Fueling the Fires of Resistance: Army Air Forces Special Operations in the Balkans during World War II - The U. S Army Air Forces in World War II - Hitler's Assault, Nazism, Serbia, Yugoslavia

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this Air Force publication examines what might fairly be considered one of the most important early experiences in the history of Air Force special operations.

Of all the Army Air Forces' many operations in the Second World War, none was more demanding or important than those supporting the activity of resistance groups fighting the Axis powers. The special operations supporting the Yugoslavian partisans fighting the forces of Nazism in the Balkans required particular dedication and expertise. Balkan flying conditions demanded the best of flying skills, and the tenacious German defenses in that troubled region complicated this challenge even further. It is ironic that, fifty years after these activities, the Air Force today is heavily involved in Balkan operations, including night air drops of supplies. But this time, the supplies are for humanitarian relief, not war. The airlifters committed to relieving misery in that part of the world follow in the wake of their predecessors who, fifty years ago, flew the night skies with courage and skill to help bring an end to Nazi tyranny.

The Second World War began in the Balkans even before Germany attacked Poland in September 1939 and the conflict spread throughout Europe. In April Italy anticipated the wider war when it assaulted and quickly occupied neighboring Albania. With dreams of a new Roman Empire, or at least an expanded Italy, Benito Mussolini saw this as the first step in a grander scheme that next would encompass Yugoslavia. Adolf Hitler, however, vetoed the idea. Germany already exercised economic dominion over the Balkans, and with his own thoughts of conquest, Hitler did not wish to endanger the flow of oil, bauxite, copper, and other crucial war materials by sanctioning an Italian adventure in the region.
Although frustrated by Hitler's lack of enthusiasm for his expansionist schemes, especially after Germany embarked on its own course of aggression, Mussolini would not be denied. In October 1940, this time without informing Berlin, he ordered nine divisions—some 100,000 men—to move from Albania into northern Greece. Expecting a quick victory, the Italian troops brought ample supplies of silk stockings and condoms.