One of the heroic pages of Ukraine occupied by such warriors as Sich Riflemen - the history knows them as good soldiers.These soldiers were infinitely loyal to his country, and even in the most difficult time for her, they continued to fight.The paper will consider the history of the Legion, as well as many interesting facts, such as the famous victory of riflemen on the hill Makovka.
How did Sich Riflemen?
first mention of riflemen date back to 1911.It was at this time in some Galician foremost the idea of the creation of a paramilitary group of young people of Galicia (then controlled by Austria).In the context of escalating relations between Austria and the Russian Empire the idea began to develop actively.Due to the circumstances of the first such organization existed secretly in schools or universities.A little later, the idea of fighting with Russia picked up and movements such as the "Falcon", "Plast" and "Sich".
official date of birth of riflemen can call March 18, 1913.On this day K.Trilevsky has ensured that the organization of the first "riflemen" approved at the official level.A little later the same groups were organized with the partnership "Falcon", as well as in the city of Lviv.But, as one would expect, the active Ukrainians attend to the Austrian government, which was actively hinder the development of ideas, especially in the camps teach young people the use of weapons and other military duties.It is not known what would have done, but soon broke the First World War.After he was assassinated Franz Ferdinand, and began the first combat operations, the Ukrainian party together and created "The main Ukrainian Council," it was decided on the approval of the Ukrainian fighting the council, which would have commanded a legion of riflemen.
Participation Legion riflemen in World War
Very soon was proclaimed the corresponding manifesto in which the Council called on the youth to join the legion and fight on the side of the Triple Alliance.This idea was supported by a very active, not only young people, but also more mature people.Due to the influx of volunteer recruitment centers were located in the county-level cities, and then the volunteers were leaving to the city, and the city was delivered - moved to Stryi.
first difficulties
However, towards the formation of the Legion fell into some serious problems.The most acute was the lack of finance for the maintenance of the troops, as well as experienced military instructors.In addition, the government still did not want to create a Ukrainian military unit.
But the problem was solved - the money for equipment, weapons and content of the Legion gathered the people all over Galicia, the authorities sent to the Sich Shooters 20 elders, which became instructors.But in response to the Legion instead of the existing 10 thousand people had to stay the whole 2000.To further weaken the military unit, armed with their weapons taken out of production, Kotra has expired (rifles Werndly) and not issued ammunition and military uniforms.To the legion could exist, its leadership had to swear allegiance to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, after which the number of units increased to 2.5 thousand people were given a new rifle - Mauser, as well as clothing and shoes.September 3, 1914 Sich Riflemen took the oath of Austria-Hungary and a few hours later - and Ukraine, for the freedom which they have vowed to fight to the end.
Since the Austrian army has handed over the Lions, and Russian troops were already in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, on the riflemen recalled immediately.September 25 in a battle near the village Sianky group archers under the command of A. Semenyuk successfully battled with the Kuban Cossacks, without even taking the Cossack horse and a lot of weapons.But later they began to break through the Russian defenses have Syanok.Two couple of hundred V. Didushka, somestno with the Austrians defeated the artillery battery, thereby stopping the offensive.Nevertheless, the victory riflemen gave no result - the same day Sianky were taken, and hundreds suffered losses - 5 killed and several captured.
Warsaw operation
Another episode, which was attended by Sich Riflemen - fighting near Warsaw in the same 1914, when Russian forces gathered for a breakthrough.The outcome of these battles was the release of Przemysl, and a number of settlements.In these battles involved a group of riflemen corps of General Hoffmann, who stepped on Stryi.Sagittarians have distinguished themselves in this battle, because they were the vanguard of the advancing Austrian army.
