A comprehensive mine clearance operation on the Westerplatte Peninsula has unearthed over 4,700 dangerous objects from World War II, along with nearly 3,800 historical artifacts spanning several centuries. This extensive effort was conducted under the auspices of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, shedding new light on the rich and tumultuous history of the region.
Historical Significance of Westerplatte
Situated at the mouth of the Dead Vistula on the Baltic Sea coast, Westerplatte was the site of one of the first clashes between Polish and German forces during the invasion of Poland in World War II. The Polish garrison’s heroic defense, holding out for seven days and repelling thirteen German assaults, became a symbol of Polish resistance. This battle significantly tied up German forces, preventing over 3,000 soldiers from providing support in nearby battles such as Hel and Gdynia.
The Mine Clearance Operation
The mine clearance project began in 2016 and continued over several years, covering plots 25/2, 68, and 3/5, and more recently, parts of plots 20, 24, 26, and 27. In total, specialists examined over 13.5 hectares, discovering a staggering array of dangerous objects, including three aerial bombs—one weighing 500 kg and located just 30 cm below the surface. Among the dangerous items neutralized were nearly 200 artillery shells, varying in caliber from 20 mm to 210 mm, mortar and hand grenades, fuzes, and small arms ammunition. The meticulous work ensured these hazardous remnants from past conflicts were safely removed, significantly enhancing the safety of museum staff and the numerous tourists visiting Westerplatte.
Discovery of Historical Artifacts
Alongside the explosives, the clearance operations also uncovered an impressive collection of historical artifacts. Nearly 3,800 items related to the history of Westerplatte from the 18th century to the post-war period were found. These included cannonballs and musket balls from the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1738) and the Napoleonic period (1799-1815), coins, decorative stove tiles from the resort period, and numerous artifacts from the era of the Depot’s operation and defense, such as uniform elements, weapons, railway infrastructure parts, and lead seals securing WST facilities.
Coordination and Final Phase
The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple entities. Soldiers from the 43rd Naval Sapper Battalion, the Engineer Battalion Company from the 2nd Sapper Regiment from Kazun Nowy, and specialists from private companies worked under archaeological supervision to ensure both the safe removal of dangerous objects and the documentation of historical finds.
The final stage of the operation, conducted from March 19-29, 2024, covered an additional 2.5 hectares to a depth of at least 30 cm. During this phase, 49 dangerous objects were discovered and neutralized, and over 180 historical artifacts were documented.
Conclusion
The mine clearance operation on Westerplatte Peninsula not only ensured the safety of the area but also brought to light a treasure trove of historical artifacts that enrich our understanding of the region’s past. The heroic defense of Westerplatte during World War II and the subsequent discoveries made during the clearance project underscore the enduring significance of this site in Polish and world history. The efforts of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk and the various teams involved in the clearance operations have preserved a crucial part of history for future generations to explore and learn from.