Misplaced Pages

Invasion of Yugoslavia order of battle: Yugoslav

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
(Redirected from Yugoslav order of battle prior to the invasion of Yugoslavia)

graphic map overlay showing the German thrusts into Yugoslavia
The German-led Axis invasion of Yugoslavia as shown in the United States Government Why We Fight documentary series
Invasion of Yugoslavia

The Yugoslav order of battle before the invasion of Yugoslavia includes a listing (or order of battle) of all operational formations of the Royal Yugoslav Army (Serbo-Croatian Latin: Vojska Kraljevine Jugoslavije, VKJ), Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force (Serbo-Croatian Latin: Vazduhoplovstvo Vojske Kraljevine Jugoslavije, VVKJ) and Royal Yugoslav Navy (Serbo-Croatian Latin: Kraljevska Jugoslovenska Ratna Mornarica, KJRM) immediately prior to the World War II invasion of that country in April 1941.

The VKJ consisted of 33 divisions and a significant number of smaller formations, but due to tentative and incomplete mobilisation, only seven divisions and four smaller formations are known to have been at close to fighting strength and in their planned deployment locations when the German-led Axis assault commenced on 6 April 1941. The Yugoslav defence plan involved placing the bulk of its land forces close to its borders, with very limited strategic reserves in depth. Almost all of the divisions that had been effectively mobilised were concentrated in the 3rd Army Group deployed in the east of the country along the Romanian and Bulgarian borders between the Iron Gates and the Greek border. Most of the heavy weapons and armoured vehicles available to the VKJ were obsolete, most formations were heavily reliant on animal-powered transport, and the VKJ had only 50 tanks that could engage front line German tanks on an equal basis.

By 6 April 1941, the VVKJ had been almost completely mobilised, and consisted of four air brigades with more than 423 aircraft of Yugoslav, German, Italian, French, Czech and British design, including 107 modern fighter aircraft, and 100 modern medium bombers. Other than a small number of locally made Rogožarski IK-3 fighters, almost all the modern aircraft available to the VVKJ were of German, Italian or British design for which limited spares and munitions were available.

The KJRM consisted of a flotilla of river monitors based on the Danube and a small fleet based in several ports along the Adriatic coast. The blue-water navy centred on a flotilla leader, three smaller destroyers, four obsolescent submarines and a gunboat, supplemented by minelayers and torpedo boats. Some of the smaller vessels in the Yugoslav fleet had been inherited from the defeated Austro-Hungarian Empire following World War I and were obsolete.

Royal Yugoslav Army

a blue, white and red tricolour flag (top to bottom)
The war flag of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia

At the time of the invasion, the Royal Yugoslav Army (Serbo-Croatian Latin: Vojska Kraljevine Jugoslavije, VKJ) consisted of 29 infantry divisions, three horse cavalry divisions, and a divisional-sized mountain detachment. There were also a significant number of independent infantry, cavalry, mountain, and combined arms brigades, infantry and cavalry regiments and fortress troops, as well as 17 border guard battalions. The Commander-in-chief of the VKJ was the 17-year-old King Peter II, and the Chief of the General Staff was the Prime Minister, Armijski đeneral Dušan Simović. The Yugoslav defence plan positioned almost all land forces close to its borders, with very limited strategic reserves in depth. The VKJ was heavily reliant on animal-powered transport, mainly oxen, and had only 50 relatively modern Renault R35 tanks that could fight German tanks on an equal footing, although these were only just being formed into a unit at the time of the invasion. The VKJ was organised into the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Army Groups, the independent 5th and 6th Armies and the Coastal Defence Command. The General Headquarters of the VKJ maintained command over five infantry divisions and a large number of smaller infantry, engineer and artillery units, as well as the only operational tank battalion. Each Army Group and independent Army was supported by an air reconnaissance group attached from the Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force (VVKJ). As mobilisation had been tentative and partial, many divisions were still in the process of mobilisation on 6 April 1941. The VKJ order of battle on 6 April 1941 is detailed below as provided by Niehorster.

mobilised Mobilised less staff and rear units.
in part Partly mobilised and moving to concentration area or assigned frontier.
commenced In process of mobilisation.
unknown Mobilisation status unknown.

1st Army Group

The 1st Army Group was commanded by Armijski đeneral Milorad Petrović. It consisted of the 4th Army of Armijski đeneral Petar Nedeljković, responsible for the Yugoslav-Hungarian border and deployed behind the Drava between Varaždin and Slatina, and the 7th Army of Divizijski đeneral (Major General) Dušan Trifunović, which was responsible for the defence of the northwestern border with Italy and the Third Reich.

