Croatian naval personnel on the Black and Azov Seas during World War II. Report from the Independent State of Croatia, 1

[Tavria]

This wartime document originates from the naval command structure of the Independent State of Croatia (Nezavisna Država Hrvatska, NDH) and is dated May 18, 1942, Zagreb.

The report concerns mine-laying operations carried out by Croatian naval personnel in the Black Sea and Azov Sea region during World War II, including references to Genichesk and the northern coast of the Sea of Azov.

The document is particularly interesting because it illustrates the little-known presence of Croatian naval units operating alongside Axis forces far from the Adriatic Sea, within occupied territories connected to the eastern front.

One section of the report mentions mine operations near Genichesk:

### English translation excerpt

> “The department in Genichesk recently carried out mine-laying operations in front of Genichesk harbor.”

Another section describes operational difficulties and sea conditions during the mission:

> “Because the sea was rough, the minefield could not be laid with the planned precision.”

The report also lists officers, engineers and sailors involved in the operation, including references to:

* Lieutenant Commander Ružić Marko
* Kovačić Bernard
* Gudelj Mario
* Vranjičan Ante
* Bartz
* and several naval technicians and enlisted personnel

### Ukrainian translation excerpt

> «Відділ у Генічеську останнім часом здійснив постановку мін перед Генічеським портом.»

та

> «Через сильне хвилювання моря мінне поле не вдалося встановити з запланованою точністю.»

The document provides an unusual historical glimpse into Axis naval cooperation in the Black Sea region during the war and demonstrates how strategically important the Azov coastline and ports such as Genichesk were considered at the time.

It is also a valuable archival source for researchers studying:

* Axis naval operations in the Soviet south;
* Croatian military participation on the Eastern Front;
* wartime activity in the Sea of Azov region;
* and the military history of occupied southern Ukraine during World War II.

Archival stamp visible:
Institute za historiju radničkog pokreta Hrvatske, Zagreb.