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|type= Volunteer unit
|type= Volunteer unit
|role= [[Blockade runner]]s
|role= [[Blockade runner]]s
|size= 117
|size= {{plainlist|
* 117 personnel
* 23 boats
}}
|command_structure=
|command_structure=
|garrison=[[Dubrovnik]]
|garrison=[[Dubrovnik]]
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|march=
|march=
|mascot=
|mascot=
|battles=[[Croatian War of Independence]]:
|battles= {{plainlist |
* [[Croatian War of Independence]]:
* [[Siege of Dubrovnik]]
:* [[Siege of Dubrovnik]]
}}
|anniversaries=6 December<!--veteran's day in Dubrovnik--->
|anniversaries=6 December<!--veteran's day in Dubrovnik--->
|decorations= [[Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski]]
|decorations= [[Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski]]
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours=
|disbanded= 29 December 1992
<!-- Commanders -->
<!-- Commanders -->
|current_commander=
|current_commander=
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}}
}}


[[Croatia]]'s '''Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik''' ({{lang-hr|Odred naoružanih brodova Dubrovnik}}) was a volunteer unit of the [[Croatian Navy]]. The squadron, consisting of 23 vessels, mostly of [[Runabout (boat)|runabout]] type, lightly armed and armoured, was active in 1991 and 1992, during the [[siege of Dubrovnik]]. The unit was crucial in the defence of [[Dubrovnik]], providing a resupply route to the Dubrovnik population and troops defending the besieged city. Boats assigned to the squadron transported approximately 6,000 troops and civilians, a hundred wounded and 2,000&nbsp;tonnes of various cargo. A total of 117 personnel served with the squadron during the siege, suffering two fatalities.
The '''Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik''' ({{lang-hr|Odred naoružanih brodova Dubrovnik}}) was a volunteer unit of the [[Croatian Navy]] that [[blockade runner|ran the naval blockade]] during the [[siege of Dubrovnik]] which formed part of the [[Croatian War of Independence]] in 1991–1992. It consisted of 23 vessels, mostly of the [[Runabout (boat)|runabout]] type, lightly armed and armoured. The unit was crucial in the defence of [[Dubrovnik]], providing a resupply route for the Dubrovnik population and troops defending the besieged city. Boats assigned to the squadron transported approximately 6,000 troops and civilians, about 100 wounded and 2,000&nbsp;tonnes of various cargo. A total of 117 personnel served with the squadron during the siege, suffering two fatalities.


The siege of Dubrovnik, and the blockade running operations of the Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik took place from September 1991 until May 1992, during the peak of the fighting in the [[Croatian War of Independence]]. The siege itself preceded [[Independence of Croatia|Croatian independence]], declared on 8 October 1991. In early 1992, the Dubrovnik area saw the fiercest fighting in Croatia, as combat operations largely ceased elsewhere following the [[Sarajevo Agreement]] of 2 January 1992.
The siege of Dubrovnik and the associated blockade running operations of the Squadron took place from September 1991 until May 1992, during the peak of the fighting in the Croatian War of Independence. The commencement of the siege preceded the declaration of [[Independence of Croatia|Croatian independence]] on 8 October 1991. In early 1992, the Dubrovnik area saw fierce fighting while combat operations largely ceased elsewhere in [[Croatia]] following the [[Sarajevo Agreement]] of 2 January 1992.


The Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik was decorated with the [[Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski]] for bravery during the [[Croatian War of Independence]] in 2006. Surviving squadron members founded an eponymous association in 2011, tasked with preserving the heritage of the unit. ''Sveti Vlaho'', the first vessel of the squadron, sunk in late 1991, was refloated in 2001 and placed on permanent exhibit in Dubrovnik.
In 2006, the Squadron was decorated with the [[Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski]] for bravery during the Croatian War of Independence. Surviving squadron members founded a squadron association in 2011 to preserve the heritage of the unit. ''Sveti Vlaho'', the first vessel of the squadron, sunk in late 1991, was refloated in 2001 and placed on permanent exhibit in Dubrovnik.


