Seven men in Resslova Street
18 June 1942
The final battle unfolded in the gallery and crypt. The church brought together men from several parachute teams; all seven died on 18 June.
Kubiš, Gabčík, Opálka, Valčík, Bublík, Hrubý and Švarc hid in the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius. They came from several teams. Chaplain Vladimír Petřek and domestic helpers provided supplies and sought other safe apartments.
Opálka, Bublík and Kubiš fought in the gallery. Gabčík, Valčík, Hrubý and Švarc defended the crypt. The attackers used grenades and water and attempted to force another entrance. All seven died on 18 June; sources differ on some circumstances of their deaths.
After the battle, people who had made the refuge possible faced persecution. Petřek, Čikl, Sonnevend and Gorazd were sentenced and executed in September. The parachutists’ deaths did not end Nazi violence against their helpers.
Places
- The church in Resslova Street — community, refuge and final battle
Refuge, supplies and final battle.
- Kobylisy shooting range — from military training to remembrance
The church helpers’ later executions.
Different paths of escape, assistance and investigation led from the bend to the church. You can now explore the people who helped or the wider consequences of repression.