Czechoslovak army 1918-1938

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

There. I wanted to start thread about The First Czechoslovak Republic's
army for the long time. Some pictures are taken from
Czech
Armed Forces Thread.
Feel free to post any interesting photos or documents.

We SWEAR, in the course of everything sacred, in accord with our
conscience and conviction, that we will obey the president,
Czechoslovak republic's government and all our superior officers,
established by the president and the government;
We SWEAR, that we will fulfil their orders everytime and everywhere,
even in the danger, without contradiction, hesitation or resistance, we
will never abandon our army but lay down our lifes willingly for the
protection of our homeland and it's freedom;
We SWEAR, that we will love our companions, faithfully stand one to
another and never quit in danger but fight until the end according to
commands of our manly honour and a sense of citizens' duties.
THUS WE SWEAR! "Tak
přísaháme!"

Czechoslovakia's first
President-LiberatorTomáš Garrigue Masaryk

General
Jan Syrový


1918 General Officer Commanding Czechoslovakian Army Corps in Russia 1919-
1920 General Officer Commanding Czechslovakian Armed Forces in Russia
1920-1924 General Officer Commanding Prague Military Command
1924-1926 Deputy Chief General Staff
1926 Chief General Staff
1926 Minister of Defence
1926-1933 Chief General Staff
1933-1938 Inspector-General of the Armed Forces
1938-1939 Minister of Defence

Decorations: Awarded by Czechoslovakia:

• Czechoslovak Military Cross 1918: with four tilia sprouts
• The Order of the Hawk: with swords
• Czechoslovak Revolutionary Medal 1914-18 with clasps: "Č.D.",
  "Zborov" and numbers "1", "2"
• Czechoslovak Medal of Victory 1918

Awarded by Belgium:

• The Order of the Crown: II. class
• Croix de Guerre 1914-18

Awarded by Estonia:

• The Order of the Eagle, for the Protection of the Country: I. class

Awarded by France:

• Legion d'Honneur, in the grade of: Grand Officier
• Legion d'Honneur, in the grade of: Commandeur
• Legion d'Honneur, in the grade of: Officier
• Legion d'Honneur, in the grade of: Chevalier [Knight]
• Croix de Guerre 1914-18: with palme

Awarded by Italy:

• The Order of the Italian Crown: II. class
• Military Cross of Merit

Awarded by Japan:

• The Order of the Holy Treasure: II. class

Awarded by Yugoslavia:

• The Order of St. Sava: I. class
• The Order of the White Eagle: I. class
• The Order of the White Eagle: II. class
• The Order of Karadjordjević: Star, II. class

Awarded by Lithuania:

• The Order of Vytis: Cross, II. class

Awarded by Latvia:

• The Order of the Bear: Fighter, II. class
• The Order of Three Stars: II. class

Awarded by Morocco:

• The Order of Nischan el Quissam Alaouite: I. class

Awarded by Poland:

• The Order of Polonia Restituta: II. class

Awarded by Romania:

• The Order of the Romanian Star: I. class
• The Order of the Romanian Crown: II. class
• The Order for Loyal Services: I. class
• Remembrance Cross 1916-19: with the clasp: "Siberia"

Awarded by Imperial Russia:

• The Order of St. Vladimir: IV. class
• The Order of St. Anne: IV. class
• The Order of St. Stanislav: III. class
• The Cross of St. George: IV. class

Awarded by Greece:

• The Order of the Phoenix: I. class
• The Medal of military merit

Awarded by Tunisia:

• The Order of Nischan el Iftikchar: I. class

Awarded by Great Britain:

• The Order of the Bath, in the grade of: Knight Commander

there were many more great generals with interesting
fates but I don't have time to translate their bio right now..

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

Tanks and Armoured vehicles used or refused by the Czechoslovak army: [/size]


Škoda PA-II "Zelva" (Turtle)

Twelve PA-II were produced in 1924 - 25 and used by the Czechs. Two, without armor, were used for drivers training. Unofficially their name was also known as OA vz.23. Three units were sold to the Austrian Vienna Police in 1927.

