Operation TRIO (original) (raw)

History

TRIO was one of the operations decided on Conference in Opatija. Command was given to staff of Kampfgruppe Bader.

The offensive didn't start as planed, although it took long preparation. Without knowledge of Kampfgruppe Bader, Ustashe started their attack from Han-Pijesak. While Italians were regrouping theirs divisions, Ustasha 'Black Legion' with three battalions started attack from Han-Pijesak and captured Vlasenica on 1 April and eight days latter Bratunac and Srebernica. The Germans started advance on 22 April towards blocked Rogatica and pushed back Partisan forces.

Only after five days of fighting Germans entered Rogatica and, later, Prač and in Goražde. Italian 5th Mountain Division 'Pusteria' captured Čajiče on 23 April and soon reached Goražde. 1st Mountain Division 'Taurinense' captured Trnovo and reached blocked Kalinovik, where it connected with parts of 22nd Infantry Division 'Cacciatori delle Alpi'. Because of successful actions of Herzegovina Partisans, Italian forces didn't arrive into eastern Bosnia on time which allowed Partisans easier maneuvering and gave them possibility of retreat south of Kalinovik-Foča line. Parts of Division 'Pusteria' captured Foča on 10 May from where Partisan Supreme Headquarters with 1st and 2nd Proletarian Brigade retreated to South.

Order of Battle

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