Czechoslovak Armies 1939–45
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overview
Featuring rare photos, detailed colour illustrations and insignia tables, this study explores the contribution made by Czech and Slovak troops fighting alongside Allied forces during World War II.
Following the Anglo-French failure at the Munich Conference in March 1938 to prevent a Nazi take-over of Bohemia-Moravia (modern Czech Republic/Czechia), many frustrated Czech and Slovak soldiers sided with Allied forces and fought alongside their armies – first in Poland, then in France, and finally from Britain.
Using depictions of relevant uniforms and equipment plus photos of the troops in action, military uniformology expert Nigel Thomas explains how the Czech Army was organized and how it fought alongside Allied forces in the Middle East and at Normandy. He describes the involvement of free Czech agents operating from Britain in Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of Nazi governor Reinhard Heydrich in occupied Bohemia-Moravia, and the part Czech soldiers played in mutinies in both Italy and Prague against German occupation which ultimately helped to secure a final Allied victory.
contents
INTRODUCTION;THE RISE AND FALL OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA;– Czechoslovak armed forces: 28 Oct 1918–1 Mar 1920;– The little entente;– The death of Czechoslovakia;– State defence guard;–SudetenGerman organizations;CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY ORGANIZATION: 10 SEP 1930–30 SEP 1938;– Higher formations;– Infantry;– Mobile forces;– Artillery;– Engineers;– Air force;– Services;CZECHOSLOVAK UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA: 10 SEP 1930 – 30 SEP 1938;CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY RANK INSIGNIA: 16 DEC 1927 – 11 MAY 1945;CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY BRANCH AND UNIT DISTINCTIONS: 1 JAN 1930 – 15 MAR 1939;FIGHTING ABROAD;– Czech and Slovak legion;– French Army;– Middle East;– Far East;– Great Britain;– Eastern Front;– Czechoslovak air forces;– Bohemia–Moravia Protectorate Government Army;RESISTANCE ORGANIZATIONS;– Special operations executive;– OperationAnthropoid;CONTINUING RESISTANCE;– The battle for Prague;SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY;PLATE COMMENTARIES;INDEX;