Conflict in the Balkans

Abstract

Axis campaigns in the Balkan region involved many different types of enemy formations. The war against the Yugoslav state was over in a matter of weeks and its captured forces underwent very different treatment, with Croats released to join the nationalist forces of their new state, other nationalities released, and only the Serbs remaining in captivity. Thereafter, the Germans and Italians were faced with irregular forces (Chetniks, partisans, etc.) who were initially treated as francs-tireurs and executed if caught. Over time, this seems to have undergone a degree of change as Axis troops were captured in numbers and there was some limited amelioration and prisoner-taking. There is also an examination of the situations in Albania and Greece where defeat of the latter led to Greek forces being demobilized and sent home. In conclusion, the chapter looks at the German responses to irregular forces more generally and highlights the continuing hard line against Soviet partisans with the compromises reached with the Free French and the Polish Home Army in 1944‒5.