Why Are There Misconceptions About the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar?
While not a widely held misconception, there is a certain misunderstanding surrounding the largely Bosniak 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar, one of the most unique and complex units of the Nazi SS in World War II. This article aims to clarify some of the misconceptions and provide a comprehensive overview of this division’s history and performance.
Why Did the Bosniaks Join the 13th Waffen Mountain Division?
In 1943, when men of the division were being recruited, Bosniak Muslims in the Sandzak region of Serbia and Montenegro faced a series of challenging options. The local forces, such as the ill-equipped Muslim self-defense militias, were not reliable. Additionally, the Croat Usta?a, as well as the multi-ethnic Partisans and the Chetniks, were not viable alternatives during that period. The Bosniaks joined the division primarily to protect their families from potential threats and to support the Muslim autonomy movement under the protection of the Germans. This was in stark contrast to the motivations of the men joining other SS divisions, who volunteered for a 'Crusade against Bolshevism'.
Internal Challenges Faced by the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar
Among all SS divisions, the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar faced a unique array of internal and external foes.
The Usta?a, the fascist Croatian regime, opposed the division because of its attempt to court the Muslim autonomists of Bosnia, which undermined their vision of Greater Croatia. On the other hand, Pro-Croat German officials, such as Siegfried Kasche, were also against the division. The Partisans, of course, were hostile to the division due to their anti-fascist stance.
Furthermore, the division had to contend with the Muslim self-defense militias, such as the Green Cadres, who led by Nead Topi, actively tried to induce the men of the division to desert, aiming to focus their efforts on combat against the Chetniks, the Serbian royalist resistance movement. While the Chetniks occasionally clashed with the division, they remained their most arduous opponents. However, a low-level cooperation did develop between the two sides.
Combat Performance of the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar
Despite the many challenges, the division proved to be a force capable of powerful counterinsurgency operations. Between mid-February and August 1944, the division played a significant role in Operation Maibaum, which is considered one of the largest counterinsurgency operations in World War II. George Lepre provides a detailed summary of the division’s performance in various operations, highlighting its effectiveness in combat.
High Desertion Rates After August 1944: A Complex Issue
After August 1944, many soldiers of the division aimed to desert, despite their initial intentions to fight only in Bosnia. This was partly due to the misunderstanding about their roles, with many believing they were restricted to fighting in Bosnia but later being deployed to fight against the Soviets and Bulgarians, as well as in Croatia. Even some Germans sympathized with the Bosniaks over the high desertion rates.
Conclusion
The 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar, while often misunderstood, served as a crucial component in the complex strategic landscape of World War II. Its formation, challenges, and combat performance highlight the intricate nature of the conflicts and the motivations of the soldiers involved.