Flames of War Polish forces are back in the Early War spotlight.
However, this preview is not just nostalgic 1939 flavor. Instead, it shows an army with clear strengths and real limitations. For Early War players, that makes the Poles immediately interesting. This article is a summary of a Breakthrough Assault preview found here.
Polish Lists Offer Cheap Aggression, Strong Infantry, and One Very Tempting Train
The Polish army is presented as solid, straightforward, and characterful rather than full of strange special rules. Since the old V3 Blitzkrieg material is returning first as a free PDF, players can try the lists before they later fold into the Early War Barbarossa Eastern Front book. On the table, the big themes are aggressive troops, fairly cheap units, lots of artillery, limited high anti-tank, small but usable tanks, and, yes, an armored train.
The 7TP JW Tank Company is the main armored formation, bringing Early War-standard armor and an AT6 gun, though Aggressive ratings mean players must manage exposure carefully. However, a 3+ Remount and Last Stand help offset that fragility.
The Motorised Cavalry Squadron is really elite infantry rather than horsemen, with Careful, Fearless, Veteran troops, but its lack of in-formation mortars hurts. Meanwhile, the Rifle Company is cheaper and more flexible, with infantry, HMGs, anti-tank guns, 81mm mortars, 76mm artillery, motorcycle scouts, and situational Night Attack.
The Cavalry Regiment is the coolest flavor piece, offering 17 stands for 15 points and scary assaults that hit on 2s when charging. Still, being Aggressive makes reaching combat risky. Support options include Renault FTs, R35s, armored cars, and excellent 75mm artillery with Quick Fire. That 75mm battery looks especially important, because Polish anti-tank struggles above AT8. The armored train is gorgeous and cinematic, but probably fragile and awkward unless used carefully as artillery.
Finally, Command Cards add tankette, R35, Renault FT, and armored car formations, plus sappers, heavier guns, veteran train upgrades, and named character tricks. Overall, this feels like a dependable army with great infantry, flavorful cavalry, and artillery that must carry the anti-tank load.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, the Poles look like a fun Early War force with real historical personality. They should fight Germans well and enjoy British matchups. However, heavier French armor and future Soviet heavies may become a serious problem.
