Slavomil Janáček, DFC, DFM
Slavomil Janáček was born on April 22, 1914, in Holásky near Brno. As a child, he loved sports – he was a strong swimmer, played football for the local club, and trained with the Sokol gymnastics movement. He first dreamed of becoming a teacher but later trained as a mechanical locksmith and worked in a major engineering company. In the army, he served as a radio telegraphist and later led a telephone squad. Even then, he built a reputation for being precise, reliable, and brave.
A long journey to freedom
After Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, Slavomil joined the resistance. When he learned he was in danger of being arrested by the Gestapo, he decided to escape. Alongside his friend Jaroslav Rolenc, he embarked on a dangerous journey through Slovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia, eventually reaching France. They were arrested and imprisoned along the way, but with courage and the help of kind strangers, they finally reached Marseille via Belgrade.
Slavomil Janáček (left) during his military service from 1935 to 1937
Members of the 68th Night Fighter Squadron. Sgt. Slavomil Janáček is 5th from the right
Night fighter in Britain
In Britain, Slavomil joined the famous 68th Night Fighter Squadron of the RAF. He served as a radar operator and formed an inseparable team with pilot Miloslav Mansfeld. Together, they carried out dozens of dangerous missions. One of their most famous actions took place in October 1941, when they shot down three German bombers and damaged a fourth – all in a single night. For his bravery and precision, Slavomil received high honors from both the British and Czechoslovak governments.
Success and recognition in battle
Their crew was often deployed during German bombing raids on British cities. They flew under extremely challenging conditions – rain, fog, and darkness. Their aircraft was armed with cannons and machine guns, but victory always depended on teamwork, trust, and quick thinking. Slavomil rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a flight officer and the commander of the observers. In 1943, he was decorated in person by King George VI.
Radar operators of the 68th Squadron. From left: Rudolf Husár, Karel Bednařík, ?,?, Slavomil Janáček, Fridolín Gemrod, Oldřich Kaňovský.
Engine test of a Bristol Beaufighter Mk.IF of 68th Squadron equipped with a Mk.IV airborne radar.
A second escape and a new life
After the war, Slavomil returned home. But when the communists took power in 1948, he was forced to flee again – this time with his family, flying an aircraft directly to France. From there, they returned to Britain, where he rejoined the RAF. In the following years, he worked as an air traffic controller and trained new radar operators. He also served on Gibraltar and at several British airbases.
A man who never gave up
Although he spent most of his life outside Czechoslovakia, he never forgot his homeland. For years, he exchanged letters with his mother, who had survived Nazi imprisonment. Slavomil Janáček was awarded nineteen decorations, including the Czechoslovak War Cross and the British Distinguished Flying Medal. He was a true hero who never betrayed his ideals – neither in war nor in times of oppression.
One of Slavomil Janáček's last photo's in his homeland. Chrudim, spring 1948.
We draw information from the book 'Letci z Holásek a Tuřan ve II. světové válce' by Miroslav Kopecký Tomáš Jambor, a Václava Kolesa.