WESTERPLATTE Meaning and
Definition
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Westerplatte is a proper noun referring to a location situated on the Baltic Sea coast in Poland. It encompasses a peninsula that separates the Vistula River from the Gdańsk Bay. The term is most commonly associated with a historical event that took place during the beginning of World War II.
As a location, Westerplatte is mainly recognized for its military significance. From 1926, it served as a coastal defense complex and played a crucial role in protecting the city of Danzig (now Gdańsk). It housed a Polish military transit depot as well as barracks and other facilities. These were heavily fortified to withstand potential attacks, featuring reinforced concrete structures and artillery positions.
The term "Westerplatte" is also linked to the Battle of Westerplatte that occurred in September 1939. This conflict marked the first engagement between Polish and German forces during World War II. It started when the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein launched an assault on the Polish garrison stationed at Westerplatte. The Poles courageously resisted the German attack for seven days, ultimately surrendering due to dwindling supplies and overwhelming enemy forces. This battle has become a symbol of Polish defiance and resistance against Nazi aggression.
In summary, Westerplatte is a location in Poland known for its historical significance as the site of the Battle of Westerplatte.
Etymology of WESTERPLATTE
The word Westerplatte has German origins and is a compound word consisting of West and Erdplatte.
West refers to the cardinal direction, indicating a western location.
Erdplatte means earth plate or land plate and is derived from the German word Platte, meaning a flat piece or slab. In this context, it refers to a strip of land.
Thus, the name Westerplatte can be understood as western strip of land or western flat piece of land.
