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|mascot=
|mascot=
|battles=[[Croatian War of Independence]]:
|battles=[[Croatian War of Independence]]:
* Battle of Hrvatska Kostajnica
* [[Battle of Hrvatska Kostajnica]]
* [[Battle of Gospić]]
* [[Battle of Gospić]]
* [[Siege of Dubrovnik]]
* [[Siege of Dubrovnik]]
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The '''Zrinski Battalion''' ({{lang-hr|Bojna Zrinski}}) was a [[special forces]] unit of the [[Croatian National Guard]] (''Zbor narodne garde'' – ZNG) and later of the [[Croatian Army]] (''Hrvatska vojska'' – HV) established in [[Kumrovec]] on 18 May 1991, during the [[Croatian War of Independence]]. The unit drew personnel from the [[Croatian special police order of battle in 1991–95|special police forces]] and a former [[French Foreign Legion]] troops serving as its core. The battalion was set up and initially commanded by [[Ante Roso]], while [[Major]] [[Miljenko Filipović]] took over as the commanding officer in August.
The '''Zrinski Battalion''' ({{lang-hr|Bojna Zrinski}}) was a [[special forces]] unit of the [[Croatian National Guard]] (''Zbor narodne garde'' – ZNG) and later of the [[Croatian Army]] (''Hrvatska vojska'' – HV) established in [[Kumrovec]] on 18 May 1991, during the [[Croatian War of Independence]]. The unit drew personnel from the [[Croatian special police order of battle in 1991–95|special police forces]] and a former [[French Foreign Legion]] troops serving as its core. The battalion was set up and initially commanded by [[Ante Roso]], while [[Major (rank)|Major]] [[Miljenko Filipović]] took over as the commanding officer in August.


The Zrinski Battalion trained volunteer troops in [[Vukovar]] in June 1991 before it saw action in [[Hrvatska Kostajnica]], the [[Battle of Gospić]] and near [[Slano]] in 1991. By the end of 1991, the unit's personnel were tasked with setting up an additional special forces unit of the HV. The next year its elements took part in the [[Battle of Kupres (1992)|Battle of Kupres]] and [[Operation Tiger (1992)|Operation Tiger]] aimed at lifting the [[Siege of Dubrovnik]]. It also and helped develop and train the [[Croatian Defence Council]] (''Hrvatsko vijeće obrane'' – HVO), setting up a training camp in [[Tomislavgrad]]. In 1993, the battalion took part in [[Operation Maslenica]]. In February 1994, the Zrinski Battalion was amalgamated with several other HV special forces units into the [[1st Croatian Guards Brigade]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug''), a component of the [[1st Croatian Guards Corps]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zbor'').
The Zrinski Battalion trained volunteer troops in [[Vukovar]] in June 1991 before it saw action in [[Hrvatska Kostajnica]], the [[Battle of Gospić]] and near [[Slano]] in 1991. By the end of 1991, the unit's personnel were tasked with setting up an additional special forces unit of the HV. The next year its elements took part in the [[Battle of Kupres (1992)|Battle of Kupres]] and [[Operation Tiger (1992)|Operation Tiger]] aimed at lifting the [[Siege of Dubrovnik]]. It also and helped develop and train the [[Croatian Defence Council]] (''Hrvatsko vijeće obrane'' – HVO), setting up a training camp in [[Tomislavgrad]]. In 1993, the battalion took part in [[Operation Maslenica]]. In February 1994, the Zrinski Battalion was amalgamated with several other HV special forces units into the [[1st Croatian Guards Corps|1st Croatian Guards Brigade]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug''), a component of the [[1st Croatian Guards Corps]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zbor'').


