Soviet Parachute Container PD-MM-100 used by Chan II Paragroup, 1945

Fotogalerie

The soft container for military material was dropped from the aircraft using a cargo parachute PDK-42, which was located in its rear and opened by a pull rope. A smooth impact was ensured by a canvas shock absorber in its bow, stuffed with cotton wool. It could also be reinforced around the peripheral with wooden slats, pulled down by lashing straps. It was made of khaki-colored airline flyers, the cargo area itself had closable loops and was sometimes stuffed with straw for shock absorption. The overall length was about 1,600 mm and the weight about 15 kg. The rear part for the parachute was separated by a sewn wooden board, covered with canvas. In the case of our exhibit, it was printed in black in Russian alphabet characters: „Tip PD MM, No. 004 0046, 12. avgust 1943”.
According to the identification tag of the Museum of the Czechoslovak Army, this PD-MM was used during the landing of the eastern group with the code name Chan II, which operated in Podkrkonoší, from March 27, 1945. The unit, composed of Soviet and Czechoslovak soldiers, fierce battles with the occupying power throughout its existence, while some of its members fell or were executed.
The container itself, along with other material, was secured and taken away by the Germans. After the war, it came from the Gestapo headquarters in the Petschk Palace to the collection of the VHÚ. It was slightly damaged, but it is an important document of anti-Nazi resistance in our country.