Museum of the Czechoslovakian Fortification (1935—38) - Infantry Block K-S 14 KrálíkyMuseum of the Czechoslovakian Fortification (1935—38) - Infantry Block K-S 14 Králíky


Museum of Czechoslovakian Fortification (1935—38)
Infantry Block K-S 14 Králíky

new FINANCIAL GUARD OF THE CZECHOSLOVAK REPUBLIC
1918–1948

The protection of Czechoslovakia’s national border after World War I was based on the principles of a democratic state. The most important element – the state force designed to guard the security of the national borders – was the FINANCIAL GUARD (FG). Its efforts mostly focused on the protection of the country’s economic interests, a task inherited to a large extent from its predecessors; the Financial Guard was established long before 1918, specifically on 22 December 1842, based on a decision by Emperor Ferdinand I.

The Financial Guard’s border activities were governed by the Customs Act No. 114/1927 Coll., which authorized the FG to guard the national border and supervise over passenger traffic as well as the circulation of goods. The Act also specifically provided for the Guard’s obligation to participate in the military defence of the national borders, if necessary.

The life and service of an FG member were challenging; not everyone could become a member – there were tough requirements in the area of health, physical abilities, loyalty, discipline and other aspects and every guard had to meet them and take an oath of allegiance. For example, the FG members were not even allowed to get married without permission. And their service as such was equally demanding. In winter, in summer, always in a uniform, in a tough and often very rugged terrain, at daytime as well as at night, living in barracks without any holidays (e.g. with a guaranteed annual eight-day leave) etc.

The government had to respond to the worsening international situation, especially in the neighbouring Germany, and issued its Regulation No. 270/1936 Coll. of 23 October 1936 on the establishment of the State Defence Guard (SDG). The primary purpose of this measure was to provide for an immediate defence of the national borders and to facilitate the arrival of the army. The SDG comprised members of the Financial Guard, gendarmes, state police officers and military reinforcements. The importance of the SDG forces rested in particular in the ability of their immediate deployment, i.e. taking positions along the border.

When the Czechoslovak government accepted the so-called Munich Agreement on Friday, 30 September 1938, the nation was in a state of shock. The FG members, along with gendarmes and police officers, remained in their positions until the bitter end of the Republic. Over forty of them died defending their country and this exhibition, together with memorial plaques of those who did not survive, commemorates their fight.

The FG was dissolved on 1 January 1949 and merged with the National Security Force.

Překlad Martina Špatná - EASYTALK, s. r. o.

 

Location

The Museum of Czechoslovakian Fortification is located in Infantry Block K-S-14, a part of light and heavy fortifications at the Czech-Polish border near the town of Králíky .

Králíky is the natural centre in the area situated under Mount Kralický Sněžník in north-east Bohemia, near the border with Poland. It is surrounded by picturesque countryside with deep forests, unique flora and fauna, and many beauty spots. It is also one of the least polluted areas in the Czech Republic. There are a lot of clearly marked footpaths and many scenic panoramic views in addition to the general peace and quiet of the region. More information about Králíky Region.

Historical Photo Entrance Entrance Infantry Blosk Interior
Photo from 1938 Entrance Entrance Infantry Block Interior
         
Interior Interior Pillbox No 11 Pillbox No 112 Interior
Interior Interior Pillbox No 111 Pillbox No 112 Interior
         

Museum and Exhibitions

In one part of the exposition there is a permanent display dedicated to the independence of Czechoslovakia and to the formation of the Czech Armed Forces and Legions.

Another part shows the construction of the Czechoslovakian Fortification System after mobilisation in 1938.

A new part of the exhibition displaying the history of the Sentry and Customs Services will be opened in the near future.

Plans of the Museum
Plan Plan Plan

Interiors        
Interiors Interiors Interiors Interiors Interiors

You can also visit Pillbox Model No 111 and 112.

Pillbox Model No 111 Pillbox Model No 112

Free Access for disabled persons.

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Opening hours

Open at weekends and on public holidays from 09.00 to 18.00.

From June to August every day.

Please feel free to contact us if you wish to visit the Museum in any other time.


Contacts

Museum:
Museum of Czechoslovakian Fortification (1935-38) Infantry Block K-S 14
561 69 Králíky-Prostřední Lipka
Czech Republic
Director: Ing. Richard M. SICHA
+420 737 928 569 
e-mail: mailto:rollo@centrum.cz
ks14muzeum@seznam.cz

Erika:
VHK Erika Brno
Sekce K-S14 Králíky
Viniční 136,
615 00 Brno
Czech Republic


Links

Regional Muzeum Vysoké Mýto - http://www.muzeum.myto.cz

Military Museum Králíky - www.armyfort.com

Czechoslovakian Fortification - www.opevneni.cz

Czechoslovakian Fortification - www.bunkry.cz

Králíky Region - www.kraliky.cz

History of the Czech Army - http://vojenstvi.kvalitne.cz

Michal Lollok´s Homepage - http://michalus.zde.cz

Jazykové verze Česká verze stránek English Version Deutsch Wersja polska
Akce Cihelna 2008