The preparation cycle for this undertaking lasts many weeks. First, the soldiers undergo an oxygen tolerance test at the Polish Armed Forces’ Diver and Scuba Diver Training Centre in Gdynia. Tank crews are required to have many skills: providing first aid, swimming and using underwater signals. They are tested on their knowledge of the construction and purpose of the oxygen evacuation apparatus (ATE1), in which they additionally train first on land and later in the water. The real baptism of fire is sinking inside a tank mock-up and evacuating from it.
The company commander’s task is to conduct training related to preparing a tank to cross a water obstacle and to teach driving solely on the basis of the commander’s radio commands, with the driver’s observation instruments covered.
On September 27, at the Biała Góra Training Area, tank crews from the 1st Tank Battalion of 10BKPanc began preparing the tanks to cross the water obstacle formed by the Odra River. First, the watertightness of the Leopard 2A4s’ engine compartments was checked—this is an essential condition before beginning the crossing. Next, pipes were installed to draw air into the interior and then deliver it to the engine. The drainage pumps were tested, and tow ropes were prepared for a possible evacuation in case the vehicle stopped or its interior began filling with water.
September 28 was the actual day of the crossing. It began with training in evacuating a tank immobilized while crossing the river, as well as its crew. This task was carried out by the Rescue and Evacuation Group together with the crew of a Bergepanzer technical support vehicle from the 1st Tank Battalion of 10BKPanc. After this phase was completed, the Leopard 2A4 tanks began crossing the water obstacle. Nine crews from the 3rd Tank Company took part. The crossing point was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Renart Skrzypczak, with Major Jerzy Biryłko as his deputy. The experience of the Świętoszów tank crews enabled them to cross the Odra River quickly and efficiently.
Capt. Adriana Wołyńska, 2nd Lt. Monika Wywiórka/ii