Crew 5 Engine Skoda, 4cyl, 9730cc, 70hp Performance 70km/hour Length 6m Width 2.16m Height 2.44m Armament 4 x Maxim 08 MG Armor 3 - 5.5mm Weight 7.36 tons Range 250km



Skoda PA-II Delovy

Only one prototype produced in 1927. The vehicle was deemed as too heavy, expensive, and under powered.

Crew 4 Engine Skoda, 4cyl, 9730cc, 70hp Performance 45km/hour Length 6.06m Width 2.16m Height 2.81m Armament 7.5cm Skoda L28, 1 x Maxim 08 MG Armor 3 - 5.5mm Weight 9.4 tons Range 250km

Skoda (PA-III) OA vz.27

Fifteen units plus one prototype were produced in 1929. Three units were captured by Romania in 1939 during the final breakup of Czechoslovakia. The newly created state of Slovakia inherited three. The remainder were taken by Germany in 1938.

Crew 5 Engine Skoda, 4cyl, 5700cc, 60hp Performance 35km/hour Length 5.35m Width 1.95m Height 2.66m Armament 2 x MG vz.7/24 plus 1 x ZB vz.26 Armor 3 - 5.5mm Weight 6.6 tons Range 250km

PA-IV

First produced in 1927, this improved verion featured a built in searchlight in the rear the the turret. Additional featured included dual controls with allowed the vehicle to be driven and steered on all four wheels. Self sealing tires were used.

Crew 5 Engine 100hp Skoda Length 19' 6" Width 6' 10" Height 8' 10" Armament 3 x Maxim MG. Later models used a 37mm Skoda (in the hull) and 2 x Maxim MG. Armor .198" - .237" Weight 7.7 tons Tatra Koprivnice (T-72) OA vz.30 51 vehicles were produced between 1933-34. Crew 3 Engine Tatra 71 aircolled 4cyl 1910cc 32hp Performance 60km/hour Length 4.02m Width 1.52m Height 2.02m Armament 3 x ZB vz.26 MG Armor 3 - 6mm Weight 2.78 tons Range 300km

P-I Tankette (Tančík vz.33)

A Czech built tankette produced by Adamov Works in Brno from 1933 to 1934. The design was influenced by the Vickers Mark VIb, and the Polish TK tankette. The Adamov Tančík vz. 33 vehicles were only used by Czech border guards as the Czech army rejected this model. Some did see action against the Germans during the Slovak Uprising. A total of 70 plus 4 prototypes were produced. One prototype was sent as a gift to the Shah of Iran. Crew


2 Weight 2.3 tons Length 2.7m Width 1.75m Height 1.45m Engine Praga 4cyl water cooled 1950cc 30hp Transmission ? Performance 35km/hour Range 100km Armament 2 x Light ZB vz.26 MG Armor 4 - 12mm


KH-50/60/70

Following WW1 and a side trip to deliver the "M-21" to Sweden, Josef Vollmer, the former chief designer for the German War Department's motor vehicle section, came to reside in Czechoslovakia. Joining Skoda, he set to work on a wheel/track light tank. His KH-50 design had roadwheels mounted on the drive sprockets and a jockey wheel behind to keep the tracks up off the ground. Despite impressive specifications - 13mm armor, a 37mm turret mounted gun, and a 50hp engine capable of pushing the tank up to 8mph (tracks) and 22mph (wheels), it was rejected by the Czech army. However, the Czech army was impressed. The army liked the hybrid Kolohousenka wheel/track arrangement and commissioned further studies. Further designs would be the KH-60 and 70. Notable differences would be the engine power was increased to 60 and 70hp and a better system of switching between track and wheel. The left three photos are the the KH-50, the right two are of the KH-60. The middle photo is of the wheel change device. This simple ramp device allowed the track to wheel change to happen in under 10 minutes. The actual years of production and testing were 1925 - 30. During which time, 2 KH-50 prototypes were built. One was rebuilt into a KH-60 and the other scrapped. Actual production included 2 KH-60 to the USSR and 1 KH-70 to Italy. As time passed, this vehicle came to be regarded as more of an experiment rather than a military war vehicle.

