Specifications
History
During the German occupation in World War II, the Polish underground Home Army needed automatic weapons to fight back. Because weapons from the outside world were scarce, Polish engineers designed their own submachine gun in total secrecy. They named it the Blyskawica, which means Lightning in Polish.
It was carefully engineered so that its pieces could be made in small, hidden workshops and bicycle repair shops without arousing suspicion. Over seven hundred of these simple guns were built right under the noses of enemy patrols. Resistance fighters made heavy use of them during the fierce street fighting of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Used In
Combat Medals & Awards
Army Medal for War 1939-1945
A service medal honoring Polish ground soldiers who fought against Nazi Germany throughout World War II.
Cross of Merit for Bravery
An honor given to security forces and soldiers who risk their lives fighting crime and defending borders.
Cross of Merit with Swords
A distinguished badge honoring brave service and duty performed under dangerous combat conditions.
Iraq Star
A modern campaign star awarded to Polish troops who deployed to support the coalition in Iraq.
Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland
A military medal awarded to long-serving soldiers who complete years of honorable service in Poland's military.
Military Cross
A bronze decoration awarded for courage during overseas peacekeeping missions and anti-terrorist operations.
Order of Virtuti Militari
This is Poland's highest military award given to brave soldiers for extreme courage in fighting the enemy.
Order of the Military Cross
A modern high order honoring soldiers for exceptional heroism and leadership in foreign military deployments.
Warsaw Uprising Cross
A commemorative medal honoring the courageous resistance fighters who battled in the 1944 Warsaw Uprising.
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