Kobylisy: an execution site under occupation
1941–1942
The military range became a Nazi execution site. Opponents of the occupation and people who had helped the parachutists in the church died here.
The first documented executions at Kobylisy shooting range took place on 30 September 1941. After the attack, the Nazis murdered hundreds here, including writer Vladislav Vančura and Protectorate prime minister Alois Eliáš. Victims came from different parts of society; the site’s history is not confined to ANTHROPOID.
Following their September trial, Gorazd, Čikl, Sonnevend and Petřek were executed here for helping the hidden men. Sources differ between 4 and 5 September for Čikl; the detailed accounts preserve that disagreement. The church refuge connects not only to the final battle, but to later trials.
Today’s memorial occupies only part of the former range. Plaques with names, ages and execution details recall individual people. The place of remembrance helps situate their lives within the wider history of Nazi repression.
Places
- Kobylisy shooting range — from military training to remembrance
The execution site and later memorial.
- The church in Resslova Street — community, refuge and final battle
The connection with assistance at the church.
Other families and helpers were imprisoned and deported. Their path led through Terezín’s Small Fortress to Mauthausen.