Special Unit of Ministry of Defense Battalion 'Zrinski'

Special Unit of Ministry of Defense Battalion 'Zrinski'

'Viribus unitis'

History: Formed on 18th May 1991 by order of deputy minister of defense, later minister, Gojko Susak.
On 15th June battalion was sent on its first field task to Vukovar. Stationed in Opatovac battalion task was to help organize Vukovar's volunteers and prepare defense of the Vukovar city.

On 1st August together with part of 1st 'A' Brigade participates in liberation of Hrvatske Kostajnice after which battalion is returned to its base.

On 4th September it leaves for Gospic and on the following day with help of Gospic defenders lead by Mirko Norac-Kevo captures armored column and YPA general Krstevski together with 30 soldiers which are released and sent to there homes.

Most significant action was capture of YPA's 'Kaniza' warehouse which starts turning the tide on Gospic-Lika front with liberation of Gospic suburbs and repulse of YPA's tanks from Banja Luke.

Battalion moves forwarded and on 28th October arrives in Metkovic for action for liberation of Slano during which it quickly and efficiently captures strategically most important high ground - peak Timor.

After Sarajevo truce it is once more returned to base on further training with some members leaving for Bosnia.

Soon it was again returned to south of Croatia to stop YPA assault during Operation SUTJESKA 2 and together with 1st Guard Brigade participates in counterattack Operation TIGER with goal of lifting the siege of Dubrovnik during which captures object Treskavac (tt.504) after completion battalion once again returns to its base. During these fighting's battalion commander Miljenko Filipovic was wounded.

New mission battalion 'Zrinski' received during Operation MASLENICA, liberation of area from Smokovic to Murvica and Smokovic village, battalions also liberates Skabrnja and helps defense of Novigrad.

Name From To

Battalion Commander Ante Zorislav Roso
18th May 1991

August 1991

Miljenko Filipovic
August 1991

94?

Deputy Commander Miljenko Filipovic
18th May 1991

Battles & Operations

SUTJESKA 2

TIGER

MASLENICA

Sources:

Hrvatski Vojnik [MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION]

Janko Bobetko: Sve moje bitke

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