Talks
Between 1989-2007 I had the priviledge to met plenty of former Czechoslovak airmen serving in the RAF in 1940-1945. Personal visits and attendance at public lectures and another meetings allowed me to learn a lot of stories and information about their war service. This was the very first impulse why I have started to write articles, later books and why I have started my original website to remind those brave Czechoslovaks to the present and next generations.
As the possibility to meet our veterans at air shows and lectures faded away I am happy time to time attend a conference or commemorative event to give a talk about our airmen serving in the RAF. My particular scope is No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Bomber Squadron and airmen serving with this unit.
Photos from some of my talks
17.4.2024
Municipal Library of Prague, Opatov Branch
Theme: StanislavSlezáček, Flight Engineer Leader of 311 Squadron RAF
Memorial talk about Stanislav Slezáček, the only Flight Engineer Leader of 311 (Czechoslovak) Bomber Squadron RAF and about the book "Velitel palubních mechaniků" launch.
I was pleased to meet my classmates from elementary school at my talk
Photo: J. Cacka, P. Lukeš
12.10.2023
Karel Dvořáček Library, Vyškov
Theme: Stanislav Slezáček, native of Hamiltony at Vyškov, in the RAF
Afternoon private talk in English for family members who have aarived from the United Kingdom.
28.9.2022
Municipal authority, Ostrov near Chrudim - plaque unveiling + talk
Theme: Vladimír Šponar, No. 311 Squadron Pilot
Plaque to 311 Squadron pilot Vladimir Sponar has been unveiled and my talk about this pilot has been part of the programme.
(3x foto obec Ostrov)
18.6.2022
The Municipal Museum, Čelákovice
Theme: Alois Vašátko and Vladislav Hnilička, airmen from Čelákovice
Memorial talk about Alois Vašátko, native of Čelákovice, fighter pilot of 312 Squadron and the first CO of Czechoslovak Fighter Wing. The talk was given at the 80th anniversary of his death od 23. 6. 1942. This time I have added also the lifestory of Vladislav/Valter/Walter Hnilička, wireless operator/air gunner of 311 Squadron who got killed in an air acciden on 4. 12. 1944.
After the talk the Hurricane piloted by Radim Vojta made several passes over Čelákovice.
(2x foto Město Čelákovice)
22.9.2020
Jiří Mahen Library, Brno
Theme: W/Cdr Josef Ocelka DFC, 311 Squadron Commanding Officer
Read more: https://cz-raf.webnode.cz/books/talks/
Read more: https://cz-raf.webnode.cz/books/talks/
Read more: https://cz-raf.webnode.cz/books/talks/
24.1.2019
Czech Aerospace Society at Faculty of Transportation Sciences, Praha
Theme: Sgt Otakar Janůj, 311 Squadron wireless operator
Memorial talk about Otakar Janůj, former wireless operator of 311 (Czechoslovak) Bomber Squadron RAF.
15.11.2018
Municipal Library of Prague, Opatov Branch
Theme: Sgt Otakar Janůj, 311 Squadron wireless operator
Memorial talk about Otakar Janůj, former wireless operator of 311 (Czechoslovak) Bomber Squadron RAF. The talk was given on the occasion of book "Poslední let Wellingtonu T2624" release.
(2 x foto Milan Vančata, 1x foto Lukáš Šereda)
23.11.2017
Czech Aerospace Society at Faculty of Transportation Sciences, Praha
Theme: Adolf Pravislav Zelený MBE, 311 Squadron navigator
Memorial talk about Adolf Zelený MBE, former navigator of 311 (Czechoslovak) Bomber Squadron RAF. The talk was given on the occasion of book "Říkali mu Zeke" release.
7.10.2017
The Municipal Offices, Rožná
Theme: "Říkali mu Zeke" - plk. let. v.v Adolf Pravislav Zelený MBE
Memorial talk about Adolf Zelený MBE, native of Rožná, former navigator of 311 (Czechoslovak) Bomber Squadron RAF. The talk was given at the event commemorating his 103rd birthday anniversary.
More photos from the commemorative event and the talk can be found in this gallery.
11.5.2017
The Municipal Museum, Čelákovice
Theme: Pilot Alois Vašátko, native of Čelákovice
Memorial talk about Alois Vašátko, native of Čelákovice, fighter pilot of 312 Squadron and the first CO of Czechoslovak Fighter Wing. The talk was given at the 75th anniversary of his death od 23. 6. 1942.
25.10.2016
Piarist Monastry, Příbor
Theme: Oldřich Helma, No. 311 Squadron pilot
Memorial talk about Oldřich Helma, native of Příbor, captain of 311 Squadron Wellington shot down by RAF night fighter by error, for secondary school students.
Reportage about my talk has been broadcasted by the Local TV Příbor.
It is possible to watch it online - 03.28-05.11.
10.5.2016
Kladno City - memorial plaque unveiling
Theme: Jan Vella, No. 311 Squadron pilot
I have been asked to address a speech about Jan Vella's life and RAF service at the ceremonial of plaque unveiling.
The plaque can be found at the house from which he left Czechoslovakia in 1939 (Březinova 1184).
foto: Statutární město Kladno – Josef Seifert
foto: Statutární město Kladno – Josef Seifert
3.10.2015
Municipal authority, Ostrov near Chrudim
Theme: Vladimír Šponar, No. 311 Squadron Pilot
7.5.2015
Club of Těšínsko Muzeum, Český Těšín
Theme: Pavel Tofel, No. 311 Squadron Wireless Operator
8.11.2013
English College in Prague
Theme: Czechoslovak airmen in the RAF
(English College in Prague archive)
23.6.2012
Town Council, Čelákovice
Theme: Czechoslovak airmen in the United Kingdom 1940-1945
27.2.2009
Club of Aviation History, Jindřichův Hradec
Theme: Czechoslovak airmen in the United Kingdom 1940-1945
(2x KHL Jindřichův Hradec archive)
News
Technological update
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Book "Vocelovej" launch photos
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New article in REVI 122
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Acticle about Josef Ocelka DFC
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Invitation to the launch of the book Vocelovej added
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