==Background==
==Background==
In 1990, following the [[Croatian parliamentary election, 1990|electoral defeat]] of the government of the [[Socialist Republic of Croatia]], ethnic tensions between [[Croats]] and [[Croatian Serbs]] worsened.{{sfn|Hoare|2010|p=118}} The [[Yugoslav People's Army]] ({{lang|hr|''Jugoslavenska narodna armija''}} – JNA) believed Croatia would use the Croatian [[Territorial Defense Forces (Yugoslavia)|Territorial Defence Force's]] ({{lang|hr|''Teritorijalna obrana''}} – TO) equipment to build its own army and confront the JNA itself.{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=87}} In order to minimize the expected resistance, the JNA confiscated the TO weapons.{{sfn|Hoare|2010|p=117}} On 17 August, the tensions escalated into an [[Log Revolution|open revolt]] of the [[Serbs of Croatia|Croatian Serbs]].{{sfn|Hoare|2010|p=118}}
In 1990, following the [[Croatian parliamentary election, 1990|electoral defeat]] of the government of the [[Socialist Republic of Croatia]], ethnic tensions between [[Croats]] and [[Croatian Serbs]] worsened.{{sfn|Hoare|2010|p=118}} The [[Yugoslav People's Army]] ({{lang|hr|Jugoslavenska narodna armija}} – JNA) believed Croatia would use the Croatian [[Territorial Defense Forces (Yugoslavia)|Territorial Defence Force's]] ({{lang|hr|Teritorijalna obrana}} – TO) equipment to build its own army and confront the JNA itself.{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=87}} In order to minimize the expected resistance, the JNA confiscated the TO weapons.{{sfn|Hoare|2010|p=117}} On 17 August, the tensions escalated into an [[Log Revolution|open revolt]] of the [[Serbs of Croatia|Croatian Serbs]].{{sfn|Hoare|2010|p=118}}


In the beginning of 1991, Croatia had no regular army. In an effort to bolster its defence, Croatia doubled the size of its [[Law enforcement in Croatia|police force]] to about 20,000. The most effective part of the force was the [[Croatian special police order of battle in 1991–95|3,000-strong special police]] that were deployed in 12 [[battalion]]s, adopting military organisation.{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=86}} In addition there were 9,000–10,000 regionally organised reserve police. The reserve police were set up in 16 battalions and 10 [[Company (military unit)|companies]], but they lacked weapons needed to arm many of the troops.{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=86}}
In the beginning of 1991, Croatia had no regular army. In an effort to bolster its defence, Croatia doubled the size of its [[Law enforcement in Croatia|police force]] to about 20,000. The most effective part of the force was the [[Croatian special police order of battle in 1991–95|3,000-strong special police]] that were deployed in 12 [[battalion]]s, adopting military organisation.{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=86}} In addition there were 9,000–10,000 regionally organised reserve police. The reserve police were set up in 16 battalions and 10 [[Company (military unit)|companies]], but they lacked weapons needed to arm many of the troops.{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=86}}
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==Service==
==Service==
On 18 May 1991, the Zrinski Battalion was established as a [[special forces]] unit of the ZNG. The core of the unit consisted of 27 volunteers drawn from the Kumrovec Special Police Unit (SPU). Initially, it relied on former [[French Foreign Legion]] troops.{{sfn|CIA|2002b|p=50}} The most senior among the former legionnaires was [[Ante Roso]],{{sfn|Malić|23 April 2011}} previously a [[French Foreign Legion#Sous-Officiers (Non-commissioned Officers)|''Sous-Officier'']] (non-commissioned officer – NCO) in the [[4th Foreign Regiment]].{{sfn|Gugo|19 November 2000}} In consequence, Roso was tasked with setting up the unit as its initial commander.{{sfn|Malić|23 April 2011}} [[Major]] [[Miljenko Filipović]], likewise a former French Foreign Legion member, was assigned the battalions deputy commander.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The unit was based in the village of [[Kumrovec]] in the region of [[Hrvatsko Zagorje]], on the grounds of the former "[[Josip Broz Tito]]" political school.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The site, adjacent to the border of [[Slovenia]], was selected to be inaccessible to [[Yugoslav Air Force]] raids without violation of Slovene or possibly [[Austria]]n [[airspace]].{{sfn|Gaura|20 April 2010}} In June 1991, the Kumrovec SPU was transferred to [[Medvednica|Sljeme Peak]] north of [[Zagreb]] leaving Kumrovec base to the Zrinski Battalion,{{sfn|Nazor|2007|p=104}} as well as the second special forces unit, the Frankopan Battalion.{{sfn|Gaura|20 April 2010}}
On 18 May 1991, the Zrinski Battalion was established as a [[special forces]] unit of the ZNG. The core of the unit consisted of 27 volunteers drawn from the Kumrovec Special Police Unit (SPU). Initially, it relied on former [[French Foreign Legion]] troops.{{sfn|CIA|2002b|p=50}} The most senior among the former legionnaires was [[Ante Roso]],{{sfn|Malić|23 April 2011}} previously a [[French Foreign Legion#Sous-Officiers (Non-commissioned Officers)|''Sous-Officier'']] (non-commissioned officer – NCO) in the [[4th Foreign Regiment]].{{sfn|Gugo|19 November 2000}} In consequence, Roso was tasked with setting up the unit as its initial commander.{{sfn|Malić|23 April 2011}} [[Major (rank)|Major]] [[Miljenko Filipović]], likewise a former French Foreign Legion member, was assigned the battalions deputy commander.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The unit was based in the village of [[Kumrovec]] in the region of [[Hrvatsko Zagorje]], on the grounds of the former "[[Josip Broz Tito]]" political school.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The site, adjacent to the border of [[Slovenia]], was selected to be inaccessible to [[Yugoslav Air Force]] raids without violation of Slovene or possibly [[Austria]]n [[airspace]].{{sfn|Gaura|2010}} In June 1991, the Kumrovec SPU was transferred to [[Medvednica|Sljeme Peak]] north of [[Zagreb]] leaving Kumrovec base to the Zrinski Battalion,{{sfn|Nazor|2007|p=104}} as well as the second special forces unit, the Frankopan Battalion.{{sfn|Gaura|2010}}


