brochure “Partizanski spomenik u Mostaru” (1980)
book “Spomenica Mostara 1941-1945.”
another document or proof of the memorial stone (e.g., a photograph).
Risto J. MATRAK
RISTO MATRAK, son of JOVO, born on January 3, 1920, in Gnojnica near Mostar. Seasonal worker. Joined the NOV and POJ in March 1944, in the 4th Battalion of the 14th Herzegovina Brigade. Political delegate of the battalion. Fighter, killed near the village of Ilivica (Trnovo) on December 25, 1944.
Description of the battle in which Risto was killed:
“The breakout of the 14th Brigade in Trnovo and the appearance of its units in the Sarajevo field, in close proximity to the Corps Command (Kasindo Sanatorium), disturbed the Command of the German Army Group E, which was still located in Sarajevo (at the Hotel Europe). They immediately intervened in this direction, even transferring the 1st Battalion of the 734th Regiment of the 104th Infantry Division from Podromanija by trucks. Reinforced with 4 tanks, artillery, the Chetnik 2nd Sarajevo and Bileća Brigades, as well as parts of the 3rd Battalion of the 8th Garrison Health Regiment, this battalion formed the Combat Group and, from December 24 to 26, 1944, captured Trnovo. After breaking out towards Rogoj, the 1/734th was withdrawn in order to meet its division in Zenica, engaged in the “Avalanche” operation — opening the road through Travnik to Banja Luka. In the three-day battle for the defense of Trnovo, the Brigade had 7 killed, 6 wounded, and 8 missing fighters on December 24 and 25. The enemy paid for their success with 30 dead and 20 wounded (…).”
grupa autora (1988): Četrnaesta Hercegovačka omladinska NOU brigada, Beograd; Komnenović, Danilo; Kreso, Muharem (1979): 29. hercegovačka divizija, IZ, Beograd; grupa autora: Spomenica Mostara 1941-1945.
Photo of the memorial plaque: S. Demirović.
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