Air Raid Sirens Will Sound Across Poland for One Minute to Mark Warsaw Uprising

Air raid sirens will wail across Poland for one minute on Saturday to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, prompting warnings over potential anxiety for foreign nationals.

Historical Context and Commemoration

The Warsaw Uprising began on August 1, 1944, at 5 PM, which was designated with the cryptonym “W” (Wolność). The insurgency lasted 63 days, with approximately 30,000 soldiers of the Home Army from the Warsaw District entering the fight. The event ended with the capitulation of the insurgents, but—as indicated by the City Hall of the Capital City of Warsaw—it was the largest act of resistance of its kind in Nazi-occupied Europe.

The City Hall already took steps on Thursday to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising by placing a white and red flag with the symbol of Fighting Poland on the “Freedom Mast” located at the “Radosław” AK Group Roundabout.

Sirens Across Poland and Public Guidance

The celebrations will kick off on Saturday when—as every year at 5 PM—the sirens of the municipal alarm and warning system for the population will be activated. A continuous sound signal lasting for one minute will be emitted. The sirens will also sound in Radom, Gdańsk, Gdynia, Łomianki, Zgierz, Puck, Radzymin, Podkowa Leśna, and Jabłonowo Pomorskie, among other locations.

Both residents and tourists staying in the Polish capital will be able to stop at that time to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. Due to the current geopolitical situation, the signal may cause anxiety among people of other nationalities. Media are reporting on this event, but if we notice that the signal is worrying someone, it is worth explaining what the “W” hour is.

Course of the Warsaw Uprising

Although the Warsaw Uprising officially began at 5 PM, the first battle took place at 1:50 PM in Żoliborz, near Wilson Square. The insurgents quickly took control of strategic points, including in the Old Town, Śródmieście, Powiśle, and Czerniaków. The heroes also took control of the Polish Telephone Joint Stock Company building at 37/39 Zielna Street, capturing around 115 prisoners at that time.

On September 1, the Germans launched an assault on the Old Town, and at night, tank shells shattered Sigismund’s Column. The Germans captured the Old Town at that time, but the fighting continued until October 2, when the act of cessation of hostilities in Warsaw was signed in Ożarów. The insurgents were then recognized as prisoners of war.