Assault vehicle regiment
1920 – 1939

Armoured cars Škoda Fiat-Torino (on the left) and Lancia 1Z (on the right).

During World War I, there was a rapid development of armoured vehicles and tanks. At the end of 1918, the army of the newly formed Czechoslovakia had several armoured trains and two Lancia armoured cars. The following year, an acute shortage of armoured vehicles became apparent during military operations in Slovakia. It was decided to purchase armoured cars from abroad, and at the same time, domestic industry was encouraged to develop its own combat vehicle designs.

Armoured cars vz. 23 during exercises in Milovice.

By decree of the Ministry of National Defence, the Command of Special Combat Units (V.Z.B.Ú.) was established in Milovice on October 29^th, 1919, under which all armoured vehicles of the Czechoslovak Army fell. During the time of the threat to the republic, Milovice served only as a rear and training centre for the V.Z.B.Ú. Combat units were deployed in critical locations in Slovakia, Carpathian Ruthenia and Silesia. After the situation calmed down, the armoured vehicles, including 6 armoured trains, were withdrawn to Milovice.

First Renault FT tanks at a training in Milovice.

The first tanks were purchased by the Czechoslovak army in France. They were 7 Renault FT tanks, 4 of which were equipped with cannons, 2 with machine guns and 1 with radio (model TSF). The Renault FT light tanks were relatively small, with a crew of only 2 men. Armament of the tank consisted of either a 37 mm. Puteaux SA 18 cannon or a 8mm. Hotchkiss machine gun (some pieces were rearmed to the 7,92 mm. vz. 24 machine gun). The first purchased Renault FT tank arrived in Milovice in January 14^th, 1922, where it received the number 51.

The handover of the standard to the 1st Assault Carriage Regiment took place on May 27^th, 1934 in Český Brod.

V.Z.B.Ú. was converted to a battalion and later to an assault vehicle regiment thanks to the hard work of Captain Kar Einmann and his subordinates. In times of the growing threat from the nazi Germany, Czechoslovakia started investing massive financial assets into defence. A brigade consisting of 3 regiments and 350 tanks was established. After the deceleration of general mobilisation, units of the assault vehicle regiment established their positions at the boarding areas. However, instead of the enemy came the Munich agreement and the withdrawal from the border areas.

LT vz.35 tank in Milovice, year 1939.

Did you know that…? The armoured vehicle OA vz. 23 was nicknamed “the turtle” among the soldiers.