Siege of Turjak
Partisans besieged and captured Turjak Castle in September 1943.
The siege of Turjak, also known as the Battle of Turjak, was fought between Slovene Partisans and combined forces of former Anti-Communist Volunteer Militia (MVAC) units and Slovene Chetniks from 14 to 19 September 1943. The engagement followed the Partisan victory at the Battle of Grčarice and ended with a Partisan victory, aided by heavy weapons acquired from Italian forces.
Quick Facts
- Part of
- World War II in Yugoslavia
- Date
- 14–19 September 1943 (6 days)
- Location
- Turjak Castle, Province of Ljubljana (now Slovenia)
- Result
- Partisan victory
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The Partisans captured a reported 1,200 prisoners of war from Grčarice, Zapotok, and Turjak.
- Partisan data listed 115 sentenced to death, with some killed while fleeing.
- Tomasevich estimated up to 1,000 killed.
Prelude
The armistice between Italy and the Allies on 3 September 1943 destabilised the Balkans, as Axis forces overran former Italian positions. They hoped for an Allied landing on the Istria coast, but no reinforcements arrived. The Partisans meanwhile acquired a large arsenal from surrendering Italian troops, including ammunition, tanks, and howitzers.
Battle
Anti-partisan forces set up defensive positions at Grčarice, Zapotok, and Turjak castle, but poor communication caused them to fight as isolated units. Those at Turjak believed its medieval walls would withstand attack. After being overrun at Grčarice on 10 September, the Partisans encircled Turjak castle on 14 September. The defenders refused an ultimatum to surrender, and Partisan heavy weapons destroyed the castle's fortifications over six days, leading to the anti-partisan units being overrun.
More in Attacks on Castles in Europe
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