Munich disagreement (Czechoslovakia during life of General Milan Rastislav Stefanik)

Well, interesting question or not, I think calling someone a troll out of nowhere is rather trollish behavior.

As for the question itself. IIRC there were massive scenes of mutiny and disobedience in Prague, Hradec Kralove and many other places when Czechs and Slovaks were being sent to fight for A-H. In Hradec Kralove two thousand people blocked the road and fought against police. And that was just the start of many, many desertions and mutinies carried out by Czech and Slovak soldiers, sometimes by entire regiments.

You probably know more about the topic that I do, but it doesn't look like they were at all happy with A-H and its war. These people weren't cowards, but it looks like they were ordered to fight a war most didn't understand by a country most didn't like.

Maybe the role of the Legions is overstated, but that's not surprising. As you said, Legionaries chose to fight while A-H's soldiers didn't have a choice.

Also saying A-H was a democracy is really weird, considering how over 90% of Slovaks couldn't even vote (among others).


So there was no chance of an Italian or one of those French royals with no throne?
Revolt was everywhere. France, Italy, Russia (but there are documents hard to find), UK etc.. But unlike the losers AH, Winners little about them after the war will boast. Lots of legends appeared after the war and were later exposed as false. I recommend you read:
http://www.comroestudios.com/StanHanna
But you must remember that it was written in the post-war Austrian republic.

Incidentally, Russian prisoners were from May to September 1915 ca. 600 000. Why is this not written anywhere?
 
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Incidentally, Russian prisoners were from May to September 1915 ca. 600 000. Why is this not written anywhere?
It's not? Plenty of Czech and specially Slovak newspapers and web pages interested in topic mention it.
Czech
http://www.valka.cz/clanek_12331.html
Slovak
http://www.kvhbeskydy.sk/tag/karpatsky-front-1914-1915/

Just in last few years plenty articles popped out. However take into consideration that general public is... well not too much interested in topics of history almost nowhere. You got some nuts, professionals...
 
Given that it was one of biggest offensives, therefore one or two small paragraphs is very little information.
That's example to your statement. Articles on Czech and Slovak wiki are generally not as widely written with as many details as English or other languages.
 
Did you have in mind these massive in Prague...? (video here )
http://film.nfa.cz/portal/avrecord/3901168-01

No, I was talking about the 1912 mobilization riots (as per Neue Freie Presse). In Hradec Kralove over 2,000 people were protesting and A-H had to attack their own citizens with bayonets. In Prague Czech soldiers sang the Serbian anthem instead of A-H's. Interestingly this was not the first such event as Czech soldiers refused to sing the A-H anthem in 1908 too.
 
No, I was talking about the 1912 mobilization riots (as per Neue Freie Presse). In Hradec Kralove over 2,000 people were protesting and A-H had to attack their own citizens with bayonets. In Prague Czech soldiers sang the Serbian anthem instead of A-H's. Interestingly this was not the first such event as Czech soldiers refused to sing the A-H anthem in 1908 too.
I do not want to repeat, but most of them are legends created after the war.- You say that somewhere in Prague, someone refused to sing the national anthem (in addition not specify the source- link). At that time, men were proud of their regiments, and at the time they were declaring war against any enemy combat tuned. Serbian anthem to sing it in such a tense time, almost impossible (the singer would be beaten). Incidentally Czech regiments in Serbia had big losses, but few states that Serbia should have long before the war ready cunning battle tactics (informants, built hideouts, armed civilians, deceitfulness- Serbs raise the white flag and then attacked). Many of AH units fit into a pre-prepared trap.
It was similar to the Russian front, where Russia had several times (2-4 times) a numerical superiority. You wrote that some regiments ended in captivity (again without mentioning the relevant source), but I have information about cases where fallen some troops into an ambush and were to a man massacred (Russia used at the beginning of tactics "clutching fists" - the middle of the queue pretending move out and side closed attacker).

You write about prewar political squabbles Socialists (politicians) and demonstration. But political problems were everywhere. Also in your country.
 
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I do not want to repeat, but most of them are legends created after the war.- You say that somewhere in Prague, someone refused to sing the national anthem (in addition not specify the source- link). At that time, men were proud of their regiments, and at the time they were declaring war against any enemy combat tuned. Serbian anthem to sing it in such a tense time, almost impossible (the singer would be beaten).