Composition of 1st Army Group
Army Formation Mobilisation status Notes
4th 27th Infantry Division Savska commenced
40th Infantry Division Slavonska in part
42nd Infantry Division Murska commenced
Detachment Ormozki unknown brigade strength
127th Infantry Regiment unknown
81st Cavalry Regiment unknown horse cavalry
7th 32nd Infantry Division Triglavski commenced
38th Infantry Division Dravska commenced
Mountain Detachment Triglavski mobilised brigade strength
Mountain Detachment Rišnajaski mobilised brigade strength
Detachment Lika mobilised brigade strength
1st Army Group 1st Cavalry Division commenced horse cavalry

4th Army support units included one motorised heavy artillery regiment, one artillery regiment, a motorised anti-aircraft battalion, six border guard battalions, and the 4th Air Reconnaissance Group comprising eighteen Breguet 19s was attached from the VVKJ and was based at Velika Gorica just south of Zagreb. The 7th Army was supported by one artillery regiment and the 6th Air Reconnaissance Group consisting of sixteen Breguet 19s based at Brežice, northwest of Zagreb.

2nd Army Group

The 2nd Army Group was commanded by Armijski đeneral Milutin Nedić, and consisted of Armijski đeneral Milan Rađenković's 1st Army, responsible for the area between the Danube and the Tisza, and the 2nd Army of Armijski đeneral Dragoslav Miljković, responsible for the border from Slatina to the Danube. There was no Army Group reserve, but the 2nd Army was to constitute a reserve consisting of the 10th Infantry Division Bosanska deployed south of Brod.

Composition of 2nd Army Group
Army Formation Mobilisation status Notes
1st 7th Infantry Division Potiska commenced
3rd Cavalry Division commenced horse cavalry
Infantry Detachment Senta commenced brigade strength
Infantry Detachment Sombor commenced brigade strength
2nd 10th Infantry Division Bosanska in part in reserve
17th Infantry Division Vrbaska in part
30th Infantry Division Osiječka commenced
76th Cavalry Regiment unknown horse cavalry

The 1st Army was supported by one artillery regiment, one anti-aircraft battalion, and the 1st Air Reconnaissance Group consisting of fifteen Breguet 19s based at Ruma, just west of Sremska Mitrovica. 2nd Army support units comprised one artillery regiment, one anti-aircraft battalion, one border guard battalion, and the 3rd Air Reconnaissance Group consisting of sixteen Breguet 19s based at Staro Topolje just east of Brod.

3rd Army Group

The 3rd Army Group was commanded by Armijski đeneral Milan Nedić. It consisted of Armijski đeneral Ilija Brašić's 3rd Army, responsible for the border with Albania between Lake Ohrid to Lake Skadar, and the 3rd Territorial Army of Armijski đeneral Jovan Naumović, which was responsible for the eastern sector of the Greek border and a sector along the Bulgarian border. The Army Group reserve consisted of the 22nd Infantry Division Ibarska, deployed around Skopje.

Composition of 3rd Army Group
Army Formation Mobilisation status Notes
3rd 13th Infantry Division Hercegovačka in part
15th Infantry Division Zetska commenced
25th Infantry Division Vardarska commenced reinforced
31st Infantry Division Kosovska mobilised reinforced
Cavalry Detachment Komski mobilised brigade strength
horse cavalry
3rd Territorial 5th Infantry Division Šumadijska mobilised
20th Infantry Division Bregalnička mobilised reinforced
46th Infantry Division Moravska mobilised
Infantry Detachment Strumički unknown brigade strength
21st Infantry Regiment unknown
3rd Army Group 22nd Infantry Division Ibarska in part

3rd Army support units included one artillery regiment, one anti-aircraft battalion, eight border guard battalions, and the 5th Air Reconnaissance Group consisting of fourteen Breguet 19s based at Tetovo west of Skopje. The 3rd Territorial Army was supported by one motorised heavy artillery regiment.

5th Independent Army

The 5th Independent Army was commanded by Armijski đeneral Vladimir Cukavac, and had responsibility for the Romanian and Bulgarian borders between the Iron Gates and the Greek border.

Composition of 5th Independent Army
Army Formation Mobilisation status Notes
5th Independent 8th Infantry Division Krajinska in part in reserve
9th Infantry Division Timočka commenced
34th Infantry Division Toplička mobilised
50th Infantry Division Drinska mobilised
2nd Cavalry Division in part horse cavalry

The support units of the 5th Independent Army were two motorised heavy artillery regiments, an anti-aircraft battalion, two border guard battalions, and the 2nd Air Reconnaissance Group consisting of sixteen Breguet 19s based at Šarlince south of Niš.

6th Independent Army

The 6th Independent Army was commanded by Armijski đeneral Dimitrije Živković, and was originally intended to form the strategic reserve for the VKJ. It was deployed around Belgrade and in the Banat region east of the Tisza. It held two infantry divisions in reserve in the lower Morava valley.

