Operation: Daybreak 1975

Moravec plans and trains the operation

In late 1941 General František Moravec orders three Czech partisans to undertake the mission to kill Heydrich. The group, trained by the British, begins staging the operation described as the war's most important. They prepare in occupied Czechoslovakia.

Parachute drop and mislanding

The three operatives parachute into occupied Czechoslovakia to begin the mission. Gabčík injures his foot during the descent and Čurda lands miles away, forcing immediate regrouping. They must quickly link up with Čurda to continue the plan.

Regrouping and refuge with Moravec family

After reuniting with Čurda, the trio travels toward Prague and seeks refuge with the Moravec family. Aunt Marie, her son Ata and daughter Jindřiška shelter the men and help them plan the assassination. The group decides on how to target Heydrich directly rather than his train.

First assassination attempt on Heydrich's departing train thwarted

The first plan to ambush Heydrich on his departing train is thwarted when the operation is blocked by the train's routing. Gabčík hides in a control room while Kubiš awaits at the platform, but the train passes in a way that renders the shot impossible. The abortive attempt foreshadows the need for a new plan.

New plan to attack on the bend of the road

The conspirators devise a new plan to shoot Heydrich as his car slows at a bend on the regular morning drive into Prague from his country residence. They position themselves along the route and wait for the moment. The risk is high, but it offers a clearer chance to strike.

Gabčík's gun jams; grenade attack injures Heydrich

As Heydrich's car approaches, Gabčík's pistol jams, forcing him to retreat. Kubiš, who has been waiting nearby, then throws a grenade at the car, causing an explosion that injures Heydrich. The driver and Heydrich survive the immediate attack but are wounded.

Heydrich dies from his injuries

Heydrich dies later in hospital from mortal wounds caused by shrapnel after the attack. The killing triggers a massive German manhunt throughout the region. Prague and the surrounding areas enter into heightened security.

The manhunt and betrayal begin

A large manhunt is launched by the Gestapo as they offer money for information that could reveal the group’s whereabouts. The hunt strains the local population and draws the attention of the Czech resistance. Fear spreads as informants become a key asset for capture.

Čurda betrays the group

Čurda, fearing for his family’s safety, surrenders to the Gestapo and betrays Gabčík, Kubiš, and their allies. The betrayal triggers arrests and intensifies the crackdown. The group loses their safe protector as the net closes in.

The Moravec family arrested

Following Čurda’s betrayal, the Moravec family is arrested by German authorities. Their shelter becomes a focal point of the crackdown and their eventual fate underscores the cost of aiding the resistance. The paratroopers lose their last civilian safe haven.

The paratroopers seek refuge in the crypt

With nowhere else to go, the three paratroopers seek refuge in the crypt of Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral. They prepare for a doomed standoff, maintaining the resolve not to surrender. The crypt becomes their last stronghold in Prague.

German discovery and assault on the crypt

The Germans locate the hidden group and mount a long, brutal battle to force them out of the crypt. They attempt to gas and flood the space to overwhelm the defenders. The defenders refuse to surrender and fight back until their resources are exhausted.