The Zrinski Battalion was deployed for the first time on 15 June. It was stationed in [[Vukovar]], tasked with preparation of city defences and organisation of volunteer troops. In August, Filipović took over command of the battalion from Roso.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The same month, the Zrinski Battalion was deployed to the [[Banovina (region)|Banovina]], where it pushed the Croatian Serb forces out of the town of [[Hrvatska Kostajnica]]. In September, the battalion was deployed to [[Gospić]], where it took part in [[Battle of Gospić|battle to control Gospić]] against the JNA. Troops assigned to the battalion captured Kaniža barracks in Gospić.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} During combat in Gospić, 30 troops of the Zrinski Battalion, assisted by [[Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit|Lučko SPU]], captured JNA [[Major General]] [[Trajče Krstevski]], along with three [[armoured personnel carrier]]s (APCs) and 32 soldiers.{{sfn|Marković|15 September 2000}} The unit was deployed to [[Metković]] on 28 October, tasked with recapturing [[Slano]] from the JNA. After the deployment to Gospić, a part of the unit personnel left to [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] anticipating further conflict there, while the remainder of the unit returned to Kumrovec.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The ZNG was renamed the [[Croatian Army]] (''Hrvatska vojska'' – HV) on 3 November 1991.{{sfn|MORH|8 July 2013}} In late 1991, personnel of the Zrinski Battalion set up another special forces unit of the HV — the Matija Vlačić Battalion based in [[Opatija]].{{sfn|Hrvatski vojnik|September 2013}}
The Zrinski Battalion was deployed for the first time on 15 June. It was stationed in [[Vukovar]], tasked with preparation of city defences and organisation of volunteer troops. In August, Filipović took over command of the battalion from Roso.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The same month, the Zrinski Battalion was deployed to the [[Banovina (region)|Banovina]], where it pushed the Croatian Serb forces out of the town of [[Hrvatska Kostajnica]]. In September, the battalion was deployed to [[Gospić]], where it took part in [[Battle of Gospić|battle to control Gospić]] against the JNA. Troops assigned to the battalion captured Kaniža barracks in Gospić.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} During combat in Gospić, 30 troops of the Zrinski Battalion, assisted by [[Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit|Lučko SPU]], captured JNA [[Major General]] [[Trajče Krstevski]], along with three [[armoured personnel carrier]]s (APCs) and 32 soldiers.{{sfn|Marković|15 September 2000}} The unit was deployed to [[Metković]] on 28 October, tasked with recapturing [[Slano]] from the JNA. After the deployment to Gospić, a part of the unit personnel left to [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] anticipating further conflict there, while the remainder of the unit returned to Kumrovec.{{sfn|Biluš|14 September 2004}} The ZNG was renamed the [[Croatian Army]] (''Hrvatska vojska'' – HV) on 3 November 1991.{{sfn|MORH|8 July 2013}} In late 1991, personnel of the Zrinski Battalion set up another special forces unit of the HV — the Matija Vlačić Battalion based in [[Opatija]].{{sfn|Hrvatski vojnik|September 2013}}
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==Amalgamation==
==Amalgamation==
On 25 February 1994, the Zrinski Battalion was amalgamated with the Frankopan Battalion and other special forces units of the HV,{{sfn|Žabec|27 November 2010}} including the fourth special forces battalion (Kralj Tomislav Battalion),{{sfn|Bilandžić|Milković|2009|p=49}} forming the [[1st Croatian Guards Brigade]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug''), a component of the [[1st Croatian Guards Corps]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zbor''),{{sfn|Žabec|27 November 2010}} directly subordinated to the [[Ministry of Defence (Croatia)|Ministry of Defence]] rather than the [[General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia]].{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=447}}
On 25 February 1994, the Zrinski Battalion was amalgamated with parts of other special forces units of the HV: Frankopan Battalion, Ban Jelačić Battalion, Matija Vlačić Battalion, Ferdo Sučić Battalion and part of 8th Light Assault Brigade{{sfn|Žabec|27 November 2010}} forming the [[1st Croatian Guards Corps|1st Croatian Guards Brigade]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug''), a component of the [[1st Croatian Guards Corps]] (''1. hrvatski gardijski zbor''),{{sfn|Žabec|27 November 2010}} directly subordinated to the [[Ministry of Defence (Croatia)|Ministry of Defence]] rather than the [[General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia]].{{sfn|CIA|2002|p=447}}


