21th November 1989
Even at night departs from Munich two military trucks bearing the Bundeswehr. For Mammendorfem go down the road and the forest path to get to a small clearing, where the stop. Jumped from under tarpaulins German soldiers and a man with a woman dressed in dirty overalls dark blue air with a flag on the right shoulder and chest emblem. Both are escorted to a small mound with two freshly hewn beams, to which the soldiers tie. Weak aroma of pine resin is the latest sensation to register before you across the clearing contains fragments volley of musketry, which deprives both pilots life. Two orphaned flip revolver then ends the theater opened last night before a military tribunal in Munich, which pilots found guilty of war crimes against civilians and sentenced them to death.Report on the execution of major František Vyskočil and Cpt. Tatiana Leskova is published in all the world media. In states of NATO meets with a favorable response to the public, but the rest of the world is appalled. Czechoslovak President Jan Šrom appears before the Federal Assembly delivered a speech in which not only strongly condemns the illegal execution of both pilots, but in relation to NATO considers some of the international agreements on human rights and the treatment of prisoners of war for just canceled. Subsequently, both pilot honors title Hero of the ČSSR and is promoted to lieutenant colonel posthumously, and as commander in chief, issued a secret order commander in Náměšti nad Oslavou 20.sbolp on the night air raids, resulting in the removal and preparation of a large number of sealed containers of ammunition warehouse in the airport.
The behavior of soldiers and field commanders ČSLA to NATO soldiers suddenly changing. Rapidly decreasing number of enemies captured in battle and significantly worsens the treatment of prisoners in POW camps. CSLA also morale soar.The peace negotiations with representatives of the NATO protesting laugh Foreign Minister Adamec in the eye and the representatives of the FRG and France, Adamec laconic report that in the event that another bomber pilots fell into the hands of their armed forces NATO, it will be loaded as well as both executed pilots . Adamec is a long telephone conversation with Prague arranges for another procedure and subsequently NATO representatives confident to announce that the official response to the unlawful murder,get in the near future.
The UN Secretary-General in his speech condemning the NATO action in hisprotest will go along most states. Subsequently approved sanctions against NATOStates, prohibiting not only the other states of the UN arms supplies but alsosupplies of oil, which is their military operations is vital. U.S. sanctions against those protesting the protest and get out of the UN Security Council. So eachcarries a large part of subordinate units UN.In Czechoslovakia, yet continues taking equipment shipped from Poland and the USSR. At the station in Ostrava gradually trains arriving with a cargo of T-72 tanks from the Soviet Union, which ordered the five hundred. Other tanks takeapproximately one hundred of the newly formed Czechoslovak troops at the hands of Polish soldiers at the station in Tábor, which also arrived by rail.
The airport Všechov the bad weather moved through the last thirty MiG-21MF from Poland. Here is one created 77.slp three squadrons. Given that all aircraft are controlled by Polish volunteers, is built under the command 77.slp half. Jacek Zawadsky, which also arrives at one of the MiGs. He immediately two experienced pilots PVOS begins with pilots briefing on the situation and thegeography of South Bohemia.
It also shifts the rest of Czechoslovakia aircraft Su-22 and Su-20 aircraft of which ten Su-22 landing at the 20.sbolp Náměšt nad Oslavou, five aircraft (3xSu-22 and 2xSu-20) lands at the 6th sbolp in Prerov and five Su-22M4R aircraft landing at 47.pzlp in Hradec Králové where they replace downed reconnaissance aircraft.At the airport in Prostejov on landing after flying from the USSR eighteen Mi-24V controlled Czechoslovak airmen and fifteen Mi-24P Soviet manned by volunteers. These are divided between 11.vrp and 51.vrp so that three swarms of Mi-24V and two Mi-24P to 11.vrp, the rest takes 51.vrp, where is moving with crews.
Air Force ČSLA helicopter on the west strengthened by 1.aevrp that originated from two squadrons of transport helicopters Mi-17 modified for Airmobile Operations Regiment and paratroopers. The unit also receives available to all thirty Czechoslovak Mi-24D, which has been rearming of the reasons all units of the type of Mi-24V grounded at the airport in Prostejov. You should be prepared for use as druhosledové. This creates a strong enough unit, capable of self-attack and planted to support infantry and supply adequate air support. As a base backup is selected Kámen take-off area in which the short growing tent city in which to lodge crew and paratroopers.
Last Air Force strength on the Western Front as a replacement for the destroyedaircraft 5.slp and re-commissioned 9.slp supplied MiG-21F, MiG-21 and MiG-PF21PFM. The aircraft Mošnov collected are divided between the two bodies equally(ie each gets four MiG-21F-13, 3 MiG-21PF and seven MiG-21PFM) and alsoduring the day doing Establish ten MiG-21F-13, five MiG-21PF, 11 MiG-21PFM.They are then přelétány directly to departments.
The situation is worse for the Su-7BKL dragons are so worn that only threetechnicians up an aircraft and to midnight largely manage to prepare the next seven aircraft. Serviceable aircraft, like the MiG-21 overflown immediately to staffin this case to the 7th sbolp in Prague-Kbely.
The departments with reaktivovanými aircraft during the day starting to come out ofreactivated older techniques also advances drivers from the states, who arepredominantly on the fly. Due to the weather being their only refresher training on the ground. Pilots evening agree that their first years of recovery, given the situationthe first combat flight.
The critical situation in 28.sbolp is solved similarly. Given that the airport remains only eleven MiG-23BN recent falls decisions that pilots who lost their aircraft will continue to serve as a backup in case of injury to other pilots, the MiG-23BN and also will be included in the group nadstavových pilots who went through accelerated re-training on the MiG-27M. Pilots who started retraining before gradually made up ground checking and testing due to lack of aircraft, time and unsuitable weather will be their first flight on the MiG-27 and the first battle. Confidence in this technology also raises a message that another MiG-27 is already allocated from the Soviet Air Force and prepared for flight to Czechoslovakia.In the evening 20.11 The weather over the western Bohemia began again another cold front coming worse during the night and finally fell below the minimum specified for single-seater aircraft.
Despite the bad weather started shortly after midnight from the airport Prague-Kbely three aircraft L-410 with the explorers, who were on low-altitude parachute landed in the area Vyšší Brod and Dolní Dvořiště, where the packing of parachutes and their clearance, started with the exploration of suitable land-based targets for further air strikes. The aircraft is returning from its mission without loss, was slightly damaged only one aircraft that landed at the landing just before the threshold, and the subsequent rebound damaging the underside of the fuselage, which was repaired in field workshops.
