The LRE Foundation is proud to welcome V Commandos as its newest member. Founded by Belgian war reporter and historian Philippe Deprez, V Commandos is an ambitious remembrance initiative dedicated to shedding light on a little-known yet crucial episode of World War II: the Allied and Partisan resistance on the Croatian island of Vis.
As German forces seized control of nearly all of Dalmatia in late 1943, one island held firm: Vis. With support from the Allies following the Tehran Conference, the Yugoslav Partisans turned the island into a stronghold and a base of operations for American and British special forces arriving from Southern Italy. Among them were Belgian commandos of the 10th Inter-Allied, 4th Troop, who served on the island during the spring and summer of 1944. Their role, though often overlooked, was vital to the success of raids on German ships and coastal positions.
This remarkable alliance between Allied forces and the Partisans became a turning point in the fight for Dalmatia, one documented in photographs and reported internationally at the time but largely forgotten in public memory.
That is about to change.
Driven by Philippe Deprez’s deep personal and historical connection to Vis, the V Commandos project aims to bring this hidden history back into the light. In partnership with the LRE Foundation, the initiative will create an immersive, QR-coded heritage trail across the island. Visitors will be able to walk or cycle through key sites, unlocking wartime photographs, stories, and locations through their phones, standing where commandos once stood.
A dedicated museum is also planned at the island’s center, featuring original photographs, documents, and relics from the wartime period. The project will host public events and conferences, inviting historians and war reporters to explore this chapter in the broader narrative of European liberation.
“Joining the LRE foundation is a key milestone for V Commandos, paving the way for the creation of a QR-coded heritage trail on the island of Vis.”, says Deprez. “This immersive experience will allow visitors to explore the pivotal events of 1944, when allied commandos, including Belgians, played a vital role in the liberation of Dalmatia.”
Still in its early stages, the V Commandos project exemplifies the LRE Foundation’s mission: to connect people with the legacy of liberation, across borders and generations. We look forward to supporting Philippe and his team in making his project a reality.