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
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;Books
;Books
{{refbegin|60em}}
{{refbegin|60em}}
*{{cite book|ref={{harvid|CIA|2002}}|url=http://books.google.hr/books?id=it1IAQAAIAAJ|title=Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|author=[[Central Intelligence Agency]], Office of Russian and European Analysis|year=2002|isbn=978-0-16-066472-4|location=Washington, D.C.}}
*{{cite book|ref={{harvid|CIA|2002}}|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=it1IAQAAIAAJ|title=Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|author=[[Central Intelligence Agency]], Office of Russian and European Analysis|year=2002|isbn=978-0-16-066472-4|location=Washington, D.C.}}
*{{cite book|ref={{harvid|CIA|2002b}}|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=jodpAAAAMAAJ|title=Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995, Volume 2|author=[[Central Intelligence Agency]], Office of Russian and European Analysis|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|location=Washington, D.C.|year=2002|isbn=978-0-16-066472-4}}
*{{cite book|ref={{harvid|CIA|2002b}}|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jodpAAAAMAAJ|title=Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995, Volume 2|author=[[Central Intelligence Agency]], Office of Russian and European Analysis|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|location=Washington, D.C.|year=2002|isbn=978-0-16-066472-4}}
*{{cite book|ref=harv|url=http://books.google.hr/books?hl=hr&id=oFXdiS25N78C|editor-first=Sabrina P.|editor-last=Ramet|title=Central and Southeast European Politics Since 1989|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2010|isbn=978-1-139-48750-4|chapter=The War of Yugoslav Succession|first=Marko Attila|last=Hoare|authorlink=Marko Attila Hoare|pages=111–136|location=Cambridge, England}}
*{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oFXdiS25N78C|editor-first=Sabrina P.|editor-last=Ramet|title=Central and Southeast European Politics Since 1989|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2010|isbn=978-1-139-48750-4|chapter=The War of Yugoslav Succession|first=Marko Attila|last=Hoare|authorlink=Marko Attila Hoare|pages=111–136|location=Cambridge, England}}
*{{cite book|ref=harv|url=http://books.google.hr/books?ei=MB7lUYeIDoKK4ATWqIDAAw&hl=hr&id=rPcVAQAAMAAJ|title=Počeci suvremene hrvatske države: kronologija procesa osamostaljenja Republike Hrvatske: od Memoranduma SANU 1986. do proglašenja neovisnosti 8. listopada 1991|language=Croatian|trans_title=Beginnings of the Modern Croatian State: A Chronology of the Independence of the Republic of Croatia: from 1986 SANU Memorandum to the Declaration of Independence on 8 October 1991|first=Ante|last=Nazor|publisher=Croatian Homeland War Memorial Documentation Centre|location=Zagreb, Croatia|year=2007|isbn=978-953-7439-01-9}}
*{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rPcVAQAAMAAJ|title=Počeci suvremene hrvatske države: kronologija procesa osamostaljenja Republike Hrvatske: od Memoranduma SANU 1986. do proglašenja neovisnosti 8. listopada 1991|language=Croatian|trans-title=Beginnings of the Modern Croatian State: A Chronology of the Independence of the Republic of Croatia: from 1986 SANU Memorandum to the Declaration of Independence on 8 October 1991|first=Ante|last=Nazor|publisher=Croatian Homeland War Memorial Documentation Centre|location=Zagreb, Croatia|year=2007|isbn=978-953-7439-01-9}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


