Summary/Abstract: With the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, Yugoslav military preparations for war were also carried out in the Timok Divisional district. These preparation included the activation of war units, securing the border and interior of the territory, and economic preparations. The wartime units for the Timok Division were mostly mobilized prior to the German attack on 6 April 1941. In accordance with the “R41” war plan, the Timok Division had to defend a 3640 kilometerlong front on the Bulgarian border from St. Nicholas Pass to the village of Vražogrnac. The Division consisted of the 20th and 75th Infantry, 311th Reserve, 9th Artillery Regiment, and other smaller units. After the German breakthrough at the front near Pirot, the Division was ordered to abandon the border frontline, and redeploy to new positions. As a result of their motorization, German forces were advancing rapidly and managed to cut off the Timok Division’s retreat. The Timok Division now had to fight on two fronts. From 11 to 13 April 1941, heavy fighting took place in the Soko Banja region, and all German attacks were halted. On 1314 April, the Timok Division tried to breach the German lines, but failed to do so and was destroyed in the next few days.