Before dawn ČSLA units, launching an attack against the cast yesterday and again lost the supply routes of NATO troops in Cheb. During these five hours, with strong support from artillery Hrozňatov again cut through, the unit will save on the hill at Rozcestí and occupy hill Rovinka lying on the edge of Cheb. Forward deployed units subsequently occupy undefended hill Green Hill, where the ruins destroy enemy broadcasting station and the Border nad Ohri, which cut through the last major supply route to the FRG. So doing enough to create a strong zone defense, which the NATO forces in spite of constant counterattacks fail to break the FRG and Cheb gets into the hard siege. The infantry immediately enters into the city, along with units that pass Ohře at dawn, begin to fight in the streets of the city.The fight lasts until evening, when the last U.S. troops surrounded near the stadium. At 21:05, the last infantry ČSLA rises into the attack and destroyed the building of the stadium leads the last NATO soldiers who survived the Battle of Cheb. These fourteen captives becomes the only NATO soldiers who major battle of the Cheb survive.The remaining troops began advancing from the north during the morning march to the west in order to recharge Aš. Their first stop was the Hazlov, where he clashed considerably easier for disorganized enemy, mainly consisting of units that escaped during the attack on Františkovy Lázně. Given that these were not enough to fortify, Hazlov was conquered in less than an hour in the village were left with the task motostřelci Hazlov hold against possible counter-attack, while the armored infantry support units headed out to the south to the conquest of pleasing concluded between the boiler Frantiskovy Lazne, Hazlov and pleasing part of the main enemy armored units that retreated here after the occupation of Cheb by ČSLA units.
Libá after three hours of fighting surrenders, the boiler is so closed. Within a short time, however, NATO troops moving into the attack and just almost finished trench fortifications at Hazlov helps stop them. Finally, NATO forces will break when, at 22:40 Polná at identifying successful siege and escape to about. In an empty boiler and Czechoslovaks are just a field hospital with ninety heavily wounded NATO soldiers, piles of corpses and charred torsos tanks.Queue at Nemanice at dawn after nearly five hours of continuous artillery fire finally collapses. From the north and east to the place where before yesterday's bombing of houses were under continuous heavy fighting units enter ČSLA. After the destruction of the infantry dug Novosedly fighting from house to house, from the choir's chorus over the entire length Nemanice and Nemaniček.The moment has finally come to the edge of the city, launching NATO reinforcements who crossed the border near Lískove counterattack, forcing the infantry hidden in the ruins of the city to more than seven hours of positional defense, but after the attack ČSLA units, from village Černé řeka to the ends of Lískove successfully. Shortly after dark the infantry to enter Lískove, where he fortified and facing a last attempt to counter-attack NATO forces across the border to the FRG. Last shots beyond then sounds 23. hour shortly after, when near a Velké Skály shelter located infantry patrol six parachutists dropped here the previous day. Paratroopers leads stiff resistance but after they run out of ammunition, based on the, last two paratroopers out of hiding with his hands up.
Shortly after dawn is breaking down the defense Horní Vltavice, ČSLA anddefeated troops retreating to Račí, where it strengthens the infantry sent fromBorové Lady. With the support of motorized rifle units Kubova Hut at noon, thenlaunch a counter attack ended only Horni Vltavice free again, but also the strategicconquest of Mlýnský Hill, where it is immediately deployed several self-propelled guns that start shooting at Zátoň and Lenora. Lone infantry then moved to the southwest and with heavy losses at 16:15 conquering enemy radio and air defensepositions on the Hill Žlibském. Here promptly stumbles and strengthen the otherengineer units and infantry attempted business conquest Chlustoru, but ends withthe disaster after the infantry to get undetected, NATO forces situated on a bluffminefield hill. It takes more than five hours to thrive under heavy fire downloadtrapped in a mine field units, which are then downloaded to Žlibský Hill, where aftertwo hours of artillery preparation to attack NATO forces face of the Sentinel.Žlibském trenches on the Hill during the two hours changed owners five times until they are eventually captured and retained units ČSLA. On the defensive line in front of Volary continue attempts to break through that firstsuccessful until shortly before ten o'clock, when part of defenses through enemy infantry combat and extends to the edge of Volar. Breakthrough is doing in a shorttime to re-seal and NATO troops in Volary advances crush, but ČSLA command isforced to move Volar new units that come from Prachatice units and in the afternoon with the defensive line pass to attack the West. Within two hours,identifying successful enemy units, which pushes up the Soumarskému bridge.Retreat across the bridge closes NATO artillery units to fire her bridge destroyed.Enemy infantry and several armored personnel carriers, who managed to cross the bridge, escapes through the Česke Žleby to Hliniště. The rest of the enemy after 22hour, vacating the village, Soumarský bridge, leaving in place largely destroyedequipment, which blocks the road and walk through receding floodplain wetland inLenora.
After almost overnight artillery preparation is put in motion as well as units fromustoupivší Bohdalovic to Zátoň enhanced with new tank units. During the morningthey manage to break into Bohdalovice, and over to break into Hašlovice Dobrnaand floodplain. Forced to seduce a long struggle filled with the military on the hill,where there is a radio ČSLA, and local command post. This fits almost dusk - defenders are annihilated to the last man. The continued attack on Větřní stops at the border town where the spring Heřmanského stream through the nose ČSLA built the defensive line, which prevents the rest of the night.
In an effort to further expand the queue for the attack on the Česky Krumlov launch NATO troops along the shore of the Lipno reservoir attack on the village Frymburk. The attack is connected as part of the units of Malšína. By contrast, they go two tank battalions ČSLA meet with enemy NATO troops in the area Hodslavského Hill, where both tank battalions after a long struggle, finally defeated and forced to retreat to Náhlovu. Here stop and along with infantry moved here from Frymburk lead a defensive struggle until eight o'clock in the evening, when their positions and captured the enemy launches an attack on Frymburk. While facing entrenched infantry, tanks and anti-tank guns deployed around the perimeter of the village.
