Event commemorates Operation Anthropoid paratroopers

A commemorative event to honour the memory of the Czechoslovak paratroopers who assassinated Nazi governor Reinhard Heydrich was held on Sunday at Prague’s Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where they died after an SS siege 82 years ago today. The event was attended by dozens of people, including the Speaker of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, and Minister for Legislation Michal Šalomoun.

Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, together with five others who were part of Operation Anthropoid hid in this Prague church for five days until they were tracked down by the SS, leading to a final, desperate gun battle on June 18.

Heydrich’s assassination became a symbol of Czech independence and was later hailed as an important moment in the resistance movement. His death led to a wave of revenge acts, including the Lidice and Ležáky massacres.