Source for my statements above (Czech riots and protests): Geoffrey Wawro - A Mad Catastrophe, Chapter III; quoted from Neue Freie Presse (Vienna newspaper) of November-December 1912.
Apparently it was not as impossible.
Incidentally Czech regiments in Serbia had big losses, but few states that Serbia should have long before the war ready cunning battle tactics (informants, built hideouts, armed civilians, deceitfulness- Serbs raise the white flag and then attacked). Many of AH units fit into a pre-prepared trap.

Most of the alleged "armed civilians" in Serbia were soldiers which the Serbian government did not have the resources to give proper uniforms. (source: Jack Beatty, Serbian army on the eve of the great war)
"Armed civilians" was an excuse used by A-H wartime propaganda to justify its massacres of Serbian civilian population.

It was similar to the Russian front, where Russia had several times (2-4 times) a numerical superiority. You wrote that some regiments ended in captivity (again without mentioning the relevant source), but I have information about cases where fallen some troops into an ambush and were to a man massacred (Russia used at the beginning of tactics "clutching fists" - the middle of the queue pretending move out and side closed attacker).

A Czech regiment lost 93% of its men to desertion in a single night at the Carpathians (source: Wawro again). I didn't write about any other regiments, not sure if you've confused me with someone else.
 
A Czech regiment lost 93% of its men to desertion in a single night at the Carpathians (source: Wawro again). I didn't write about any other regiments, not sure if you've confused me with someone else.

You will be just a cases of the Austro-Hungarian army, or will we see some discovery from Italy and Russia (there not are only regiments, but divisions)? The solution would be if historians have drawn increasingly also from the original official reports of the Austro-Hungarian army, or directly translate the newspapers and regimental books (as in the case of Entente newspapers).
Probably you have in mind the case of IR Nr.28 when fantasy legionnaires and historians have surpassed their limits.

Here truer version:

In October 1914, the Austrian army attempted assault crossing Sanu. Only units with thickness of 4 battalions did it with Rzuchowa get to the other side. Among them were also two companies of the 28th Regiment. Marshal Roth's speech declared "old-Austrian matchless bravery". For the rest of October and November 1914 the regiment fought on exit roads.
At the end of the year. 1914 has proceeded queue along the ridges of the Carpathian Mountains and threatened Russian invasion Plain. Problem was the new marching battalions (losses of regiment in previous months were more than 4,000 killed and wounded) that were hastily and inadequately trained and showed declining morale.
The Russians broke through the front at Regetówa. 28th regiment was sent to instead plugged a breakthrough. After completion of the VIII. the Marching battalion in the regiment Bardějov manpower increased to 1,300 men. A large portion of the fresh advances were men nedostatatečně prepared for the hardship on winter Carpathian battlefield.

In extremely difficult mountainous terrain, we managed to conquer some positions of the Russian army, but because of exhaustion, it was necessary to stop the process, and two battalions of the 28th Regiment (I and III.) Moved into defense. The situation was very precarious. I. battalion on the crest Šekovky had unprotected flank from Palikówka and did not have no machine-gun. Position III. Battalion on Suchy peak was not much better. In addition, two battalions were separated by a valley, which made it difficult to communicate with each other and the way the enemy could penetrate to the rear.
The frozen ground was possible only dig shallow pits and team equipment was not suitable for the harsh winter conditions. Against osmadvacátníkům intelligence began to operate two platoons Czech entourage (first Legion), which tried to convince the soldiers to switch to the Russians.


Under such circumstances, the Russians launched on Holy Saturday, the 3rd 4th 1915 attack against the position of the 28th Regiment. This was not an isolated assault but a part of a larger operation. Both battalions found themselves in a very difficult situation as they were virtually surrounded. After fighting and trying to pierce the majority of soldiers of the 28th Regiment surrendered. Among the soldiers were undoubtedly those who surrendered without resistance. Rather than ideological motives played a role here sheer physical exhaustion. However, we certainly can not talk about collective "transition 28th Infantry Regiment to the Russians," as it later claimed Czech postwar nationalist historiography. According to documents III. Army after the fight was collected 350-400 uninjured members of the regiment. Given that before the battle regiment numbered about 1,300 men, was a total loss (killed, wounded and sick) 900-950 men, ie. 69-73% of the actual state.

Investigations by the Divisional Court in Timisoara did not proven of treason and cowardice and was stopped. He began to put pressure on rehabilitation regiment. 12. 6. 1915 issued a Decision to dissolve the rest of the 28th Regiment, but this measure was to be his replacement battalion in Szeged "until further notice" be withdrawn.