==Background==
==Background==
{{Main|Croatian War of Independence}}
{{Main|Croatian War of Independence}}
The [[Log Revolution|1990 revolt]] of the [[Serbs of Croatia|Croatian Serbs]] was centered on the predominantly Serb-populated areas of the [[Dalmatia]]n hinterland around the city of [[Knin]],<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/19/world/roads-sealed-as-yugoslav-unrest-mounts.html|agency=[[Reuters]]|title=Roads Sealed as Yugoslav Unrest Mounts|date=19 August 1990|accessdate=31 October 2012}}</ref> parts of [[Lika]], [[Kordun]], [[Banovina (region)|Banovina]] regions and in [[eastern Croatia]]n settlements with significant Serb population,<ref name="Martić-Verdict">{{cite web |title=The Prosecutor vs. Milan Martic - Judgement |url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/martic/tjug/en/070612.pdf |publisher=[[International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia]] |date=12 June 2007 |accessdate=11 August 2010|format=PDF}}</ref> and the areas were subsequently named the [[Republic of Serbian Krajina]] (RSK). The RSK declared intention of political integration with [[Serbia]] and was viewed by the [[Government of Croatia]] as a rebellion.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/02/world/rebel-serbs-complicate-rift-on-yugoslav-unity.html|title=Rebel Serbs Complicate Rift on Yugoslav Unity|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=2 April 1991|accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref> By March 1991, the conflict escalated to war&mdash;the [[Croatian War of Independence]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/03/world/belgrade-sends-troops-to-croatia-town.html|author=Stephen Engelberg|title=Belgrade Sends Troops to Croatia Town|date=3 March 1991|accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref> In June 1991, [[Independence of Croatia|Croatia declared its independence]] as [[Breakup of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia disintegrated]],<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/26/world/2-yugoslav-states-vote-independence-to-press-demands.html|title=2 Yugoslav States Vote Independence To Press Demands|author=Chuck Sudetic|date=26 June 1991|accessdate=12 December 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/69Wj75HVR|archivedate=29 July 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref> followed by a three-month moratorium on the decision,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/29/world/conflict-in-yugoslavia-2-yugoslav-states-agree-to-suspend-secession-process.html|title=Conflict in Yugoslavia; 2 Yugoslav States Agree to Suspend Secession Process|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=29 June 1991 |accessdate=12 December 2010}}</ref> thus the decision came into effect on 8 October.<ref>{{cite journal | url = http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/1991_10_53_1265.html | journal = [[Narodne novine]] | issue = 53/1991 | language = Croatian | title = Odluka [Klasa: 021-03/91-05/07] | author = [[Croatian Parliament]] | date = 8 October 1991 | accessdate = 12 July 2012}}</ref>
The [[Log Revolution|1990 revolt]] of the [[Serbs of Croatia|Croatian Serbs]] was centered on the predominantly Serb-populated areas of the [[Dalmatia]]n hinterland around the city of [[Knin]],<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/19/world/roads-sealed-as-yugoslav-unrest-mounts.html|agency=[[Reuters]]|title=Roads Sealed as Yugoslav Unrest Mounts|date=19 August 1990|accessdate=31 October 2012}}</ref> parts of [[Lika]], [[Kordun]], [[Banovina (region)|Banovina]] regions and in [[eastern Croatia]]n settlements with significant Serb population,<ref name="Martić-Verdict">{{cite web |title=The Prosecutor vs. Milan Martic - Judgement |url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/martic/tjug/en/070612.pdf |publisher=[[International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia]] |date=12 June 2007 |accessdate=11 August 2010|format=PDF}}</ref> and these areas were subsequently declared by the Serbs as the [[Republic of Serbian Krajina]] (RSK). The RSK declared its intention to integrate politically with [[Serbia]], and this action was viewed by the [[Government of Croatia]] as a rebellion.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/02/world/rebel-serbs-complicate-rift-on-yugoslav-unity.html|title=Rebel Serbs Complicate Rift on Yugoslav Unity|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=2 April 1991|accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref> By March 1991, the conflict escalated to war&mdash;the [[Croatian War of Independence]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/03/world/belgrade-sends-troops-to-croatia-town.html|author=Stephen Engelberg|title=Belgrade Sends Troops to Croatia Town|date=3 March 1991|accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref> In June 1991, [[Independence of Croatia|Croatia declared its independence]] as [[Breakup of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia disintegrated]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/26/world/2-yugoslav-states-vote-independence-to-press-demands.html|title=2 Yugoslav States Vote Independence To Press Demands|author=Chuck Sudetic|date=26 June 1991|accessdate=12 December 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/69Wj75HVR|archivedate=29 July 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref> This was followed by a three-month moratorium on the decision,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/29/world/conflict-in-yugoslavia-2-yugoslav-states-agree-to-suspend-secession-process.html|title=Conflict in Yugoslavia; 2 Yugoslav States Agree to Suspend Secession Process|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=29 June 1991 |accessdate=12 December 2010}}</ref> but the decision came into effect on 8 October.<ref>{{cite journal | url = http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/1991_10_53_1265.html | journal = [[Narodne novine]] | issue = 53/1991 | language = Croatian | title = Odluka [Klasa: 021-03/91-05/07] | author = [[Croatian Parliament]] | date = 8 October 1991 | accessdate = 12 July 2012}}</ref>


