Combat brotherhood between the USSR and Czechoslovakia (1942-1944)

An observer from the 1st Czechoslovak Infantry Battalion, formed in the USSR, observes through binoculars while perched in a tree during exercises in November-December 1942 near Buzuluk.

A mortar crew prepares to fire from a trench to support advancing infantry during exercises at a training ground.

Battalion scouts advance to their position on skis.

Battalion personnel stand in formation during the ceremony of presenting the battalion's battle flag to the battalion on January 27, 1943. Battalion Commander L. Svoboda accepts the battle flag. L. Svoboda, standing with the flag, recites the oath.

Representatives of the Soviet command, local party leadership, and representatives of Czechoslovakia during the ceremony of presenting the battalion's battle flag to the battalion. L. Svoboda (with his back) kisses the flag.

Faces of battalion officers standing in formation.

The color crew with the presented battle flag.

The battalion in formation.

Machine gun company personnel stand in formation with Maxim machine guns.

A military brass band plays.

The battalion marches past.

Czechoslovakia's Ambassador to the USSR Z. Fierlinger and Czechoslovakia representatives during the event.

Battalion units passing by.

Battalion personnel at the station before boarding a train to the front on January 30, 1943. Soldiers grab their kit bags.

A view of the train during the boarding of the Czech battalion personnel.

Soldiers climb into the carriage.

Soldiers from the carriage wave goodbye, a girl in a Czechoslovak military uniform.

The train departs.

Czechoslovak soldiers on a tank's armor during the march.

An anti-aircraft unit on the march.

Combat operations on the Soviet-German front.

Soldiers of the Czechoslovak Corps at the front.

Crossing a water obstacle in 1944. Corps Commander L. Svoboda and his officers look through newspapers.

The text of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on awarding orders and medals to Czechoslovak military personnel.

The color squad of the Czechoslovak Corps during the award ceremony. L. Svoboda congratulates the awarded military personnel. L. Svoboda walks along the line. V. Molotov signs the Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance between the USSR and Czechoslovakia in the Kremlin on December 12, 1943, with I. V. Stalin, M. I. Kalinin, K. E. Voroshilov, and Ambassador Z. Fierlinger standing behind him.

Fierlinger signs the text of the treaty.

Stalin and Kalinin after signing the treaty.

The movement of Red Army units towards the Carpathians.

Landscape in the foothills of the Carpathians.

Panorama of part of the German anti-tank lines in the form of concrete pyramids.

Flood in the Carpathians, views of half-submerged anti-tank obstacles.

Soviet troops ascend the Dukla Pass in September 1944. Vehicle movement in muddy conditions.

Horse-drawn artillery units ascend slopes.

Artillery being towed up a slope using tow ropes.

Artillery movement in mountainous conditions.

A column of pack animals ascends a mountain.

Infantry movement in the Carpathians.

A column of pack animals with mortars ascends mountain trails.

Artillerymen carry ammunition.

An artillery piece is manually towed up a mountain using tow ropes.

A howitzer in its firing position.

The howitzer fires.

A shell explodes on a slope.