Google translate of a forum . Hopefully the translation is not too difficult to follow.
Jan Smudek
David Černý - 31. 12. 2007 - * .150.broadband6.iol.cz
Hello, I would like to ask for an interesting and little-known person Jana Smudka, who at the beginning of the Protectorate killed in Kladno German policeman and then he managed to escape abroad. In particular, whether it is in the Czech Republic can watch the film made about him during the Second World War in the USSR (Georgia) called "The Elusive Jan", how about that mentions in passing in his publications Jaroslav Čvančara. I wonder who initiated it and how it came impetus for this movie. Thank you for any answers. Sincerely, David Černý
Text is deliberately published March 20, when he started the famous escape "the elusive Jana" Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
"Jan Smudek became the man to whom the Czech people think more than anything else." 1
Hello,
given that John Smudkovi not yet receiving the attention which would, in my opinion, deserved, I will use your question to outline some basic biographical data and other information related to this very remarkable figure in Czech history. First, I consider it necessary to state how this person built the communist historiography - in the recent past was Jan Smudek described as a man with predominant features of "adventurism and frivolity" combined with "indiscretions" or "ambition" who knowingly caused the death of many innocent civilians . Intentionally was also downplayed his work with MS. military units zahraničí.2
Jan Smudek was born on September 8, 1915 in Bela nad Radbuzou, but very soon his family moved to Domažlic, where he attended elementary school and then joined to the local grammar school, from which he left after a year of studies. He studied at the municipal school and began to teach in Mechanical Engineering workshop where soon left because of conflicts with the master to instruct electroinstallatery race. After successfully attended a technical school in Pilsen and at Munich and occupation was a student of Engineering School in Kladno.
Smudek belonged to the younger generation bred Republican spirit, so he was a member of Sokol and junáckého ( boys scout) section, in which r. 1939 swore that he will be actively involved in the resistance. Domažlice young men have targeted procurement of weapons. John Smudkovi soon managed to steal a gun a German noncommissioned officer in Prague the dance, which with Peter Francis, a friend from Kladno, tried fateful June 7, 1939 again. This day dramatically changed the fate of not only the two main actors. In the early evening visited both youngsters Kladno cinema and then went armed with one of the local businesses with disreputable. Probably hoping that they have a chance here to steal more weapons. In a pub singled riot police constable Kniest Wilhelm, who was already drunk and decided that on his way to the quarters surprise.
At the corner of Bath and perry street turned and Smudek policeman called to lift his hands. What exactly has not been followed very clearly described. Petr Koura in his work "nearly-forgotten legend of the Czech resistance" (see resource list) based on materials from the Archive of the Ministry of Interior attempted a detailed analysis of the event, at the conclusion of which states:
"It seems, therefore, that Smudek German policeman missed the first time around. Probably it then jumped and punched in the face blow knocked him to the ground and stunned, his role may have also played Kniestův drunk. Smudek then raised his policeman's cap and wanted to remove the gun, but at that moment came from his own gun the next morning, which hit a German sergeant in the left upper lip and caused his immediate death. Smudek panicked and fled without Kniest gun actually went. (..) From the above, it seems therefore quite likely that Smudek Peter did not intend to kill Kniest, but only to prepare for duty weapon. "3
The second day of the actors left Kladno and went to spend holidays in Prague.
The death of a German sergeant, however caused not only the so-called investigation. Acetin case SS-Obersturmführer Harald Wiesmann (appointed commander of the Kladno Gestapo, which was moved from Benešova), but also other measures - issue a decree Kladno Oberlandrat Otto Meuzela, imposing fines 50,000 Reichsmarks for the entire Kladno District, bounty for the capture of the perpetrators, which totaled 150,000 kroner (100,000 listed the Higher Regional Council in Kladno and 50,000 Interior Ministry) and others. Immediately after the offense was first deposed and subsequently arrested Kladno mayor, who succeeded to the post of German Commissioner, which was one of many Germanization measures. Persecution touched a total of 111 people, two of which came in prison (reportedly in Brno Špilberk) life (Mayor Francis and Francis Pavel Louda) and the others were eventually transported to a concentration camp Buchenwald.4
On June 8, issued by the Reich Protector Konstantin von Neurath in connection with the murder of sergeant Wilhelm Kniest following measures, which also appeared in almost every Protectorate newspapers. (Photo: National labor, 10. 6. 1939, no. 157, p. 1)
The event, of course, reflect contemporary periodicals in which we can observe efforts to convince German occupiers that the Czech nation has never been, nor will be among the nation killers / assassins. In the presence (during the First Republic "prohradní" weekly newspaper whose managing editor was Ferdinand Peroutka) published an article in which inter alia, states: "If we compare the modern history of the Czech nation with a history of any other nation, we see that in their political assassination almost non-existent "- a derogation from the text formed the assassination of the Minister of Finance Alois Rasin and prime minister Karel Kramar. In the text, even the author (V. Strnad) coined the notion of "dovish nature" of the Czech národa.5 The newspapers will find much more open expressions of loyalty to the Empire. The National Labour stated that "the whole Czech public has condemned this malicious murder" that was written as "Kladenské crime". It further alleged:
"To be a relationship between us and the Germans dignified, may enter into reciprocal relationships Czech-German unhealthy element, which could perhaps manifested efforts subordination on the one hand and arrogance on the other side." 6
Former agrarian countryside wrote about the "assassination against himself" and assessed the incident as a crime against the Czech nation. To quote the final passage:
"Premeditated missile, fired in Kladno cowardly and treacherously against the German police official, was simultaneously directed against the policy of peaceful coexistence and harmonious Germans and Czechs." 7
Czech important moral authority in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia was National Union, whose committee made the following declaration:
"As yet there has been a regrettable event in Kladno, most resolutely declares committee that violent crimes are crimes throughout the Czech nation, and therefore considered the committee patriotic duty of every Czech assists in the proper detection and punishment of the offender."
