English Translation

- 2 - 42 As of January 1943, preparations for the transport to the front were started. The loading took place on 31.1.43 in Busluk. The goal of the march was initially unknown, but it had already been announced a week before loading that the transport would go to the Front. The establishment of the II. Btl was started in January 43. By the end of January, some 200 men had been gathered in Busluk for this purpose. In person, the I. Btl was composed of 5 Russian officers as inspection officers, about 50 Czechoslovak officers and about 900 non-commissioned officers and crews. In addition, there were about 50 women who were only used as Red Cross sisters and assistants. A breakdown of the Btl by nationalities could not be given to the prisoners of war, but according to his information was in the 2nd company of I. Btl about 30% Czechs, 15% Slovaks, 30% Ruthenians - emigrated from Hungary when parts of Czechoslovakia had fallen to Hungary - and 25% Czechs born in Russia, who were mostly descendants of Czech legionaries from World War II or Czechs emigrated before 1939. In the case of officers, the Czech element was predominant, as was the case with special troops and heavy weapons. According to age, the 2nd Kp was divided into 35% 20-25 years old (60 men), 25-30 years old (30 men) = 18%, 41% 30-40 years of age (70 men) and 6% or 10 men aged over 40, who were mostly used as a horse caregiver and similar. The training took place until the end of September 1942 purely infantry without weapons by Czech officers. A total of 30 exercise rifles were available to the company. From October the training was carried out with complete equipment on weapons and equipment under the inspection of the already mentioned 5 Russian officers. It was essential for the level of training that 30% of the teams had already served in Czechoslovakia. The training was good and was handled very strictly. The treatment of the troops and their food was good. The teams had free exit in Busluk until 10 p.m. The troops were always very well evaluated.