The liberators of Breda, the 1st Polish Armored Division, from November 9, 1944, are given responsibility for part of the Canadian front line that from then on ran from Moerdijk to the Betuwe. The combat units take over guard duty in rotation, the headquarters and troops were established in Breda.

Contrary to what many citizens believe, Major General Maczek did not live in Hotel de Kroon, but, like the other officers, he was billeted in private homes. Thus, the hotel served merely as an "office" for Maczek and his staff. It was extremely suitable for this purpose because of its many rooms, after all, a division is like a small town and must be run accordingly.

The period in Breda ended on April 7, 1945, when the Polish division returned to action. Again as part of the First Canadian Army, it joined the advance through Drenthe and Groningen and then moved into Germany to end at Wilhelmshaven. Because of the long stay there, Maczek praises Breda as the "most Polish city in the Netherlands.

The Hotel de Kroon, where Maczek had his headquarters, dates back to 1902 and was built on the foundations of an earlier hotel in one of Breda's oldest streets. The hotel was closed in 1961 and the building was unfortunately demolished in 1984. Now only the location of Maczek's headquarters remains.