On Saturday, 14th May Veronika Macleod the Honorary Consul to the Czech Embassy in Edinburgh, and Gerry Manolas Chair of the MAFCSV came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Anthropoid and its direct connection with Scotland.
During their preparations Veronika Macleod discovered the history of Scottish-Czechoslovak House in Edinburgh during WWII. Its aim was to be a home-from-home for the Czechoslovak soldiers and offered a safe place where they could relax and recoup. This included commandos on leave from Arisaig, such as Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš. The house hosted regular talks, and lectures given by Czechoslovaks and Scots alike along with musical recitals, and opportunities to read and to play sport. This forward-thinking idea was the brainchild of the parents of Alenka Soukup, whose Scottish-Czech parents founded the house in 1940 and was officially opened by President Benes in 1941. The creation of this house inspired other Allied nations to do the same and it is believed that this influenced the start of the Edinburgh International Festival!
Veronika, Alenka and Gerry were warmly welcomed by the current owners of the former Scottish-Czechoslovak House, who were thrilled to learn about the amazing history of their home. It was especially interesting to have a tour and imagine the commandos being there.
In the afternoon a small event was held at the Czech Consulate in Musselburgh to which guests with a direct connection to Arisaig and the commando training were invited. This included George Scott; George’s father Jiri Schnabl- Scott undertook the commando training on the same course as Gerry’s grandfather, and Chris and Georgina Pavel who help organise the memorials at the Czechoslovak Memorial Fountain Leamington Spa. Chris’s father was also a commando and undertook course 12 in Arisaig. Alison and Gordon Stewart represented the community at Arisaig. For many years they have told the story of SOE at the Land, Sea and Islands Centre and have collaborated with the former Honorary Czech Consul Dr Millar to erect the Czechoslovak Parachute Memorial on the shore at Arisaig. The CWGC were represented by Scott Cumming CWGC Regional Operations Coordinator (Scotland) United Kingdom and Northern Area and Patricia Keppie Scottish Public Engagement Officer. Scott has a long history of taking care of our Czechoslovak veterans’ headstones, not just here in the UK but across Europe and including, Prague.
The highlight of the afternoon had to be the whisky tasting experience given by Lenka Whyles. It seems from Veronika’s research a wee dram was an important part of commando training! Special thanks to Den Mathers and his wonderful hospitality.