Composition of 6th Independent Army
Army Formation Mobilisation status Notes
6th Independent 3rd Infantry Division Dunavska commenced
49th Infantry Division Sremska in part understrength
Infantry Detachment Požarevački unknown brigade strength
Infantry Detachment Smederevski unknown brigade strength
Detachment Savski unknown brigade strength
Detachment Banatski mobilised brigade strength
Infantry Detachment Braničevski unknown regimental strength
5th Cavalry Regiment unknown horse cavalry
71st Cavalry Regiment unknown horse cavalry

The 6th Independent Army was supported by an anti-aircraft battalion and the 7th Air Reconnaissance Group consisting of eighteen Breguet 19s based at Smederevska Palanka.

Coastal Defence Command

Coastal Defence Command was commanded by Armijski đeneral Živko Stanisaviljević, and was responsible for the defence of the Adriatic coast from the Bay of Kotor to Gospić.

Composition of Coastal Defence Command
Army Formation Mobilisation status Notes
Coastal Defence Command 12th Infantry Division Jadranska commenced
Boka Kotorska Command commenced
Šibenik Command commenced
Čapljinski Command unknown infantry brigade strength
Trebinjski Command unknown infantry regiment strength

Coastal Defence Command was supported by a heavy artillery regiment and an anti-aircraft battalion, and a coastal reconnaissance squadron of four aircraft based near Mostar.

General Headquarters Direct Command

General Headquarters of the VKJ maintained direct command of five infantry divisions, four independent infantry regiments, two motorised engineer regiments and one tank battalion. A further tank battalion was being formed at the time of the invasion. It also had at its disposal two motorised heavy artillery regiments, fifteen artillery battalions, two anti-aircraft battalions and five independent anti-aircraft companies.

General Headquarters Direct Command
Formation Mobilisation status Notes
Guards Infantry Division unknown understrength
1st Infantry Division Cerska in part
33rd Infantry Division Lička commenced
44th Infantry Division Unska in part
47th Infantry Division Dinarska commenced
22nd Infantry Regiment unknown
37th Infantry Regiment unknown
47th Infantry Regiment unknown
48th Infantry Regiment unknown

Major equipment

In April 1941, a significant amount of obsolete equipment was in service with the VKJ, much of which was of World War I vintage. For example, of the 7,000 artillery pieces, less than 60 per cent were relatively modern, and only 50 of the tanks on hand were of comparable quality to front line German tanks. The army inventory included the following major items of equipment:

Major equipment
Equipment Number
Mortars 1,900
Light anti-tank guns 800
75mm field guns 823
105mm field howitzers 180
World War I-vintage howitzers 3,000
Anti-aircraft guns 250
Renault R35 light tanks 50
Škoda S-1d light tanks 50
Renault NC27 light tanks 50
Renault FT and M26/27 light tanks 50

Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force

a stylised white four-blade propeller overlaid on a blue disc and concentric rings of white (inner) and red (outer)
The roundel of the Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force

By April 1941, due to the difficulties Yugoslavia had faced in sourcing aircraft, the Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force (Serbo-Croatian Latin: Vazduhoplovstvo Vojske Kraljevine Jugoslavije, VVKJ) was equipped with 11 different types of operational aircraft, 14 types of training aircraft, and five types of auxiliary aircraft. These aircraft used 22 different engines, four different machine guns and two models of aircraft cannon. This made the training, supply and maintenance of the VVKJ quite problematic. The VVKJ was organised into a headquarters, four air brigades and one naval brigade. Its order of battle on 6 April 1941 is detailed below as provided by Shores, Cull and Malizia, the most detailed work available on the subject.

Air Force Headquarters

The VVKJ was commanded by Brigadni General (Brigadier) Borivoje Mirković, from his headquarters at Lješnica, and had two air groups and one independent squadron under its direct command. Niehorster includes the VVKJ transport group and the air training school as under the direct command of Army Air Force Headquarters, and they have been shown here for completeness.

Air Force Headquarters units
Unit Location Aircraft
11th Independent (Long Range Reconnaissance) Group Veliki Radinci 9 × Bristol Blenheim Mk I light bombers
2 × Hawker Hind Mk I light bombers
81st Bomber Group Mostar 14 × Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 medium bombers
3 × Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3a fighters
3 × Hawker Hurricane Mk I fighters
3 × Avia BH-33E biplane fighters
710th Liaison Squadron Lješnica 2 × Messerschmitt Bf 108 liaison aircraft
1 × Fieseler Fi 156 Storch liaison aircraft
Transport Group Zemun 10 × Lockheed Model 10 Electra airliners
2 × Spartan Cruiser transports
2 × Avia-Fokker F.39 airliners
1 × de Havilland Dragon Rapide airliner
2 × Caudron C.440 Goéland utility aircraft
1 × Aeroput MMS-3 light passenger aircraft
1 × de Havilland DH.60 Moth touring and training aircraft
1 × de Havilland Fox Moth passenger aircraft
Air Training School Mostar 3 × Hawker Hurricane Mk I fighters
3 × Messerschmitt Bf 108 liaison aircraft
2 × Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3a fighters
3 × Avia BH-33E biplane fighters

1st Fighter Brigade

The 1st Fighter Brigade was commanded by Pukovnik (Colonel) Dragutin Rupčić, whose headquarters was at Zemun. It consisted of the 2nd and 6th Fighter Regiments and a liaison squadron.

