Jasło. In March KOP reached the peak of its strength. However, soon the formation started to be stripped of various units sent to the western border. At first four infantry battalions and most of the artillery were sent to Łódź area. Soon they were joined by the KOP cavalry regiment. In April three additional battalions were sent to the West and in May yet another battalion was sent to Hel, Poland. Although most of the units were later reconstructed at the eastern border, their combat value was much lower. The recruits lacked experience and training and the units of KOP were deprived of almost all heavy weaponry. On August 30 the KOP was formally mobilised. General Wilhelm Orlik-Rückemann became its commander. According to the Polish plans for the forthcoming war, the KOP was to become the backbone of reserve divisions formed behind the Polish lines. September Campaign In the fight against the German invasion, KOP units took part among other battles in the battle of Węgierska Górka. After Soviet invasion on 17 September, Korpus Ochrony Pogranicza which had 25 battalions were unable to defend the eastern border and were further ordered by Edward Rydz-Śmigły to fall back and not to engage the Soviets. This however did not prevent some clashes and small battles, including Battle of Szack (28 September) and Battle of Wytyczno (1 October). Commanders gen. dyw. Henryk Minkiewicz płk Stanisław Tessaro (since April 8, 1929) gen. bryg. Jan Kruszewski (since 1930) gen. bryg. Wilhelm Orlik-Rueckemann (since August 30, 1939) Support forces Flotylla Pińska (Pinsk Riverine Flotilla of the Polish Navy) Order of battle See also Border Guard (Poland) Sarny Fortified Area References 1924 establishments in Poland Poland Borders of Poland Corps of Poland Military units and formations of Poland Military units and formations established in 1924 Western Belorussia (1918–1939) Defunct Polish intelligence agencies