Page:Edvard Beneš – Bohemia's case for independence.pdf/71

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CZECHO-SLOVAKS AND THE WAR, 1914
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did not succeed in reaching the Russians were massacred by the Austrians and the Prussians.

After the second Battle of Lemberg and when Przemysl was taken for the first time, the Czech soldiers, seeing the disorganisation of the army, endeavoured to render it more complete, and timing the retreat towards Resov, Nový Sandec, and Moravská Ostrava, purposely created a panic in the ranks. Taking advantage of the confusion, they fled as far as Olomouc (in Moravia) and many even reached Prague. The disorder was so great that even the heads of the army failed to observe which regiments were annihilated, captured, or fugitive. Prague rejoiced at the part taken by the Czech soldiers in the Russian victory.

To complete this sketch it is necessary to recite the tragic tale of the surrender of the 28th Czech Regiment of Prague. which caused such a stir a year ago, and which illustrates best of all the true spirit of the Czech nation.

This regiment had surrendered to the Russians in the Carpathians on April 3rd, 1915, with all their arms and baggage, not even excepting their military band. In this way nearly 2000 men went over to the Russians and the greater part of the regiment commenced immediately to fight the Austrians. After that they were transported to Kieff, where they were received with enthusiasm. The Emperor, in the Order of the Day read to all