Memorial Bridge on the Neretva: Battle for the Wounded

Nestled along the banks of the Neretva River, in Jablanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the iconic memorial bridge holds the story behind a famous World War II battle.

Neretva,Jablanica, Photo: Adria.fun

The Battle on the Neretva (named as the popular movie from 1969)  was a battle fought between the heroic Yugoslav partisans and the formidable opponent Axis forces during the 4th Enemy Offensive in February–March 1943, which forever shaped the course of history.

The story behind the bridge is that partisans found themselves surrounded by Germans forces. To escape, they came across the railway bridge and decided to stage a perfect deception in which they blew up the bridge. In only 19 hours they built a wooden bridge through which they carried the wounded across the Neretva river.

Battle for the Wounded left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural landscape. The Bridge on the Neretva serves as a poignant reminder of the valor and sacrifice exhibited during those times. It stands tall as a pivotal part of the larger Memorial of the Battle on the Neretva, paying tribute to the brave souls who fought gallantly for their ideals.

The bridge on Neretva, Photo: Adria.fun

The town of Jablanica and its neighboring municipalities have many smaller memorial sites and monuments, each preserving a piece of the past. Right next to the bridge lies the Museum of the Battle for the Wounded, an institution Josip Broz Tito established and requested. In the museum, you can find out more about this story and the lives of the brave soldiers.

Museum of the Battle for the Wounded, Photo: Adria.fun

The wooden bridge was recently reconstructed and is open for to the public..

 

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A POST SHARED BY DŽINO DŽENAD (@DZENAD_DZINO)