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Croatian Legion: The 369th Reinforced (Croation) Infantry Regiment on the Eastern Front 1941-1943
Soon after Germany invaded the Soviet Union, the leadership of the newly founded Independent State of Croatia expressed its desire to participate in this "crusade against Bolshevism". Hitler approved the request and so the Croatian Legion, consisting of volunteers from all three branches of the Croatian Armed Forces, was created. Its ground component, the 369th Reinforced (Croatian) Infantry Regiment, was the first to be formed.
The Croatian legionaries participated in some of the most famous engagements of World War 2, including the first battle of Kharkov, Operation Fridericus, Plan Blau and finally the grim struggle for Stalingrad. The Regiment was the only non-German unit to participate in the attack on Stalin's city... the other allies were relegated to holding flanks. Initially, this was viewed as a great honour, a reward for its sacrifices and successes, proof that the Wehrmacht had full trust in the Regiment. However, this "honour" would demand the ultimate price. Croatian blood soaked Stalingrad's soil and four months later the unit's pitiful remnants were herded into captivity.
Two Croatian sergeants managed to preserve the regimental archive by taking it with them on one of the last flights out of besieged Stalingrad. This unique collection, which includes war diaries, daily orders, combat reports and award recommendations, was the primary resource used to create this book. Additional records from German and Russian archives complete the picture. The Regiment's origins, formation, training and battles are examined in detail. Croatian Legion: The 369th Reinforced (Croatian) Infantry Regiment on the Eastern Front, 1941-1943 offers a unique perspective of the fighting on the Eastern Front through the eyes of a foreign volunteer unit.
The Croatian legionaries participated in some of the most famous engagements of World War 2, including the first battle of Kharkov, Operation Fridericus, Plan Blau and finally the grim struggle for Stalingrad. The Regiment was the only non-German unit to participate in the attack on Stalin's city... the other allies were relegated to holding flanks. Initially, this was viewed as a great honour, a reward for its sacrifices and successes, proof that the Wehrmacht had full trust in the Regiment. However, this "honour" would demand the ultimate price. Croatian blood soaked Stalingrad's soil and four months later the unit's pitiful remnants were herded into captivity.
Two Croatian sergeants managed to preserve the regimental archive by taking it with them on one of the last flights out of besieged Stalingrad. This unique collection, which includes war diaries, daily orders, combat reports and award recommendations, was the primary resource used to create this book. Additional records from German and Russian archives complete the picture. The Regiment's origins, formation, training and battles are examined in detail. Croatian Legion: The 369th Reinforced (Croatian) Infantry Regiment on the Eastern Front, 1941-1943 offers a unique perspective of the fighting on the Eastern Front through the eyes of a foreign volunteer unit.
- GenresWorld War II
588 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 7, 2019
Few books describe in such a detail war path of an unit like Croatian Legion does by Amir Obhođaš. 369. is one of the bravest Croatian units in second world war. It is the only non-german unit fighting against the communism in the streets of Stalingrad (Italians, Romanians, Magyr held weak flanks of the Germans) witch is by itself massive recognition of bravery. Strong recommendation if you love military history.
January 25, 2025
One of, if not, the most detailed account of military/combat operations that I have read and particularly Croatian military history. Whilst the book is extremely detailed, it’s written in such a way that you are kept thrilled throughout, relating to the men of the units as they move through the campaign on the eastern front and during Stalingrad.
What stood out to me most was the aftermath and the fate of the brave men after the war. Many of the most highly decorated and experienced warriors were executed by the communist Yugoslav regime in the years following the war. Croatia certainly lost many pillars of military might and knowledge through these persecutions.
Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in military history and especially those interested in Croatian military history.
What stood out to me most was the aftermath and the fate of the brave men after the war. Many of the most highly decorated and experienced warriors were executed by the communist Yugoslav regime in the years following the war. Croatia certainly lost many pillars of military might and knowledge through these persecutions.
Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in military history and especially those interested in Croatian military history.
October 2, 2020
Jason D Mark is possibly the most knowledgeable authors regarding Stalingrad, this book continues to add to his reputation. Whilst it goes into great detail regarding the Regiments experiences in Stalingrad it is the getting their that made this book for me
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews