Vukovar on the brink of collapse: Bloody hand-to-hand combat, but the heroes did not falter

Vukovar was experiencing one of the hardest days of its heroic defense on October 10, 1991. Thousands of projectiles bombarded the city, enemy forces breached a section of the defensive positions, and bloody hand-to-hand combat was fought in the streets. Although exhausted, without electricity, water, and telephone connections, Croatian defenders managed to stop the attackers and once again defend the city that became a symbol of Croatian resistance.

Thousands of projectiles and enemy penetration into the city

On that October 10, 1991, Vukovar had already been without electricity, water, and telephone connections for 48 days. Residents lived in almost unimaginable conditions, while the attacks by the Yugoslav army grew increasingly fierce.

New destruction began as early as five o'clock in the morning. Thousands of projectiles were fired from Borovo Selo, Petrova Gora, Trpinja, and Negoslavci.

Under the violent attacks, the defensive line toward Negoslavci gave way. The Yugoslav army and Chetnik units managed to penetrate into certain parts of the city.

Dramatic hand-to-hand combat ensued. After stopping the enemy at one position, Vukovar's defenders would run to the other end of the city to prevent a new breakthrough.

Bloody battles for Sajmište and Trpinjska Cesta

The first major attack lasted until 3 p.m. Croatian defenders managed to push back the enemy forces, who, according to records from that time, suffered around 150 casualties. One tank was also destroyed.

But there was almost no respite.

Just two hours later, at 5 p.m., a new fierce attack began. Around 500 enemy soldiers, backed by heavy artillery support, attempted once again to capture key positions at Sajmište and Trpinjska Cesta.

The defenders managed to halt the aggressor's advance this time as well. According to reports from the time, the enemy lost another 50 soldiers, and Croatian forces even managed to push forward the front line of defense.

The city survived another day, but the worst was yet to come

Despite the involvement of special forces trained in Serbia, the aggressor failed to achieve its goal.

Vukovar defended itself once again. However, behind that victory lay destroyed homes, exhausted defenders, and thousands of civilians who feared for their lives daily in the besieged city.

One of the reporters at the time wrote a warning that would prove painfully prophetic – it is hard to even imagine what could happen if the enemy manages to penetrate into the city!

Just 39 days later, on November 18, 1991, Vukovar fell into the hands of the aggressor.

Yet, its heroic defense, the courage of its defenders, and the sacrifice of its residents remained forever inscribed in Croatian history.

Vukovar endured once more on that October day. The city was being destroyed, but its resistance was not broken.