The Battle of Odžak was the last battle of World War II in Europe.[3][4] The battle began on 19 April 1945 and lasted until 25 May 1945,[5] 17 days after the end of the war in Europe. The combatants were the Armed Forces of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) commanded by Petar Rajković and the Yugoslav Army commanded by Miloš Zekić. The battle took place in the Bosnian town of Odžak.[citation needed] The battle was a victory for the Partisans.[citation needed]

Battle of Odžak
Part of World War II in Yugoslavia

Machine Gunners during the battle in May 1945
Date19 April – 25 May 1945
(1 month and 6 days)
Location45°03′13″N 18°19′18″E / 45.0535°N 18.3217°E / 45.0535; 18.3217
Result

Partisan victory

Belligerents
Yugoslavia
Commanders and leaders
Miloš Zekić Independent State of Croatia Petar Rajković [1]
Units involved
25th Division
27th Division
53rd Division
Unknown
Strength
23,000–35,000 soldiers 1,800–11,000 soldiers[2][1]
Casualties and losses
1,000–10,000[1][2] Almost all killed
Odžak is located in Yugoslavia
Odžak
Odžak
Location within Yugoslavia

The battle is thoroughly described in a number of books, for example, in a 1969 book on 53rd Division,[1] 1981 book on 16th Muslim Brigade,[6] 1983 book on 27th East Bosnian Division,[7] and 1983 book on 14th Central Bosnian Brigade.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Vukosavljević & Karasijević 1969, p. 190-206.
  2. ^ a b The Last Battle Of World War II In Europe Occurred 16 Days After Germany Fell
  3. ^ Matkovich, Blanka (2017), Croatia and Slovenia at the End and After the Second World War (1944-1945), Irvine, CA: BrownWalker Press, p. 67, ISBN 978-1-62734-691-7
  4. ^ Bušić & Lasić 1983, p. 277.
  5. ^ Đorić 1996, p. 169.
  6. ^ Đonlagić & Kazazović 1981, p. 276-291.
  7. ^ Ðonlagić 1983, p. 507-519.
  8. ^ Samardžija 1983, p. 369-388.

Bibliography

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45°00′00″N 18°15′36″E / 45.0000°N 18.2600°E / 45.0000; 18.2600