.

Westerplatte is still holding on. Maybe someone will hear about it.

Like anyone else could...

Dabrowski. Yes, I hear you.

Rygielski is asking for HMG ammo.

Tell him something. Let him hear your voice.

Sucharski. I ordered Piotrowski to prepare the belts.

I'll send you as many as I can before nightfall.

Hang on there.

We've got to decide about Outpost 2. They won't hold on much longer.

They should fall back.

Too risky.

They're being fired from all directions.

I thought about doing it at night.

We can expect a barrage of fire between Outpost 1 and The Marina.

You don't believe we have a chance, do you?

And you?

In any case, something needs to be done.

I don't have the courage to say "It's enough".

-Bronek. -What is it?

Tell him something. I allowed him to take off his boots and he's undressed again.

-Get dressed! -I don't give a shit.

Do you hear me? Get dressed! You must be ready.

Ready? To die? I can die in my underwear.

Get dressed! Put on your boots!

I haven't take them off for a week. God damn it.

Nobody has.

-Why aren't you shooting?! -They're firing at the window!

Get some sandbags!

Here you are. Shoot.

Wake up, man!

What's with you? Don't scream!

Stop it!

Stop yelling!

Outpost 2 is being destroyed, Major.

Hang up a white flag.

No more consultations.

Hang up a white flag!

We've lost contact, Lieutenant.

Go to the barracks and report that there are no casualties and the assault is repelled.

Corporal!

Corporal!

-I'll go out to take a look. -You'll get shot.

The Germans.

Anyone in there?

Anyone in there?!

Get out! We are surrendering!

I'm not going to surrender!

What do you mean? Who sent you?

Major's order.

Lieutenant!

The Major ordered us to hang it up.

Go and tell the Major I require a confirmation of his order!

Lieutenant Kregielski wants a written confirmation.

Tell him to calm down. No time for formalities.

Lieutenant!

Lieutenant!

What do we do with the weapons?

Do what you want.

There was no order to destroy so we will not destroy.

Ensign Gryczman reports abandonment of Outpost 1.

Assemble the men.

Assemble in a double row! Execute!

Attention!

Friends! I made this difficult decision...

...believing that further resistance is hopeless.

And that I have no right to continue risking your lives.

Poland will need you alive.

You have fulfilled your soldierly duty with honor.

Thank you.

I am handing the command over to Captain Dabrowski.

At ease!

You'll come with us.

Stop! Hands up!

We are envoys, Lieutenant.

Your man took our personal belongings.

Return them at once!

This is Major Sucharski. Commandant of Westerplatte.

Lt. Col. Henke.

Congratulations, Major.

He's asking what has compelled us to surrender whether it was their last assault?

No.

We repelled the last assault.

May we visit your "stronghold"?

There they are, the bandits!

He's asking if it was worth fighting so long?

Close up!

THE END