As the [[Yugoslav People's Army]] (JNA) increasingly supported the RSK and the [[Croatian Police]] was unable to cope with the situation, the [[Croatian National Guard]] (ZNG) was formed in May 1991. The ZNG was renamed the [[Croatian Army]] (HV) in November.<ref>{{cite book | title=Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States |year=1999| url=http://books.google.hr/books?id=qmN95fFocsMC| ref = publisher=Routledge | isbn=978-1-85743-058-5|pages=272–278}}</ref> The establishment of the [[military of Croatia]] was hampered by a [[United Nations]] (UN) [[arms embargo]] introduced in September.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = [[The Independent]] | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/croatia-built-web-of-contacts-to-evade-weapons-embargo-1556500.html | title = Croatia built 'web of contacts' to evade weapons embargo | author= Christopher Bellamy | date =10 October 1992 | accessdate=28 December 2012}}</ref> The final months of 1991 saw the fiercest fighting of the war, culminating in the [[Battle of the barracks]],<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = The New York Times | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE7DD1038F937A1575AC0A967958260&pagewanted=all | title = Serbs and Croats: Seeing War in Different Prisms | author= Alan Cowell | authorlink= Alan S. Cowell | date = 24 September 1991 | accessdate=28 December 2012}}</ref> the [[Siege of Dubrovnik]],<ref>{{cite book|ref=harv|title=Confronting the Yugoslav Controversies: A Scholars' Initiative|url=http://books.google.hr/books?id=t0nYdgFrdG8C|editor=Charles W. Ingrao|editor2=Thomas Allan Emmert|chapter=The War in Croatia, 1991–1995|first=Mile|last= Bjelajac|first2=Ozren |last2=Žunec|publisher=[[Purdue University Press]]|year=2009|isbn= 978-1-55753-533-7|accessdate=29 December 2012|pages=249–250}}</ref> and the [[Battle of Vukovar]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/18/world/croats-concede-danube-town-s-loss.html| title=Croats Concede Danube Town's Loss|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=18 November 1991|accessdate=28 December 2012}}</ref> Even though the [[Sarajevo Agreement]] led to a ceasefire in most areas of Croatia,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/03/world/yugoslav-factions-agree-to-un-plan-to-halt-civil-war.html|title=Yugoslav Factions Agree to U.N. Plan to Halt Civil War|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=3 January 1992|accessdate=16 December 2010}}</ref> the siege and fighting continued until May 1992.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Dubrovački list|url=http://www.dulist.hr/kolumna/19795/teske-svibanjske-i-lipanjske-borbe|language=Croatian|title=Teške svibanjske i lipanjske borbe|trans_title=Heavy fighting in May and June|author=Varina Jurica Turk|date=2 May 2012|accessdate=2 February 2013}}</ref>