In addition to this statement sent to this Committee also welcomes special commission to make "their own objective investigation."
On 11 June 1939 he appeared in the press even descriptions pochatelů, after which police searched:
"Numerous. floor. (A police search) station in Kladno searching for two unknown men who are suspected of murder in Kladno. One of them is about 24 years old, 165-170 cm tall, tmavokaštanových hair shaven. He was dressed in bright pants, short coat and hat, soft light. The second is about 30 years old, about 182 cm tall, slim, skinny face, blond hair, dressed in bright prožkovaný (striped) suit. While searching for particular stations, bus stops, at autodrožkářů, in pubs and so on., Unless someone like men spotted after 1 hr. At night on the 8th IV. (Sic!) Of 1939. "
This was followed by a warning to all residents of the Protectorate: "He who knows the offender and indicates to him will be shot" .8
One of the many texts warning protectorate population to "predatory rapist" Jana Smudka. (Photo: Midday leaf, 4. 4. 1940, no. 93, p. 1)
But let us return to the fates of the main characters of the story. As noted above, left both players called. Acetin case enjoy the holiday in Prague. Here Jan Smudek his friends admitted that the mysterious killer is on. Police forces but so far the perpetrators searched without success, so Domažlice resistance fighters also managed to amass weapons. But in March 1940, the situation began to change - the arrests began a gradual representatives Domažlice resistance. In this context, should be arrested and Jan Smudek, but he still stayed in Brno and Domažlic came to 20 March 1940. With the head scout resistance group Charles Mathes immediately decided to flee abroad, which he eventually did, but apparently imagined that as a result, becomes a living legend of the Protectorate population.
On Wednesday March 20, 1940 Domažlice scouts built at the yard Smudků two canoes. Around 14.00 arrived in a car with members of the Gestapo and Klatovy Czech gendarmes. Group Leader SS officer Jakob Neubauer wanted to know where Jan Smudek hidden suitcase with whom he came into Domažlic. He replied that it is on the ground, where he went with him. However, when both came to the ground, pulled Smudek one of his concealed weapons, pointed it at Neubauer, fired, thereby severely injured him and escaped in the confusion.
This was the beginning of John's tortuous journey into the ranks of foreign resistance. Until March 23, 1940 was hiding in the village of Pila in pregnant and awaiting the arrival of the head of the Domažlice scout troop, with which it was agreed upon in advance that together flee abroad. But when Charles Mathes agreed place appeared, Smudek continued fleeing towards Plzen. Municipalities Pregnant two-man patrol was stopped by German Finance Guard (Zollgrenzschutz), which was removed to the local station. Jan Smudek the two police officers shot and headed for Čerchov, where he was chased by another two-man patrol, this time Czech policemen, one of whom was shot Smudkem. Escape, in which he often helped the local Czech population, ended successfully brought into Prague on 27 March 1940's.
Smudkův escape but also caused enormous reprisals on the Czech population protectorate. In the night from 20 to 21 March 1940 was Domažlicích arrested 50 people, which is March 23 added another hundred. These people were deported to a concentration camp Flossenburg, where she was part of the June 1940 layoffs. Some people who helped him escape, police authorities were arrested and eventually executed - for example, said Peter Francis was executed September 14, 1940, another henchman Ladislav Vojtěcha sentenced on March 30, 1940 a special court at the German provincial court in Prague sentenced to death and permanent loss of civil rights for helping "violent criminals". However, it is also important to realize that Smudkovy actions and the successful escape of said population needed boost. There are even some indications that the Czech policemen had Smudkovi fleeing help and try to help him cover obyvatele.9
At the time Smudkova escape was discovered that the perpetrator of that acetin case which has meanwhile been postponed almost shelved. Therefore it leaves Czech depicted as follows:
"Security authorities still sought a dangerous and violent criminal Jan S mudek, whose government announced the capture of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia pay 100,000 kroner (Another 20,000 crowns announced the city Domažlice, so the total remuneration amounted to 120 thousand dollars).
