IVAN BOBERSKY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RIFLE MOVEMENT IN НALYCHYNA A DAY BEFORE THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Abstract

In the publication Ivan Bobersky’s contribution to the formation and development of the rifle movement in Galicia was illuminated on the basis of the periodicals “Visty z Zaporozha” (News from Zaporozha), “Dilo” (Action), “Ilіusrtrovana Ukraina” (Illustrated Ukraine); archival documents, editions of “Sokil-Batko” (Falcon- Father); reports of the Academic High School in Lviv; works of Ivan Beaverski y; photos and documents from the private archive of Stepan Gaіduchko (Lviv); memoirs of active participants of the rifle movement. He as a chairman of the Ukrainian Gymnastic Society “Sokil-Batko” in 1908–1918 actively participated in the creation of small rifle centers, the purchase of inventory, training of specialists, conducting sports rifle competitions and more. Remarks and educational and methodological work of Ivan Boberskyі “Strilіanіe do vlychi” (Shoot to hit) (1913) became very popular among young people. Another achievement was the development and unification of rifle terminology. In the vocabulary of the youth of that time, the terms as “striljanje do vlychi” (target shoo- ting), “potіilka” (target), “vlycha” (target), “striletc” (rifleman), “strilytcja” (riflewoman), “degree”, “postu- re” and more appeared. It is necessary to pay tribute to the conscientious work of Ivan Boberskiy, as soon enough manyreplenished the ranks of the Legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen, actively participated in the development of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic, fought in the ranks of the Galician army, etc. The chronological limits of exploration cover 1912–1914.

members of youth organizations, in particular, “Sokil-Batko”, who passed rifle training,