This is an antique Svazarm pin made from a gold coloured metal. The badge face is 2.5cm wide and has a long, stick pin style fastener to the rear.The text around the badge reads 'Dukla Military Exercise 1953'
The Dukla pass in the carpathian mountains was, in 1945, subject to a protracted battle involving the Czech, Russian and German armies. The Germans were blocking access through the pass in order for defence preparations to be made in Prague to hold back the Soviet army.
Losses were very heavy. It was the bloodiest fighting that took place on Czech territory. These 1953 games served as a chance to replay the scenario of just 8 years ago in order to implement new tactics.
Historical Background
The svazarm were formed in 1951 in former Czechoslovakia to train the population in military based disciplines. The svazarm was a copy of the Soviet DOSAAF paramilitary group. The activities the Svazarm provided were extremely diverse, ranging from medical training to dog training. Dog lovers would be instructed in the training and breeding of dogs suitable for military purposes, especially German Shepherds. Shortwave radio operation was another popular activity, and was also useful for creating future radio operators in the army.
A more specialised branch of the Svazarm, based at Košice, trained pilots for the air force. Training included at least twenty flight hours of glider training and forty hours of basic training on motorised aeroplanes, as well as the necessary aviation theory. There ware also sections: Model airplanes and gliding (formally DOSLET), motor sport section (motorcycles and cars) and all sort of shooting sports. (rifle, pistol)
