Heeresgruppe E, March 1945, Drava Battles

[PanzerKing]

I've tried searching far and wide for the OoB of Heeresgruppe E in its operations against the Bulgarian 1st Army and Yugoslavian 3rd Army during Operation 'Waldteufal'.

Does any one have any information regaring these actions? Also, what divisions and corps units were involved during its attacks in March 1945 accross the river Drava?

Thanks in advance!

[K.Kocjancic]

Probably you're aware of this after all these years - but anyway: http://www.axishistory.com/axis-nations ... 1945-03-06

[G. Trifkovic]

Hi,

just a couple of additions/corrections to the link above (from my own research on these events):

- Operation lasted from 6 - 22 March 1945 (there was a lull in the fighting between 12 and 17 March);

- Three Yugoslav (16th, 36th, 51st) and two German divisions (11th LWFD, 1st Cossack from 15 March, both under the 91st Army Corps) were involved in the fighting;

- Air cover was largely provided by the Soviet-trained and equipped 42nd Yugoslav Air Division; in March the division flew some 736 sorties in support of the 3rd Yugoslav Army;

- Fighting on the bridgehead was quite heavy, actually : the Yugoslavs lost at least 660 KIA, 2331 WIA, and 275 MIA, the 11th LWFD some 200 KIA and 500-800 WIA (there are no reliable figures for the 1st Cossack);

- Two Soviet and one Bulgarian regiment also took part on the fighting in the Yugoslav sector.

Cheers,

G.