The first two attacks but managed to bounce after nine o'clock in the evening addsto the infantry attack, which passed through the forest and destroying fortificationsin the southern part Frymburk and forcing the defenders to blow the bridgeconnecting the two parts of the village up. It also cut off the only possible retreatfrom the area. The rest of the fortifications thrive despite constant artillery fire to keep until the early morning hours partly because the Frymburk midnight arrivesSvětlíku and Černé v Pošumaví of reinforcements to help with defense and eveninitiate a short break, during which the enemy pushes Náhlov to the village, which they pass and then, after the enemy took the initiative, despite her retreating backto Frymburk. The only substantial result counterattack is made possible by the evacuation of wounded from Frymburk to village Černá.
With the onset of dusk begins Operation Hérostratos, to which he was a top secret order was issued in the morning and was briefly with several other sealed envelopes transported by courier to the base 20.sbolp. The ammunition depot airport Náměšť nad Oslavou are still open sealed containers ODAB-500 bombs, which were originally considered as a basic aircraft armament Su-24M, but shortly thereafter signed an international agreement to prohibit the use palivovzduchových bombs and condemned the bombs came from the USSR to interference in warehouses. It is now beginning to be transported to the waiting airplanes Su-24M and Su-22M4, which are involved in the upcoming operation.
The crew is selected 20.sbolp nine experienced pilots who will fly in this operationsingle seater Su-22M4 and they along with all the remaining crews Su-24M, despite the constant rain at 17:00 participated in the briefing to the upcomingevent.
The plan was simple. First, start the three Su-22 aircraft, which in addition to two external fuel tanks PTB-800, a pair of ODAB-500 bombs and missiles R-60 also bear two missiles Kh-58E with the radio technical equipment and challenge, first decommission enemy air defense resources in the target area and subsequently bombing. For the rest of them fly cargo aircraft bombs ODAB and ZAB-500-250 up to devastate the target area. That is the same as the previous day, the only city-Munich and the targeting of any civilian residential areas, the choice of targets is left to the crews. After the raid target area will then be photographed from three aircraft 47.pzlp that the Munich arrive ten minutes after the aircraft 20.sbolp. After returning to their aircraft and rearmament raid will then be repeated with the same course. Each pilot and the operator then receives a sealed envelope in which the explicit authorization of the Supreme Commander of the Air Force ČSLA to use banned weapons.
At 18:00, therefore, begin to lift from the airport to the limit load loaded aircraft Su-22 (Consider that each airplane of R-60 missiles and fuel tanks PTB-800 carries two ODAB-500 bombs and six incendiary bombs ZAB-250) and together with the Su-24M plunges into low clouds rapidly darkening as vyhasínají last rays of the setting sun. Because it must be tonight once more above the target return, flying airplanes directly risking trap enemy air defense, but that seems to be sleeping now.The first three aircraft reaches the registers and Munich only two enemy air defense radars, which immediately destroyed. As flies to meet them just anti-aircraft artillery, throw his bombs and immediately turn to return the remaining CH-58 shoting the radar, which means focus.
The main group of airplanes arriving less than five minutes after the first three. He sees the brilliant explosion of bombs dropped by the operator leading the Su-24M remote manual film camera. Despite bad weather, aircraft spread the messy lines and start carpet bombing the city with a gradual jettison all bombs. The work of destruction wrought by the bomb is then captured virtually the fly reconnaissance cameras Su-22 that flew in a little earlier so that they can capture the entire course of the raid.To the surprise of all aircraft crew returning from the first raid without a single loss or damage. And the second air raid, which start at 1:00, can do without loss, but it is necessary to repair slightly damaged send Su-22M4R 47.pzlo to the midsection ripped by shrapnel from an enemy grenade, fist-sized hole.
Images are reconnaissance immediately after the landing of aircraft produced andsent by courier to Prague and 20.sbolp. The crews could see not only the course ofthe two raids, but frightening fires caused by them droped bombs. To sleep,deposited with the tacit knowledge that the motto "Ubi Sement feceris, ita mettes" written on the bow lost the first Su-24M, whose crew was shot this morning, is filledcompletely.
NATO air due to difficult weather conditions over western Europe,over Czechoslovakia sends only six bombers, F-117, which interfere with airportBechyně, Plzen-Line and Karlovy Vary, but their damage is caused, despite theweather gradually clarifying the Western Bohemia minimal. In addition, a bomberafter lightning strikes lost in a storm over the North Sea. The pilot, Major Gregory Engelston of aircraft catapults, but before getting to him rescue units, they sink.Better results are achieved Tomahawk missiles that affect the residential area in Prague, Liberec, Pilsen, Brno and Ostrava. Attack of the night is almost exclusivelyled by the civilian population.
22th November 1989
After the departure of the bombers in the city of Munich phenomenon unleashed by Germany and the world had not seen since the days of World War II. The amount of ignition and fuel-air bombs plunged into the flames throughout the city and fire district gradually moved into a massive fire storm before dawn engulfed much of the city and spread further. Courageously she built fire and rescue units from Munich and surrounding areas, but only managed to prevent the massive spread of fire. The affected area must eventually leave it burn.
The losses among the civilian population are frightening. Over two hundred thousand people died in the firestorm, and thousands more are forced to burn injuries and forced to seek medical help.Morning newspapers around the world bring to the front pages of extensive coverage of the Munich disaster. In Prague, at a press conference presenting the Air Force commander and PVOS Josef Remek, journalists free movie in an air raid from the deck head of the Su-24 and selected photographs taken by reconnaissance aircraft 47.pzlp. In a subsequent discussion with journalists Šrom as president of Czechoslovakia Socialist Republic announces the official position of ultimatum for FRG which threatens the destruction of another big city in the event that NATO forces immediately cease operations in southern Bohemia and do not withdraw back across the border.
As a result of breaking news in NATO countries a large part of public demonstration inclination to the side of Czechoslovakia. In Paris, demonstrators clash with police, which is due to their aggressiveness forced to use rubber and later live ammunition and killed six protesters. A similar situation occurs when a demonstration in Bonn, where, however, dispenses with the shooting victims.
With the same opinion as President Šrom performs at the peace negotiations withthe Minister Adamec to my no small amusement is witnessing an open conflict between the representatives of NATO states. While representatives of the United States, Great Britain and France resolutely refused any negotiations for peace,FRG delegation was under the threat of further arson raid willing to speed upnegotiations on a truce. Eventually, however, inclined to the opinion of othercoalition countries, and also rejects the ČSSR requirements.