Composition of the 1st Fighter Brigade
Formation Unit Location Aircraft
2nd Fighter Regiment
HQ: Kraljevo
31st Fighter Group Knić 19 × Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3a fighters
52nd Fighter Group Knić 15 × Hawker Hurricane I fighters
6th Fighter Regiment
HQ: Zemun
32nd Fighter Group Prnjavor 27 × Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3a fighters
51st Fighter Group Zemun 10 × Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3a fighters
6 × Rogožarski IK-3 fighters
702nd Liaison Squadron Zemun Messerschmitt Bf 108 liaison aircraft
Fieseler Fi 156 liaison aircraft

2nd Mixed Air Brigade

The 2nd Mixed Air Brigade was commanded by Pukovnik Jakov Đorđević, whose headquarters was at Nova Topola. It consisted of the 4th Fighter Regiment, the 8th Bomber Regiment, and a liaison squadron.

Composition of the 2nd Mixed Air Brigade
Formation Unit Location Aircraft
4th Fighter Regiment
HQ: Zagreb
33rd Fighter Group Bosanski Aleksandrovac 13 × Hawker Hurricane Mk I fighters
34th Fighter Group Bosanski Aleksandrovac 7 × Hawker Hurricane Mk I fighters
8 ×Ikarus IK-2 fighters
8th Bomber Regiment
HQ: Zagreb
68th Bomber Group Rovine 12 × Bristol Blenheim Mk I light bombers
69th Bomber Group Rovine 12 × Bristol Blenheim Mk I light bombers
703rd Liaison Squadron Nova Topola Messerschmitt Bf 108 liaison aircraft
Fieseler Fi 156 liaison aircraft

3rd Mixed Air Brigade

The 3rd Mixed Air Brigade was commanded by Pukovnik Nikola Obuljen, whose headquarters was at Stubol. It consisted of the 3rd Bomber Regiment, 5th Fighter Regiment, and a liaison squadron.

Composition of the 3rd Mixed Air Brigade
Formation Unit Location Aircraft
3rd Bomber Regiment
HQ: Skopje
63rd Bomber Group Petrovec 30 × Dornier Do 17K light bombers
64th Bomber Group Petrovec 30 × Dornier Do 17K light bombers
5th Fighter Regiment
HQ: Niš
35th Fighter Group Kosančić 15 × Hawker Fury Mk II biplane fighters
36th Fighter Group Režanovačka Kosa 15 × Hawker Fury Mk II biplane fighters
704th Liaison Squadron Stubol Messerschmitt Bf 108 liaison aircraft
Fieseler Fi 156 liaison aircraft

4th Bomber Brigade

The 4th Bomber Brigade was commanded by Pukovnik Petar Vukčević, whose headquarters was at Ljubić. It consisted of the 1st and 7th Bomber Regiments and a liaison squadron.

Composition of the 4th Bomber Brigade
Formation Unit Location Aircraft
1st Bomber Regiment
HQ: Novi Sad
61st Bomber Group Bijeljina 11 × Bristol Blenheim Mk I light bombers
62nd Bomber Group Bijeljina 12 × Bristol Blenheim Mk I light bombers
7th Bomber Regiment
HQ: Mostar
66th Bomber Group Preljina 13 × Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 medium bombers
67th Bomber Group Gorobilje 13 × Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 medium bombers
705th Liaison Squadron Ljubić Messerschmitt Bf 108 liaison aircraft
Fieseler Fi 156 liaison aircraft

Aircraft types

The Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force inventory in April 1941 included more than 423 aircraft of Yugoslav, German, Italian, French, Czech and British design, in addition to 20 largely civilian transport aircraft which had been pressed into military service. Of these, 107 of the fighter aircraft were of modern design, the remainder were not capable of meeting front line Axis aircraft on close to equal terms, and were therefore considered obsolete. Some bomber and reconnaissance aircraft were also considered obsolete for the same reason.