;Scientific journal articles
;Scientific journal articles
{{refbegin|60em}}
{{refbegin|60em}}
*{{cite journal|ref=harv|journal=Polemos: Journal of Interdisciplinary Research on War and Peace|publisher=Croatian Sociological Association and Jesenski & Turk Publishing House|issn=1331-5595|url=http://hrcak.srce.hr/47720?lang=en|title=Specijalne vojno-policijske protuterorističke postrojbe: Hrvatska i svijet|language=Croatian|trans_title=Special Military and Police Counter-Terrorist Units: Croatia and the World|volume=12|issue=24|date=December 2009|first1=Mirko|last1=Bilandžić|first2=Stjepan|last2=Milković|pages=33–60}}
*{{cite journal|journal=Polemos: Journal of Interdisciplinary Research on War and Peace|publisher=Croatian Sociological Association and Jesenski & Turk Publishing House|issn=1331-5595|url=http://hrcak.srce.hr/47720?lang=en|title=Specijalne vojno-policijske protuterorističke postrojbe: Hrvatska i svijet|language=Croatian|trans-title=Special Military and Police Counter-Terrorist Units: Croatia and the World|volume=12|issue=24|date=December 2009|first1=Mirko|last1=Bilandžić|first2=Stjepan|last2=Milković|pages=33–60}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


;News reports
;News reports
{{refbegin|60em}}
{{refbegin|60em}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Biluš|14 September 2004}}|newspaper=[[Nacional (weekly)]]|title=Tajna snimka tereti generala Filipovića|trans_title=Secret Recording Points to General Filipović|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/13957/tajna-snimka-tereti-generala-filipovica|first=Marina|last=Biluš|date=14 September 2004|issue=461|language=Croatian}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Biluš|14 September 2004}}|newspaper=[[Nacional (weekly)]]|title=Tajna snimka tereti generala Filipovića|trans-title=Secret Recording Points to General Filipović|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/13957/tajna-snimka-tereti-generala-filipovica|first=Marina|last=Biluš|date=14 September 2004|issue=461|language=Croatian|access-date=6 December 2013|archive-date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206222246/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/13957/tajna-snimka-tereti-generala-filipovica|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Gaura|20 April 2010}}|newspaper=Nacional (weekly)|title=Registar skriva bosansku tajnu|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/82017/registar-skriva-bosansku-tajnu|trans_title=Registry Harbours Bosnian Secret|language=Croatian|first=Orhidea|last=Gaura|issue=753|date=20 April 2010}}
*{{cite news|newspaper=Nacional (weekly)|title=Registar skriva bosansku tajnu|url=http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/82017/registar-skriva-bosansku-tajnu|trans-title=Registry Harbours Bosnian Secret|language=Croatian|first=Orhidea|last=Gaura|issue=753|date=20 April 2010|access-date=6 December 2013|archive-date=12 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612161732/http://www.nacional.hr/clanak/82017/registar-skriva-bosansku-tajnu|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Gugo|19 November 2000}}|newspaper=[[Slobodna Dalmacija]]|url=http://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20001119/prilozi.htm|language=Croatian|title=Špegelj je od mene tražio da ubijam Srbe po Zagrebu!|trans_title=Špegelj Demanded From Me to Kill Serbs in Zagreb!|date=19 November 2000|first=Ante|last=Gugo}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Gugo|19 November 2000}}|newspaper=[[Slobodna Dalmacija]]|url=http://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20001119/prilozi.htm|language=Croatian|title=Špegelj je od mene tražio da ubijam Srbe po Zagrebu!|trans-title=Špegelj Demanded From Me to Kill Serbs in Zagreb!|date=19 November 2000|first=Ante|last=Gugo}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Malić|23 April 2011}}|newspaper=[[Jutarnji list]]|url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/ante-gotovina--zatocenik-emigrantskog-lobija-ministra-suska/940914/|title=Kome je odan Gotovina? Hrvatskim nacionalistima i biskupima ili Mesiću? Ili nikome!?|trans_title=Who's Gotovina Loyal to? Croatian Nationalists and Bishops or Mesić? Or Nobody!?|language=Croatian|first=Gordan|last=Malić|date=23 April 2011}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Malić|23 April 2011}}|newspaper=[[Jutarnji list]]|url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/ante-gotovina--zatocenik-emigrantskog-lobija-ministra-suska/940914/|title=Kome je odan Gotovina? Hrvatskim nacionalistima i biskupima ili Mesiću? Ili nikome!?|trans-title=Who's Gotovina Loyal to? Croatian Nationalists and Bishops or Mesić? Or Nobody!?|language=Croatian|first=Gordan|last=Malić|date=23 April 2011}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Marković|15 September 2000}}|url=http://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20000915/novosti2.htm|date=15 September 2000|newspaper=Slobodna Dalmacija|title=Orešković i Norac zaslužni što Gospić danas nije Teslingrad!|language=Croatian|trans_title=Orešković and Norac take credit that Gospić is not called Teslingrad today|first=Marko|last=Marković}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Marković|15 September 2000}}|url=http://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/20000915/novosti2.htm|date=15 September 2000|newspaper=Slobodna Dalmacija|title=Orešković i Norac zaslužni što Gospić danas nije Teslingrad!|language=Croatian|trans-title=Orešković and Norac take credit that Gospić is not called Teslingrad today|first=Marko|last=Marković}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Večernji list}}|url=http://www.vecernji.hr/biografije/miljenko-filipovic-537|title=Miljenko Filipović|language=Croatian|newspaper=[[Večernji list]]}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Večernji list}}|url=http://www.vecernji.hr/biografije/miljenko-filipovic-537|title=Miljenko Filipović|language=Croatian|newspaper=[[Večernji list]]|access-date=7 December 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000453/http://www.vecernji.hr/biografije/miljenko-filipovic-537|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Vjesnik|24 September 2004}}|date=24 September 2004|newspaper=[[Vjesnik]]|url=http://www.antegotovina.com/default.aspx?clanak=2862|title=MUP raspliće mrežu pomagača|trans_title=Ministry of Interior Untangles Web of Accomplices|language=Croatian}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Vjesnik|24 September 2004}}|date=24 September 2004|newspaper=[[Vjesnik]]|url=http://www.antegotovina.com/default.aspx?clanak=2862|title=MUP raspliće mrežu pomagača|trans-title=Ministry of Interior Untangles Web of Accomplices|language=Croatian}}
*{{cite web|ref={{harvid|Zadarski list|18 November 2013}}|url=http://www.057info.hr/vijesti/2013-11-18/skabrnja-je-padala-tri-puta-i-ostala-hrvatska|publisher=[[Zadarski list]]|date=18 November 2013|title=Škabrnja je padala tri puta i ostala hrvatska|trans_title=Škabrnja was Lost Three Times and Remained Croatian|language=Croatian}}
*{{cite web|ref={{harvid|Zadarski list|18 November 2013}}|url=http://www.057info.hr/vijesti/2013-11-18/skabrnja-je-padala-tri-puta-i-ostala-hrvatska|publisher=[[Zadarski list]]|date=18 November 2013|title=Škabrnja je padala tri puta i ostala hrvatska|trans-title=Škabrnja was Lost Three Times and Remained Croatian|language=Croatian}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Žabec|27 November 2010}}|date=27 November 2010|first=Krešimir|last=Žabec|url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/predsjednik-ivo-josipovic-iz-bojne-izbacio-sve-umijesane-u--sumnjive-poslove-/907146/|language=Croatian|title=Predsjednik Josipović iz bojne izbacio sve umiješane u "sumnjive poslove"|trans_title=President Josipović Discharged Everyone Involved in "Suspicious Activities" from the Battalion|newspaper=[[Jutarnji list]]}}
*{{cite news|ref={{harvid|Žabec|27 November 2010}}|date=27 November 2010|first=Krešimir|last=Žabec|url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/predsjednik-ivo-josipovic-iz-bojne-izbacio-sve-umijesane-u--sumnjive-poslove-/907146/|language=Croatian|title=Predsjednik Josipović iz bojne izbacio sve umiješane u "sumnjive poslove"|trans-title=President Josipović Discharged Everyone Involved in "Suspicious Activities" from the Battalion|newspaper=[[Jutarnji list]]}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


