Introduction
Originally organized into 7 wings, and subdivided into squadrons, the Croatian Airforce (Hrvatsko Zrakoplovstvo) did not undergo any organizational changes during the war; with the exception of Croatian Airforce Legion units being returned to Croatia in 1942 and 1943 respectively, and integrated into the existing Airforce. The Airforce operated from 4 airbases (Zagreb, Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar), using German, Italian, old ex-Yugoslav and obsolete French planes. For the most part, the Croatian planes flew in a support role to the Luftwaffe in anti-Partisan operations. Late in the war, some Croatian planes fought Allied bombers and their escorts in the skies over Croatian cities.
The Airforce also had command over the Anti-Aircraft Artillery, which it had divided into 2 regions - I (Zagreb), and II (Sarajevo).
The 1st Croatian Parachute Battalion was also under Airforce command. Based at Koprivnica, later at Zagreb, the paratroopers were used in anti-partisan duties.
The commanders of the Croatian Airforce were Major-General Vladimir Kren (April 1941 - 14 September, 1943), Colonel Adalbert Rogulja (14 September, 1943 - June 4, 1944), and again General Kren (June 4, 1944 - May, 1945).
Aircraft used
The Croatian Air Force Legion was originally formed from ex-Yugoslav aircraft, soon supplemented by new-build Axis models. These included the: Bristol Blenheim, D.H. 60/80/82, Ikarus IK-2, Zmaj Fizir (all ex-Yugoslav), Messerchmitt Bf 108/9, Fieseler Fi 156/167 and many others. The Legion was divided into the 4th Fighter Wing with two fighter squadrons (10o , 11o) and the 5th Bomber Wing with one bomber squadron (12o).
Insignia and markings
Airforce Flag
Aircraft marking 1941-1944
Aircraft marking 1944-1945
Sources
http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/croatia/cro-af1-home.htm
http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/croatia/croatiamain.shtml
http://www.feldgrau.com/a-croatia.html
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/hr-1941.html#fin
Feel free to add to this thread by posting futher information about aircraft and operations etc.
