Vis island during World War 2

Vis island

during World War 2

History

From 1943 to 1945, Island of Vis played vital role for both Yugoslav Partisans and Western Allies repeating its role from Napoleonic Wars when it also served as British base.

Italian occupation 1941-1943

After fall of Mussolini resistance decided to increase their attacks on occupiers. On the night of 15/16 August 1943, 18 strong "Flying Company" lead by MiÄ‡o KarliÄ‡ captured Italian signal post on Hum hill disarming 6 soldiers and 1 NCO, capturing 10 rifles, submachine-gun, 2 pistols, around 200 hand grandees, around 5000 bullets etc. all of which was quickly hidden. Italian reaction was swift and Emilio Becuzzi, commander of Bergamo division issued order to block entire island threatening to execute 50 hostages and bombard towns unless captured equipment is returned. Sea around Vis was patrolled by 35 Italian vessels and after deadline ended on 19 August, Italian Air Force dropped 16 bombs and machine-gunned villages of around PodÅ¡iplje and on OkljuÄna. On 20 August around 1200 soldiers from 4th Bersaglieri Regiment and other troops landed quickly arresting 57 civilians as hostages out of which 20 were executed. On 23 August full scale search of the island began, during which another 33 civilians were arrested and captured 1 Partisan which lasted until end of August when it was finally called off thinking Partisans escaped from the island.

Italian capitulation

After learning of capitulation on 10 September demands were sent to Italian command to either surrender all weapons to local Partisan force or join them in fight against Germans which were refused. Finally on 12 September agreement was made by which 300 strong Italian garrison were to be disarmed and transported to Italy. On Vis remained Italian doctor Pietro Ubertalli and harbor captain of KomiÅ¾a.

Former Italian civilian commissars Pietro Petrossi and Diego Parda were arrested along with carabinere lieutenant Fderico De Marchi who was caught in Split and brought back to the island. Total of 30 people were arrested and prosecuted for war crime resulting in 15 being sentenced to death and 14 release due to lack of evidence. Shooting was carried out on 1 October.

Partisan base

Initial plan made by Yugoslav Partisans called for defense of all Dalmatian islands but this almost ended in complete disaster on KorÄula resulting in plans by 8th Dalmatian Corps fearing possible destruction of entire 26th Dalmatian Division to abandon all islands including Vis and move Partisan troops to mainland which was opposed by Partisan Navy . During this period Vis become important base with service facilities for growing Partisan Navy, hub for refugees and wounded being moved from mainland to southern Italy and logistic center for material which was being distributed to Partisan units along the coast in small fishing boats. After arrival of No. 2 Commando on 13 January, Supreme Headquarters finally decided on 20 January 1944 to allow three brigades, entire 26th Division, for defense of Vis. Decision allowed for Vis to be developed, with Allied aid, into most important Partisan base which be instrumental not only in liberation of Dalmatia but entire coastline.

Raiding base

Arrival of MTB and MGB which were constantly looking for forward base close to enemy turned Vis once again into "pirate" base as it was during Napoleonic wars. Early German transports ships were poorly escorted often manned by Italian crews with few German guards which provided lots of easy targets which could be captured and its cargo brought to Vis. Arrival of Commandos added more prize crews for the MGB's/MTBs further expanding these operations until increasing escorts and defenses made them too risky. Next attacks against German island garrisons followed forcing Germans to heavily entrench key location and create network of coastal batteries. But probably most important part of Allied presence was tactical and technical knowledge which was passed over to Yugoslav Partisans which had little experience in modern warfare and especially complex combined landing operations.

Logistic base

Massive Allied to Partisans began with Operation AUDREY and it quickly turned Vis into logistic hub both for Navy and 8th Corps.

Training facilities

'Balkan School of Artillery' Lt Col Geoffrey Kup RA,

Rescue base

Construction of airfield allowed for damaged aircraft to make forced lading saving 1936 airman while 204 bombers were repaired and returned to service.

Political center

Relative safety and close proximity allowed island to grow political institutions which would take civilian control on the mainland once Axis forces were gone.