6. 6. Meanwhile, the marching battalion XI / 28 sent to Italy to sočskou front, where it should be disbanded and its soldiers should be assigned to other units. Upon arrival in the area Dornberg (Montespino) - Stanjel (S. Daniel). Battalion commander asked the governor Helly 93rd Infantry Division commander General von Booga order to fight his battalion as a whole. That it finally was allowed. "28th" then in the first battle on the Soca participated in repelling the Italian offensive. 2nd battle on the Soca, which began 23. 7., the battalion XI / 28 took part in the recapture of the strategic heights of Monte S. Michele. They were then pulled into Tolmeinu "28th", where his great losses during October replaced. During the third battle on the Soca Battalion remained in reserve. For IV. battle on the Soca "28th" found themselves again at the Monte S. Michele, who had the task of defending against Italian attacks. Twice Italian troops divisions 22 and 29 managed to break until mid-western and northern slopes, they were always driven counterattack "28th". Monte S. Michele was ubráněn. The fighting killed the commander of the battalion governor von Helly.
This exceptional combat performance has led to the fact that Emperor Franz Joseph I. revise its decision on the dissolution of the regiment. Battalion XI / 28 was sent to Scutari Albanian. Here "28th" they learned about the orders of the army and were returned to the battalion. Commander restored regiment became Leo Mauterer.
 
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ORGANIZATION OF VOLUNTEERS AND FORMER AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN UNITS ON SLOVAK TERRITORY


Slovakia and Czechoslovak Ruthenia had on its territory headquarter of two Austro-Hungarian Corps District. They were V and VI Corps District. Most of Austro-Hungarian units on that area had overwhelming majority of Slovak or Ruthenian men.

Slovak government of Vavro Srobar, especially his Minister for military were busy trying to organize Slovak military units. During Srobar’s correspondence with Stefanik it was agreed Military units of former Austro-Hungarian Army as well as Honved military units based on Slovak territory and with majority of Slovak soldiers will have to be reorganized as soon as possible and become part of new Czechoslovak army. To increase moral in soldiers who were after four years of war tired they decided some promises however are in order. Slovaks soldiers were promised to serve on territory of Slovakia as much as possible as well as in some cases possibility to stay permanently in state service.

From former Austro-Hungarian units however in early November for now only 71st Infantry Regiment (Trencin) could be organized after town was secured by Czechoslovak troops and in Malacky area which was in 72nd Infantry Regiment area, men who served in 72nd Infantry Regiment in Bratislava and were available on liberated territory were organized into one battalion. From various Hussar Regiments organized in V district from 10 to 24% were Slovaks. From these men two squadrons of cavalry were quickly organized.

Of course another source of men power were volunteers. On for now liberated territories first Slovak volunteer units were formed shortly after declaration of Czechoslovak independence. Slovak politicians as well as population felt they need to help with their liberation not just wait for Czech help or return of Czechoslovak legionaries.

First was Guard of Slovak Freedom as mentioned earlier. Its first training camp was created in Iherske Hradiste, Moravia, close to Slovak border and its first commander was capt. Ludovit Simko. By end of Novemebr recruitment was getting in high speed. National Committees in Slovak towns and villages were helping with recruitment. Czechoslovak Ministry of national Defense (MNO) confirmed capt. Simko as commander. By the middle of December from Western and Eastern Slovakia few thousands Slovak volunteers were coming as well as few hundreds of Slovak officers, mostly of lower rank. Three battalions were organized of which two served later during liberation of Northern and Eastern Slovakia. 1st battalion saw action against Hungarians in Poprad as well as Poles during securing of Spis area. As conflict with Poles after negotiation and agreement on demarcation lines calmed down, only 1st battalion was kept in Spis were it was securing areas of Poprad, Kezmarok which was liberated on December 18th and one of battalion companies was sent to Podolinec. Another two battalions of Slovak Freedom were used during advance on Presov and Kosice.

As number of Slovak volunteers was growing with size of liberated territory, Replacement battalions were created. Slovaks from now liberated areas of Orava, Liptov, Spis and with the end of a year also Eastern Slovakia were entering volunteer battalions. From Replacement battalions Srobar’s government was planning to build second regiment however with centralization it was decided to rebuild former Austro-Hungarian and Honved regiments and attached them as part of Czechoslovak army to units fighting Hungarians.

However Slovak battalions were used with start of 1919 to secure border with Poland in Eastern Slovakia on line Orlov - Bardejov as well as area most eastern parts of Slovakia around town Medzilaborce as these area was often target of Ukrainian bands from Poland.

