Solders from Operation Athropoid landed 84y ago in Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. They assasinated Reinhard Heydrich later.
Title: Operation Anthropoid: The Daring WWII Mission to Assassinate Reinhard Heydrich 84 Years Ago
Meta Description: Discover the gripping story of Operation Anthropoid, the Czechoslovak resistance mission that led to the assassination of Nazi officer Reinhard Heydrich in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia 84 years ago. Learn about its legacy today.
The Night That Changed History: Operation Anthropoid’s 84th Anniversary
Eighty-four years ago, on December 28, 1941, a small team of Czechoslovak soldiers parachuted into Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia with a near-impossible mission: eliminate Reinhard Heydrich, the ruthless architect of the Holocaust and one of Hitler’s most feared deputies. Codenamed Operation Anthropoid, this covert mission would alter the course of World War II and forever symbolize the resilience of resistance against tyranny.
Who Was Reinhard Heydrich?
Reinhard Heydrich, also known as the “Butcher of Prague,” served as the acting Reich Protector of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (modern-day Czech Republic). As a key planner of the Holocaust and head of the Reich Security Main Office (RSHA), Heydrich terrorized occupied territories with executions, deportations, and the implementation of the Final Solution. His removal became a top priority for Allied forces and the Czechoslovak government-in-exile.
Operation Anthropoid: A Desperate Gamble
Authorized by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile (led by President Edvard Beneš) and supported by Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE), Operation Anthropoid trained exiled soldiers to infiltrate Nazi territory. Two elite paratroopers, Jozef Gabčík (Slovak) and Jan Kubiš (Czech), were chosen to lead the assassination.
On December 28, 1941, under cover of darkness, seven soldiers—including Gabčík and Kubiš—parachuted near Nehvizdy, east of Prague. Despite harsh winter conditions and Nazi patrols, they evaded capture and spent five months gathering intelligence and planning the attack with local resistance networks.
The Ambush and Assassination of Heydrich
On May 27, 1942, Gabčík and Kubiš launched their ambush at a sharp curve on Heydrich’s daily route through Prague’s Libeň district. As Heydrich’s open-top Mercedes slowed, Gabčík stepped forward to fire his Sten gun—but it jammed. Kubiš then threw a modified anti-tank grenade, severely wounding Heydrich. Though Heydrich initially survived, he died of sepsis eight days later on June 4, 1942.
Nazi Retaliation and the Price of Resistance
Hitler demanded brutal revenge. The Nazis razed the villages of Lidice and Ležáky, murdering all male residents and deporting women and children to concentration camps. Over 13,000 Czech citizens were arrested, tortured, or executed in the manhunt for the assassins. Gabčík, Kubiš, and five other resistance fighters were ultimately killed after a fierce last stand at Prague’s Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral.
Operation Anthropoid’s Impact on WWII
- Nazi Repercussions: Heydrich’s death triggered chaos in Nazi leadership and disrupted Holocaust planning.
- International Solidarity: The mission highlighted Czechoslovakia’s role in Allied resistance, bolstering morale worldwide.
- Post-War Legacy: The assassination proved occupied nations could strike back, inspiring future uprisings.
Remembering the Heroes Today
Eighty-four years later, Operation Anthropoid remains a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Memorials in Prague—including the Anthropoid Monument and bullet-scarred cathedral—honor the fallen soldiers. The villages of Lidice and Ležáky stand rebuilt but forever scarred as reminders of wartime atrocities.
In 2021, the Czech Republic unveiled a strikingly modern memorial to Gabčík and Kubiš near the assassination site, ensuring their story endures for new generations.
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Final Thoughts
Operation Anthropoid was more than a military strike—it was a defiant act of bravery against overwhelming evil. Its heroes paid the ultimate price, but their legacy lives on in Prague’s streets and the spirit of freedom they fought to defend. As we mark 84 years since their fateful mission, we remember their unwavering stand for justice in the face of darkness.
Explore more WWII history: Visit Prague’s National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror or watch the award-winning film Anthropoid (2016) starring Cillian Murphy.