Skoda MU-4 - a.k.a S-I and T-1

The Skoda MU-4 was also known as the S-I, T-1. One prototype was produced sometime between 1932 and 1934. It appears that the name of the tankette changed with modifications over a 2 year period. The Skoda MU-4 was a two-man 'Tancik' designed by Skoda to compete against the CKD/Praga P-I 'Tancik'. It had an all-welded construction with front drive. Rejected by the Czech Army. This vehicle has survived and is now restored and viewable at the Prague Military Museum.

Crew 2 Weight 2.2 tons Armor 5.5mm (max) Armament 2 x ZB vz.26 MG Engine Skoda 40hp 4-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline, 2660cc Performance 40.5 km/hr Length 2.98m Width 1.67m Height 1.3m

Skoda S-I-P (after 1939 as the T-2)

The Skoda S-I-P was built as a prototype only in 1937. Orginally developed as Skoda's own project of a reconnaissance light tank. In this form it carried a small turret meant for the ZB-60 15mm heavy machine gun. In 1939 it was modified into the pictured version shown above with one light and one heavy MG. It was modified again and retested in 1943 with a center drive sprocket. Rejected by the Czech Army and German Army.

Crew 2 Weight 4.6 tons Armor 8 - 15mm Armament 1 x ZB vz.26 MG, 1 x ZB vz.35 Engine Skoda 60hp 6-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline, 3990cc Performance 45 km/hr Length 3.65m Width 2.03m Height 1.56m Skoda S-I-d

The very first Skoda assualt gun prototype. The prototype was made in 1935. Rejected by the Czech Army, the prototype unit was purchased by the Waffen SS in 1940.

Crew 2 Weight 4.55 tons Armor 8 - 20mm Armament 3.7cm Skoda A3 gun 1 x ZB vz.26 MG Engine Skoda 60hp 6-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline, 3770cc Performance 41km/hr Length 3.7m Width 2m Height 1.68m

T-32 (Skoda S-I-d) Assault Gun

This tank was not accepted for the Czech army. Export only.

T-3D (Skoda S-I-j) Assault Gun

In 1938 this vehicle design for Yugoslavia was produced at prototype level and accepted for production. Before production, the breakup of Czechoslovakia began. The prototype was purchased by the German Waffen SS. No other vehicles were produced. This vehicle has the distinction of being the last assualt gun ever designed by Skoda.

Crew 2 Weight 5.8 tons length 3.59m Width 2.05m Height 1.8m Range unknown but said to be able to travel for 6 hours before needing fuel. Armor 8 - 30mm Armament 4.7cm Skoda A9j Gun, 1 x ZB vz.30J MG Engine Skoda diesel, 4cyl water cooled 3770cc 60hp Performance 31km/hour

CKD AH-IV

The vehicle also enjoyed considerable success in the export market, the basic design often being scaled up or down to suit the customer's requirements. Foreign users included: Romania: 35 AH-IV-R - see the Romanian R-1. Ethiopia: AH-IV-Hb (this was done in the 1950's by updating the Romanian prototype). Sweden: 48 AH-IV-Sv - Sweden produced 48 Stvr m/37 with imported parts and a license. Iran: 50 AH-IV plus 1 prototype.



F-IV-H

Two prototypes were built between 1938 and 1941. The vehicle had superior mobility in the water even by today's standards. Not accepted for the Czech or German army.

Crew 3 Weight 6.5 tons length 4.85m Width 2.5m Height 2.08m Range 200km Armor 6 - 14mm Armament 1 x ZB vz.37 MG Engine Praga F4 4cyl water cooled 7180cc 120hp Performance 45km/hour (land) 7km/hour (water) Skoda SU (later S-II)

1 prototype produced in 1934. This was the direct predecessor of the S-II-a. This vehicle introduced pneumatic steering and gear shifting. A real improvement in reducing driver fatigue.

