The Yugoslav Army, commonly the Royal Yugoslav Army, was the land warfare military service branch of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It existed from the Kingdom's formation in December 1918, until its surrender to the Axis powers on 17 April 1941. Aside from fighting along the Austrian border in 1919 and 1920 related to territorial disputes, and some border skirmishes on its southern borders in the 1920s, the JV was not involved in fighting until April 1941 when it was quickly overcome by the German-led invasion of Yugoslavia.
Yugoslav soldiers in 1925
Royal Yugoslav Army officers' uniform
The invasion of Yugoslavia, also known as the April War or Operation 25, was a German-led attack on the Kingdom of Yugoslavia by the Axis powers which began on 6 April 1941 during World War II. The order for the invasion was put forward in "Führer Directive No. 25", which Adolf Hitler issued on 27 March 1941, following a Yugoslav coup d'état that overthrew the pro-Axis government.
The goods station at Mönichkirchen was Hitler's headquarters, Frühlingssturm, during the invasion.
Hungarian chief-of-staff Werth was a leading proponent and key planner of Hungary's involvement in the invasion.
Italian soldiers entering Yugoslavia
Captured Yugoslavian officers before their deportation to Germany