Aircraft types
Aircraft type Model Class Number Origin/notes
Fighter aircraft Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 61  Germany
Hawker Hurricane Mk I 41  United Kingdom
Hawker Fury Mk II biplane 30  United Kingdom (obsolete)
Ikarus IK-2 8  Yugoslavia (obsolete)
Rogožarski IK-3 6  Yugoslavia
Avia BH-33E 6  Czechoslovakia (obsolete)
Bomber aircraft Dornier Do 17Ka medium 60  Germany
Savoia-Marchetti SM 79-I medium 40  Italy
Bristol Blenheim Mk I light 56  United Kingdom
Hawker Hind Mk I biplane light 2  United Kingdom (obsolete)
Reconnaissance aircraft Caproni Ca.310 unknown  Italy
Breguet 19 113  France (obsolete)
Liaison aircraft Messerschmitt Bf 108 unknown  Germany
Fieseler Fi 156 unknown  Germany

Between 6 and 17 April 1941, the VVKJ took receipt of additional aircraft, including eight Hawker Hurricane Mk Is, six Dornier Do 17Ks, four Bristol Blenheim Mk Is, two Icarus IK-2s, one Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 and one Rogožarski IK-3.

  • Aircraft types in service with the Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force
  • A Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 with VVKJ markings A Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 with VVKJ markings
  • A Rogožarski IK-3 with VVKJ markings A Rogožarski IK-3 with VVKJ markings
  • A Dornier Do 17Ka with VVKJ markings A Dornier Do 17Ka with VVKJ markings
  • A Savoia-Marchetti SM 79-I with VVKJ markings A Savoia-Marchetti SM 79-I with VVKJ markings

Royal Yugoslav Navy

a blue, white and red tricolour flag (top to bottom) with a two-headed eagle crest surmounted by a crown
The naval ensign of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia
See also: List of ships of the Royal Yugoslav Navy

The Royal Yugoslav Navy (Serbo-Croatian Latin: Kraljevska Jugoslovenska Ratna Mornarica, KJRM) was small, with its largest ships being an obsolete former German light cruiser (used as a gunnery training ship), one flotilla leader, and three smaller Beograd-class destroyers. The Chief of the Naval Staff was Rear-Admiral M.L. Polić, and the personnel of the KJRM comprised about 611 officers and 8,562 men. The KJRM was organised into Riverine and Lake Forces, the Maritime Air Force, Naval Coastal Command, three torpedo divisions, the Submarine Division, and a grouping of miscellaneous and training vessels.

Riverine and Lake Forces

The Riverine and Lake Forces of the KJRM were headquartered on the Danube river in Novi Sad, and were organised into the River Flotilla and three Lake Detachments. Each division of the River Flotilla except the Monitor Division included one or more mobilised customs motorboats.

River Flotilla
Division Ship/vessel name Type Origin/notes
Monitor Division
HQ: Dubovac
Vardar river monitor  Austria-Hungary
former Austro-Hungarian Navy river monitor Bosna
Sava river monitor  Austria-Hungary
former Austro-Hungarian Navy river monitor Bodrog
1st Mine Barrage Division
HQ: Bezdan
Drava river monitor  Austria-Hungary
former Austro-Hungarian Navy river monitor Enns
Šabac river tugboat
river minelayer
river minelayer
river transport
2nd Mine Barrage Division
HQ: Stara Kanjiža
Morava river monitor  Austria-Hungary
former Austro-Hungarian Navy river monitor Körös
R-XXI river tugboat
Senta river transport
3rd Mine Barrage Division
HQ: Sremski Karlovci
Sisak river tugboat
river mine-layer
river mine-layer
river transport
4th Mine Barrage Division
HQ: Smederevo
Raška river tugboat
river mine-layer
river mine-layer
river transport
5th Mine Barrage Division
HQ: Erdut
Tanasko Rajić river tugboat
river mine-layer
river mine-layer
river transport
Iron Gates Division
HQ: Donji Milanovac
Kumanovo river tugboat
Vitez river tugboat
river transport
river transport
river transport
river transport

The Lake Ohrid Detachment was based at Ohrid and consisted of two river gunboats, Graničar and Stražar, and one or more mobilised customs motorboats. The Lake Prespa Detachment was based at Asamati, and it is unclear where the Lake Skadar Detachment was based. Both of the latter detachments consisted of one or more mobilised customs motorboats.

Maritime Air Force

The Maritime Air Force was headquartered at Kaštel Lukšić near Split, and consisted of three Hydroplane Commands each of regimental strength.