The CKD (P-II) LT vz.34

The prototype was presented to the army in 1932 and production started in 1934. By 1936, when production halted, 50 had been made.

Crew 3 Weight 7.5 tons length 4.6m Width 2.1m Height 2.22m Range 160km Armor 8 - 15mm Armament 3.7cm Skoda UV vz.34, 2 x ZB vz.35 MG Engine Praga 4cyl water cooled 6082cc 62.5hp Performance 30km/hour


Skoda - CKD (S-II-a) (T-11) LT vz.35, vz.38, vz.39


Hurried into service in 1935 without proper testing, this tank was considered a "lemon" by the army. Many were sent back to the factory for modifications and repairs. Gradually the faults were worked out and the tank actually gained a good reputation. An unusual feature of this tank was that the transmission and steering were assisted by compressed air to reduce driver fatigue. This feature worked well until these tanks encountered the famous Russian winter. Romania purchased 126 units and named them the R-2. The Germans took over as many units as possible when they occupied the country. The German designation was Panzerkampfwagen 35(t). A further 219 were built to the specifications of the German army. By 1940, the German army was in such shortage of tanks that the 6th Panzer Division was heavily equipped with the 35(t) just in time for the Battle of France. Most continued in service until 1942 as main battle tanks and were then converted to a host of roles such as mortar tractors (Morserzubmittel) and artillery tractors (Zugkraftwagen). Still other were converted to maintenance vehicles.

Crew 4 Engine 120hp Speed 25mph Length 4.90m Width 2.10m Height 2.35m Armament 37mm Cannon 2 MG Armor 8-25mm Weight 10.5 tons Range 125 miles





















Skoda S-II-c (After 1939 called the T-21) Medium Tank

One prototype was produced in 1938. This design retained the pneumatic steering and gear changing of the S-II-a. This design was considered excellent. License for the design was sold to Hungary.

Skoda LKMVP Anti Tank Gun Carrier

One prototype was produced in 1938. After 1939 it was called PUV-6. The prototype was purchased in 1940 by the German Waffen SS. The gun was carried on the vehicle but could also be towed. It was possible to fire the gun from the vehicle.

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

There were much more interesting designs at that time, when the tanks began to take bigger role in the military, but It would take too much effort right now to post it all. just make a request...
I'm ****ing tired so I ll post more tomorrow. I ve got tons of pics..

[TheSun_CZ]

Nice thread you're starting here . Hope there's some info on the defences coming

[Alexandr]

wow Skoda was extrimily creative in tanks development,models looks not really relaible and effective,but,damn,thats a work of some absolutely crazy-inspiring engineering art.

[Qandil]

very cool pix, thanx mate, unreal....

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

Personal photos from Mr. Martin Vlach.



Soldiers ahead of 24cm heavy cannon vz.16 constructed by Ferdinad Porsche. The weight of this weapon was 79t and one shell weighed 215kg. Effective range was 26300 m. Czechoslovak army has 6 of those weapons in total, cannons shaped arms of 3rd division of artillery regiment of 301st dislocated since 1926 to Jaroměře.



This photography shows two 30,5cm cannons vz.16 during the exercise in second part of 20.years. The weapons were transported by Daimler vz.17 "Goliáš" towing unit later by Tatra 25 (since 1933).



High ranked officers and generals during staff meeting, probably second part of the 30s.



44/60mm infantry cannon of Vickers system with inserted howitzer barrel.



Members of artificer sergeants in Leopoldov, 1925. On the right is 10cm light howitzer vz.14/19, on the left than 8cm light cannon vz.17.



155mm howitzer vz. 17 of Schneider system in firing position. The weight of this weapon was 3300kg, the weight of the grenade was approximately 43kg. Maximal effective range was 11300 km, 2 shots per minute. Those weapons also served during Nazi aggresoin in France as heavy artillery. This cannons were also used as plunder by Third reich troops.



8cm light cannons vz.17 during exercise in Jince, end of the 20s.



Unknown cavalry unit, probably 30s.



