Black Legion (Ustaše militia)
| Black Legion | |
|---|---|
| Active | 3 September 1941 - 8 May 1945 |
| Country |  Independent State of Croatia |
| Branch | Ustaše Militia |
| Type | Mechanized infantry |
| Role | Anti-partisan operations |
| Size | Regiment |
| Nickname | Blacks (Crnci) |
| Motto | Za poglavnika i za dom spremni! (Ready for Poglavnik and homeland) |
| Colors | Black |
| Engagements | Operation Ozren Operation Trio Battle of Kozara Battle of Kupres Operation Vlasenica Operation Dinara |
| Disbanded | 8 May 1945 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Jure Francetić Rafael Boban |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
Black uniform |
The Black Legion (Crna Legija) was an Ustaše militia infantry unit active during World War II in Independent State of Croatia and later incorporated into the 5th division of the Croatian Armed Forces in December 1944.[1] The legion was formed in September 1941. It was founded by Bećir Lokmić and consisted largely of Muslim and Croatian refugees from eastern Bosnia, where large massacres were carried out by Chetniks and to a small degree by the Yugoslav Partisans.[1] It became known for its fighting against the Chetniks and the Partisans and massacres against Serb civilians.[1] The legion's commanders were Colonel Jure Francetić and Major Rafael Boban and contained between 1,000 and 1,500 men.[1]
While Boban remained in command of the unit to the very end of the war, Francetić was killed in action in 1942 and was succeeded by Colonel Ivo Stipković and then Major Franjo Sudar. With the loss of its commander, the Legion was broken up. The main body became the I Pokretni Ustaški sdrug (I Mobile Ustaša Brigade), while the Boban Battalion was used to form the cadre for the newly formed V Ustaša Brigade in Podravina. Former members of the Black Legion continued to wear the black uniform right up to the end of the war, probably as a sort of honorary mark of distinction. Lastly, at least 120 former Black Legion men were executed by the Partisans at Sisak in May 1945.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Black Legion: Croatian Nazi atrocities during Holocaust Era
- 1st Active Service Brigade of Ustasha Army 'Crna Legija'
- 5th Active Service Brigade of Ustasha Army 'Crna Legija'
- Article on Axis Factbook History
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