After these battles took command of the hike in the Carpathian Mountains, which was carried out by German and Austrian troops.During the fighting, Russian troops retreated from the mountains, and the Austrians occupied part of Galicia.Riflemen showed courage and heroism, not just to save the situation seems to be hopeless.One of the glorious episodes of the Galician campaign was the battle for Mount Makovka archers.
riflemen on the hill Makovka
This mountain is an important position of Austrian troops on the west front.Russian troops April 28, 1915 it began a fierce assault, in which the mountain was abandoned.Riflemen, who were kept on standby, immediately got the job - to clear the enemy from the mountain.They rose during the night and a part of 5 hundreds sent to the offensive.An hour later I was already occupied top, and Russian Voicu drove to the river.After this part of the hundreds he moved to their positions, and two of them dug in at the top, taking the defense.April 29 began the furious assaults position archers.The first attempts of the enemy to occupy the mountain were stopped.May 1 with the support of Russian guns occupied the right flank and smashed a Royal divisions at the top.However, the archers, who retreated to their positions, have taken another assault somestno with the Austrians.And once again occupied the mountain.
battle for onion dome lasted continuously for 60 days.At that time, it has become really important defense point of the Southern Army, as the Russian closed for easy access to the Hungarian plain.Her defense was crucial, as the Russian lost the chance to defeat the Southern army.In addition, the victory on the mountain riflemen Makovka also provided an opportunity to break through the subsequent position of the Russian army, which fled from Galicia.
In these battles, the loss of the Legion were particularly severe - 50 killed, 76 wounded dozens of soldiers were captured.Nevertheless, their feat did not go unnoticed.Command body admired the courage of Ukrainians and saluted them.The battle on the mountain riflemen Makovka an important part of the offensive in Galicia.
further participation in World War
Among the significant battles in which participated Sich Riflemen, the story highlights the battle on Mount Lysonya, Brusilovsky breakthrough Potutor defense.Fighting in the Lysone particularly important, as bold action archers saved almost all of South Austrian army from encirclement and defeat.
In 1917, the Legion awaited joyous occasion - it increased to the size of the regiment.The new commander of the unit began F. Kikal.Polk immediately transferred to Berezhany, but in battle he did not participate, because this section of the front was stable.On February 27, Russia began the February revolution that has shaken the power, but the war is waged.During the fighting, which began in June, the legion was trapped and captured.At the time of it were 444 fighters and 9 officers.Subsequently, the Legion again reformed, and a new composition he reached the end of the fighting on the river Zbruch.The story riflemen in World War ends.
period of revolution and independence of the UPR
Once seized power in Russia, the Bolsheviks, obrazovala independent Ukrainian People's Republic.Riflemen during these events made a campaign in Dnieper Ukraine, as it helps the young republic in the war against the Bolsheviks.This shall be governed by Austria and the UPR.They then took part in the suppression of the uprising in the Kherson region, and were able to resolve the issue without a single shot.The authorities did not like it, so that the legion was transferred to Bukovina, where he was placed before the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
His last fight took legion during the defense of Lviv, when the Western People's Republic was attacked by the Polish army.After that Ukrainian Army was rasofrmirovana nalik and scattered legion of other units.This was the end of one of the most famous Ukrainian military units.
composition Legion USS
When the unit is only the beginning of their military history, it was divided into two and a half smoking, which led to smoking.Kuren is divided into hundreds, which was 4. In every hundred, on the same principle, there were 4 couple (platoon), and each couple - Reuven 4 (offices) for 10-15 people.Each squadron eventually consisted of 100-150 people.
addition, the Legion had a special unit.Among them are - as a subsidiary - cavalry, engineering and machine-gun hundred.The cavalry was only 4 112 people and elders.Machine-gun squadron had 4 guns system Shvartsloze their subservient commanders and hundreds of odd.In engineering hundred were 4 couple.There was also a medical service, stationery, quartermaster service, as well as the departments responsible for recruitment, training and the distribution of recruits, train and field kitchen.Also part of the Legion stands out, which was armed with heavy weapons - mortars, grenade launchers and flamethrowers.Its task was basically defensive position and support the attackers.
importance for modern
Now that the Ukraine - an independent state, Sich Riflemen - is one of the glorious pages of the memory of the past.In historical terms the Legion Sich Riflemen javjaletsja unique combat unit since it was formed solely of Ukrainians, and knowing the attitude of the Austrian authorities to the armed popular uprising, or ethnic groups, create it, and rather successfully used in combat can be considered surprising.Impressive and heroism displayed by the Sich Riflemen.Mountain Makovka - proof.
