Third anti-Partisan offensive
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The Third anti-Partisan offensive (Operation TRIO), known in ex-Yugoslavia as the Third enemy offensive (Serbian, Croatian: Treća neprijateljska ofanziva/ofenziva), was a battle during World War II between the Yugoslav Partisans on one side, and German, Italian, Chetnik and Independent State of Croatia forces on the third.[1] It took place in mountainous area of eastern Bosnia, northern Montenegro, Sandžak, and northeastern Herzegovina between March 31 and June 1942.[2]
Certain sources mistakenly identify the Battle of Kozara as the Third anti-Partisan offensive.
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[edit] Operation
Axis generals planned a series of operations at a conference in Opatija, with the goal of crushing large regions liberated by Tito's Partisans after the failure of the winter offensive. The codename TRIO was given to the operation in eastern Bosnia and command was given to the staff of Kampfgruppe Bader.
The offensive didn't start as planed, although it took long preparation. Without knowledge of Kampfgruppe Bader, the Ustaše started their attack from Han Pijesak. While Italians were regrouping theirs divisions, the Ustaša "Black Legion" with three battalions started attacking from Han-Pijesak and captured Vlasenica on April 1, and eight days latter Bratunac and Srebrenica. The Germans started their advance on April 22 towards blocked Rogatica and pushed the Partisan forces back.
Only after five days of fighting the Germans entered Rogatica, and afterwards Prač and Goražde. The Italian 5th Mountain Division "Pusteria" captured Čajići on April 23 and soon reached Goražde. The 1st Mountain Division "Taurinense" captured Trnovo as well as reaching and blocking Kalinovik, where it made contact with elements of the 22nd Infantry Division "Cacciatori delle Alpi". However, due to the successful rearguard-actions of the Partisans, Italian forces didn't arrive into eastern Bosnia on schedule which allowed the former easier maneuvering and allowed for a possibility of retreat south of the Kalinovik-Foča line. Parts of the 5th Mountain Division "Pusteria" captured Foča on May 10, from where the Partisan Supreme Headquarters south with the 1st and 2nd Proletarian Brigade.[3]
[edit] Aftermath
The offensive resulted in the dissolution of the formations of the Partisan-controlled Volunteer Army of Yugoslavia, many units of which defected to the Chetniks by violent command-coups, resulting in the death of the Partisan commanders that didn't escape. The new Chetnik command quickly made treaties with the Germans promising aid against the Partisans in exchange for weapons and munitions. The Partisan Supreme Command therefore disbanded the Volunteer Army of Yugoslavia and formed the People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia.
The strategic results were very significant as the Partisan troops were forced to march westwards, which resulted in the destruction of numerous Axis communication lines as well as allowing for the merge with the numerous Partisan units in western Bosnia, and with the forces of the main Croatian Partisan Headquarters.[4]
[edit] Axis order of battle[1]
- 718th Infantry Division
- 3rd Battalion of 737th Regiment from 717th Infantry Division
- 1st Mountain Division 'Taurinense'
- 5th Mountain Division 'Pusteria'
- 22nd Infantry Division 'Cacciatori delle Alpi'
- Ustaše Crna Legija with three battalions
- a number of Croatian Home Guard battalions
[edit] See also
- Yugoslav Partisans
- Yugoslav People's Liberation War
- Seven anti-Partisan offensives
- List of anti-Partisan operations in Yugoslavia
- Resistance during World War II