As the [[Yugoslav People's Army]] (JNA) increasingly supported the RSK and the [[Croatian Police]] were unable to cope with the situation, the [[Croatian National Guard]] (ZNG) was formed in May 1991. The ZNG was renamed the [[Croatian Army]] (HV) in November.<ref>{{cite book | title=Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States |year=1999| url=http://books.google.hr/books?id=qmN95fFocsMC| ref = publisher=Routledge | isbn=978-1-85743-058-5|pages=272–278}}</ref> The development of the [[military of Croatia|Croatian armed forces]] was hampered by a [[United Nations]] (UN) [[arms embargo]] introduced in September.<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = [[The Independent]] | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/croatia-built-web-of-contacts-to-evade-weapons-embargo-1556500.html | title = Croatia built 'web of contacts' to evade weapons embargo | author= Christopher Bellamy | date =10 October 1992 | accessdate=28 December 2012}}</ref> The final months of 1991 saw the fiercest fighting of the war, culminating in the [[Battle of the barracks]],<ref>{{cite news | newspaper = The New York Times | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE7DD1038F937A1575AC0A967958260&pagewanted=all | title = Serbs and Croats: Seeing War in Different Prisms | author= Alan Cowell | authorlink= Alan S. Cowell | date = 24 September 1991 | accessdate=28 December 2012}}</ref> the [[Siege of Dubrovnik]],<ref>{{cite book|ref=harv|title=Confronting the Yugoslav Controversies: A Scholars' Initiative|url=http://books.google.hr/books?id=t0nYdgFrdG8C|editor=Charles W. Ingrao|editor2=Thomas Allan Emmert|chapter=The War in Croatia, 1991–1995|first=Mile|last= Bjelajac|first2=Ozren |last2=Žunec|publisher=[[Purdue University Press]]|year=2009|isbn= 978-1-55753-533-7|accessdate=29 December 2012|pages=249–250}}</ref> and the [[Battle of Vukovar]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/18/world/croats-concede-danube-town-s-loss.html| title=Croats Concede Danube Town's Loss|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=18 November 1991|accessdate=28 December 2012}}</ref> Even though the [[Sarajevo Agreement]] led to a ceasefire in most areas of Croatia,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/03/world/yugoslav-factions-agree-to-un-plan-to-halt-civil-war.html|title=Yugoslav Factions Agree to U.N. Plan to Halt Civil War|author=[[Chuck Sudetic]]|date=3 January 1992|accessdate=16 December 2010}}</ref> the siege and fighting around Dubrovnik continued until May 1992.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Dubrovački list|url=http://www.dulist.hr/kolumna/19795/teske-svibanjske-i-lipanjske-borbe|language=Croatian|title=Teške svibanjske i lipanjske borbe|trans_title=Heavy fighting in May and June|author=Varina Jurica Turk|date=2 May 2012|accessdate=2 February 2013}}</ref>