Maritime Air Force
Command Group Squadron Location Aircraft
1st Hydroplane Command
HQ: Vodice
12th Hydroplane Group unknown 12 × Ikarus IO biplane flying boats
2nd Hydroplane Command
HQ: Divulje
3rd Hydroplane Group 5th Hydroplane Squadron Tijesno 5 × Rogožarski SIM-XIV-H reconnaissance floatplanes
1 × Ikarus ŠM biplane floatplane
25th Hydroplane Squadron Zlarin and Visovac 6 × Dornier Do 22Kj reconnaissance floatplanes
1 × Rogožarski PVT floatplane
4th Hydroplane Group 26th Hydroplane Squadron Krapanj 5 × Dornier Do J flying boats
1 × Ikarus ŠM biplane floatplane
1 × Rogožarski PVT floatplane
15th Hydroplane Squadron Zlarin and Visovac 2 × Rogožarski SIM-XIV-H reconnaissance floatplanes
6–7 × Ikarus IO biplane flying boats
1 × Rogožarski SIM-XH trainer
3rd Hydroplane Command
HQ: Boka Kotorska
1st Hydroplane Group 1st Hydroplane Squadron Krtole 5 × Rogožarski SIM-XIV-H reconnaissance floatplanes
1 × Ikarus ŠM biplane floatplane
11th Hydroplane Squadron Risan 2–3 × Rogožarski SIM-XIV-H reconnaissance floatplanes
1 × Heinkel HE 8 reconnaissance floatplane
2nd Hydroplane Group 20th Hydroplane Squadron Orahovac 6 × Dornier Do 22Kj reconnaissance floatplanes
21st Hydroplane Squadron Dobrota 5 × Dornier Do J flying boats
1 × Dornier D floatplane torpedo bomber
2 × Rogožarski PVT floatplanes
Training Squadron Trogir 1 × Rogožarski SIM-XIV-H reconnaissance floatplane
1 × Rogožarski PVT floatplanes
2 × Ikarus IO biplane flying boats
1–2 × Rogožarski SIM-XI trainers
1 × de Havilland DH.60 Moth trainer
several Ikarus ŠM biplane floatplanes
Maritime aircraft types
Model Number Origin/notes
Rogožarski SIM-XIV-H 15–16 Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Ikarus ŠM 3 Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Dornier Do 22kJ 12 Nazi Germany
Rogožarski PVT 5 Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Dornier Do J 10 Nazi Germany
Ikarus IO 20–21 Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Rogožarski SIM-XH 1 Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Heinkel HE 8 1 Nazi Germany
Dornier D 1 Nazi Germany
Rogožarski SIM-XI 1–2 Kingdom of Yugoslavia
de Havilland DH.60 Moth 1 United Kingdom

Naval Coastal Command

The Naval Coastal Command of the KJRM was organised into three sectors along the Adriatic coast of Yugoslavia.

Naval Coastal Command
Sector Ship/vessel name Type Origin/notes
Northern
HQ: Selce
Malinska minelayer Austria-Hungary
Malinska-class minelayer
Silni patrol craft tender unknown
Central
HQ: Šibenik
Spasilac salvage ship German Weimar Republic
Lovćen water tanker unknown
Labud minelayer German Empire
Galeb-class minelayer
Kobac minelayer German Empire
Galeb-class minelayer
Mosor minelayer Austria-Hungary
Malinska-class minelayer
Marjan minelayer Austria-Hungary
Malinska-class minelayer
Southern
HQ: Kotor
T1 torpedo boat Austria-Hungary
former Austro-Hungarian Navy 250t-class T-group torpedo boat 76T
T3 torpedo boat Austria-Hungary
former Austro-Hungarian Navy 250t-class T-group torpedo boat 78T
Jastreb minelayer German Empire
Galeb-class minelayer
Galeb minelayer German Empire
Galeb-class minelayer
Mljet minelayer Austria-Hungary
Malinska-class minelayer
Meljine minelayer Austria-Hungary
Malinska-class minelayer
D2 training boat Austria-Hungary
former Austro-Hungarian Schichau-class minesweeper Uhu, later Tb36
Jadran sail training ship German Weimar Republic
Jaki miscellaneous auxiliary unknown
Vila small converted yacht unknown

Torpedo Divisions

The 1st Torpedo Division consisted of the flotilla leader Dubrovnik and two of the three Beograd-class destroyers, and was based at Kotor. The remaining Beograd-class destroyer, Ljubljana, was under repair at Šibenik at the time of the invasion. The 2nd and 3rd Torpedo Division consisted of torpedo boats, and were both based at Šibenik.

Torpedo Divisions
Division Ship/vessel name Type Origin/notes
1st
HQ: Kotor
Dubrovnik flotilla leader UK
Beograd destroyer France
Beograd-class destroyer
Zagreb destroyer Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Beograd-class destroyer
2nd
HQ: Šibenik
Velebit torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Rudnik torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Kajmakčalan torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Durmitor torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Dinara torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Triglav torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Suvobor torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Orjen torpedo boat Nazi Germany
Orjen-class torpedo boat
Četnik torpedo boat UK
Četnik-class torpedo boat
Uskok torpedo boat UK
Četnik-class torpedo boat
3rd
HQ: Šibenik
T5 torpedo boat former Austro-Hungarian Navy 250t-class F-group torpedo boat 87F
T6 torpedo boat former Austro-Hungarian Navy 250t-class F-group torpedo boat 93F
T7 torpedo boat former Austro-Hungarian Navy 250t-class F-group torpedo boat 96F
T8 torpedo boat former Austro-Hungarian Navy 250t-class F-group torpedo boat 97F

Submarine Division

The Submarine Division was based in Kotor, and consisted of the submarine tender Hvar and four ageing submarines of British or French manufacture.