At a hastily convened meeting of the United States NATO air forces of Staff actinggene. obst. Ernst Heinemann with the requirement to carry out a retaliatory strike against Czechoslovakia. After a brief discussion falls decision to attack at dawnusing all fighter and bomber aircraft that are available. Given the assumption that the Air Force fighter ČSLA will be fully bound by this attack, drops decision to leave the combat area in Western Bohemia, without air cover it with a limited extent be carried out very aggressive and attack aircraft.
Shortly after daybreak start Czechoslovakian reconnaissance on the regular tour ofenemy positions. With the rising sun in the back started shooting from a smallheight aggregators and hostile toward them flew only weak cannon and machine-gun fire. After returning the captured images are presented for evaluation at the Air Force Command and PVOS which subsequently broke out a big cheer as the photographs appeared in the empty meeting place where Waldmünchen leftcoalition just a normal guard units. This enthusiasm was then cooled, but the reportclaiming that the land reconnaissance into Vyšší Brod arrived a large group oftanks, infantry units and the indications of the troops was undoubtedly moved fromWaldmünchen to strengthen the attacking southern direction. Although this reportbut allow opting Nemanice units and move south to Lenora.
In addition, the Air Force and managed to strengthen other aircraft reaktivovanýmiof declared sites. 9.slp 5.slp and came early in the morning every eight MiG-21PFand five aircraft PFM. In addition, landed at the airport 9.slp group of six MiG-21F-13 which was 9.slp completed by to be an emergency combat-capable unit.The Prague-Kbely arrived shortly after dawn and finally completed a group of sevenSu-7BKL that were once relegated to 7.sbolp which is now preparing for its firstdeployment. Surprisingly, however, for the crews, mostly veterans of the aircraft thatwas not originally planned to go to use against ground targets in Aš.
A counter-attack enemy air forces, began at 9 o'clock in the morning when the search radars PVOS capture a large group of enemy aircraft heading for the border area in Tachov. Was immediately declared a red alert to all fighter regiments in the western boundary of which were directed against the hostile bundles. Since shortly after the start of the first aircraft was clear that the enemy is really a lot of in several waves, and the chance fell to the decision to send combat troops as an emergency fighter and fighter-bomber and reconnaissance units. 47.pzlp, 20.sbolp, 6.sbolp 7.sbolp and therefore were ordered to equip its aircraft and air combat aircraft to prepare for an immediate start as soon as conditions require. The same order also got to 3.lšp the twelve L-39ZA was deployed along with 47.pzlp at the airport in Hradec Kralove.
Fighter aircraft 1.slp, 5.slp, 8.slp, 9.slp, 11th fighter regiment, 19.slp, and 77.slp 91.slp are still gathered in the area of Pilsen and issued to meet the enemy. As the first contact with the enemy association consisting of forty F-111 aircraft in the company of more than one hundred and fifty F-15C and F-16C USAF F-4 and Panavia Tornado Luftwaffe planes came flying 19.slp forehead. The first salvo down two enemy F-15 and lost three MiG-21MF. Then the struggle gradually involve other formations and they eventually managed to fight in this one down nearly one hundred and ten enemy aircraft for the loss of sixty-two fighters. Unfortunately, the heart of enemy forces, F-111 bombers, only managed to escape with the loss of six aircraft being shot down three more 17.plro. While largely devoid of aircraft equipment and fuel to rearm quickly landed at airports in Karlovy Vary, Plzen-Line, Stříbro and Bechyně 7.sbolp aircraft were started, and 3.lšp 47.pzlp that targeted directly to Prague to meet the enemy bombers. With them, the first aircraft met Su-7BKL 7.sbolp their guns and unguided rockets destroyed eight enemy aircraft even before it came into the MiG-21R, Su-22M4 and L-39ZA of Hradec Kralove, which then in cooperation with aircraft 7.sbolp destroyed the rest of the aircraft without a single private losses. Five aircraft yet enough to drop their bombs Mk. 82 and Mk. 84 on the city, causing slight damage Dejvice a Smíchov neighborhoods. The greatest loss while did not cause dropping bombs but the aircraft F-111 shot down by Su-7BKL , which crashed with the crew on Lenin's class where the burning fuel and debris demolished fully occupied tram which killed 63 civilians. The aircraft eventually all landed at Prague - Kbely overkill where the expected arrival of further bundles.
He crossed the border of Czechoslovakia less than an hour after the first out and F-15C and F-16C USAFE it consisted mainly Panavia Tornado, Jaguar and Mirage RAF and Armee de l'Air enhanced F-104 and ten Luftwaffe F-4F. Overall, it is formed over two hundred fifty airplanes bombing aimed at the Old Town, Dejvice, and airport Kbely Smichov in Prague.
The Czechoslovak aircraft competed for the first time to the Karlovice the fighters arrived at the place almost simultaneously with aircraft from Kbely posted. Unleashed another large-scale battle in which she spoke out fighters largely the Czechoslovak air defense, who managed to shoot down airplanes, eighteen of which destroyed a major part 1.plro missiles, and 3.plro 17.plro. Although outnumbered by enemy aircraft aircraft CSLA gradually began to prevail with them for the loss of eighty-three aircraft managed to shoot down enemy aircraft over one hundred and sixty, and the rest dropped their bombs after they disperse throughout the Bohemia. Other aircraft then destroyed Su-22M4 and 20.sbolp 6.sbolp that were started simultaneously with aircraft from the airport Prague-Kbely to prevent hostile airplanes with an empty ammunition and fuel, in retreat. The loss of three Su-22M4 then shot down enemy aircraft twenty-eight with seventeen victories scored 20.sbolp, eleven 6.sbolp. Balance of loss to the Air Force was ČSLA but despite this undeniable victory grim. 148 own downed aircraft 5.slp, 9.slp 91.slp and virtually excluded from the fight after the loss of most aircraft. The other regiments, including air and 7.sbolp 47.pzlp suffered heavy losses but were still combat-capable. A surprise for all became 3.lšp L-39 Albatros, which shot down eight enemy aircraft and pay themselves with just one aircraft shot down.
One of the pilots 91.slp, Lieutenant. Zbyněk Dudek, after this battle becamelegend. Not for his success because his two victories were by far the highest scorefor the day but its almost incredible luck.
