Together against the Bolsheviks : German attempts to collaborate with the Home Army in the second half of 1944 as illustrated by the Miechów Home Army Inspectorate

The tactics used by the German occupiers in the second half of 1944 to persuade the Home Army to join forces against the Soviets is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and still little-known episodes in the history of the Polish Underground State. These efforts, although clearly delayed and treated with great distrust by the majority of Home Army soldiers, were nevertheless a fairly common phenomenon. The German strategy, although inconsistent and full of contradictions, could in some situations be met with favorable attitudes of the underground army officers, especially if they were already involved in conflicts with the Soviet partisans and communist groups. The Home Army soldiers were undoubtedly tempted by the prospect of personal safety, limiting repressions against the civilian population or by the promise of weapon supplies. However, no one was under the illusion that the German proposals resulted from goodwill – it was understood that the only reason for seeking alliance with the Poles was the dramatic situation on the eastern front.