CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25851, 23 May 1945, Page 5

CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY

MODELLED ON SOVIET LINES

“DESTINED FOR BATTLE”

RUGBY, May 21. The organisation, armament, and training of the new Czechoslovak armed forces will be identical with those of the Red Army, according to a broadcast on Prague radio by General Bocek. “Only thus,” he said, “will it be possible for the new Czechoslovak Army not only to make full use of the great fighting experience of the Red Army, but also to be formed in the shortest period without loss of precious time. Time is short, and the future must not find us unprepared and hesitating. Our army, which is destined for fighting, will also be formed, and will grow in battle, and the bureaucratic conception of an army living in barracks on training grounds while millions of our brothers in arms, the men of the Red Army, and our other Allies, are still fighting sanguinary and self-sacrificing battles will be abandoned. The army is destined for battle. Battle is its aim. Only in battle can we find out what is vital for our army. Only in battle can talent be developed and everything backward, inefficient, and useless abandoned.” The general added that units would shortly be armed with Russian arms and the necessary help in the reorganisation, training, and equipping of the new army had been promised by Russia.