;Other sources
;Other sources
{{refbegin|60em}}
{{refbegin|60em}}
*{{cite web|ref={{harvid|MORH|8 July 2013}}|date=8 July 2013|url=http://www.morh.hr/hr/dan-osrh-2013/povjesnica.html|language=Croatian|title=Povjesnica|trans_title=A History|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (Croatia)]]}}
*{{cite web|ref={{harvid|MORH|8 July 2013}}|date=8 July 2013|url=http://www.morh.hr/hr/dan-osrh-2013/povjesnica.html|language=Croatian|title=Povjesnica|trans-title=A History|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (Croatia)]]|access-date=7 December 2013|archive-date=30 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130121057/http://www.morh.hr/hr/dan-osrh-2013/povjesnica.html|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite web|ref={{harvid|Hrvatski vojnik|September 2013}}|work=[[Hrvatski vojnik]]|publisher=Ministry of Defence (Croatia)|url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/4312013/vijesti.asp|title=Bivši pripadnici bojne "Matija Vlačić" u posjetu BSD-u|language=Croatian|trans_title=Former Matija Vlačić Battalion Members Visit the Special Operations Battalion|date=September 2013|issue=431|issn=1333-9036}}
*{{cite web|ref={{harvid|Hrvatski vojnik|September 2013}}|work=[[Hrvatski vojnik]]|publisher=Ministry of Defence (Croatia)|url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/4312013/vijesti.asp|title=Bivši pripadnici bojne "Matija Vlačić" u posjetu BSD-u|language=Croatian|trans-title=Former Matija Vlačić Battalion Members Visit the Special Operations Battalion|date=September 2013|issue=431|issn=1333-9036}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}