With building of Czechoslovak Army in Slovakia plan to eventually built 1st Division of Slovak Freedom was cancelled as Ministry of National Defense didn’t count with volunteers battalions either in Czech lands or Slovakia in its further plans. Instead Army should be built on territorial principle as during A-H. In Czech lands since late October regiments and battalions were reorganized around officers and men of Czech nationality. After all except volunteer battalions till first Czechoslovak legionaries started to arrive they were only organized armed forces available to new Czechoslovak government. These regiments and battalions, usually called “home” took parts in all important battles when Czechoslovak border was secured.

However nationally conscious and disciplined volunteers were welcome to enter army as professional soldiers. As such by decree of MNO from March 1919 volunteer battalions were dissolved. For example battle flag of Slovak Freedom Regiment should be kept on Corps Command in Kosice by these order.

However there were also other Slovak volunteer units organized across liberated Slovakia. Most of them in size of company and bigger (but smaller then battalions). For example from region of Turiec in central Slovakia Corps of Turiec volunteers was created in 1919. Usually from men not called for service for different reasons. Usually they served in security and police duties till situation consolidated. Some parts of this units were used during war against Hungarian Bolsheviks when some members were awarded highest Czechoslovak decorations for their bravery.

Yet another volunteer unit was Janosik Company, which got its men from among people of regions across northern and central Slovakia which were called by Vavro Srobar during Bolshevik thread to Slovakia. Again manned mostly by men not called by Czechoslovak Army.

Another was Slovak Volunteer Company which was organized by Slovak patriotic and national organizations around Bratislava. They served mostly during Bolshevik thread to Slovakia on its southern borders around Danube river. However unit didn’t come to contact with enemy.


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Officers of 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment "Slovak Freedom" in Presov, early January 1919.



As recognized by Vavro Srobar, general Stefanik as well as Czechoslovak Ministry of Defense, volunteers were important part of liberation movement. However organized, trained, well supplied and especially centrally commanded Army was necessary. For that reason even as first small territories were liberated former A-H regiments and battalions of A-H Army were organized as new part of Czechoslovak Army.

Military units of A-H Army and Honved were garrisoned and manned in Slovakia and higher percentage of its soldiers were Slovak nationality. (Of course Slovaks and Ruthenians from territories later become part of Czechoslovakia served in others, here not named units):
Common Army:
9th Infantry Regiment in Stryj 73% Ruthens
12th Infantry Regiment in Komarno 31% of Slovak Soldiers
25th Infantry Regiment in Lucenec 41% Slovaks
66th Infantry Regiment in Uzhorod 46% Slovaks, 22% Ruthens
67th Infantry Regiment in Presov 70% Slovaks
71st Infantry Regiment in Trencin 85% Slovaks
72nd Infantry Regiment in Bratislava 51% Slovaks


bolo_ich1.jpg

Soldiers of 71st Infantry Regiment which was basically Slovak regiment of A-H Army. Often decorated for valor on Russian and Italian Front. Members of its replacement battalion mutinied in June 1918. Regiment was reorganized by Czechoslovak Army and served with honor against Hungarians in late 1918 and 1919.





Then there were Mountain Battalions (Feldjagerbataillon) with higher concentration of Slovaks:
19th Battalion (V Corps district) 58% Slovaks
29th Battalion (VI Corps district) 67% Slovaks
32nd Battalion (VI Corps district) 74% Slovaks

Cavalry units had much lower % of Slovaks
5th Hussar Regiment (V Corps district) 10%
6th Hussar Regiment (VI Corps district) 10%
9th Hussar Regiment (V Corps district) 19%
11th Hussar Regiment (V Corps district) 4%
12th Hussar Regiment (VI Corps district) 4%
14th Hussar Regiment (VI Corps district) 8%
15th Hussar Regiment (VI Corps district) 9%

From Honved regiments with % of Slovaks
11th Infantry Regiment in Mukacevo and Uzhorod 40% Slovaks, 10% Ruthens
13th Infantry Regiment in Bratislava 51%
14th Infantry Regiment in in Nitra, Levice 85%
15th Infantry Regiment in Trencin 85%
16th Infantry Regiment in Banska Bystrica 41%
33rd Infantry Regiment in Stryj 73% Ruthens

Field Artillery Regiments of Common A-H Army and Honved
14th Artillery Regiment (V Corps District) 62% Slovaks
15th Artillery Regiment (V Corps District) 28% Slovaks
16th Artillery Regiment (VI Corps District) 27% Slovaks

