Monograph "The Royal Yugoslav Tank Units"

The monograph The Royal Yugoslav Tank Units, authored by Colonel Dr. Dalibor Denda from the Institute for Strategic Research, was published on the ninetieth anniversary of the introduction of tanks into the armament of the Army of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, whose traditions are inherited by the Serbian Army. This study presents a scientifically-based historical reconstruction of the process of development of tank units, from the appearance of the first idea of introducing tanks into the armament of the Yugoslav Army to their combat use in the April War of 1941. In addition, topics related to the emergence and development of tank units by large European armies and Yugoslav neighbors, as well as attempts to procure tanks by Yugoslavs and form the first tank unit in 1930, the development of doctrine, expansion of tank formations, and the training of personnel are also examined in insightful detail. The author points out that the Yugoslav Kingdom was one of the last European countries to introduce tanks into its military force structure, citing the country's weak financial situation for procurement abroad and the lack of a domestic industry capable of independent production. The research was based on the records from the Military Archives and the Archives of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, the use of military press, memoirs, decrees and rules, and selected domestic and foreign literature. The appendix contains about sixty biographical sketches of noteworthy tank officers, as well as a description of the technical and tactical characteristics of tanks in service in the Army of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The monograph is illustrated with original photographs from Serbian and foreign museums and private collections, many of which are shown to the public for the first time. This well-researched and superbly-crafted academic study is destined to be the definitive work on this important military history topic.