Czechoslovak Armies 1939–45: : Men-at-Arms Nigel Thomas Osprey Publishing

Czechoslovak Armies 1939–45

Description

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.

(subject to confirmation)
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
– Sudeten German 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
– Operation Anthropoid
CONTINUING RESISTANCE
– The battle for Prague
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
PLATE COMMENTARIES
INDEX

Product details

Published	18 Jan 2024
Format	Paperback
Edition	1st
Extent	48
ISBN	9781472856852
Imprint	Osprey Publishing
Illustrations	8 colour artwork plates; black & white photographs and illustrations.
Dimensions	248 x 184 mm
Series	Men-at-Arms
Short code	MAA 554
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Nigel Thomas

NIGEL THOMAS PhD is an accomplished linguist and m…

This is a useful overview of both the pre-war Czechoslovak army, and its very varied fates, with men fighting under British, French and Soviet command as well as with the home based Resistance.

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