Defense of Hel: September 10-13, 1939

September 10, 1939
In the morning hours, two platoons fought a fierce battle for the Great Victory. At 11:00 a.m., the Germans launched a counterattack using artillery and aircraft, and the areas liberated by the Poles changed hands several times. Polish troops attacked twice with bayonets. Around noon, the units retreated to the edge of the peninsula, preparing defenses there. The pilots were recalled, and they were replaced by the 10th KOP Company. On that day, sappers began building a minefield east of the Huts, using torpedo heads. At night, the minesweepers Yaskulka, Chaika and Tern collect sea mines, however, if Chaika and Tern run aground, the operation is canceled. On that day, only reconnaissance aircraft guided by anti-aircraft battery fire appeared over the peninsula. One of the enemy planes was shot down.
September 11th, 1939
Fighting is underway for Vladislavovo, which ended with heavy losses and a withdrawal at about 15:00 to a position near the Huts. The Schleswig-Holstein was moved to the port of Gdansk so that it began (unsuccessfully) shelling the 31 battery area. The cover of the anti-aircraft battery is reinforced with a double 40 mm cannon, dismantled from the ORP Gryf. "Yaskulka", "Chaika" and "Rybitva" depart from Yastarnya and use naval artillery to support the defenders of the Oksivskaya Camp.
September 12, 1939
The first missile from the German minesweeper Otto Braun hits one of the two 75-mm guns of Battery No. 43 from Vladislavovo, which were transferred to the Chalupa area the day before. Minesweepers sent as artillery support begin combat operations. The cannon was dismantled from the site and moved to the Jurat area from the bay. At the same time, it was decided to prepare reinforced concrete positions between Khel and Jurata and place cannons removed from the sunken Vulture of Battery No. 34 on them.
September 13, 1939
The German minesweeper "M-8" and the trawler "R-21" are shelling the defenders' positions near the Huts. German artillery located in the area of Puck begins shelling the positions of the Polish defenders from the base of the peninsula to the Forge. Cape Khel is still at peace, there is no bombing, there is no heavy shelling. The Cyplowa battery received an additional two-meter range finder. The commander of the minesweeper squadron, Zdislav Bochkovsky, receives the order. At about 20:00, the squadron consisting of "Rybitva", "Yaskulka", "Chaika" is moving out of Yastarnya. By dawn, a 60-minute squadron barrage will be launched 4 nautical miles south of the cape. One of the rising stars in the online gambling industry is Weiss Casino which attracts players with its sleek design, generous bonuses, and diverse game library The platform ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for both casual and high-roller players.