==Wartime history==
==Wartime history==
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==Postwar decorations and heritage==
==Postwar decorations and heritage==
In May 2006, the Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik was collectively decorated with the [[Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski]] for the bravery of its members during the [[Croatian War of Independence]]; however, no individual decorations were awarded to squad members, nor were any promoted as a result of their service.<ref name="Decoration-ABS">{{cite news| newspaper= [[Narodne Novine]]| language= Croatian| url= http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/127363.html| title= Odluka o odlikovanju Redom Nikole Šubića Zrinskog| trans_title= Decision on award of Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski| date=22 May 2006| accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref> On the 15th anniversary of the arrival of the Libertas convoy in besieged Dubrovnik a celebration was held, but no Armed Boat Squadron volunteers were invited to attend.<ref name="15Libertas">{{cite news| newspaper= Jutarnji list| language= Croatian| url= http://www.jutarnji.hr/libertas-je-svijetu-pokazao-ratne-zlocine-u-dubrovniku/160308/| title= Libertas je svijetu pokazao ratne zločine u Dubrovniku| trans_title= Libertas exposed Dubrovnik war crimes to the world| date=30 October 2006| author= Goran Cvjetinović| accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref> On 11 August 2011, surviving members of the squadron founded the Armed Boat Squadron Association whose objective is to preserve unit's heritage, document its contribution to the Croatian War of Independence and render assistance to its members and other similar associations in Croatia to preserve and promote the role that Croatian soldiers played in achieving the Republic of Croatia's independence.<ref name="DV-ABS-Udruga">{{cite news| newspaper= Dubrovački vjesnik| language= Croatian| url= http://www.dubrovacki.hr/clanak/31424/onb-20-godisnjicu-cemo-obiljeziti-23-rujna| title= ONB: 20. godišnjicu ćemo obilježiti 23. rujna| trans_title= ABS: The 20th anniversary shall be marked on 23 September| date=18 August 2011| accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref> ''Sveti Vlaho'' was refloated in 2001, restored and put on exhibit in Batala Park in Dubrovnik.<ref name="HRT-ONB-20"/><ref name="SD-SvVlaho"/>
In May 2006, the Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik was collectively decorated with the [[Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski]] for the bravery of its members during the Croatian War of Independence; however, no individual decorations were awarded to squad members, nor were any promoted as a result of their service.<ref name="Decoration-ABS">{{cite news| newspaper= [[Narodne Novine]]| language= Croatian| url= http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/127363.html| title= Odluka o odlikovanju Redom Nikole Šubića Zrinskog| trans_title= Decision on award of Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski| date=22 May 2006| accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref> On the 15th anniversary of the arrival of the Libertas convoy in besieged Dubrovnik a celebration was held, but no Armed Boat Squadron volunteers were invited to attend.<ref name="15Libertas">{{cite news| newspaper= Jutarnji list| language= Croatian| url= http://www.jutarnji.hr/libertas-je-svijetu-pokazao-ratne-zlocine-u-dubrovniku/160308/| title= Libertas je svijetu pokazao ratne zločine u Dubrovniku| trans_title= Libertas exposed Dubrovnik war crimes to the world| date=30 October 2006| author= Goran Cvjetinović| accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref> On 11 August 2011, surviving members of the squadron founded the Armed Boat Squadron Association whose objective is to preserve unit's heritage, document its contribution to the Croatian War of Independence and render assistance to its members and other similar associations in Croatia to preserve and promote the role that Croatian soldiers played in achieving the Republic of Croatia's independence.<ref name="DV-ABS-Udruga">{{cite news| newspaper= Dubrovački vjesnik| language= Croatian| url= http://www.dubrovacki.hr/clanak/31424/onb-20-godisnjicu-cemo-obiljeziti-23-rujna| title= ONB: 20. godišnjicu ćemo obilježiti 23. rujna| trans_title= ABS: The 20th anniversary shall be marked on 23 September| date=18 August 2011| accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref> ''Sveti Vlaho'' was refloated in 2001, restored and put on exhibit in Batala Park in Dubrovnik.<ref name="HRT-ONB-20"/><ref name="SD-SvVlaho"/>