During the attack the other enemy bundle, after a brief battle the enemy shot downthe F-15C but then it hung up for the French Mirage and began to persecute him.Lieutenant. Dudek made two sharp turns followed by a transition to dive. SinceMirage was still behind him, continued to descend to minimum altitude for recoveryand the achievement of the stick while přitáhnul přetrimoval aircraft into "hard-to-tail". Nose of the aircraft began to rise but to the dismay of por. Dudek is sternplane despite the speedy settlement of trim still sinking MiG began to fall almost vertically stern first. Lieutenant Dudek as a last resort rescue increased thrust at maximum power, and after a brief hesitation, turned on the afterburner but despite the slowdown in falling to the altimeter needle is still close to zero. In anticipation of the crash closed the lieutenant. Dudek eyes but the impact and subsequentexplosion of the aircraft came. When the pilot's eyes slowly opened again, he sawthe plane go down but not stopped even went into a very slow, totally vertical climb.Pilot rescued while only the very fact that the plane fell into a gentle valley becausewhen he first turned his head, he saw the lieutenant Dudek edge of the valley that was almost at the height of the aircraft cockpit. With the tight cramped airplanepilot stick gave rise to three hundred feet up where he carefully turned over andemptied the sky went back to the airport in Karlovy Vary.
After the failure of the two NATO air strikes, further next air raid on Prague not attempted. The loss of so many planes in one day was unacceptable to them and forced the Air Force USAFE command to rapidly reinforce its troops and three other groups of displaced air from the USA. Aircraft are moving to Europe began in the evening to receive 22.11 and their shift lasted nearly all night. Unfortunately, virtually no NATO troops could no longer expect support for the Luftwaffe during the conflict which has lost almost all its aircraft. It also forced the Air Force Command and PVOS CSLA to negotiate for the provision of new aircraft from the USSR as a substitute for the lost fighters. Military Delegation in Moscow after long negotiations finally gets promise of supplies eighty MiG-21MF as at least partially cover the losses. Because the supply of aircraft to be completed as quickly as possible, as the airport during the afternoon gradually Mošnov flown three fighter regiments of the Soviet pilots are leaving their aircraft and pilots out of seventeen, who remain as volunteers they all returned on board cargo An-26. Aircraft are then divided into half passed 5th SLP and 91.SLP while all the remaining fighters are reactivated with the crews moved to the 9th SLP.
While the battle over Bohemia proceeded to assault the enemy bundles, began at dawn with CSLA 51.vrp support helicopters and warplanes 31.bilp final blow in the tip of the Cheb to finally expel him from the coalition. Since the early survey showed that the main enemy armored forces are gathered new space Zdar - heavens, it was decided to leave their destruction to the Air Force. The main infantry and armored forces set out from Hazlova to Výhledy, where he met with little resistance from enemy infantry units, which they managed to destroy over half an hour. Subsequently there have been forced under the trade mobile anti-aircraft artillery and missiles remain nearly two hours before the Air Force managed to destroy enemy armored units in the more than one hundred and fifty French and German tanks. These then were added to the account fighter aircraft and three A-10, a Jaguar and seven AH-64 helicopters that attempted to attack the waiting troops clashed with fighting aircraft Su-25K of which two were shot down.
Mi-24 helicopters, paid four-day deployment of helicopters of which one was shot down by enemy A-10 and the rest fell victim to fire from the ground. The movement of ground troops to give up again at eleven o'clock when the constant fighting arrived in the village Nebes. Here in hour battle destroyed dispersed enemy infantry and battled to a suburb of Aš, who had processed rearm fighters and attack helicopters. Infantry, which later came to town until late afternoon when it is captured in the municipality and the Krásné and Aš and its surroundings are exempted. The units retreating from Aš subsequently moved to the city Hranice but at Studánka are forced to confront the sunset with armor and hiding in the ten o'clock evening are discharged to the last man. The city of Hranice, defended very weakly fortified infantry followed shortly after midnight and surrenders of Bundeswehr troops over Trojmezí retreating to FRG.
Along with the support of helicopters and warplanes 11.vrp 30.bilp start procedure also ČSLA units in Lenora. After removal of wrecks enemy vehicles on the access road to Lenora become active armoured units which is doing the eleventh hour from Lenora gradually occupy and force the enemy to retreat to, to Hlinište, the units headed out after the conquest of Lenora in the north and occupy Zátoň and Kaplice. The units displaced from these villages will eventually give up after a short battle with Hloužné.
The next attack on the Hliniště warplanes and helicopters collide with a large number of Jaguar fighters and A-10 and AH-1W helicopters, of which the mutual combat fighters shoot down seven helicopters and five for the loss of four aircraft Su-25 helicopters and two Mi-24V . Hliniště defended tank units is extracted almost to 22 evening hours when the NATO ground troops gradually begin to subside to the Strážny. With the help of reinforcements, while business přisunutých night counterattack in which, however, fail persecuted and forced by troops ČSLA,NATO must to withdraw. At the same time surrenders and buried on the hill Chlustor infantry, who was in on Hliniště rounded and cut off the supply routes were attacked by infantry and oblehnuta Žlibského hill. This is more than five hours trying to conquer the hills and drive to it eventually discharges to the last man.
On the southern front, continued attempts to conquer the enemy Frymburk which are Higher Brod moved troops to the southern front downloaded from Nemanice. After a day of fighting kdy changing village nine times the proprietor shall be exhausted eventually NATO forces and the pressure tank units first to Náhlovu disappear and then Malšín also where ČSLA stop persecuted armor and reinforced by armored units launch a counterattack ended up in the midnight hours of stagnation of the whole situation. The Air Force is engaged in the battle until the afternoon when 28.sbolp 7.sbolp and attack enemy units in the area and Náhlova blitz after his conquest Malšín. Meet during the battle of Panavia Tornado and Harriers and nine enemy aircraft shot down for the loss of a MiG-23BN, MiG-27m two and one Su-7BKL.
On the north side of South Front continues fight to conquer the city Větřní. Defensive line at Hetmanského stream is eventually liquidated after extensive deployment of warplanes to the trenches and container shed napalm bombs. But since ČSLA managed to create during the night in Větřní fortifications, coalition forces are doing in wind come up shortly before sunset. Attacking units are attacked while aircraft 20.sbolp 6.sbolp and laying of over 50 managed to destroy armored vehicles. Shot down addition, two enemy planes and Harrier themselves losing only the Su-22M4 6.sbolp fired from the ground by Anti-Air Defence. Pilot, Lt.. Martin Zajíc, wounded by enemy fire, guided his aircraft to enemy units advancing at Větřní and fell between the vehicles.
