Where Was Heydrich Assassinated in Prague?

By Anna Duncan

On May 27, 1942, one of the most significant events in Czech history took place. Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi official and one of the architects of the Holocaust, was assassinated in Prague.

The assassination was a turning point in World War II and had far-reaching consequences for both Czechoslovakia and the Nazi regime. But where exactly did this event take place? In this article, we will explore the location where Heydrich was assassinated.

Heydrich was assassinated while he was driving from his home to Prague Castle. The attack happened at a sharp turn in the road on V Holešovičkách Street, near Bulovka Hospital. This location is now marked with a memorial that commemorates Heydrich’s assassination.

The assassination itself was carried out by two Czechoslovak soldiers who were trained by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE). Their names were Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš.

They waited for Heydrich’s car to approach the sharp turn and then stepped out into the road and opened fire with their Sten guns. Heydrich was hit several times and died of his injuries a few days later.

After the assassination, the Nazis launched a brutal retaliation campaign against Czechoslovakia. Thousands of people were arrested, tortured, and executed in an attempt to root out any resistance activity. The village of Lidice was also completely destroyed as punishment for harboring those involved in Heydrich’s assassination.

Today, visitors can visit the site where Heydrich was assassinated and pay their respects at the memorial that stands there. The memorial consists of a large stone cross that is dedicated to Heydrich’s victims as well as a bronze plaque that commemorates his assassination.

In conclusion, Reinhard Heydrich’s assassination is one of the most significant events in Czech history. The location where he was assassinated, on V Holešovičkách Street near Bulovka Hospital, is now marked with a memorial that commemorates the event. Visiting this site can be a powerful experience and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought against tyranny and oppression.