{| class="plainrowheaders wikitable" style="background:none; cellspacing=2px; text-align:left; font-size:90%;"
{| class="plainrowheaders wikitable" style="background:none; cellspacing=2px; text-align:left; font-size:90%;"

Revision as of 09:20, 11 March 2013

Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik
Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik emblem
Active1991–1992
Disbanded29 December 1992
CountryCroatia
BranchNavy
TypeVolunteer unit
RoleBlockade runners
Size
  • 117 personnel
  • 23 boats
Garrison/HQDubrovnik
Anniversaries6 December
Engagements
DecorationsOrder of Nikola Šubić Zrinski
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Lieutenant Colonel Aljoša Nikolić

The Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik (Croatian: Odred naoružanih brodova Dubrovnik) was a volunteer unit of the Croatian Navy that ran the naval blockade during the siege of Dubrovnik which formed part of the Croatian War of Independence in 1991–1992. It consisted of 23 vessels, mostly of the runabout type, lightly armed and armoured. The unit was crucial in the defence of Dubrovnik, providing a resupply route for the Dubrovnik population and troops defending the besieged city. Boats assigned to the squadron transported approximately 6,000 troops and civilians, about 100 wounded and 2,000 tonnes of various cargo. A total of 117 personnel served with the squadron during the siege, suffering two fatalities.

The siege of Dubrovnik and the associated blockade running operations of the Squadron took place from September 1991 until May 1992, during the peak of the fighting in the Croatian War of Independence. The commencement of the siege preceded the declaration of Croatian independence on 8 October 1991. In early 1992, the Dubrovnik area saw fierce fighting while combat operations largely ceased elsewhere in Croatia following the Sarajevo Agreement of 2 January 1992.

In 2006, the Squadron was decorated with the Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski for bravery during the Croatian War of Independence. Surviving squadron members founded a squadron association in 2011 to preserve the heritage of the unit. Sveti Vlaho, the first vessel of the squadron, sunk in late 1991, was refloated in 2001 and placed on permanent exhibit in Dubrovnik.

Background

Main article: Croatian War of Independence

The 1990 revolt of the Croatian Serbs was centered on the predominantly Serb-populated areas of the Dalmatian hinterland around the city of Knin,[1] parts of Lika, Kordun, Banovina regions and in eastern Croatian settlements with significant Serb population,[2] and these areas were subsequently declared by the Serbs as the Republic of Serbian Krajina (RSK). The RSK declared its intention to integrate politically with Serbia, and this action was viewed by the Government of Croatia as a rebellion.[3] By March 1991, the conflict escalated to war—the Croatian War of Independence.[4] In June 1991, Croatia declared its independence as Yugoslavia disintegrated.[5] This was followed by a three-month moratorium on the decision,[6] but the decision came into effect on 8 October.[7]

As the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) increasingly supported the RSK and the Croatian Police were unable to cope with the situation, the Croatian National Guard (ZNG) was formed in May 1991. The ZNG was renamed the Croatian Army (HV) in November.[8] The development of the Croatian armed forces was hampered by a United Nations (UN) arms embargo introduced in September.[9] The final months of 1991 saw the fiercest fighting of the war, culminating in the Battle of the barracks,[10] the Siege of Dubrovnik,[11] and the Battle of Vukovar.[12] Even though the Sarajevo Agreement led to a ceasefire in most areas of Croatia,[13] the siege and fighting around Dubrovnik continued until May 1992.[14]

Wartime history

Sveti Vlaho, the first vessel of the Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik is on a permanent exhibit in Dubrovnik
Further information: Siege of Dubrovnik

The Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik was a volunteer military unit of the Croatian Navy, established on 23 September 1991.[15] It served with distinction during the Siege of Dubrovnik, and was one of the key factors in the successful defence of the city.[16][17] The unit's first commander was Lieutenant Colonel Aljoša Nikolić.[18]

