| Abstract [eng] |
In a small state in which a larger part of its territory could be occupied very quickly by a much more powerful enemy, it is very important to win time for the mobilisation of the army in any situation which warrants such a mobilisation. For this purpose, covering teams were assigned by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, which consisted of regular units, while separate border protection battalions (hereinafter referred to as BPBs) were mobilised separately from the armed forces, and only in the event of there being a specific threat of military conflict. In the autumn of 1939, following the military conflict in neighbouring countries, the mobilisation of BPBs was announced. These covering units were formed near the state border, and were expected to be the first to meet and stop the enemy, thereby carrying out the required covering duties and winning time for the mobilisation of the main army units. This study, which is based on primary sources, analyses the activities of the 5th BPB in the period between 1 September and 15 November 1939, taking a closer look at the formation of the battalion, the reliability and loyalty of the state’s conscripts, the organisation of the services, the tasks which were being carried out, the preparations of the battalion, logistics, and everyday activities, and looking at their potential combat power and the situation at their duty location. To achieve the aim of the study, it was necessary to examine the historiographical material and primary sources and, therefore, a method of analysis was used which is also prevalent in scientific literature and archival documents. [...]. |