ČSLA is eventually forced to retreat to Cesky Krumlov where fortified at Dubové Hill. Although the enemy several times attempted to conquer the hills but it ČSLA despite heavy losses resisted throughout the night.
In the late afternoon at 20.sbolp bombers once again preparing for raids on the FRG. As a goal for this night are selected Karlsruhe and Frankfurt being on each city has an attack squadron of Su-24M. Accompany them has six Su-22M4 aircraft aimed at Nuremberg. Bombers start at 18:00 and above the target is facing the concentrated defensive fire anti-aircraft artillery and antiaircraft missiles. Almost immediately after the dropping of bombs over the city of Nuremberg, Hawk missile hit Su-22M4 manned lieutenant. Pavel Bláha. A bullet rips stern plane, he is perverting the uncontrolled back and headed to the ground. Lieutenant. Bláha from the crippled aircraft catapults and landing in the city streets. Before him, but manages to pack a parachute, it starts to fire a police patrol that lieutenant. Bláha continuous shooting for up to chasing a small park. Here, the calves hurt, lieutenant. Bláha attempts to cover behind a tree but the other hit in the shoulder and turning a gun without ammunition with the last bullet against each other.
Su-22M4 rest completing its mission without any major problems with the two aircraft are repaired after being damaged fragments yet to dawn. In addition, downing the aircraft reaching the O-2A a passing from Munich to Nuremberg, which destroys por. Peter Zavadil fire from guns.
Incoming aircraft at Karlsruhe and Frankfurt do not meet the fire as thick as airplanes over Nuremberg but it is the Su-24M with a crew of Captain. Miroslav Pech and Lieutenant Daniel Adamek, the Karlsruhe damaged, and the airport is back with only one serviceable engine.
After the disastrous failure of the morning air force NATO wants to improve the reputation of the night bombing in which the first time just not engaging only F-117 and Tomahawk cruise missiles and Czechoslovakia but also goes through the five B-52 aircraft, which shed its load of bombs over the chemical factory located in Neratovice, air factories Aero and Let Kunovice, airport Přerov and Zbrojovka Brno. While losing a bomber that when returning from a bombing Prerov intervenes in 22:13, S-200 missiles from bases in 10.plro Rapotice, which is torn off the aircraft wing and fuselage breaks the plane hit the debris field at Velké Bíteš. The parachute are saved only navigator lt. James McDiwitt and defensive systems operator lt. Garry Blakeslee, who captured shortly after landing.
Because it is Airport Přerov suffered the greatest damage is largely inapplicable, are still in the dark up to lightweight aircraft started the longest unbroken stretch of runway and flown back to the nearby airport where Vyškov now have to operate.
Given the still unsatisfactory situation on the southern front commander meets at 23:00 ČSLA commander staff. At its meeting acting Lieutenant-General. Josef Remek entering the Operation Archa, which could the enemy in South Bohemia incapacitate so that they would be forced to retreat. However, as the operation was a great loss of civilian lives, it is necessary that the whole operation approved by President Šrom. He eventually ordered to perform the operation after long hesitation, signed and fixes the start of the sixth hour of the morning.
23th November 1989
The title pages of morning newspapers give extensive coverage of the huge air battle over Bohemia. While NATO countries downplay the results of the battle that accorded by the loss of only nineteen aircraft, the Old Town Square, which is called a public press conference is presented one hundred and eight captured coalition pilots and several trucks are brought fragments of downed NATO aircraft which undoubtedly attracts the most attention almost untouched German Panavia Tornado IDS aircraft, after which his cannon shot from the MiG-21bis a bullet through the fuel system was forced to crash land near Klatovy the crew. hpt. Fritz Gontermann and fw. Erich Wojticzek immediately surrendered along with other pilots was presented to journalists. Great indignation raises last journalists and the public submitted evidence that the enemy losses were real - the black cloth covered tables under glass are subject to the results of search teams deployed on aircraft impact points - adjusted, heat and blood marked by labels crews that perished in the battle their downed aircraft. Each is also fitted with a discreet sign on behalf of the pilot, which died on the type and place of impact.
I photograph these tables appear in the newspapers and the United States., admitted that the loss of only three aircraft causing the biggest wave of demonstrations. In Washington, the White House gathers a crowd of several thousand people calling for the president's resignation. Demonstrators against the police intervenes again, at which intervention is killing eighteen people.
The atmosphere in the peace negotiations in Switzerland is at low ebb. While yesterday the representatives of NATO states were very optimistic and refused any concessions now, after eliminated NATO ground forces at town of Aš, defeat at Lenora and massacred a large part of their air forces over the Bohemia begin to negotiate seriously and expressed willingness to conclude a truce, provided short-term release of imprisoned Chartists and leave the front line lines on the current state. The Czechoslovak delegation, however, rejects this offer and continued to demand the complete withdrawal of NATO troops from Czechoslovakia, but expressed some support for the proposal at issue provided that the Chartists will issue an international tribunal and tried. Delegations of France and Great Britain to enforce because one day to think.
The UN has to continue negotiations on sanctions imposed on NATO countries. Czechoslovak ambassador with the support of most of the Eastern bloc, and many other sympathetic countries issued a proposal to repeal these penalties immediately after NATO troops leave Czechoslovakia. NATO states politely refuse the offer with the fact that they are not willing to withdraw their forces. Negotiations then again ends in deadlock.
At three o'clock in the morning catch ground troops to southern front ČSLA general call for hiding and securing their techniques against unrestrained threat. Units that are capable of fulfilling orders, others are instructed so that as soon as they receive orders to leave their posts and seek shelter as possible to the nearest hill. Seconded engineers also subsequently podminovávají Papouščí rock from Cesky Krumlov after the engineer work with radio control in the hands pulling the nearby high ground.
At airports 28.sbolp, 30.bilp, 20.sbolp, 6.sbolp 7.sbolp and is at five o'clock in the morning briefing to begin Operation Archa. Pilots are presented a large aerial photograph of the dam reservoir Lipno I and Lipno its buffer II. In photographs taken under artificial light aircraft 47.pzlp crew sees only the massive dam massifs but also the position of many anti-aircraft defenses around them. Tou will now have to deal with fly and dikes. The whole task is compounded by the reservoir Lipno II must be broken through first.