Upon formation, the Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik was tasked with breaching the Dubrovnik naval blockade and maintaining a supply corridor that was instrumental to delivery of materiel necessary to successfully defend the city, including food, fuel, medical supplies, arms and ammunition. The squadron also transported reinforcements arriving from other parts of Croatia and evacuated wounded out of Dubrovnik, proving a lifeline for the besieged troops and civilian population. Its operations began on 23 September 1991, when the runabout Sveti Vlaho (English: St. Blaise) undertook its first voyage. The squadron consisted of 23 craft of various sizes and 117 volunteers.[19] Craft armaments included machine guns, mortars and directional fragmentation mines.[20][21][22] During its existence in 1991 and 1992, the Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik runabouts motored more than 52,000 nautical miles (96,000 kilometres; 60,000 miles), and transported approximately 6,000 troops and civilians, a hundred wounded and 2,000 tonnes of various cargo.[19] The unit suffered two combat fatalities.[23]

At dawn of 31 October 1991, the squadron sailed out of Dubrovnik to meet the Libertas convoy—a fleet of civilian vessels, the largest among them being Jadrolinija's Slavija, delivering humanitarian aid to the city under siege. The fleet sailed from Rijeka and made several port calls, growing to 29 vessels as it approached Dubrovnik. The convoy, accompanied by Stjepan Mesić, President of the Presidency of Yugoslavia, and former Prime Minister of Croatia Franjo Gregurić, was stopped and searched by the Yugoslav Navy off the Mljet Island, before the Armed Boats Squadron linked up with the fleet and escorted it to the Port of Dubrovnik. The event marked the first larger delivery of aid to the city since the beginning of the siege.[24]

class=notpageimage|
Dubrovnik on the map of Croatia. RSK and Yugoslav Army-held area near Dubrovnik in early 1992 are highlighted red.

Sveti Vlaho, the first naval vessel to fly the Croatian flag in combat and the first ship of the squadron, was originally an Italian smuggling runabout that was confiscated by the authorities, fitted with armour and used by the squadron in resupply and blockade-running operations. During one of these missions, while sailing back from a trip to Bol, Brač island, she was chased by a Yugoslav gunboat and driven aground on a beach near Babin Kuk, just 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) north of Dubrovnik. Sveti Vlaho was recovered and remained in service again until 6 December 1991, when she was sunk in Gruž by a 9K11 Malyutka missile. The unit ceased operations in 1992 as the forces besieging Dubrovnik were defeated.[17][21] Sveti Vlaho was the second Croatian Navy vessel overall, preceded by eight days by a landing craft designated DJB-103.[25] The squadron was disbanded on 29 December 1992.[26]

Postwar decorations and heritage

In May 2006, the Armed Boats Squadron Dubrovnik was collectively decorated with the Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski for the bravery of its members during the Croatian War of Independence; however, no individual decorations were awarded to squad members, nor were any promoted as a result of their service.[27] On the 15th anniversary of the arrival of the Libertas convoy in besieged Dubrovnik a celebration was held, but no Armed Boat Squadron volunteers were invited to attend.[28] On 11 August 2011, surviving members of the squadron founded the Armed Boat Squadron Association whose objective is to preserve unit's heritage, document its contribution to the Croatian War of Independence and render assistance to its members and other similar associations in Croatia to preserve and promote the role that Croatian soldiers played in achieving the Republic of Croatia's independence.[29] Sveti Vlaho was refloated in 2001, restored and put on exhibit in Batala Park in Dubrovnik.[19][16]

Unit decorations[27]
Ribbon Decoration
Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski

