According to a German version, Polish snipers attacked German troops in Bydgoszcz for several days (Polish sources and witnesses do not confirm this).[1] The German governor, General Walter Braemer,[2] (the commander of the rear army area), ordered the execution of 80 Polish hostages over the next few days.[3] By September 8, between 200 and 400 Polish civilians had been killed.[4] According to Richard Rhodes,[5] a number of Boy Scouts were set up in the marketplace against a wall and shot; a devoted priest who rushed to administer the last sacrament was shot too, receiving five wounds.