1,400–1,500 men 2,100–3,000 men | ||
 | ||
Result Independent State of Croatia victory, Partisan failure to capture the town Location Kupres, Bosnia and Herzegovina Similar Battle of Loznica, Operation Trio, Battle of Knin, Battle of Lijevče Field, Battle of Batina | ||
The Battle of Kupres (Croatian: Bitka za Kupres) was a battle fought in 1942 during World War 2 in Independent State of Croatia between the forces of the Independent State of Croatia and the Yugoslav Partisans, in and around the town of Kupres in western Bosnia. The Partisans launched three concentrated attacks against the garrison of 1,500 men during the nights of 11/12 August, 14 August and 19 August. Although outnumbered, the Black Legion, Croatian Home Guard and local militia units successfully defended the town against several Partisan brigades.
Contents
Background
In July 1942, the 2nd Proletarian Brigade moved on Kupres and, with the assistance of local Partisans, seized control over several villages in the vicinity. During the night of 4 August 1942 the Partisans attacked the town of Livno and captured it in the following days. The plan of the National Liberation Army Supreme Command, following the seizure of Livno, was to move the Proletarian Strike Brigades to Kupres, whose capture was vital for further actions in the valley of River Vrbas.
The battle
Yugoslav Partisans 11/12 August 1942, 13 battalions with around 2,100 men
14 August 1942, 16 battalions with around 2,400 - 3,000 men
Independent State of Croatia 11/12 August 1942, in total around 1,400 men
14 August 1942, around 1,500 armed men