References

  1. ^ "Roads Sealed as Yugoslav Unrest Mounts". The New York Times. Reuters. 19 August 1990. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
  2. ^ "The Prosecutor vs. Milan Martic - Judgement" (PDF). International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. 12 June 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2010.
  3. ^ Chuck Sudetic (2 April 1991). "Rebel Serbs Complicate Rift on Yugoslav Unity". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  4. ^ Stephen Engelberg (3 March 1991). "Belgrade Sends Troops to Croatia Town". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  5. ^ Chuck Sudetic (26 June 1991). "2 Yugoslav States Vote Independence To Press Demands". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Chuck Sudetic (29 June 1991). "Conflict in Yugoslavia; 2 Yugoslav States Agree to Suspend Secession Process". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
  7. ^ Croatian Parliament (8 October 1991). "Odluka [Klasa: 021-03/91-05/07]". Narodne novine (in Croatian) (53/1991). Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  8. ^ Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. 1999. pp. 272–278. ISBN 978-1-85743-058-5. {{cite book}}: Missing pipe in: |ref= (help)
  9. ^ Christopher Bellamy (10 October 1992). "Croatia built 'web of contacts' to evade weapons embargo". The Independent. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  10. ^ Alan Cowell (24 September 1991). "Serbs and Croats: Seeing War in Different Prisms". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  11. ^ Bjelajac, Mile; Žunec, Ozren (2009). "The War in Croatia, 1991–1995". In Charles W. Ingrao; Thomas Allan Emmert (eds.). Confronting the Yugoslav Controversies: A Scholars' Initiative. Purdue University Press. pp. 249–250. ISBN 978-1-55753-533-7. Retrieved 29 December 2012. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  12. ^ Chuck Sudetic (18 November 1991). "Croats Concede Danube Town's Loss". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  13. ^ Chuck Sudetic (3 January 1992). "Yugoslav Factions Agree to U.N. Plan to Halt Civil War". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  14. ^ Varina Jurica Turk (2 May 2012). "Teške svibanjske i lipanjske borbe" (in Croatian). Dubrovački list. Retrieved 2 February 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Leon Rizmaul (26 September 1996). "Vremeplov" (in Croatian). Hrvatski vojnik. Retrieved 26 January 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b ""Sveti Vlaho" u punom sjaju". Slobodna Dalmacija (in Croatian). 6 December 2001. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b "Veteran opet na vezu". Slobodna Dalmacija (in Croatian). 6 December 2001. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Mladen Gojun (20 July 2010). "Dubrovčani se oprostili od pukovnika HV-a Nikolića". 24sata (Croatia) (in Croatian). Retrieved 26 January 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ a b c "20 godina Odreda naoružanih brodova" (in Croatian). Croatian Radiotelevision. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Lidija Crnčević (5 December 2007). "Blagdan Sv. Nikole Dubrovnik obilježava kao Dan branitelja". Jutarnji list (in Croatian). Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ a b Ivana Brailo (19 August 2011). "Kako su talijanski švercerski brodovi u pravim rukama spasili Dubrovnik" (in Croatian). Portal Oko. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Povijest prepustiti povjesničarima" (in Croatian). Dubrovački list. 23 January 2010. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Ahmet Kalajdžić (23 September 2011). "Odred naoružanih brodova; Prevezli tisuće vojnika i prevalili 40.000 kilometara". Slobodna Dalmacija (in Croatian). Retrieved 2 February 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ "Ususret obilježavanju 18. obljetnice Konvoja Libertas". Dubrovački vjesnik (in Croatian). 25 October 2009. Retrieved 27 January 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Denis Krnić (20 November 2008). "Naš prvi ratni brod šminka se za muzej". Slobodna Dalmacija (in Croatian). Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ Anton Hauswitschka (1 October 2011). "VIDEO: Stoj! Tko ide? I onda je zapucalo". Dubrovački vjesnik (in Croatian). Retrieved 26 January 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b "Odluka o odlikovanju Redom Nikole Šubića Zrinskog". Narodne Novine (in Croatian). 22 May 2006. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ Goran Cvjetinović (30 October 2006). "Libertas je svijetu pokazao ratne zločine u Dubrovniku". Jutarnji list (in Croatian). Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ "ONB: 20. godišnjicu ćemo obilježiti 23. rujna". Dubrovački vjesnik (in Croatian). 18 August 2011. Retrieved 23 September 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
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