Field Howitzer Regiments
5th Field Howitzer Regiments (V Corps District) 63%

Horse Artillery Division
5th Horse Artillery Division (V Corps District) 70%
6th Horse Artillery Division (VI Corps District) 20%

Heavy Howitzers Divisions
5th Heavy Howitzers Division (V Corps District) 24%
6th Heavy Howitzers Division (VI Corps District) 28%

Mountain artillery Regiments
6th Mountain artillery Regiments (VI Corps District) 28% Slovaks and Ruthens

Interesting was also 7th Honved Field Artillery from IV District (Budapest area and 51% of its soldiers were Slovaks. In area around Budapest huge numbers of Slovak were living. In 1918 some numbers were saying almost half a million. According to Hungarians sources some 225 000. These people similarly as Hungarians in Slovakia become center of interest of their mother countries in 1918 forward.


Most of these regiments were reorganized as the towns they were based in came under Czechoslovak control, some were dissolved and their men become part of other units. Usually former Regiments of Honved become part of Regiments former A-H common Army. By end of March 1919 more or less nine Infantry Regiments and one Mountain Regiment were organized with majority of Slovak or Ruthenian men. Three Field Artillery Regiments and one Field Howitzer Regiments. So far with many Czech officers as Slovakia lacked sufficient numbers. However with future improvements of education system on which Srobar who served as well as minister of Education of Czechoslovak government was working it was expected in few years numbers of Slovak CO as well as NCO will be sufficient.


1 Regiment Slovak Freedom.jpg
 
Almost forgot as it was quite busy yesterday small remarks I promised.
OTL organization of former A-H Army regiments started bit slower. In Early January. I went few weeks faster here.
 
FIGHT FOR EASTERN SLOVAKIA
In Easter Slovakia two major towns were still under Hungarian yoke. Presov and Kosice. In Kosice not just Dvorcsak Slovak republic had its seat but also Hungarian Corps command which was organizing defense of the town. Hungarians were also preparing evacuation of property from the town. If it succeed a property of great value will be lost to new Republic.

Italian General Piccione, who was about to took over command of all allied forces in Slovakia ordered Czechoslovak 6th and 7th divisions from Italy will be responsible for capturing Kosice. However because of information of Hungarians plans to evacuate valuable property Schobl decided to rush his available units into action. He received additional two battalions as well as two batteries of artillery and some smaller units. Schobl created new group from reinforcement he received, as well as he attached some of col Hrbensky troops and armored train and “Battalion of Slovak freedom”. Meanwhile additional Slovak battalions arrived to Hrbensky group. (AH they were located in different location). He put in command ltcol. Beran. Beran’s group started its operation on December 28th. Beran divided his forces. Main advanced along railway towards Kosice while smaller with one battalion and some additional forces towards Presov through town Spiske Podhradie.

Already same day Czechoslovak troops surprised Hungarians in Margecany, small village close to their target Kosice. Czechoslovak infantry and cavalry attacked and cavalry captured railway station and Hungarians in panic retreated. 13 officers and 90 soldiers were captured. Captured were also 5 artillery pieces, machine guns, rifles, ammunition and horses. Hungarians also lost few death and wounded. Czechoslovaks had two killed. Battalion advancing to Presov captured town almost without fight when local Hungarian Home Guard in sign of regular troops dissolved.

General Piccione again ordered capture of Kosice will be entrust to Legions from Italy however as he official took over command but was still in Czech Kromezis, Schobl again acted as in his opinion it was necessary not to allow Hungarians time to prepare defenses and evacuated valuable property. However to avoid bloodshed Czechoslovak negotiator was sent to town same day. Hungarians seeing no chance to defend against strong Beran’s forces agreed to retreat. On morning December 29th Hungarians left the town. Same day Czechoslovaks entered the town where they were welcome by Slovak population. Hungarian population on other side was not so excited. Beran’s success later helped Legionaries from Italy when they were taking over most eastern parts of Slovakia. Only Southern Slovakia was still under control of Hungarians. Commander of Allied forces called Hungary to retreat behind demarcation lines however Hungarians refused.


kosice_hist_img_kecf7.jpg


Corps Command Building in Kosice (Kassa). Early 20th Century
 
I think I messed up. Sick like a dog. Some cold. Skipped one part I had ready in PC. Should be before last update.

