160th Brigade of Croatian army, Osijek

160th Brigade, Osijek

Brigade History:

At the end of 1990 small groups of trusted Croats was gathered around Branimir GlavaÅ¡, then secretary of Secretariat for People's Defence (Narodne Obrane - NO). Formed was so-called Intervention platoon at Secretariat, its task was surveillance of movements of JNA and local Serbs. After (JNA) 'tanks exit' into Klein street on 26 June 1991, the same night (18.40-18.50 h), platoon strength is rises to 140-160 members and becomes Headquarters Company of Secretariat for People's Defence of Osijek municipality, although unofficial name amongst members was 'Branimir Osijek Battalion' (Branimira osjeÄka bojna). For then on it participates in heaviest engagements with chetniks around Osijek. Until attack on JNA barracks 'Milan StanivukoviÄ‡' there were several close skirmishes JNA troops after which order from Zagreb would arrive to retreat.

On 7 July 1991 after pushing out chetnik forces from Tenje, JNA intervened to create 'buffer zone' and opened heavy fire on Croat forces, after reporting this to MORH (Ministry of Defence) order arrived: "Do not shoot at JNA members even at cost of your own lives".

Unit develops during summer and autumn months and after the fall of JNA barracks during middle of September: 'Milan StanivukoviÄ‡', Crvene vojarne and C-range (poligon), it has becomes a battalion and at the end of the year, after mobilization, it become a brigade with three battalions, logistic company and one Independent reconnaissance-sabotage platoon. It was named 160th Brigade of Croatian Army or 'Osijek brigade'.

Only problem why brigade was never made brigade official was conflict of interest in command chain. Order for forming of brigade issued by Minister of Defence Gojko Å uÅ¡ak wasn't confirmed by commander of Operative Zone Osijek Karl GorinÅ¡ek and his successor Äuro DeÄak because of the political conflict between president TuÄ‘man and GlavaÅ¡.

Although these problems brigade fought until return from Bosnia when it was disbanded. Part of brigade was demobilized (all demobilized were original 'GlavaÅ¡ volunteers'), and part was transferred to 3rd Guard and 106th Brigade. Another little know fact was that original personnel was used to from 3rd Guard Brigade 'Minks', 130th, 201st...

Brigade Patches:

1991

1992

1993

Brigade Commanders

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