Odbojáři, nebo gangsteři? Příběh ilegální skupiny Pátá kolona
Rebels or gangsters? The story of the illegal group Fifth Column
Author(s): Jiří PlachýSubject(s): History, Sociology, Political history, Recent History (1900 till today), Special Historiographies:, Criminology, Studies in violence and power, WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Fascism, Nazism and WW II, History of Antisemitism
Published by: Ústav pro studium totalitních režimů
Keywords: Pátá kolona; resistance; World War II; Václav Engelmüller; Gestapo; criminal acts;
Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the controversial history of the Czech resistance group "Pátá kolona" during World War II. Initially formed by Václav Engelmüller and other students in 1939, the group aimed to fight against the Nazi occupation. However, their activities often resembled those of gangsters rather than freedom fighters. They engaged in various criminal acts, including theft and murder, to fund their resistance efforts. The group's moral decline is highlighted by the murder of Jaroslav Sinkule, a member suspected of being a Gestapo informant. Despite their initial resistance efforts, the group's actions eventually drew the attention of the Gestapo, leading to arrests and the group's dissolution. The article also touches on the post-war lives of the surviving members, who faced various fates, including collaboration with the Gestapo to save their lives.
Journal: Paměť a dějiny
- Issue Year: XVIII/2024
- Issue No: 01
- Page Range: 77-91
- Page Count: 15
- Language: Czech