Submarine Division
Ship/vessel Type Origin/notes
Hvar submarine tender United Kingdom
Hrabri Hrabri-class submarine United Kingdom, 1928 based on unbuilt British L-class submarine
Nebojša Hrabri-class submarine United Kingdom, 1928 based on unbuilt British L-class submarine
Osvetnik Osvetnik-class submarine France, 1929
Smeli Osvetnik-class submarine France, 1929

Miscellaneous vessels

The KJRM included several miscellaneous vessels that were not allocated to a particular division. They included the gunnery training ship Dalmacija, the gunboat Beli Orao and the converted seaplane tender/minelayer Zmaj.

Miscellaneous vessels
Ship/vessel Type Location Origin/notes
Dalmacija Gazelle-class cruiser Kotor former German Empire SMS Niobe, Dalmacija was obsolete and being used as a gunnery training ship
Beli Orao gunboat Kotor Kingdom of Italy
Royal yacht/escort
Zmaj minelayer Šibenik Weimar Republic, converted seaplane tender
Perun oil tanker Kotor Belgium
Gavran minelayer unknown ex German Empire, Galeb-class minelayer
Orao minelayer unknown ex German Empire, Galeb-class minelayer
Sokol minelayer unknown ex German Empire, Galeb-class minelayer
  • Vessels in service with the Royal Yugoslav Navy
  • The light cruiser and gunnery training ship Dalmacija and the minelayers Mljet and Meljine docked at the Bay of Kotor The light cruiser and gunnery training ship Dalmacija and the minelayers Mljet and Meljine docked at the Bay of Kotor
  • The destroyers Dubrovnik (left) and Beograd after their capture by Italy The destroyers Dubrovnik (left) and Beograd after their capture by Italy
  • The submarine Hrabri The submarine Hrabri
  • The torpedo boat T3 The torpedo boat T3

See also

Notes

  1. Armijski đeneral was equivalent to a United States lieutenant general.
  2. There are significant differences between sources on the components of Royal Yugoslav Army formations, so Niehorster, being the most recent source, has been used to ensure consistency throughout, except where it diverges from Terzić, a comprehensive Yugoslav source.
  3. According to Barefield, the majority of the 1st Cavalry Division constituted an Army Group reserve, and was located in the Zagreb area.
  4. According to Niehorster, Mountain Detachment Triglavski consisted of two mountain infantry regiments and a mountain artillery battalion, but Terzić states it consisted of one mountain infantry regiment and a mountain artillery battalion.
  5. According to Niehorster, Mountain Detachment Rišnajaski consisted of two mountain infantry regiments and a mountain artillery battalion, but Terzić states it consisted of one mountain infantry regiment and a mountain artillery battalion.
  6. Detachment Savski consisted of the 1st Guards Infantry Regiment, the Guards Artillery Regiment and two motorised heavy artillery regiments.
  7. Detachment Banatiski consisted of the 4th Infantry Regiment, the 8th Cavalry Regiment (horse), 1st Guards Cavalry Regiment (horse), 2nd Guards Cavalry Regiment (horse), the horse-drawn Guards Artillery Battalion, and one artillery battalion.
  8. Boka Kotorska Command was commanded by Brigadni General (Brigadier) Vojislav Kuzmanović, and consisted of three fortress infantry regiments.
  9. Šibenik Command was a fortress infantry formation of brigade-strength.
  10. The 1st Tank Battalion was equipped with 48 Renault FT and Renault NC27 light tanks and 8 Škoda S-1d light tanks.
  11. The 2nd Tank Battalion was being formed with Renault R35 light tanks.
  12. Any differences with Niehorster, being a more recent but general source, have been identified in the text or through the use of notes.
  13. Two Avia BH-33Es were detached to Podgorica.
  14. Aircraft types are consistent between Shores, Cull and Malizia, and Niehorster. Aircraft numbers are only provided by Niehorster.
  15. The aircraft types and numbers for the Transport Group are only provided by Niehorster.
  16. The aircraft types and numbers for the Air Training School are only provided by Niehorster. Shores, Cull and Malizia specify that there were ten training units, some of which were incorporated into operational regiments, with some being independent units. They state that they were equipped with Breguet 19s, Potez 25s and Caproni Ca.310 aircraft, and a large number of basic training aircraft of Yugoslav origin, but including some German Bücker Bü 131s.
  17. Shores, Cull and Malizia, specify Messerschmitt Bf 108 liaison aircraft and Fieseler Fi 156 liaison aircraft, Niehorster specifies Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3a fighters instead of Fieseler Fi 156 liaison aircraft.
  18. Neither Shores, Cull and Malizia, or Niehorster. specify aircraft numbers
  19. Neither Shores, Cull and Malizia, or Niehorster. specify aircraft numbers
  20. Niehorster specifies that the 61st Bomber Group included 2 × Breguet 19 reconnaissance aircraft and 1 × Bücker Bü 131 biplane trainer aircraft.
  21. Niehorster specifies that the 62nd Bomber Group included 2 × Breguet 19 reconnaissance aircraft and 1 × Bücker Bü 131 biplane trainer aircraft.
  22. Neither Shores, Cull and Malizia, or Niehorster specify aircraft numbers
  23. This figure was the total in 1938.
  24. The Kumanovo and two river transports formed the Juc Canal Group.
  25. The Vitez and two river transports formed the Sipski Canal Group.
  26. Shores, Cull and Malizia specify only two Hydroplane Commands, the 2nd and 3rd.
  27. Shores, Cull and Malizia state that the 11th Hydroplane Squadron included 8–10 elderly training aircraft.
  28. Shores, Cull and Malizia state that the 21st Hydroplane Squadron included a "Fleet" aircraft, but it is unclear what type they are referring to.
  29. Shores, Cull and Malizia state that the Training Squadron included a "Fleet" aircraft, but it is unclear what type they are referring to.
  30. Niehorster does not list the minelayers Gavran, Orao and Sokol, but both Willmott and Chesneau list them as active in the KJRM at the time of the invasion, so they have been included here for completeness.