Petty officers of 101st artillery regiment, Kostelec 16.9.1920. Soldiers pose on 15cm howitzers vz.14/16, dressed in old Austro-Hungarian uniforms.



Light Tank vz.35 in Milovice manufactured in Pilsen Škoda factory on 11.march 1938 attached to 1st division of attack traction. After march 1939 was acquired by german army. The photo was taken before handover to the germans.



"Last goodbye"
Lt vz.35 waiting for the handover to germans, 26.march 1939.



Renault tank FT on exercise in Milovice. It's one of the 7 czechoslovak tanks bought in France in 1922.



Show off of the Renaults FT in Milovice, 1927. Tank in the far-right is special radar tank Renault TSF.



Membrs of telegraph troop, 1930 in Bratislava. Soldiers are dressed in uniforms vz.21.



Barracks in Terezín and members of 103rd artillery regiment.

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

Few photos from the Czech - nazi borders











Well known photo of czech germans destroying border pole.

[Mateusz]

Very nice pictures of Czechoslovakian Army

[drakegoodman]

Superb! A labour of love no doubt. Cheers AtD.

D.G.

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

Thanks.

The List of Fighter planes in use of Czechoslovakian Air Forces during period 1930-1939.

• Aero A.102
• Avia B-135
• Avia B-34
• Avia B-534
• Avia B.35

Aero A.102

Fighter aircraft that flew in prototype form in 1934. It was developed in response to a Czech Air Force requirement of that year, but was passed over in favour of the Avia B.35.

Armament

* Guns: 2× forward-firing 7.92 mm (0.312 in) machine guns










Avia B-34

The Avia B-34 was a biplane fighter aircraft built in Czechoslovakia in the early 1930s. It was the first design of František Novotný for the Avia company and although built in only small numbers, it paved the way for the Avia B-534.










Avia B-534

The Czechoslovakian Avia B.534 series of biplane was a highly regarded though often forgotten product of the European nation. Some reports make it the best aircraft of its category during its early run through the 1930s. Such was the performance of the machine that the German Luftwaffe would briefly setup a fighter squadron utilizing captured B.534 aircraft.

Simply put, the Avia B.534 can be thought of as a melding of two ages in aviation history. The B.534 featured a static undercarriage and coupled with its throwback biplane wing assembly. Under that outdated facade was also four 7.7mm synchronized machine guns, a powerful 850 horsepower engine capable of 245 miles per hour and the ability for the weapon system to carry no fewer than six 44lb bombs. Handling of the system was reported to be favorable, so much so that this combination of speed, handling and firepower was highly respected.

On 2 September 1944, Master Sergeant František Cyprich, just after testing a repaired B.534, downed a Junkers Ju 52 transport under Hungarian colors on its way to a base in occupied Poland. This was at once the first aerial victory for the Uprising and the last recorded biplane air-to-air victory. As the Slovak National Uprising was desperate for available aircraft, Sergeant Cyprich was derided by his colonel for not trying to force the Junkers Ju 52 to land and be captured instead. The last two B.534s at Tri Duby were burned as the base was evacuated on 25 October 1944.

Armament:

• Guns: 4× 7.92 mm (0.312 in) machine guns
• Bombs: 6× 20 kg (44 lb) bombs

Avia B.35

It was designed to meet a 1935 requirement by the Czechoslovakian Air Force for a replacement for their B.534 fighter biplanes.










Avia B-135

B-135 was moder czechoslovakian fighter plane, continuator of B-35, equivalent of german Bf 109E.
This plane was armed with one 20mm cannon Oerlikon FFS and two 7.92 machineguns vz. 30.













I'll post more later.

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

Czechoslovak Republic had to resolve the protection of its state borders since its formation. The border of pre-war republic was guarded by "financial guard" or "border financial guard" in the 20s. Those units by its abundance and designation, resulting from its subordination to the Ministry of Finance, fitted for the inspection of the border from customs angle, not from the security angle. In case of armed conflict those units could be used only for provisional closing of border checkpoints and of the main roads and their securing as long as army arrives.



