Preparation in Britain
autumn–28 December 1941
Kubiš and Gabčík undertook specialist training. British stations provided practical skills, facilities and a route to their clandestine flight.
Gabčík’s original partner was Karel Svoboda. Kubiš replaced him after an injury. Both were soldiers in the Czechoslovak army abroad and continued preparing for deployment into occupied territory.
At Brickendonbury they worked with explosives. At Bellasis they completed training in driving, navigation, communications, shooting and action after landing. Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) provided training facilities; operational planning and selection belonged to Czechoslovak military intelligence.
On 28 December 1941 they travelled from Bellasis to Tangmere airfield. They boarded with SILVER A and SILVER B for the flight to the Protectorate. These teams had different tasks: SILVER A, for example, was to maintain contact with London.
Places
- Brickendonbury — a manor and sabotage school
Specialist preparation before the final training stage.
- Bellasis — final training and waiting for departure
Final training and waiting for departure.
- Tangmere — a wartime airfield and the departure of three teams
Departure airfield on 28 December 1941.
The plan called for a landing near Plzeň. The flight brought them elsewhere.