Operation Barium

Operation Barium (Czech: Operace Barium) was a Czechoslovak resistance mission during World War II, organized by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile in cooperation with British intelligence. It involved three paratroopers—Captain Josef Šandera, Lieutenant Josef Žižka, and Lieutenant Tomáš Býček—who were parachuted into occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia in April 1944 to establish a clandestine network within Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to collect military and economic intelligence to send back to London and support the local resistance.

Background

Following the 1939 Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, based in London, coordinated with Allied forces to carry out covert operations within the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. These missions were part of a broader effort to resist Nazi control and prepare for liberation.

Deployment and objectives

On the night of 3–4 April 1944, a two-man paratrooper team—First Lieutenant Josef Šandera and Staff Sergeant Josef Žižka—was dropped into the Czech lands near the village of Vacíkov, although they landed off-course near the Brdy mountains. Their mission, codenamed Barium, was to establish radio contact with London, gather intelligence on German military and economic activities, and connect with local resistance groups.

Resistance network and activities

Despite the difficult terrain and heightened Nazi surveillance, Šandera and Žižka successfully integrated with the domestic resistance. With the help of local contacts, including the Froš family in Lažany who provided shelter and support, the operatives created a robust intelligence network. At its peak, the Barium network included over 380 individuals across multiple regions. Intelligence gathered was transmitted via radio to London and included data on military movements, armaments production along with details on the production and transportation of V-2 rocket components from Czech factories like Junkers in Prague-Vysočany and Semily and logistical activities.

Collapse and arrests

The Gestapo infiltrated the network in October 1944, arresting over 100 members. Despite this, key figures like Šandera and Žižka evaded capture for some time, continuing operations under the cover name "Marta". On 16 January 1945, the Gestapo raided a safehouse in the village of Hostišová near Zlín, where the Barium group was hiding. The network was dismantled, and many of its members were captured. The Froš family, who had assisted the operatives, were among those arrested and later executed.

Žižka surrendered to prevent reprisals against locals but tragically took his own life in prison. Šandera succumbed to injuries on 9 March 1945, after attempting suicide during a Gestapo raid. Only Býček survived the war, later emigrating to Great Britain. The mission's collapse dealt a serious blow to the local resistance but highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of those involved.

Legacy

Operation Barium is remembered as one of the most successful and expansive Czech-led resistance operations during World War II. Several memorials and plaques in the Czech Republic commemorate the mission, the fallen operatives, and the civilians who supported them. The operation remains a symbol of courage and defiance against Nazi oppression.