Effective, but far from ideal, protection of the state border began to work as late as 1936 since formation of SOS - Stráž Obrany Státu, "Sentry of Protection of State".



SOS was builded-up from the members of state police, financial guard and military but since 1938 there were much more organisations included such as Sokol members, marksman unity members or other trustworthy persons.



There were 31 battalions in total, only one wasnt located at the borders, it was deployed in Prague. According to original plan there should have been 38 battalions of SOS.
Squadron was organised from 12-15 men, and their issued equipment was carabine vz.33 or the rifle vz.24 and sidearm (I ll very probably post detailed info about CS firearms later). Between years 1937 - 1938 SOS units started to be equipment with light machineguns vz. 26 and grenades.



total numbers of ranked SOS member (may 1938):

5 847 policemans
3 155 members of state police
6 037 financial guards
12 671 military personal

[mj78]

Nice thread Abb. I had vacation last week and I was near Náchod where was part of defense border fortification line. I will send some pics later this week.

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

Importatnt turning-point of SOS activities was declaration of extraordinary arrangement in may 1938 with the goal of enhancement of republics defences. Immediate cause was supplied by "our" military intelligence, about increased concentration of nayi german military near Czechoslovak borders. During 21.may all SOS units were deployed and ready at the borders, they were preparing defences and making patrol duty.
This all was big surprise for the germans.



At the end of the summer 1938 the situation looked more and more inflammable. Increasing terror of german minority and smuggling of arms forecasted nothing good. Army called secretly more and more reserves to the arms.
Everything indicated to the inevitable armed conflict with nayi germany.
In 12.9. 1938 had Adolf Hitler speach on the convention of the SdP. This was signal for the insurgent actions of the czech germans.
Agains SOS, often supported by mechanised units, stood not olny czech germans but even SA and SS units.



I cant translate all the exaples of the fights but heres two exaples:

In Pomezí nad Ohří, czechoslovak soldiers and SOS encountered in direct combat with SS unit "Totenkopf".

Near the town of Libá u Františkových Lázní situation reached to the point where germans fired AT guns at our tanks.



On the early morning of 23.9. czechoslovak army carried out offensive actions. Members of III. battalion of 42nd infantry regiment and I. battalion of 47th infantry regiment with support of tanks and armoured vehicles stood against insurgents supported by SA and SS units.

Regarding to general mobilization, army was already ready at the primary defences. (I ll post info about czechoslovak border bunker system later)
Martial law was announced in 22 border regions.



^ This is how terrorist actions ended.

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

here is very interesting dialogue with above mentioned (page 1) Army General Jan Syrový, who was sentenced to 20 years of heavy prison by the communist after 1945.

reporter: Today it is for the first time after 30 years that you can openly talk to the public mr. general, so why didnt you left the czechoslovakia with others politicans and soldiers after 1939?

Syrový: The closest friends tried to convince me. They offered the airplane to me and my wife, but I said that somebody have to stay home and fight, that you cant abbadon our nation. I was convinced that with support of our allies we will be able to fight.

reporter: You were convinced that we will fight with Hitler?

Syrový: This is what we were training for. For that times we had exelent army.

reporter: So why must the army surrender without any resistance?

Syrový: The defences of the republic was conceived for support of our allies than (France, Russia). We also aim our foreign policy this way. I also sent my flag-lieutenant general Píka to allied countries to study the possible ways of help. But we were left alone.

reporter: And what if allies would help us?

Syrový: In that case we would never admit Munich diktat. I repeat, I was convinced that we will fight with Hitler.

reporter: You had very good view of our army, could we fight alone?

Syrový: Alone we had minimal chances of success. This was the opinion of the whole army staff. I know that passion of the people was great and that soldiers wanted to fight but we couldnt send people on slaughter.

reporter: You were arrested and sentenced to 20 years of prison in 1945, what was the charges?

Syrový: I ve never seen or heared the sentence. By the way I ment former gestapo agent who spied on me during war in prison.