The Combat Condition of the Units of the Czech-Slovak Corps in Late 1917 – Early 1918

In: Vestnik Volgogradskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta. Serija 4. Istorija. Regionovedenie. Mezhdunarodnye otnoshenija, Heft 4, S. 140-153

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines the features of the combat condition of the units of the CzechSlovak Corps in 1917 – early 1918. It is legitimate to assert that the history of the formation and participation in hostilities of the Czech-Slovak Corps occupies a prominent place both in the history of the First World War and the Revolution, and in the history of the Civil War in Russia in 1914–1920. Methods and materials. The study is based on unique documentary evidence from the archives of the Czech Republic, not previously introduced into scientific circulation. They apply both to individual military units and subunits, and to the corps as a whole. Despite the rather large volume of publications in Russian historiography, the military-political history of the corps during the Civil War cannot yet be considered sufficiently studied. Analysis. The article gives an assessment of the real combat condition of the corps units in late 1917 – early 1918, in the period preceding the anti-Bolshevik action.The factual data presented in the article significantly correct the point of view currently prevailing in terms of Russian historiography and historical journalism, according to which the Czech-Slovak units located along the TransSiberian railway from Penza to Vladivostok were distinguished by large numbers and were well armed. The article analyzes the weapons and ammunition available in the arsenals of the corps, assesses the military training of its various units. In fact, we can say that the numerical strength, as well as the degree of combat readiness of the corps units were not high enough. Results. Therefore, based on this aspect of the history of the Czech-Slovak Corps, it is impossible to say unequivocally about a pre-prepared and carefully planned speech. Nevertheless, the events that took place undoubtedly contributed to the escalation of the Civil War in Russia.