J. Naď: Carpatho-Dukla Operation Heroes Day is a reminder of the unabating legacy of our heroes – fighters for universal values of freedom

On the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the “Carpatho-Dukla Operation”, as the Battle of the Dukla Pass is known in Slovakia, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď, Defence State Secretary Marian Majer and Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko paused to pay tribute to the memory of the WW2 national liberation struggle heroes at the Czechoslovak Army Corps Memorial at Dukla. Also in attendance at today’s commemorative ceremonies held at Dukla and in Svidník was Prime Minister Igor Matovič.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Today serves a reminder of the unabating legacy of our heroes – fighters for universal values of freedom. They had the courage to rise up against evil during the Nazi regime, knowing that they may not win this struggle and, indeed, many of them never returned home… We honour their memory!” According to his words, by remembering such events, we call on society never to forget this landmark period of Slovak history. “This is the only way we can help today’s generation to form their own opinions and urge them not to be easily influenced,” added the head of the MOD.

Speaking at the Czechoslovak Army Corps Memorial at Dukla, Prime Minister Igor Matovič said: “At Dukla, soldiers marched into one of the bloodiest operations of the Second World War. From their perspective, however, they marched towards freedom and democracy. Their willingness to fight for higher ideals according to the role models of our fathers and grandfathers has remained part of our identity to date. Therefore, Dukla is not only an exclamation mark for the horrors of war, but it also epitomises the immense strength of the Slovak Nation.”

The Carpatho-Dukla Operation, the military campaign launched to liberate Czechoslovakia during WW2, was conducted as part of the East Carpathian Offensive from 8 September to 28 October 1944 and was one of the toughest operations to have taken place in Slovakia, claiming huge human losses and many were wounded. The aim of the operation was to crush Nazi troops in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and facilitate the rapid movements of troops into Slovakia across the Carpathian ridges to support the Slovak National Uprising.

The Carpatho-Dukla Operation was also joined by Slovak nationals. A total of 3,326 soldiers of Slovak nationality were officially involved in fighting at the start of the operation. This figure went up to 4,601 within one month. Slovak soldiers made up the majority of personnel in the elite 2nd Czechoslovak Paratrooper Brigade.

That fighting claimed heavy losses on both sides of the frontline in Slovakia’s mountains is evidenced by the following numbers: 13,264 dead and 48,750 wounded in the 38th Soviet Army and 1,630 dead and 4,069 wounded in the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps. Enemy losses are estimated at 52,000 dead.