Footnotes

  1. Niehorster 2013v.
  2. ^ Niehorster 2013a.
  3. Tomasevich 1975, p. 56.
  4. ^ Zajac 1993, p. 47.
  5. Tomasevich 1975, pp. 58–59.
  6. ^ Niehorster 2013k.
  7. Barefield 1993, pp. 49–54.
  8. Anic 2002, p. 31.
  9. ^ Niehorster 2013b.
  10. ^ U.S. Army 1986, p. 37.
  11. Loi 1978, p. 43.
  12. ^ Niehorster 2013c.
  13. U.S. Army 1986, pp. 36–37.
  14. ^ Barefield 1993, p. 53.
  15. Barefield 1993, pp. 52–53.
  16. ^ Terzić 1982, p. 164.
  17. ^ Niehorster 2013d.
  18. ^ Niehorster 2013e.
  19. ^ Niehorster 2013f.
  20. ^ Niehorster 2013g.
  21. Geografski institut JNA 1952.
  22. ^ Barefield 1993, p. 54.
  23. ^ Barefield 1993, pp. 53–54.
  24. ^ Niehorster 2013h.
  25. ^ Niehorster 2013i.
  26. ^ Niehorster 2013j.
  27. Tomasevich 1975, p. 59.
  28. ^ Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, p. 173.
  29. Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, pp. 187–192.
  30. ^ Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, p. 187.
  31. ^ Niehorster 2013l.
  32. ^ Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, p. 191.
  33. Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, pp. 187–188.
  34. ^ Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, p. 188.
  35. Niehorster 2013m.
  36. Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, pp. 188–189.
  37. Niehorster 2013n.
  38. ^ Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, p. 189.
  39. Niehorster 2013o.
  40. ^ Shores, Cull & Malizia 1987, p. 190.
  41. ^ Niehorster 2013p.
  42. Savić & Ciglić 2002, p. 9.
  43. Willmott 2010, pp. 310–311.
  44. ^ Zajac 1993, p. 48.
  45. Jarman 1997, pp. 92–94.
  46. ^ Niehorster 2013q.
  47. ^ Niehorster 2013r.
  48. ^ Niehorster 2013s.
  49. ^ Chesneau 1980, p. 357.
  50. ^ Willmott 2010, p. 310.
  51. ^ Jane's Information Group 1989, p. 315.
  52. Niehorster 2013t.
  53. Vego 1982, p. 354.
  54. Niehorster 2013u.
  55. ^ Willmott 2010, p. 311.
  56. ^ Chesneau 1980, p. 358.
  57. Haworth 2006a.
  58. Haworth 2006b.
  59. Vego 1982, p. 344.
  60. ^ Brescia 2012, p. 134.
  61. ^ Chesneau 1980, p. 359.
  62. ^ Chesneau 1980, pp. 358–359.
  63. Akermann 2002, p. 168.
  64. Haworth 2006c.
  65. Haworth 2006d.
  66. Gröner 1991, p. 119.

References

Books and journals

Papers

Websites

Categories: