English Translation

48a -2- 1942 was gradually brought to a strength of about 1,000 men. Starting in January 1943 preparations for the transport to the front were started. The loading took place on 31.1.43 in Busuluk. The aim of the march was initially unknown, but had already been announced a week before loading that the transport would go to the Front. With the establishment of the II.Batl. started in January 1943. By the end of January, about 200 men had been gathered in Busuluk for this purpose. The I.B. 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. The prisoners of war could not be given according to nationalities, but according to his information were in the 2nd company of the I.Btl. About 30% Czechs, 15% Slovaks, 30% Ruthenians - emigrated from Hungary when parts of Czechoslovakia had fallen to Hungary - and 25% Russian-born Czechs who were mostly descendants of the Czech legionaries from the world wars or before 1933 emigrated Czechs. In the case of officers, the Czech element was predominant, as was the case with special troops and heavy weapons. According to age, the 2.Kp. was divided into 35% 20-25 years old (60 men), 25-30 years old 30 men = 18%, 41% 30-40 years old(70 men) and 6% or 10 men aged over 40, who were mostly used as horse caregiver and similar. The training took place until the end of September 42 purely infantry without weapons by Czech officers. A total of about 30 execution 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 important for the training level 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 Busuluk until 10 pm. The group was always very well rated. 72213