Italian vs. Yugoslav navy 1941

[K.Kocjancic]

Where there any engagements between Yugoslav and Italian navy during April war in 1941?

[Jack Nisley]

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Yugoslav Navy stayed inport during the German and Italian invasion of Yugoslavia. Some small minelayers and minesweepers were damaged by air attack. One submarine and two MTBs escaped to Crete and then Egypt. The destroyer ZAGREB was blown-up by two Yugoslav naval officers at the cost of their lives. Rest of the Yugoslav Navy was taken over by Italians after the surrender.

Jack Nisley

[K.Kocjancic]

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Yugoslav Navy stayed inport during the German and Italian invasion of Yugoslavia. Some small minelayers and minesweepers were damaged by air attack. One submarine and two MTBs escaped to Crete and then Egypt. The destroyer ZAGREB was blown-up by two Yugoslav naval officers at the cost of their lives. Rest of the Yugoslav Navy was taken over by Italians after the surrender.

Jack Nisley

Thanks!
Do you perhaps know, what had happend with destroyer LJUBLJANA?

[martyn powell]

Hi Kocjo

The LJUBLJANA was obtained by the Italians on the 17th of April 1941 and Renamed the LUBIANA. It was lost/sunk on the 1st April 1943.

Martyn

[Andy H]

Were any of Yugoslavia's River Flotilla Monitors used after the 1941 invasion?

Andy H

[daveh]

River monitors

Morava (ex Koros) scuttled 11/12 April 1941; raised and repaired by Croatia; mined 6/44

Sava scuttled 11/12 April 1941; raised and repaired by Croatia; scuttled 8/9 Sept 1944. Raised and used post war

Drava (ex Enns) sunk by German bombers 12 April 1941; raised and scrapped by Hungarians.

Vardar (ex Bosna) scuttled 11/12 April 1941

The Croations used the Morava and the Sava ( renamed as Bosna and Sava) as part of their river police force.

[Andy H]

Thank you Dave as ever.

What's the source of your info?

Kind Regards

Andy H

[daveh]

Source Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922 - 1945

[Andy H]

Thank you.

Is this similar to Janes Fighting ships of WW2, in terms of detail?

Andy H

[daveh]

Hi Andy

The level of data provided is similar to that of the Jane's however while the Jane's is based on contemporary sources the Conway's is based on more modern research. The Conway series should provide a more accurate set of data and brief details of a vessels fate.

Note that in general Conway's does not deal with minor vessels or auxiliaries but it is always worth reading carefully as there are some gems hidden in the text.

The Conway series covers
1860 - 1905
1906 - 1921
1922 - 1946
1947 - 1995 there is an earlier edition covering 1946 - 1982 in 2 smaller volumes

[Tiornu]

Perhaps the most significant prize was the Orjen class of MTB. It ultimately inspired a complete alteration of Italian MTB development.