Division of labor units is relatively simple. The first aircraft will arrive at the 28th place sbolp and 30.bilp whose task will be to sweep the enemy air defense resources and this will help them to six aircraft 47th pzlp that are rearmed for the occasion as a carrier missiles Kh-58.
Immediately after them into the remaining bombers přilétnou the sixth sbolp and 5 20th Squadron sbolp the Su-24M is the objective assigned to the dam reservoir Lipno II. Once punctured, all the planes that bomb will still be attached to the rest of the 20th sbolp and 7 sbolp to attack the dam Lipno I. crow surveillance airplanes to ensure all available fighter aircraft over the western border which is indirectly placed pilots note that Operation Archa is considered most important.
The first aircraft to the area getting a little after seven in the morning and fighter bombers and warliners are doing to destroy all five batteries of Hawk in the loss of three MiG-27m and one Su-22M4. The subsequent attack fighters Su-25's anti-aircraft artillery batteries but excludes eleven despite the attempts at weapons disposal dams 30th bilp losing five aircraft, their efforts failed.
The dam is therefore cast bombers armed with bombs BetAb-500SŠp. The first flight of Su-22M4 6.sbolp sticks to the ground and the maximum speed overflown Higher Brod. Even during a flight over the city from one roof starts Stinger missiles and aircraft reaches lieutenant Vlastimil Palán. Despite the huge flames that hit the stern whip of the aircraft, however, lieutenant Palán finishing attack, throws bombs and collecting above the crown of the dam from the aircraft catapults. Burning aircraft subsequently crashes into the dam. Discarded bombs, bombs modified version BetAb 500Šp yet-stabilized enlarged stabilizing surfaces of flying through the curve of the stock over the dam where the accelerating rocket engines ignite, to which was added in the modification of even one engine instead of a parachute and identifying successful through the concrete dam. A violent explosion shakes the dam than eighteen bombs exploding in the depths of the dam but the dam still stands.
The attack then throws the whole squadron of Su-24M aircraft summoned while the Su-25K, Vyšší Brod light cluster bombs. Su-24M lined up just behind the swarms are rushing at full speed against the dam from which to meet them at crazy flying machine-gun volleys and cannon shots, which hurt the two pilots. Bombs fall from the aircraft hangers and low flight at maximum speed barely licking the crown of the dam. The new chain of explosions shake the valley and the dam collapses. Pieces of concrete rubble wall of water followed by anti-aircraft battery at the foot of the dam, flooding the Vyšší Brod and his wife farther down the river to spill forth into the wide landscape.
The second dam is a tougher nut to crack. Because the fighters failed to destroy anti-aircraft guns at the dam, the commander ordered his airplanes 7.sbolp to use their bombs FAB-250 to their disposal. The rain of bombs hack around the dam but the majority position is still able-bodied.
The second dam is a tougher nut to crack. Because the fighters failed to destroy anti-aircraft guns at the dam, the commander ordered his airplanes 7.sbolp to use their bombs FAB-250 to their disposal. The rain of bombs hack around the dam but the majority position is still able-bodied.
Because of the convenient arrival prevented massive dam hill Luč, the planes and dive bombing attack almost immediately after settlement. The first attempts of the six planes Su-22M4 and the three of 20.sbolp 6.sbolp. Aircraft in tight swarms descend on maximum speed. The first swarm of enemy fire escapes but the other shooters had to face full of fire. 30 mm grenades, tear leading left wing Su-22 managed lieutenant. Stanislav Med and the airplane after breaking into rapid rotation passes which led into encounters driven aircraft lieutenant, Anna Rajdlová. Wreckage of both planes, enveloped in a huge fireball then hit the transformer below the dam while the third aircraft stay on the attack and bomb the dam. Both pilots in their aircraft are dying. The third swarm fly through hidden behind a dark cloud of greasy rising from the burning wreckage and tosses their bombs accurately. Despite these interventions, however, the dam still stands.
The range is now on the Su-24M aircraft. Those attacks as well as their predecessors of the other dams in the group throughout the flight. Swarm is a swarm down and throws bombs without loss. The subsequent explosion caused the collapse of the chain bridge over both raids but the main part of the dam still resists. Last chance then presents six Su-22M4 second 20.sbolp squadron. Unlike previous attacks against attacking the dam square but at an angle so as to save the dam hit the rocks on both its sides. A swarm of flies attacking from the south at full strength around the Heights, Cikánský Castle and just before the dam throws his bombs to jam in the dam adjacent to the concrete mass. Crews immediately attracted to their rapidly aircraft being just yards passing with three attacking in the opposite direction, and so just reaching the other side of the dam. It's a wonder that neither plane was in this crazy maneuver and lost all escape. The mighty roar of exploding bombs and valley fills pilots circling above the dam to see the front wall of breaking water pressure and torn into small pieces with water rushing into the valley where the powerfully reinforces the water pouring out from the second tank. Ether immediately fly radio signal on the full success of the event after which the aircraft returned to base.
While bombers attacked the dam burst south of them skirmish between the fighters, fighter bombers and helicopters of NATO, which is issued without fighter cover to support the ground troops on the southern front. Attack the MiGs 11th fighter regiment, and 1.slp 8.slp that thirty-one down enemy aircraft and nine helicopters for the loss of just four aircraft. Because after a morning raid in the presence of other enemy fighters in the area proved to be ineffective, it is also the last action of the aircraft over southern Bohemia.
Water in the valley yet proceed to the north. Rests with the engineers blasted Papouščí Rock and spilling into the countryside. While ČSLA units were instructed how to prepare for the situation and save so much of their equipment, an impromptu coalition troops flood hit hard. Virtually all flood fighting technique has been destroyed and many soldiers in the rising water drowned or were deprived of their weapons. The disaster of these units is inevitable and instead of fighting, most soldiers prepared units disclaims ČSLA. In the evening, and from NATO virtually depopulated areas of southern Bohemia to the flood line unaffected Studánky-Horní Dvořiště-Dolní Dvořiště where NATO troops retreat on foot. The only larger enemy fortifications north of this line remains in Malšín which is contested only by units of ČSLA Náhlova 1.aevrp but especially that in the area planted Airmobile landing, which conquers the village and provides less than twenty prisoners
During the afternoon the Czechoslovak fighter bombers, fighters and attack helicopters carried out an almost continuous bombardment of enemy units retreating to the line where Studánky-Horní Dvořiště-Dolní Dvořiště destroy the last remnants of NATO armored vehicle and killing a large number of the already demoralized troops. Anti-aircraft fire is disorganized and weak, but despite it down two aircraft Su-25K, Su-a 7BKL and three Mi-24V.
