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Minor nations in the occupation of Germany and Austria

Discussion in 'Post War 1945-1955' started by KnightMove, Jun 19, 2025.

  1. KnightMove

    KnightMove Ace

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    As is well-known, Germany and Austria were occupied and divided after the war between the Soviet Union, die USA, the UK and France. Less known, also other nations contributed to this occupation.

    These instances I know from Austria:
    * Belgian soldiers joined the occupation of the French zones. Due to Eupen-Malmedy being annexed by Belgium after WW1 and being integrated into Wallonia, Belgium had a significant number of bilingual soldiers who were hired by the French as interpreters. I only know this because a friend of mine is the son of such an officer.
    * Styria was part of the British zone but was first intruded by Soviet troops. For some time, some territory in the south-east was occupied by Bulgarians. I only know this because a local photographer took portraits of Bulgarian soldiers which I saw in an exhibition in Graz somewhen in the 2010s.
    * In an episode somewhat better known in Austria, Yugoslav forces in their own authority occupied parts of Carinthia and tried to annex them, also manipulating maps and evidence. But they were finally driven out by the British.

    Is there an overview which other nations took part in the occupation, the zones and the timeframes?
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2025
    ColHessler likes this.

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