The LRE Foundation welcomes the Foundation for Vis Island as its first member from Croatia, bringing into the network the remarkable history of an Adriatic island that became a centre of Allied and Partisan resistance during the Second World War.
Located off the Dalmatian coast, the island of Vis played a unique role in the liberation of (then) Yugoslavia. Following Italy’s capitulation in September 1943, German forces occupied much of the Dalmatian coast and its islands, but Vis remained beyond their control. The island became a strategic base for Yugoslav Partisans and Allied forces, as well as a place of refuge for thousands of civilians and airmen.
Today, the Foundation for Vis Island works to preserve this history and ensure that the stories of those who fought, survived and found shelter on the island are passed on to future generations.
Vis Island: a strategic Allied base during WWII
During the Second World War, Vis became an important centre of military cooperation between Yugoslav Partisans, British and American forces. The island hosted Partisan units, British commandos, Royal Navy coastal forces and members of the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS). It also served as the headquarters of Marshal Josip Broz Tito and the Partisan Supreme Headquarters.
From Vis, Allied and Partisan forces launched joint operations against German garrisons along the Dalmatian coast and on neighbouring islands. In autumn 1944, the island became a starting point for military operations that contributed to the liberation of Dalmatia.
Beyond its military importance, Vis also played an extraordinary humanitarian role. Around 40,000 civilian refugees found shelter or were evacuated through the island, while more than 4,000 Allied airmen were rescued.
These events made Vis not only a strategic stronghold, but also a place where international cooperation and the efforts of the local population helped save thousands of lives.
Connecting Croatia’s WWII heritage to a European network
With the Foundation for Vis Island joining as its first Croatian member, the LRE Foundation expands its network to include another important chapter of Europe’s liberation history. The next step will be to create walking trails highlighting this important past and encouraging visitors to the island to explore! The island’s wartime experience reflects the international cooperation at the heart of the LREF network, bringing together the histories of resistance movements, Allied forces and civilian populations.
As Velimir Mratinić, Local Coordinator at Vis Island Foundation, explains:
“Resistance on Vis island began in 1941 and reached its height in 1944, when Yugoslav partisans and British and American forces lived, trained and fought side by side on the island. From here they struck at German garrisons, saved thousands of Allied airmen and opened the way to the liberation of the whole of Dalmatia. As the first LRE member from Croatia, at Foundation for Vis island we want this story of a shared fight, suffering and victory to take its place in Europe’s memory.”
