Czechoslovak 11th Infantry Battalion facts for kids
The Czechoslovak 11th Infantry Battalion – East (which in Czech is called Czech: 11. československý pěší prapor — Východní) was a special group of soldiers from Czechoslovakia. They were an infantry battalion, which means they were a military unit made up of foot soldiers. They fought during World War II and worked with the British army in the Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre area.
Quick facts for kids Czechoslovak 11th Infantry Battalion – East |
|
|---|---|
| Active | World War II |
| Country | Czechoslovakia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Engagements | Syria–Lebanon Campaign, Siege of Tobruk |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment |
Lt-Col Karel Klapálek, DSO |
| Notable commanders |
Lt-Col Karel Klapálek, DSO |
Contents
The Battalion's Journey in World War II
Starting in France and Moving East
Many Czechoslovak soldiers fought in the Battle of France. When France gave up to Nazi Germany in June 1940, about 206 Czechoslovak soldiers were in Beirut, Lebanon. They were waiting to join their main army group in France.
If they had stayed, the French government at the time (called Vichy France) might have held them captive and given them to the Germans. Luckily, the Czechoslovak Consul-General in Jerusalem helped them get special papers to move to Mandatory Palestine, which was controlled by the British.
Forming the Battalion
The Czechoslovak soldiers first stayed in a camp called Al-Sumayriyya, near Acre. More soldiers arrived, bringing their total number to 280. They were then organized into the 4th Infantry Regiment.
This group later moved south to a camp at Gedera, close to Tel Aviv. Here, they received weapons and training. On October 1, 1940, at Gedera, the 4th Infantry Regiment officially became the 11th Infantry Battalion. Lt-Col Karel Klapálek was chosen to lead this new battalion.
Serving in Egypt
In December 1940, the battalion trained to get used to the hot weather. After that, they moved to Egypt. Their first job was to guard military camps, first at Sidi Bishr and then at Agami.
On May 30, 1941, the battalion was placed under the command of the British 23rd Infantry Brigade. They were then sent to Sidi Haneish, near Mersa Matruh.
Fighting in Syria and Lebanon
In June and July 1941, the 23rd Infantry Brigade, which included the Czechoslovak 11th Infantry Battalion, took part in the Syria–Lebanon Campaign. This was when the Allied forces invaded Syria and Lebanon. After these battles, in August, the battalion was stationed near Syria's border with Turkey.
The Siege of Tobruk
In August 1941, the Czechoslovak government-in-exile (the government that was operating from outside Czechoslovakia) asked for the 11th Battalion to be moved to Britain. They wanted the battalion to join other Czechoslovak forces there.
However, the British military said no. Instead, on October 6, 1941, the battalion was moved from the 23rd Infantry Brigade to the Polish Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade. This Polish brigade was surrounded by enemy forces in Tobruk, a city in Libya. This event is known as the Siege of Tobruk. The 11th Battalion stayed at Tobruk for 158 days, and for 51 of those days, they were actively fighting.
Reorganization
At the end of December 1941, the battalion was moved away from the front lines. They were then transferred to the 38th Indian Infantry Brigade. In April 1942, the battalion returned to Palestine. In May, it was reorganized and renamed the 200th Czechoslovak Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Karel Klapálek continued to be its commander.