FIGHT FOR WESTERN AND CENTRAL SLOVAKIA

As colonel Schobl took over Czechoslovak troops in Slovakia and additional reinforcement arrived on November 25th he decided that Nitra region as well as Zilina needs to be captured firstly. Meanwhile Czechoslovak units in Trencin were further reinforced by company of Czech sailors of former Austro-Hungarian Navy which took defensive position north of town Puchov against Hungarian garrison in Zilina. Additional two battalions arrived which on 30th captured Piesany and Hlohovec.

On December 4th fighting renewed as Hungarians attacked and pushed out Czechoslovak garrison from Nove Zamky. Czechoslovak company retreated to Leopoldov and got support of armored train with additional troops. Their counter attack pushed Hungarians back and town Hlohovec was recaptured. However next day Hungarians attacked again and after Czechoslovaks run out of ammunition they had to retreat again. In night of same day additional Czechoslovak troops arrived again with support of armored train and battle for Hlohovec lasted almost whole night. Hungarian eventually retreated.

Situation was further escalating when on 5th Hungarians attacked Czech sailors positions near Puchov. However their attack was broken and many were killed and captured. Czechoslovaks also got hold over their heavy weapons. Rest of Hungarians retreated to Zilina and dame night pulled out to East all the way to Easter Slovak town Kosice. Czech sailors used opportunity and advanced to the town. From Ostrava additional units advanced and from East Slovak volunteers. Zilina was finally in Czechoslovak hands. On 11th Vavro Srobar and Slovak government move to Zilina.

By December 10th Slovak volunteer of Home Guard units, which were sparely armed liberated towns Sered, Modra, Pezinok and villages around.

Meanwhile Schobl ordered regiment of infantry to capture Nitra region. On 9th they captured Banovce and Galanta, on 10th Topolcany and coal mines near Handlova and on 11th Nitra was captured without fight. Hungarians from Nove Zamky attacked next day but were repulsed.

By middle of December Schobl had ten infantry battalions, 2 batteries, cavalry squadron, two companies if engineers and armored train. Some 6800 men. Now most important was to get Eastern Slovakia under Czechoslovak control as Dvorcsak proclaimed Slovak republic in Kosice. By December 15th armored train of Northern Group under colonel Hrbensky entered Poprad and shocked Hungarian garrison retreated eastwards to Margecany near Kosice. Spiska Nova Ves was captured next day. On battalion from Poprad advanced toward Kezmarok to stop Polish troops which were at the time trying to secure Spis region for Poland.

At same time first transports of Czechoslovak Legions from Italy started to arrive to Czechoslovakia. By end of the year elite 6th and 7th infantry divisions transfers completed. Transfer of some 55 Home Guard battalions built after Armistice from Czech and Slovak POW in Italy were transferred home with the end of April 1919. Ten of them later fought against Hungarian Bolsheviks.

South of Northern Group of Czechoslovak Army another Czechoslovak Battalion of infantry was advancing and liberating Kremnica. However it was immediately attacked by Hungarians and stopped. After reorganization and change in command on 22nd captured Zvolen, 23th Banska Stiavnica and Banska Bystrica in Central Slovakia where they were welcomed by excited Slovak population.

Meanwhile Orava region was secured by company of Czech sailors where they got into firefight with Polish troops along demarcation line. In town Trstena in Orava region they were welcomed by Slovak population

On evening 21st Slovak battalion of volunteers got into firefight with Polish troops which again moved through demarcation line in Spis region, north of Poprad. “Battalion of Slovak Freedom” defended its position and pushed Poles north while in the process capturing 4 prisoners. On same day Tomas Masaryk returned to Prague and was sworn as president of Czechoslovakia. In eyes of many he was good choice and symbolized unity of Czech and Slovaks in new Republic as he was from mixed Czech-Slovak family.

Colonel Hrbensky in command of his Northern Group had to his disposition almost 3000 men and ten artillery pieces. He had under his command three battalions of Slovak Freedom. By December 25th bigger parts of Western, Northern and Central Slovakia were under control of Czechoslovak troops and Slovak Government of Vavro Srobar.

It was not clear how will be Czechoslovak Republic organized but for now government of Vavro Srobar was first Slovak government in history. We don’t count Slovak Uprising of 1848 during which leaders promised loyalty to Habsburgs for who they fought in years 1848/48 but were forgotten by Wien when peace was established.
 