Accompanying fighters sporadically utkávají with NATO fighters and most fights are turning in their favor when sestřelují next eleven enemy aircraft for the loss of three fighters.
North of the Apocalypse in southern Bohemia, ČSLA units begin with a massive support warships and helicopters 31.bilp 51.vrp 11.vrp a massive offensive to finally occupy the village Strážný. After six hours fight captured the village Strážný units and proceed to the ČSLA Kunžvartského sedlo where the eight-hour battle destroy enemy fortifications and finally arrives at the border with the FRG. The price for the success of this offensive is high. Fighters and helicopters throughout the day clash with enemy fighters supporting NATO and NATO air defense units, the ČSLA lose seven Su-25K aircraft and five helicopters Mi-24. NATO's success are the thirteen fighters downing Jaguar, Tornado and Harrier and eight helicopters. In addition, the country comes almost eighty armored vehicles and a large number of vehicles.
As the evening photo reconnaissance of South Bohemia showed that despite the ongoing maintenance of the defensive line Studánky-Horní Dvořiště-Dolní Dvořiště NATO troops begin to withdraw from the territory of Czechoslovakia was decided not to bomb at night the FRG but to raid the assembly Freistadt in Austria. Su-24M bombers and Su-22M4 20.sbolp so shortly after 23 hour of starting to take the carpet bombing in Freistadt, which it shortly after midnight doing practically all the consequences of losing the light anti-aircraft fire one Su-22M4, which the pilot lieutenant Luboš Habicht manages to catch up to where he crash-lands Kaplice on a flat stretch of road. The aircraft, however, firefighters, who then come to a place to save and not burned out wreck is eventually written down.
24th November 1989
Shortly after one o'clock in the morning at the request of NATO delegations in Switzerland, meet a delegation of representatives of NATO countries with a delegation of Czechoslovakia. After three hours of talks eventually NATO nations have agreed to the terms of the Czechoslovak troops withdrawal from Czechoslovakia and signed a ceasefire with effect from 6 o'clock in the morning. The only requirement is to allow NATO countries NATO forces free withdrawal from southern Bohemia. The other provisions of the agreement provided that the repatriation of all POWs held to 12.1 1989, the Chartists, who were at the origin of the dispute will be brought to international judicial tribunal in The Hague.
The agreement is signed at 4:30 in the presence of representatives of the press and television.
The war is over!
Status Quo?
The war ended but not everything is settled and complete. NATO units in accordance with the peace arrangements, withdrew from Czechoslovakia and 1.12 1989 sent to Bonn airport in all of the Czechoslovak prisoners received during the conflict. All?
All eventually were. Because the body airmen were shot legally FRG cremated and the ashes thrown into the Rhine, was emptying the ashes from the two boxes to gain and river water from the bottom part of the material and after insertion into two urns were also transmitted to the representatives of Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovak prisoners were transferred to Bonn on board an aircraft which is released prisoners returning to Czechoslovakia, but even in their case not arrived all. Accidental blow the gaff, gef. Willi Barnum captured in Cheb Czechoslovak authorities finally managed to find the whole process and perpetrators in murder of Czechoslovak airmen Hájeckého pond. Because the GEF. Barnum would be one of the perpetrators who remained alive after the conflict (the others were killed in defense of Cheb), was handed over to an international tribunal in The Hague and are convicted of war crimes to prison for twenty years.
The Hague gradually arrived Chartists Václav Havel, Leoš Mlynář and Stanislav Gráber. In almost half a year long process is finally over the protests of the Warsaw Pact sentenced to symbolic imprisonment are then removed by court order outside Europe. Last been seen in Argentina.
10.12 1989 was held in Prague at the military parade that president Jan Šrom , members of the Army awarded a total of 210 (182 in memoriam) Honor Hero Czechoslovakia (Hero of ČSSR ) and this distinction among these airmen already given to all who have reached the 5 kills or have demonstrated particular courage or resourcefulness in combat. At the same time they were here for the first time introduced to the Polish and Soviet volunteers who fought with the Czechoslovaks on the western frontier. Everyone is given the title of honorary citizen of Czechoslovakia and the medal "For Bravery". The gradual departure of the volunteers began January 1.1.1990 and went all out of except six Polish airmen who have already stayed as citizens of Czechoslovakia, after find his life-partner.
Leased aircrafts, which survived the war, the Czechoslovak side was purchased and used in the restaurant Czechoslovak Air Force. In addition, the USSR ordered a large series of MiG-21bis, MiG-23MLD, MiG-27m, Su-22M4 and began negotiations for the supply of aircraft Su-27. Such agreements shall be filled in subsequent years when the Air Force and PVOS Czechoslovakia enjoyed a revival.
Reactivated after the replacement aircraft were gradually withdrawn again to the place where, however, declared them to avoid scrapping. Instead, they were demilitarized and the great interest were distributed to private persons. Outside of major aircraft, which were sent to museums was an aircraft from each aircraft selected for placement on Airmen Memorial, which was built nearly a year after the war in Plzeň. Tall obelisk carved with the names of the fallen airmen airman in winged helmet and overalls at the top and surrounded by planes that fought during the conflict, has become the place where he started,every year to celebrate Air Force Day, a new public holiday falling on 22.11.1989, on the anniversary air battle over Bohemia.
Damage after Operation Archa were repaired almost three years. Both dams were destroyed gradually repaired and refilled at the same time have been reconstructed and the affected towns and villages below. The names of civilians (surprisingly there were only 92) who died due to Operation Archa was carved on the monument at the foot of the dam restored Lipno II. Families whose members died due to surgery, were compensated by the State, including full compensation reimbursement of property allocation of newly built houses in the villages.
Life in Czechoslovakia was gradually returned to normal.
Voltage above the threshold lasted longer.
Note: Places,towns,villages are only reported for clarity in the Czech name, although they may also have a German or English name. With regard to the uniformity of the description was chosen only Czech version
