Page:Albert Beaumont - Heroic Story of the Czecho-Slovak Legions - 1919.djvu/53

 end of June. A Finnish division on whom the Russians relied more than on their own troops was on the right. The Czecho-Slovak “brigade,“ consisting of two regiments and the elements of a third, were placed on the left in the vicinity of Zborov. Our brigade was intended originally only to take part in a demonstration. It became the principal actor. When the order to attack came, the Czecho-Slovaks moved forward without hesitation. The Finns remained a short distance behind, moving less quickly. The Russians were altogether out of it, and never left their trenches. Our “brigade“ at once captured the first line of Austrian trenches. It rushed toward, took the second line as well, and finally got to the third line of trenches, which was likewise carried.

At that moment they looked round for the Finns, on the one hand, who were considerably behind, but who, seeing the Czechs behave so gallantly, nevertheless followed up and also did their share. But of the Russians there was no sign. The Finns took prisoners 1,550 officers and men, captured four trench mortars and nine machine-guns and one mine-thrower. The Czecho-Slovaks took all before them. They took prisoners sixty-two officers and 3,150 soldiers, and captured fifteen guns and a large number of machine guns, most of which were immediately turned against the enemy. When we heard this result at the Borispol Camp there was immense enthusiasm and jubilation. The official Russian bulletin, which we read a few days later, fully confirmed the reports of the splendid success. We were proud of our countrymen. Unfortunately they could not continue to hold the positions so bravely captured. They were not properly supported by the troops behind, and had to fall back.

Our camp at Borispol was vast, and could, with its neighbouring training grounds, supply accommodation for numerous troops. These constantly increased. They came from all parts of Siberia. The Second Division was hardly formed when there was talk of creating others. An artillery regiment was constituted, and also a regiment of engineers. It required no small patriotism on the part of the officers and men to look forward to the final struggle against the Germans and Austrians. War prisoners, as a rule, are glad to have escaped fighting and the danger of death. For them, whatever hardships or restraints they may have, it is nevertheless a maxim that the war is over, others will have to fight it out. It was not so with us Czecho-Slovaks. For us the war was only beginning. As we heard afterwards, the Vienna demagogues, tried to make out we were cowards and traitors. On the contrary, our men were patriots and heroes. They in advance made the sacrifice of their lives. They knew that if the Austrians captured them it meant instant courtmartial and death by hanging or summary shooting.