Second World War was a bloody and brutal.From its merciless blow suffered many European countries.Loss of relatively small Czechoslovakia struck enormous size: 35 thousand soldiers, tens of thousands of civilians ... When looking for cheap labor, the Germans forcibly taken to forced labor in Germany, 550 000 young people.From a large chunk of the country's disconnected areas: Carpathian Rus, the Sudetenland and Tishinsky area.The state as an independent entity ceased to exist, becoming a German colony: the so-called protectorate.
occupation
At the end of the war the army was deployed in Czechoslovakia "Center" - a rather large German group.Its composition was calculated by a million officers and soldiers.Invaders commanded by Field Marshal Schemer.He was firmly convinced that the Czech Republic should be completely the German nation.There were reports that the Russian prepare the liberation of Prague, the Nazis considered ridiculous and unrealistic.As for the capital, in May 1945, she became a training ground for the German Sixth Battle Squadron.Especially carefully guarded invaders airfield where they were planes, as well as the surrounding area, built barracks soldiers.
interesting, but the liberation of Prague today is a lot of debate and discussion.Historians are divided into three camps.Some believe that the Nazis from the city cleared the local rebels, others speak of a brilliant offensive Vlasov, others emphasize the crucial maneuvers of the Soviet army.There is also a version that the coming of the Russian Prague had been free.Is it so?Try to understand.
First Steps
Indeed, many planned to liberate the city.Of course, the plan of operations developed the Red Army.Already in April 1945, in the headquarters location carefully studied the map of the capital, made a reconnaissance plane: they could see the German positions, their gun emplacements and ammunition depots.These tactical facilities were hit by the brunt.
At the very end of the Great Patriotic War (World War II) started to prepare the liberation of Prague in the Czech National Council, formed in 1945.Office, consisting of communists, claim the right to lead a mass uprising, the centers of which now and then broke out in the country.But the time to organize the operation was not so decisive as NPV in the sweep of the capital did not play.
the same time on May 5 in Prague went to Vlasov, the soldiers of the First Infantry Division ROA.Combat units, is under the leadership of Major General Bunyachenko, marked the beginning of liberation.In a matter of days they were able to clean up the western part of the city, thus opening his ring SS.
Actions Americans
While Vlasov began the liberation of Prague from the Nazis, on the other hand came to the capital of American troops under General Patton.From the president of the United States, he was instructed to put forward the position of the line Plzen - Karlovy Vary - Chёske Budejovice.Americans especially the Germans did not resist, but the Red Army, coming from Slovakia, they made a fierce resistance.Aware of loyalty to the US captives, they preferred to fall into their hands than a peremptory Communists.Therefore, the speed of advance of the Allies was different.
General Patton took Plzen.Residents of the city even put a monument to him after the war.This stopped the Americans: the Red Army moved forward, so to avoid confusion, they decided to wait.Yes, and do not consider the US government to Czechoslovakia political objective.In the end, we decided once again not to risk the lives of soldiers.When Russian realized that allies have gone back on their word, they continued the liberation of Prague alone.
What happened next?
Meanwhile, after a successful operation to liberate the western part of the city Vlasov retreated.Historians believe that they have taken to Prague for two reasons: firstly, wanted to impress the Americans, secondly, hoping for amnesty after active cooperation with the Germans.But after failing to agree on the status of the union with NPV, they left the capital.
As you can see, the liberation of Prague completely fell on the shoulders of the Red Army.The onset commanded by Marshal Konev.His department just finished cleaning of Berlin as were immediately spread to the Czech direction.Not resting a day, the soldiers began to break through to the city.Active participation in hostilities and take the battalions of the First Ukrainian Front.In one of the hottest battles of the next bridge he was mortally wounded Lieutenant Ivan Goncharenko, whose name was later named one of the streets of Prague.The liberation of Prague lasted several days: from 6 to 11 May.It was the final major operation of World in Europe.
offensive
Prague became the last major hotbed of fascist resistance.Despite the signed surrender, local invaders do not want to give up.Instead, they were planning to reunite with a huge division Germans nicknamed Mitla group.The enemy units continued to conduct active battles, fighting each turn.Relegated to the south Mitla group decided to join forces with the Nazis occupied Czechoslovakia.To prevent the strengthening of the forces of the enemy, our soldiers rushed into the fight.Take this position was a matter of honor and conscience.
How does the liberation of Prague by Soviet troops?At first, the Red Army units pursued relentlessly Schorner not to give them to make plans.Bets are made on the tank, is under the command of generals Rybalko and Lelyushenko.It is these brave guys were ordered to break through the line of the retreating Nazis, leaving them in the rear and thus cutting off from the SS men lurking in Prague.The plan was this: when Mitla group will reach the capital of Czechoslovakia, there already are Russian soldiers.The main problem for our fighters were only steep mountains, hanging in front.To overcome this milestone was the main task of tankers.
End Mitla group
Historic operation began to tank regiments of the First Ukrainian Front.They made their way through the narrow, winding and dangerous mountain passes.In the pitch darkness of night crawler machine swept enemy barriers established by the Germans at every turn.When there was a need, the crews left the tanks: the soldiers personally restored bridges, defuse mines.
Finally, rejecting all barriers, steel technology wave has passed through ranges and rolled down the slope - straight to the Czech capital.The appearance of Soviet tanks on the horizon was so unexpected for the SS that they did not even have a proper resistance.On the contrary, mad with fear, the Germans were in a panic ran aimlessly.
So was the liberation of Prague.Date momentous event - 11 May.On this day, the capital of Czechoslovakia is completely cleared from the invaders.Separate groups of fascists our tanks pursued more for two days, after which the prisoners of the fugitives, they are worthy of a responsible military mission completed.
