Supporter Exclusive Book (and Movie) Review - Anthropoid

Published on February 15, 2022
Duration: 12:27

This video reviews the book 'Operation Anthropoid' and the 2016 film of the same name, detailing the assassination of SS-Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich during WWII. The content highlights the bravery of Czech paratroopers trained by the British SOE, the controversial nature of the mission, the brutal Nazi retaliation, and the eventual heroic last stand of the paratroopers. The speaker emphasizes the historical accuracy of the film and the value of the book as a primary source of documentation.

Quick Summary

Operation Anthropoid was the code name for the mission to assassinate SS-Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich in occupied Czechoslovakia during WWII. Despite initial equipment failures, the paratroopers succeeded, leading to brutal Nazi retaliation and their own heroic last stand.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Supporter Exclusive Content
  2. 00:51The Book: Operation Anthropoid
  3. 01:43Historical Context: Annexation of Czechoslovakia
  4. 02:12Czech Resistance and Gestapo Crackdown
  5. 02:54British SOE and Paratrooper Training
  6. 03:44Mission Decision: Assassinate Heydrich
  7. 04:40Film Adaptation: 'Anthropoid' (2016)
  8. 06:30The Assassination Attempt
  9. 07:05Sten Gun Failure and Grenade Attack
  10. 07:53Heydrich's Death and Nazi Retaliation
  11. 08:08Refuge in the Church and Final Stand
  12. 09:13The Book's Value and Availability
  13. 10:25Free PDF Download of the Book
  14. 10:59Tragic Outcome and Legacy
  15. 11:18Recommendation: Movie and Book
  16. 12:03Support the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Operation Anthropoid?

Operation Anthropoid was the code name for the mission undertaken by Czechoslovakian paratroopers, trained by the British SOE, to assassinate SS-Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi official in occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II.

Was the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich successful?

Yes, the assassination was ultimately successful. Although the initial attempt with a Sten gun failed, a grenade attack on Heydrich's car caused injuries that led to his death several days later from infection, despite his initial survival of the attack.

What were the consequences of Operation Anthropoid?

The assassination triggered brutal Nazi retaliation, including the destruction of villages like Lidice and Ležáky, and the mass execution of Czech civilians. The paratroopers involved also perished after a prolonged gun battle with the SS.

Where can I find more information about Operation Anthropoid?

A comprehensive book on Operation Anthropoid, published by the Czech Ministry of Defense, is available as a free PDF download from their website. The 2016 film 'Anthropoid' also provides a dramatized historical account.

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