[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1991]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1991]]

Latest revision as of 06:08, 31 August 2024

Zrinski Battalion
Active18 May 1991 – 25 February 1994
CountryCroatia
BranchArmy
TypeSpecial forces
SizeBattalion
Garrison/HQKumrovec (at establishment)
Motto(s)Viribus unitis[1]
EngagementsCroatian War of Independence:

Bosnian War

Commanders
Notable
commanders		Ante Roso
Miljenko Filipović

The Zrinski Battalion (Croatian: Bojna Zrinski) was a special forces unit of the Croatian National Guard (Zbor narodne garde – ZNG) and later of the Croatian Army (Hrvatska vojska – HV) established in Kumrovec on 18 May 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence. The unit drew personnel from the special police forces and a former French Foreign Legion troops serving as its core. The battalion was set up and initially commanded by Ante Roso, while Major Miljenko Filipović took over as the commanding officer in August.

The Zrinski Battalion trained volunteer troops in Vukovar in June 1991 before it saw action in Hrvatska Kostajnica, the Battle of Gospić and near Slano in 1991. By the end of 1991, the unit's personnel were tasked with setting up an additional special forces unit of the HV. The next year its elements took part in the Battle of Kupres and Operation Tiger aimed at lifting the Siege of Dubrovnik. It also and helped develop and train the Croatian Defence Council (Hrvatsko vijeće obrane – HVO), setting up a training camp in Tomislavgrad. In 1993, the battalion took part in Operation Maslenica. In February 1994, the Zrinski Battalion was amalgamated with several other HV special forces units into the 1st Croatian Guards Brigade (1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug), a component of the 1st Croatian Guards Corps (1. hrvatski gardijski zbor).

Background

[edit]

In 1990, following the electoral defeat of the government of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, ethnic tensions between Croats and Croatian Serbs worsened.[2] The Yugoslav People's Army (Jugoslavenska narodna armija – JNA) believed Croatia would use the Croatian Territorial Defence Force's (Teritorijalna obrana – TO) equipment to build its own army and confront the JNA itself.[3] In order to minimize the expected resistance, the JNA confiscated the TO weapons.[4] On 17 August, the tensions escalated into an open revolt of the Croatian Serbs.[2]

In the beginning of 1991, Croatia had no regular army. In an effort to bolster its defence, Croatia doubled the size of its police force to about 20,000. The most effective part of the force was the 3,000-strong special police that were deployed in 12 battalions, adopting military organisation.[5] In addition there were 9,000–10,000 regionally organised reserve police. The reserve police were set up in 16 battalions and 10 companies, but they lacked weapons needed to arm many of the troops.[5]

Preparations to set up the Croatian National Guard (Zbor narodne garde – ZNG) began on 12 April 1991. Establishment of the ZNG as a police force with military capabilities was thought necessary by the Croatian authorities following armed clashes in Pakrac and at Plitvice Lakes in March and due to the possibility of further confrontation with the JNA.[6] The ZNG, formally established on 23 April, was tasked with protection of the constitutional order, maintenance of public order, anti-terrorist operations, protection of Croatia's borders, territory, coast and territorial waters, as well as the protection of high-value structures and high-profile persons.[6]

Service

[edit]

On 18 May 1991, the Zrinski Battalion was established as a special forces unit of the ZNG. The core of the unit consisted of 27 volunteers drawn from the Kumrovec Special Police Unit (SPU). Initially, it relied on former French Foreign Legion troops.[7] The most senior among the former legionnaires was Ante Roso,[8] previously a Sous-Officier (non-commissioned officer – NCO) in the 4th Foreign Regiment.[9] In consequence, Roso was tasked with setting up the unit as its initial commander.[8] Major Miljenko Filipović, likewise a former French Foreign Legion member, was assigned the battalions deputy commander.[10] The unit was based in the village of Kumrovec in the region of Hrvatsko Zagorje, on the grounds of the former "Josip Broz Tito" political school.[10] The site, adjacent to the border of Slovenia, was selected to be inaccessible to Yugoslav Air Force raids without violation of Slovene or possibly Austrian airspace.[11] In June 1991, the Kumrovec SPU was transferred to Sljeme Peak north of Zagreb leaving Kumrovec base to the Zrinski Battalion,[12] as well as the second special forces unit, the Frankopan Battalion.[11]