The population is invited earnestly to immediately alert security authorities had been spotted somewhere Smudek. Whoever the killer somehow helped Smudkovi will strictly and severely punished. Helping to his capture is a civic duty of every Czech. "
The full text was also given the title villain J. Smudek. Article also contained a warning that "(= Jan Smudek) to ruthless rapist who immediately used firearms" .10 In connection with Smudkovým escape introduce a number of police actions throughout the Protectorate, including South Bohemia, where the quest after several false Footsteps (see article by Leos Nikrmajer source list).
Let us but other fates Jana Smudka, which we left after arriving in Prague on March 27, 1940. Here, thanks to his help Jaroslav Valenta managed to make contact with the resistance, and so on March 29, he traveled to Brno (at Prague station waiting for him legendary member Group Three Kings Vaclav Moravek), he got to Veseli in Moravia, where he remained until April 4. Journey to the Protectorate border continued during the period from April 4 through Slovakia and Hungary, where the other resistance fighters got to Greece, Turkey, Syria and ship to France.
In France, he changed his name and performed as Karel Doubek. After their military training in Agde was assigned to the Czechoslovak unit in France, but soon after the French capitulation had another escape route (from France to Algeria and Morocco, then to the island of Martinique and subsequently Santa Lucia, where he got to Bermuda, then to Canada and finally to the UK), where he performed under the name Charles Legrand, which, fortunately, was not as dramatic as the Protectorate, before he finally got to the UK.
First, it was - then again, Karel Doubek - assigned to the infantry, but was quickly followed by work in the Air Force, specifically course for radio operators. For obvious reasons, was unable to attend sorties on occupied territory, and so was the spring of 1944 the Czechoslovak pilots assigned to the 68th Fighter Squadron night Royal Air Force (RAF). After nine months flew together with the famous test pilot Jaroslav Taudym (generally along flew 140 operational hodin11) that he was called to work in the Czechoslovak Inspectorate.
Upon termination of the war was finally able Jan Smudek return to their homeland. For too long, but here, he did not - after 1948 again happily came from Bohemia, where he again became an enemy. In the nineties he returned from exile in the Czech Republic on 17 November 1999 in the works for almost forgotten Domažlic died.
To your question about the movie titled "The Elusive Jan" (Uchinari Jani), which was filmed in Georgia in r. 1943: The director of the film, which made the company Kinostudia Tbilisi, was Vladimir Petrov and starring Yevgeny Valerianovič Samojlov. Jan Smudek in the image represents one of the students arrested Nov. 17, 1939, which is involved in the resistance and shot several German occupiers. Part of the footage was possible to see the document Elusive Jan, broadcast by Czech Television on 7 January 2008 in CT 2 at 20.45 hours. Georgia's achievement is not the only inspiration filmmakers Smudkovým unusual escape. American film makers shot the film "Casablanca", whose main hero is a Czech resistance fighter.
If you have a deeper interest in the topic I highly recommend the article by Peter Koury, respectively. other texts. Photos of decrees, but not only them, can be found in works by I. Čvančara "someone's life, someone's death."
Resources
1) Literature
Jaroslav Čvančara, someone's life, someone's death I. (1939-1941), Prague 2002.
Jan Gebhart - Jan KUKLÍK, Great History of Czech lands XVa, Praha 2006.
Jan Gebhart - Jan KUKLÍK, Great History of Czech lands XVb, Praha 2007.
Ruzena Force in combat in 1939-1940 in northeastern Bohemia, Hradec Králové 2005.
Petr KETTNER - IM JEDLIČKA, The Secret of the Magi, Praha 1995.
Petr Koura, nearly-forgotten legend of the Czech resistance, Contemporary History, 2004, Nos. 1-2, pp. 110-127.
Vojtech Laštovka, RAF from Domažlice against Nazism 1939-1945, Domažlice 2005.
Vojtech Laštovka, Smudkova adventure saga, Gone West Bohemia, 1980, no. 16, pp. 73-92.
Leoš Nikrmajer, The Hunt for John Smudkovi in South Bohemia, Selection, 1998, no. 35, pp. 95-98.
Čestmír SLÁDEK, Elusive Jan, Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1995, no. 23, pp. 14 to 15
2) The protectorate printing
Sunday sheet (June 1939)
The National Labour (June 1939; March 1940)
Midday leaf (April 1940)
Monday's list (April 1940)
Presence (June 1939)
Countryside (June 1939)
3) Recording a television documentary Elusive Jan (CT 2, 7. 1. 2008, 20.45), from the series Unsung Heroes.
This text has been slightly modified form imprinted in the anthology "Chodsko in the Shadow of the Swastika II."
http://www.fronta.cz/dotaz/jan-smudek#pozn3
Statistics: Posted by Hans — Thu Mar 19, 2015 10:34 am