During and prior to WWI, there was a dedicated movement in what is now the Czech and the Slovak Republics to have a homeland apart from what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The start of the war was cause for many men living in this area to gravitate away from the Central Powers and form fighting groups to work against the Germans, Turks and Austro-Hungarians. Indeed, in Austrian units made up of mostly Czechs and Slovaks, there was a tendency to not put fort their best and there was a high rate of desertion.

This desire for a homeland extended to other nations where leaders, such as America's Woodrow Wilson, actively sought to help their cause. Many Americans of Czechoslovak descent not only helped monetarily, but also went to fight in what would become one of many Czech Legions.

These Legions were active on all fronts during the war, with some on the Western Front with the French, others on the Alpine Front with the Italians, but the most famous units were on the Eastern Front with the Russians. It is here that the Legion had its greatest moments as they got caught up in the Bolshevik revolution. Basically they fought with anyone who was fighting the Central Powers, even if they did not like the politics of that nation. This is because they knew that defeating the Germans and Austrians brought them closer to the homeland they so desired. However, the Russian Revolution brought with it more than they bargained for and the Legions ended up being on the side of the White Russians against the Red Russians. Eventually, during their movement to Vladivostok and a way home to their new country, the Legion became the premiere fighting force for the Whites. At one time, they controlled a 6000 mile front across Russia.

The way home was fraught with conflict and that part of the story is ably told by author David Bullock. But this is a Men-at-Arms book and so there is some concentration on the men and equipment of the Legions, delving into  how the men were recruited, how they were dressed and the equipment they used. It also examines how these forces performed in battle and the tactics that were used. This is all superbly enhanced by an excellent selection of period photographs and the  art work of illustrator Ramiro Bujeiro.

It is the story of men that was heavily suppressed while Czechoslovakia was under first Nazi and later communist rule. A fascinating read and a book I can highly recommend to you.

November 2009

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