(III. žestra bojna)
by H.L. deZeng IV

Formed fall 1942 in the Lika region as one of initially three battalions established to guard the railway line between Zagreb and Karlovac, and in the Lika between Karlovac and Ogulin. Sometimes referred to as the III “Lika” Railway Security Bn., “Lika” being the region where it was deployed 1943-45. (1)

Nov 42: Battalion noted as still in the process of forming, with all equipment and training being provided by the Italians.
Mar 43: HQ in Lešće near Otočac.
1 Apr 43: the Battalion’s companies were deployed in Otočac, Lešće, Ramljani and in Janča near Gospić. This suggests that it had a full complement of four companies.
4 - 8 Apr 43: 250 men from the Battalion were captured in Lešće by elements of the 6th Division NOVJ, but were later released. There is no further mention of the Battalion and it is believed to have been disbanded.

Commanders

Bojnik Ivan Bumberg (c. Oct 1942 - ? Apr 1943)

Footnotes

1. NARA WashDC: RG 242 (T-315 roll 2270/1005-06); occasional references in other German documents and in the [Vojnoistorijski institute] - Zbornik dokumenata i podataka o narodnooslobodilačkom ratu jugoslovenskih naroda series and in [Vojnoistorijski institute] - Hronologija oslobodilačke borbe naroda jugoslavije 1941-1945.

Reference material on this unit

- None known at this time -