Original scientific paper
ROBBERY AND TERROR OF DINARA ČETNIK DIVISION IN THE KRIVI PUT REGION ON 28th AND 29th DECEMBER 1944
MIHAEL SOBOLEVSKI
Abstract
In this article, based on archival research and other sources, the author represents the passage of the Dinara Četnik Division and one part of Lika’s Četniks and refugees (Četnik families) across the Croatian Coast to Slovenia in the direction of Brlog-Prokika-Mrzli Dol-Krivi Put-St. Jakov-Krmpote-Povile-Novi Vinodolski-Bribir-Grižane-Tribalj-Drvenik-Križišće-Hreljin-Praputnjak-Krasica-Škrljevo-Grobnik and further to Slovenia. The 5,000 Četniks and 13,000 of their families participated in this travel of about 100 kilometres and which lasted from 26th to 31st of December in 1944. Their passage was assured by the German occupying army and the government of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) with whom these Četniks collaborated in the war against the Popular Defence Army of Croatia and Yugoslavia. The Dinara Četnik Division was under the command of the duke and priest Momčilo Đujić. The Lika Četniks were under the command of Mile Marijan together with their families. Passing through the Croatian Coast they robbed and killed 33 people and burnt to the ground the village of Bribir.
The author paid special attention to the passage of those Četniks and their families through the Krivi Put region during 28th and 29th of December in 1944. Četniks pillaged more than 79 families, molested and abused more people and killed two people. They robbed 27 horses, five mules, 12 sheep, two pigs and a cow. They took all the food and clothes which caused many problems for the local people especially because of the winter period and war conditions with no possibility of buying these things on the market. Četniks took 1,166kg of pork, 195kg of pig fat and other food products. They stole 262 pairs of men and women’s underwear, 88 women’s dresses, 36 men’s suits, 24 coats and a great amount of bed linen. They took peoples watches and rings forcing them directly from their hands and fingers as well as forcing them and beating them to give them their money. The author gave numerous details about this outrageous crime and terror and concluded that this was probably one the one of the largest tragedies in the Krivi Put community during WWII.
Keywords
robbery; terror; četnik; Krivi Put
Hrčak ID:
17821
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2004.
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