310 Squadron was composed mainly of Czechoslovakian pilots, but a "double-banking" system was operated with English-speaking officers. For example, whilst the Czech CO was Sqn. Ldr. Sasha Hess, his British counterpart was Sqn. Ldr. G D M Blackwood. 310 Squadron was the first such unit in Fighter Command. The Czech pilots had been members of that country's air force, and when Hitler's troops had invaded their country in March 1939 they had fled and joined the French L'Armeé d'Air. With the fall of France, they had little choice but to come to England and join the RAF. 310 Squadron was equipped with Hawker Hurricane's.

301 Squadron - first Czechoslovakian Squadron

New Zealand Sherman of the 4th armoured just out side of Guardiagrele.

NZ Sherman - Guardiagrele.

When the 1st Canadian Army by-passed the Channel ports, Czech troops serving with the Canadian Army were given the task of containing Dunkirk, and it was to these units that the German garrison surrendered on May 11, 1945, following the unconditional surrender of Germany.  In this photo Czech sappers, patrolling a flooded area near Dunkirk in a motor-boat, land on ground occupied by the enemy.