7 – The Borderguards’ Path
In case of mobilization, the system of LO [lehké opevnění = light fortification/LF] was occupied by the troops whose soldiers had been trained especially for that mission. These units were called ZLO – regiments [zajištění lehkého opevnění = the security of the light fortification/SLF]. The Klatovy region was included in the 32nd BD. Its codename was “Mikuláš” [Nicholas]. The HO n.32 [HO = hraniční oblast = border district/BD] was protected by the SLF – regiments n.153 [with the base in Domažlice] and by the SLF – regiments n.154 [with the base in Pilsen]. The members of these units were drawn from the local inhabitants. It should increase their morale and fighting power. Only dependable soldiers were taken who had been chosen in advance. In case of mobilization, they were supposed to start immediately the occupation of the LF
sectors.
The Defence Department created a special type of units for guard and defence of the frontiers. They were called HP [hraničářské prapory = frontier battalions/FB]. FB units were followed by so called “B” formations that were set to take action in the endangered sectors.
In the Klatovy region, the second infantry division operated. This division contained the 35th, the 18th and the 46th regiments of infantry and the 2nd regiment of artillery. Its headquarters was situated in Pilsen and was led by general Václav Pozdíšek. According to directions, the infantry division should consist of aprox. 14,000 men, 36 light cannons of 8–10 cm calibre, 36AC /antitank cannons/. In September 1938, this number wasn’t realized by the majority of divisions, the units had up to 18 AC and several of them even did not have any AC, 18 minethrowers of 8 cm calibre, 300 light M.G.s and 54 heavy M.G.s.
The Defence Department created a special type of units for guard and defence of the frontiers. They were called HP [hraničářské prapory = frontier battalions/FB]. FB units were followed by so called “B” formations that were set to take action in the endangered sectors.
In the Klatovy region, the second infantry division operated. This division contained the 35th, the 18th and the 46th regiments of infantry and the 2nd regiment of artillery. Its headquarters was situated in Pilsen and was led by general Václav Pozdíšek. According to directions, the infantry division should consist of aprox. 14,000 men, 36 light cannons of 8–10 cm calibre, 36AC /antitank cannons/. In September 1938, this number wasn’t realized by the majority of divisions, the units had up to 18 AC and several of them even did not have any AC, 18 minethrowers of 8 cm calibre, 300 light M.G.s and 54 heavy M.G.s.