Researchers who reverse-engineered the V-1 and V-2 rockets were honored

During World War II, the Germans were working on a new type of weapon—V-1 and V-2 rocket missiles. Tests involving these weapons were conducted in the town of Peenemünde, about 45 km from Świnoujście, where the German rocket research center was located. The Home Army intelligence sent scouts from the “Lombard” network to the area to investigate the matter. The reports they transmitted were analyzed by the Bureau for Industrial Studies within Section II (Intelligence) of the Home Army General Staff, where the Aviation Department was headed by glider constructor Antoni Kocjan. His associate was Stefan Waciórski, who completed his degree at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Warsaw University of Technology while working in the underground resistance. Reports concerning German rocket weapon tests were regularly sent to London. As a result of these efforts, on the night of August 17–18, 1943, the British bombed the Peenemünde base, causing a six-month delay in the German rocket program. This also spared London from significantly greater destruction.

The Home Army intelligence continued to closely monitor German activities. In the autumn, the Germans relocated their proving ground to Blizna, a village situated between Mielec and Dębica. On May 20, 1944, when an unexploded V-2—the first ballistic missile—fell near the town of Sarnaki on the Bug River, the Home Army managed to quickly recover, hide, and then transport it to Warsaw. It was here that Prof. Marceli Struszyński, acting on the instructions of Prof. Józef Zawadzki, carried out
a chemical analysis of the liquid extracted from the rocket. Prof. Janusz Groszkowski, one of Europe’s leading specialists in radiotechnology, determined the structure and parameters of the transmitter and receiver systems. He used his knowledge and experience, including in intercepting and analyzing radio waves, which enabled the reverse-engineering of the guidance systems of the V-1 and V-2 rockets. Stefan Waciórski, MSc, prepared detailed documentation of the rocket’s engine and components, as well as a full report on the missile. In addition, Prof. Bohdan Stefanowski served as a consultant on the rocket engine's operating mechanism and the analysis of its performance parameters. The rocket fragments, along with complete documentation prepared by researchers from the Warsaw University of Technology, were handed over to the British, who transported them to London.

The support of researchers from the Warsaw University of Technology not only made it possible to understand how this new type of weapon worked, but also allowed for the early planning of measures to counter its use. It also enabled better strategies to protect civilians and infrastructure, such as the placement of radar stations and anti-aircraft batteries in the United Kingdom. According to data from The National Archives, between June 1944 and March 1945, a total of 6,725 V-1 rockets were launched toward the UK, of which 3,500 were successfully intercepted. Over 1,000 V-2 rockets also struck Britain, but due to their speed and lack of warning sound, defending against them was nearly impossible. However, thanks to the work of Polish researchers, the British were able to predict the flight paths of these rockets and identify potential launch sites, which could then be targeted for bombing.

In 1981, writer Maria Kann proposed the erection of a monument to commemorate Antoni Kocjan, his closest associate Stefan Waciórski, and professors of the Warsaw University of Technology. Since the reverse-engineering of the V-1 and V-2 rockets was led by engineers and professors affiliated with the university, it was decided that the monument would be placed near WUT’s Main Building. It was officially unveiled on November 30, 1991, in front of the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology at the Warsaw University of Technology. The unveiling was performed by Maria Terajewicz, the sister of Stefan Waciórski, who was killed during the Warsaw Uprising. On the main wall of the monument is an inscription proposed by Maria Kann: “Through the strength of Polish science and the courage of society, the secret of the V-1 and V-2 was uncovered during the Home Army operations in the years 1942–1944, contributing to the victory in World War II.” On the side wall, the names of Warsaw University of Technology researchers who took part in the operations are listed: “Leaders of the V-1 and V-2 operations: Antoni Kocjan, Stefan Waciórski, ‘Lombard’ Intelligence Group, professors of the Warsaw University of Technology who conducted research: Janusz Groszkowski, Bohdan Stefanowski, Marceli Struszyński, Józef Zawadzki.”