Yugoslav Partisans

Flag of the Partisans

The Yugoslav Partisans were a resistance group during World War II.

Tito was the leader of the Partisans

In 1941, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was invaded by Nazi Germany and other axis powers. The territory was divided and annexed between the axis, but people resisted, and resistance groups were formed. One was called the Yugoslav Partisans, led by Josip Broz Tito (a Yugoslav Communist of Croat and Sloven origin). In September 1944, the Soviets crossed the Yugoslav border to help the Partisans. They liberated the capital (Belgrade) the next month. By 1945, the Partisans were formed into a proper military (with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th armies). They liberated the whole country in May 1945.

Yugoslav Partisans Media

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  To arms, everyone!, a Partisan propaganda poster

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  Partisan fighter Stjepan Filipović shouting "Death to fascism, freedom to the people!" seconds before his execution by a Serbian State Guard unit in Valjevo, occupied Yugoslavia. These words became the Partisan slogan afterwards.

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  Sixteen blindfolded Partisan youth await execution by German forces in Smederevska Palanka, 20 August 1941

• Yugoslav Partisans engaging in various activities

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  A Royal Air Force Halifax bomber of 148 Squadron, loaded with parachute canisters containing supplies for the Yugoslav Partisans (1944–1945)

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  A Partisan woman fighter in occupied Yugoslavia

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  7th Vojvodina Brigade entering liberated Novi Sad, 1944

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  Flag of Serbian and Montenegrin Partisans used in the Territory of the Military Commander in Serbia, Italian governorate of Montenegro and in areas of the Independent State of Croatia where Serbs lived