The Zrinski Battalion was deployed for the first time on 15 June. It was stationed in Vukovar, tasked with preparation of city defences and organisation of volunteer troops. In August, Filipović took over command of the battalion from Roso.[10] The same month, the Zrinski Battalion was deployed to the Banovina, where it pushed the Croatian Serb forces out of the town of Hrvatska Kostajnica. In September, the battalion was deployed to Gospić, where it took part in battle to control Gospić against the JNA. Troops assigned to the battalion captured Kaniža barracks in Gospić.[10] During combat in Gospić, 30 troops of the Zrinski Battalion, assisted by Lučko SPU, captured JNA Major General Trajče Krstevski, along with three armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and 32 soldiers.[13] The unit was deployed to Metković on 28 October, tasked with recapturing Slano from the JNA. After the deployment to Gospić, a part of the unit personnel left to Bosnia and Herzegovina anticipating further conflict there, while the remainder of the unit returned to Kumrovec.[10] The ZNG was renamed the Croatian Army (Hrvatska vojska – HV) on 3 November 1991.[14] In late 1991, personnel of the Zrinski Battalion set up another special forces unit of the HV — the Matija Vlačić Battalion based in Opatija.[15]

In 1992, elements of the Zrinski Battalion took part in the Battle of Kupres, before setting up a training camp in the town of Tomislavgrad. There the battalion personnel assisted in setting up and trained the Croatian Defence Council (Hrvatsko vijeće obrane – HVO).[10] Later that year, elements of the battalion took part in Operation Tiger—aimed at lifting of the Siege of Dubrovnik.[16] In 1993, elements of the Zrinski Battalion took part in Operation Maslenica, fighting in the area of Škabrnja.[17] The Central Intelligence Agency assessed the Zrinski Battalion as one of the best units of the HV.[7]

Amalgamation

[edit]

On 25 February 1994, the Zrinski Battalion was amalgamated with parts of other special forces units of the HV: Frankopan Battalion, Ban Jelačić Battalion, Matija Vlačić Battalion, Ferdo Sučić Battalion and part of 8th Light Assault Brigade[18] forming the 1st Croatian Guards Brigade (1. hrvatski gardijski zdrug), a component of the 1st Croatian Guards Corps (1. hrvatski gardijski zbor),[18] directly subordinated to the Ministry of Defence rather than the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.[19]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ Vjesnik & 24 September 2004.
  2. ^ a b Hoare 2010, p. 118.
  3. ^ CIA 2002, p. 87.
  4. ^ Hoare 2010, p. 117.
  5. ^ a b CIA 2002, p. 86.
  6. ^ a b Nazor 2007, p. 72.
  7. ^ a b CIA 2002b, p. 50.
  8. ^ a b Malić & 23 April 2011.
  9. ^ Gugo & 19 November 2000.
  10. ^ a b c d e f Biluš & 14 September 2004.
  11. ^ a b Gaura 2010.
  12. ^ Nazor 2007, p. 104.
  13. ^ Marković & 15 September 2000.
  14. ^ MORH & 8 July 2013.
  15. ^ Hrvatski vojnik & September 2013.
  16. ^ Večernji list.
  17. ^ Zadarski list & 18 November 2013.
  18. ^ a b Žabec & 27 November 2010.
  19. ^ CIA 2002, p. 447.

References

[edit]
Books
  • Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Russian and European Analysis (2002). Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995. Washington, D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency. ISBN 978-0-16-066472-4.
  • Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Russian and European Analysis (2002). Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995, Volume 2. Washington, D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency. ISBN 978-0-16-066472-4.
  • Hoare, Marko Attila (2010). "The War of Yugoslav Succession". In Ramet, Sabrina P. (ed.). Central and Southeast European Politics Since 1989. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. pp. 111–136. ISBN 978-1-139-48750-4.
  • Nazor, Ante (2007). Počeci suvremene hrvatske države: kronologija procesa osamostaljenja Republike Hrvatske: od Memoranduma SANU 1986. do proglašenja neovisnosti 8. listopada 1991 [Beginnings of the Modern Croatian State: A Chronology of the Independence of the Republic of Croatia: from 1986 SANU Memorandum to the Declaration of Independence on 8 October 1991] (in Croatian). Zagreb, Croatia: Croatian Homeland War Memorial Documentation Centre. ISBN 978-953-7439-01-9.
Scientific journal articles
News reports
Other sources

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