Eastern Front Operational Constraints on Slovak Artillery, 1941–1943

This article examines the experiences of Slovak artillery on the Eastern Front from 1941–1943. The article argues that Slovak unites performed well during this period, notwithstanding serious handicaps. The Slovaks had too few officers, were equipped with outdated weapons, often lacked transport, had poor maps, had little or no anti-tank capability, and lacked adequate support units and facilities. Finally, the few Slovak artillery pieces were always stretched beyond reason to provide fire support for an entire division. Still, Slovak artillery fought tenaciously throughout the time period and was well respected by its German allies.