Operation SISAK

Operation SISAK

(Pothvat Sisak)

Introduction

Ustasha intelligence reported Western group of Partisans detachments arriving in area of Bistrica. Anti-partisan operation was planed for 7:00 on 23 March 1944.

History

By the time operation begun Western group of Partisan detachments already moved on serving as vanguard for 32nd Zagorje Division which was advancing towards Zagorje. Ustashe attack ran into 'Matija Gubec' brigade which thought area was safe resulting in surprise attack on brigade HQ during which brigade commander Mijo Bobetko, chief medical officer Veljko EteroviÄ‡, FundeliÄ‡ and another 11 Partisans were killed and 3 more Partisans wounded.

Order of battle

Axis - around 1000 soldiers, commander major Nikola OreÅ¡koviÄ‡, commander of the Fast Battalion of Poglavnik Bodyguard Brigades

Fast Battalion PTB

6 tanks

two machine-gun platoons

mortar half-platoon

anti-tank guns half-platoon

headquarters company

grenadier company

one platoon from Zlatar garrision

10th and 12th Company from PZUV from Oroslavlje

2nd Battalion from 1st Regiment PTB

Yugoslav Partisans

Casualties

Ustasha reported their losses at 2 killed, 9 wounded (5 light and 4 heavy), also lost 2 motorcycles, 1 submachine-guns, 1 pistols and 1 rifle. Partisans losses were claimed at 147 killed while 5 Partisan women were captured, captured weapons included 42 rifles, 4 raiding horses, 5 draught horses, 1 typing machine and various propaganda material.

Partisans reported their casualties at 15 killed and 6 wounded while estimating Ustasha losses at around 100.

Aftermath

Both sides failed to have correct intelligence about each other strength resulting in confusion and failure to exploit circumstances. Follow up operation Sisak II was launched in April.

Reference