Abstract: This paper examines the history of the Bulgarian youth organization "Branik" and its activities on Yugoslav soil in the Second World War. The first part of the paper details the creation and organizational structure of "Branik." The second part discusses its evolution from the onset of German aggression in the Balkans to 1944, focusing on its operations within the Yugoslav regions annexed by Bulgaria. The third section analyzes the organization’s activities in these territories, and the fourth section deals with the organization’s collaborations with other pro-fascist youth movements. The concluding section addresses the decline and eventual dissolution of "Branik." This study draws upon unpublished archival materials, printed primary sources and pertinent literature.

Keywords: World War II, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, occupation, "Branik", "Hitler Youth", youth organizations

Summary

The Bulgarian government established the youth organization "Branik" on 29 December 1940, modelling it after the German "Hitler Youth." The organisation and development of the "Branik" began in the summer of 1941. By the end of the year, the "Branik" was a mass organisation with 30,000 members, divided administratively into departments and territorially into duchies, companies and troops. In terms of the organisation of youth, membership was divided into school and non-school youth, and in terms of age limit, the members of "Branik" were divided into three groups. The youngest group was called "Orao". In the gender structure, the female companies were separated and given the special name "Venac". On the annexed Yugoslav territory, "Branik" was entrusted with special assimilation tasks, which it fulfilled largely through education, but also by organising various cultural events. In addition, the members of "Branik" participated in the collection of requisition and in persecutions organised against the resistance movements and ideological enemies. Over the years, "Branik" essentially became a mandatory organization, eventually reaching a membership of 300,000. At the same time, it developed cooperation with other pro-fascist youth organisations. The co-operation with the "Ustasha Youth" was particularly close. Although there were several major resistances against "Branik" on the Yugoslav territory, the collapse of the organisation came from within. The organization’s downfall coincided with the collapse of the regime that had established it. After the change of government in Bulgaria in September 1944, "Branik" was officially dissolved and its senior leaders were brought before the People's Court.