SECURING OF CZECH BORDERS AND CZECHOSLOVAK POLISH WAR

Declaration of Czechoslovak independence didn’t come free. German population of Sudetenland as well as Polish majority in Tesin area was not happy with results. Under influence of group of Polish demographers Polish government started to push their claims for some northern parts of Slovakia. Especially at Spis, Orava and Cadca region. In Slovakia strong Hungarian garrison refused to clear the territory and Hungarian government offered Slovaks sort of autonomy. However it was too late. Slovak politicians had enough and as Father Hlinka said: “Thousand years of marriage with Hungarians is over.” Indeed it was time for divorce. It didn’t seems it will be civilized however.

Polish population lived in Tesin region, which was part of Czech crown for centuries. In mid of 19-th century Czech-Polish relation were good as struggle against Germanization forced them to join their forces. However as Polish become one of favored languages and with movement of Polish population to area which come with industrialization these relations went sour. During census in Austro Hungarian in 1911 population of area was 434 521 people, of which declared their language 53% as Polish, 26.6% Czech and 17.7% German. Silesian and Jewish couldn’t declare their nationality. However already then first conflicts started when some Polish citizens unsatisfied with results attacked Czech population.

During Austro Hungarian dissolution Polish representatives were more actives then Czech and proclaimed Polish settlements will become part of Poland. At night from October 31 to November 1st Polish unarmed Austro-Hungarian soldiers in region and securedmost of Tesin area.

However on October 30th Czech National Committee for Silesia was created which on November 1st proclaimed its taking over Silesian region including Tesin area. Czechs declared their rights on historical borders of Czech crown. However most important was Kosice-Bohumin railway which was only railway connection with Slovakia and as such very important from strategic point of view.

Meanwhile Germans proclaimed on October 21st Sudetenland area as well as Tesin area part of German Austria. Which was however short lived as Peace treaty didn’t allow them to join Austria. However their representatives on November 12th requested Berlin to join Germany.

Czech representatives answered that without border regions Czechoslovakia can’t exist in other way as protectorate and colony of Great Germany and decided to secure territory by military actions.

As Czechoslovakia didn’t had standing army which was in process of organization representatives requested Benes to acquire three regiment from French army. At the end three Czech Home Army Regiments still not on full numbers were used in Czech lands and in Silesia smaller home guard units were used. However operation started only on November 29th and by 18th everything was over. Most of the towns were secured without fight when after arrival of Czechoslovak troops members of Volkswehr dispersed to their homes. However in town Most six Germans were killed. There were unfortunately more casualties in other towns among Germans as well as among Czechs. During later demonstrations Minister of Defense Klofac (at the time Stefanik still served as Minister of War) called Czechoslovak troops for calm but still unfortunately some Germans were killed.


Czech_military_organisation.jpg


Czech volunteers from Tesin



Meanwhile in Poland in October 1918 Polish authors started to write about 300 000 Poles living in Slovakia and exposed to Slovakization. Polish citizens on tesin requested Polish officials to solve the problem of Poles living in Slovakia and on November 5th in Jablonka propolish citizens of Orava proclaimed Orava, Cadca and Spis accession to Poland. Few days later Polish troop occupied Orava. In mid of December 1918 Polish troops entered Spis region. However according to western allies border of northern Slovakia was already set. Company of Czech sailors as well as company of volunteers eventually secured bigger parts of Orava regions and secured line Sucha hora – Chyzne – Babia Gora as well as railway to Nowy Targ.


330px-Slovakia_borderPoland.png


Disputed Slovak territory


Despite outrage of local Slovak citizens as well as uncertainty of action in Poland as it was carried out without approval from Warsaw Poland at the end proclaimed election to Sejm for January 1919 on occupied territory. This would mean sovereignty of Poland over territory which Czechoslovakia couldn’t accept and requested Poland to abandon territory no later than January 13th 1919.
1st Battalion of “Guard Slovak Freedom” engaged polish battalion which intruded into Slovak territory north of Poprad on 21st December and repulsed them.
However already on December 23rd in Vysne Hagy, Spis region Czechoslovak and Polish troops got into firefight. In village Oravska Podhora Polish army fired upon local population which further evaded little local support. At the end on 24th December in Poprad armistice in region was agreed upon and by middle of January was disputed territory under control of Czechoslovakia. Battalion was priced by commanding officer of region, col. Hrbensky for this action.


