Part of the Anti-Partisan Operations in Croatia series by H.L. deZeng IV

Dates: 27 June – 2 July 1944. (1)

Objective: To surround and destroy two Partisan divisions located in villages centered on Krašić/18 km north of Karlovac in the Žumberak Mountains.

Enemy Forces: 8th Assault Division NOVJ and 34th Division NOVJ.

Axis Forces:
German
I. Kosaken-Reiter-Brigade Don (from 1. Kosaken-Kav.Div.)
Res.Jäger-Rgt. 1
I. and II./Polizei-Freiwillige-Rgt. 4 Kroatien
Croatian
V Ustasha Battalion (elements)
XIII Ustasha Battalion (elements)
XXX Ustasha Battalion (elements)
IV Bn./2d Garrison Brigade

Conduct of Operations and Results: After surrounding the area, the attacking forces began closing toward the center from Ozalj, Draganić, Jastrebarsko and Samobor. The fighting was heavy at times and seesawed back and forth for nearly 6 days. The Partisans successfully defended most of their already liberated area around Krašić and the Germans called off the operation on 2 July. The Partisans went right back to their attacks on the lines of communication between Karlovac and Zagreb which made it necessary to continue the operation (as “Dünkirchen II” - see there). The losses for “Dünkirchen I” are included with those of “Dünkirchen II”.

Footnotes
1. [Vojnoistorijski institute] - Hronologija oslobodilačke borbe naroda jugoslavije 1941-1945 (Belgrade, 1964), p.793; [Vojnoistorijski institute] - Oslobodilački rat naroda Juooslavije 1941-1945, 2 Vols (Belgrade: 1965), Vol. II, p.140; NARA WashDC: RG 242 (T-314 roll 1545/832; roll 1547/226 and 239).