Regarding the 2nd SS Division's capture of Belgrade, which Dennis brought up as an example of a Waffen-SS military success
Sid wrote
Dennis respondedHi Dennis,
The primary reason why Belgrade was taken without a fight was that the Yugoslavs had declared it an open city and decided not to defend it. It was nothing to do with an act of brilliance by the W-SS. They were doing little more than moving into a military vacuum where a German 5th column was already active.
This is a classic example of Waffen-SS myth building. Common sense should lead any observer to question whether it was likely that a single company, however brilliantly led, would suffice to capture an enemy capital without losses if it was actively defended. Full marks to the unit concerned for moving fast and with initiative, but it was no military epic.
Sid respondedBelgrade was declared an open city a day before the invasion (in peace time) on 5 April. The Germans did not respect the status, and bombed it severely anyway (the bombings were already scheduled in the German attack plans).
The Jugoslavs already had anti-aircraft guns (which should not be in an open city) installed in the city. They fired at the German bombers on day 1. The Jugoslav air-force also intercepted the German bombers over Belgrade. After that, I cannot see how anyone can assume that the Jugoslavs would continue to guarantee an open, undefended city.
In any event, the SS unit was fired on in Belgrade. It took 1,300 armed prisoners and their weapons. These POWs did not end up slipping away to fight in the hills.
I fully agree that this incident only happened through luck, daring, air-raid-chaos and a demoralised Jugoslav army. This kind of success is not what you would typically expect. However, it is factual (not a myth) and arguably a military success.
Dennis then wrote:Hi Dennis,
You write, "After that (Luftwaffe abuse through bombing of Belgrade's Open City status), I cannot see how anyone can assume that the Jugoslavs would continue to guarantee an open, undefended city."
One can never assume anything in war, but the fact of the matter is that Belgrade was undefended. Had any troops in the city opposed the W-SS entry they would have been guilty of a war crime.
If the occupation of Belgrade against no resistance is to be counted as a Waffen-SS military success, then it sets the bar spectacularly low! Given the catastrophic wider situation for the Yugoslav Army and lack of resistance in the city, it was at best a mopping up operation, though the lack of W-SS casualties implies that even this might be a flattering assessment.
It is exactly because one “can never assume anything in war” that Belgrade’s status as being undefended is in question. The Waffen SS entry was opposed. Belgrade was not defended well.