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Capt. Ludovit Simko, commander of Regiment of Slovak Freedom




With Sudetenland secured and situation in northern Slovakia cleared Czechoslovakia was unsatisfied with situation in Tesin area and protested against elections to Polish Sejm planned for January 1919 as well as against drafting local men to Polish army on disputed territory. However Poland placed in area military units. Eventually Czechoslovakia decided to solve the dispute with its military and sent in eight battalions under command of battle hardened Lt.Col Josef Snejdarek. Former officer of Austro-Hungarian Army who resigned his commission long before War started and went to serve to Foreign Legion where he work his way up to officer again. He served with Legion on western Front and later served with Czechoslovakia Legion in France. Czechoslovak army, consisting in area of 21st Leg. Regiment (3 battalions), battalion of 54th Home Army Regiment, battalion of 93th Home Army Regiment, 17th Home Army Mountain Battalion and two battalion of volunteers. He was further supported by local volunteers about 5000 strong and by two battalions of 35th regiment of Czechoslovak legions (Italy) located in northwestern Slovakia. Later he got battalion of 33rd Leg. Regiment.



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Col. Josef Snejdarek, commader of Czechoslovak Army in Tesin Area.





Polish forces under Franczisek Xavier Latinik were much weaker as Polish army was stretched thin by its war against Ukraine. Latinik had some five battalions, four machine gun companies, cavalry platoon and one battery of artillery supported by local some 550 members of local Police and local volunteers at strength of 6500 men.


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Col. Franczisek Xavier Latinik, commander of Polish Forces in Tesin area.



On January 19th MNO ordered military to secure Tesin area, on 21st Czechoslovakia asked Poland to pull its troops. Poland ignored the request and on 23rd Snejdarek arrived to Latinik command center with ultimatum to clear territory in two hours. Latinik refused and prepared his men to defend their positions. After time was up Czechoslovak troops started their advance toward Bohumin and Orlova. After heavy fighting also towards Karvina. Tesin was captured without fight on 27th and Polish troops retreated behind river Visla. Czechoslovak army in region was now reinforced further by 3nd Home Army Brigade (6 battalions), two batteries and cavalry squadron.

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Slovak citizens farewell to Czechoslovak Italian Legionaries dispatched from Slovakia to Tesin area.



On 27th Snejdarek received order to cross river Visla and secure railway Bohumi –Tesin - Jablunkov which he fulfilled next day when troops under his command started to advance against determined Polish resistance supported by reinforcements they received. LtCol. Snejdarek divided his forces to three groups – Northern, Central and Southern and attacked with them on 21st. Czechoslovaks broke through Polish defenses on Visla. On wester bank they secured area Strumiene – Male Ochaby. Heavy fighting occurred around Kisielowa close to Skoczow as well as around village Louky. Polish troops further retreated towards Skocov where they finally stopped Czechoslovak troops. However Czechoslovaks received additional three battalions of Home Army as well as five battalions of volunteers which give this seasoned soldier and officer upper hand and he started to prepare attack against Polish position with expectation demoralized Polish defense will collapse.


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Polish Armored train "Hellerzcyk" also operated in Tesin area.



However Western Allies had enough and push Czechoslovakia to abandon prepared offensive. Snejdarek who knew about prepared order to stop offensive negotiated armistice on 31st with Latinik in order not to waste more lives of his men he knew will be necessary to secure Slovakia where Hungarians were stearing troubles. Snejdarek whose reputation as a Legionary with years in Africa was known by Poles was often described by Polish propaganda as a cannibal. While laughing he remembered this and used it later during his appointment in Slovakia. On February 26st Czechoslovakia retreated to new demarcation line agreed on with Poles on February 3rd. However diplomats had long negotiation in front of them Czechoslovakia eventually agreed with division of Tesin as well as plebiscite. However with changed situation, bad economic situation in Poland as well as support of German and Silesians for Czechoslovakia Poland boycotted the plebiscite. According to Czechoslovak data over 63% of population would vote against Poland.


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Czechoslovak Legionaries from French in Tesin area.



With war over Czechoslovakia was free to move troops to deal with Hungary while Poland was busy on its east borders. However even in Czechoslovakia there were some voices if it is vice to alienate Poland over so small territory even if economically and strategically important. Many worried there will be no other opportunity to correct relation with Polish republic. Luckily they were mistaken. Some 50 to 60 000 Poles lived on territory of Tesin. On other side, after Slovak border with Poland was agreed on some 50 to 70 000 Slovaks lived on territories of Orava and Spis which become part of Poland. In the future it will be up to Polish and Czechoslovak officials how well will these minorities in both countries do.
 
I don't understand how expressing support for a timeline is trolling. If you have a problem with the TL thats fine, but don't come at my neck for simply enjoying another TL set in the Twenties, and being based on a country that I admittedly know little about.

Once again continue the good work.
 
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