Soviet Union invades Poland

Event

Sun, 09/17/1939

The Soviets and Nazi Germany had signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggresion treaty, in Moscow on 23 August 1939. The secret protocols included dividing eastern European territories into spheres of influence. Following the invasion of Poland by the Germans on 1 September, Stalin invaded Poland on 17 September. The pact was adjusted by further declarations on 28 September and 8 October and as a result the Baltic States were forced into signing the Pact of Defence and Mutual Assistance that allowed Stalin to station troops in their states.

Below: Ribbentrop, Germany's Foreign Minister, with Joseph Stalin while Molotov, the Soviet Foreign Minister, signs the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Demarcation on 28 September 1939.

THE NAZI-SOVIET COOPERATION, 1939-1941© IWM (HU 55558)

Welcome to the Virtual Military Gallery

'I turned over one poor chap on a rocky, bloody crag on Tanngoucha. He was facing the right way, the last round of a clip in the breech and three dead Germans in front of him. His name was Duff. After all is over - and the remainder of the Empire is understandably irritated with Ireland - I hope these countless Duffs, from both the North and the South, and in all three services, will be remembered.
(Brigadier Nelson Russell, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, 1942-44)

Museums

For individual museum opening times and information, please click on the relevant museum below:
- Inniskillings Museum
- Royal Ulster Rifles Museum
- Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum
- Royal Irish Regiment Museum

Research Database

We have a large archive of soldier records. Trace your military heritage through our Research Database.

Find out more

Support by

Related Content

Soviet Union invades Poland

Welcome to the Virtual Military Gallery

Museums

Research Database