1 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:41,240 "LESS TERRIBLE IS THE NIGHT IN THE LAP OF THE BLACK EARTH - 2 00:00:41,320 --> 00:00:44,160 LIKE THE DAYS OF SLAVERY UNDER THE BRIGHT SUN." 3 00:00:44,240 --> 00:00:47,560 FRANCE PREŠEREN KRST PRI SAVICI 1836 4 00:02:56,440 --> 00:02:59,920 FOUNDED BY FRANCA SEVERJA FRANTEN I WENT TO PAST NA MENINI PLANINI 5 00:03:23,920 --> 00:03:26,800 MENINA PLATEAU MARCH 1945 6 00:03:28,360 --> 00:03:30,920 March 11, 1945. 7 00:03:31,640 --> 00:03:35,400 More than 400 partisans our unit had been ordered to - 8 00:03:35,480 --> 00:03:40,400 retreat from Styria to Dolenjska To avoid the German forces. 9 00:03:40,480 --> 00:03:45,880 Because of the flooded Sava River we stopped at the Menina plateau. 10 00:03:47,040 --> 00:03:52,560 I am 22 years old and in the troops as a commander against their lives. 11 00:03:52,640 --> 00:03:56,160 I can trust them even in the most difficult times. 12 00:03:56,240 --> 00:04:00,920 Bera is our tireless messenger. Valči our code man. 13 00:04:02,440 --> 00:04:04,600 Jože is our second messenger. 14 00:04:06,480 --> 00:04:11,840 Rudolf is a radio guy. Sonny is the youngest of us. 15 00:04:12,680 --> 00:04:16,680 We are safe on the plain from the Germans, at least for now. 16 00:04:18,720 --> 00:04:21,640 LJUBLJANA, SS-GENERAL RÖSENER 17 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:28,080 Comrades. We are preparing a big one the movement of our troops. 18 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:33,880 400,000 soldiers are ready - 19 00:04:34,600 --> 00:04:39,680 retreat to the Balkans from the region back to Germany. 20 00:04:42,240 --> 00:04:45,240 I have received an order from General Löhr - 21 00:04:46,480 --> 00:04:50,440 To destroy the Styrian partisans. 22 00:04:52,680 --> 00:04:55,320 For that we get confirmation - 23 00:04:56,760 --> 00:05:01,880 of the Galician SS Division from Hungary. 24 00:05:03,400 --> 00:05:08,840 It has 12,000 soldiers. 25 00:05:38,120 --> 00:05:40,240 TUHINJ VALLEY 26 00:06:17,520 --> 00:06:19,240 Get off the ride. 27 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:24,840 Quickly! Two men over there. 28 00:06:24,920 --> 00:06:27,760 Go! Quickly! 29 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:33,320 Faster, dogs! I said faster! 30 00:06:36,360 --> 00:06:39,680 Movement! You there! 31 00:06:40,880 --> 00:06:42,760 Take the sacks! 32 00:06:42,840 --> 00:06:47,320 Go! Faster! One sack there! And another one over there! 33 00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:50,440 More! Faster, faster! 34 00:06:52,160 --> 00:06:53,720 Take your positions! 35 00:07:23,920 --> 00:07:26,760 Did you get it? Wait. - I got it. 36 00:07:28,520 --> 00:07:33,640 We didn't succeed, but the order was clear. 37 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:36,160 The plateau had to be retreated immediately. 38 00:07:36,240 --> 00:07:40,520 It was only a matter of time until the Germans would find us. 39 00:07:42,080 --> 00:07:46,760 We're trying to get down during the night so that we are not detected. 40 00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:54,800 Dear Sirs... 41 00:07:56,120 --> 00:08:00,360 There are 500 partisans fled to the plains of Menina. 42 00:08:03,160 --> 00:08:06,040 They would hide in the forests and holed up like cowards. 43 00:08:14,040 --> 00:08:18,040 Our division must form a circle - 44 00:08:18,120 --> 00:08:24,280 villages, towns, through fields and forests. 45 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:31,160 Not even a single fly can get through it. 46 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:35,440 Is it understood? -Yes, sir! 47 00:08:37,920 --> 00:08:39,560 Good. 48 00:08:44,560 --> 00:08:48,200 The night is our faithful ally. 49 00:08:49,360 --> 00:08:53,360 Even if the dark prevents enemy from seeing us, 50 00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:57,360 it also hinders our own progress. 51 00:08:58,280 --> 00:08:59,920 Let's go. 52 00:09:31,240 --> 00:09:37,360 We've been rambling for hours. It's like we're going in circles. 53 00:09:38,840 --> 00:09:42,880 Even as we descend, it is felt as if we were going up a slope. 54 00:10:08,880 --> 00:10:13,320 Down! -Watch out, we've been seen! 55 00:10:13,400 --> 00:10:16,640 Back! Back off! 56 00:10:47,440 --> 00:10:52,360 Back off! Rudi, run! 57 00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:03,040 Back! Back off! 58 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:38,760 Snow. 59 00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:42,760 Snow and cold. 60 00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:46,360 Snow is everywhere. 61 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:52,560 We are stuck at 1,500 meters. 62 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:58,280 We don't have food, we have ammunition in short supply and the winter is really harsh. 63 00:13:01,080 --> 00:13:04,920 I am responsible for all of them. 64 00:13:07,160 --> 00:13:09,120 Of each of them. 65 00:13:11,480 --> 00:13:16,720 Snow protects us. It keeps us hidden. 66 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:24,480 It is to our advantage if we can hide with the help of snow. 67 00:13:27,720 --> 00:13:32,360 We're not going to die here. Not here. 68 00:17:29,560 --> 00:17:34,520 If the Germans don't kill us, cold and hunger do kill. 69 00:17:36,120 --> 00:17:40,160 Battalion and brigade commanders need to meet urgently. 70 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:43,520 We need camaraderie. We must fight together. 71 00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:49,240 Comrades, we can't to break the siege of Menina. 72 00:17:50,440 --> 00:17:54,440 If we want to survive, we have to change tactics. 73 00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:58,080 The men are exhausted and hungry. 74 00:17:58,160 --> 00:18:01,920 Unsuccessful attempts can be fatal. 75 00:18:02,760 --> 00:18:07,160 Instead of trying get through, we back off. 76 00:18:08,480 --> 00:18:12,440 We move on to Vipotnik and Medvedjak, 77 00:18:13,120 --> 00:18:16,560 we camp and set up defensive positions. 78 00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:20,640 We are stronger at the top. 79 00:18:21,920 --> 00:18:26,680 Until now, they have been chasing us. Now it's time to switch roles. 80 00:18:26,760 --> 00:18:31,280 We are too weak and outnumbered such a dangerous journey. 81 00:18:33,040 --> 00:18:37,600 I suggest we disperse and we try our luck. 82 00:18:42,880 --> 00:18:47,920 It has worked before, but now the situation is different. 83 00:18:48,040 --> 00:18:51,720 We just have to stick together because we are weak. 84 00:18:53,280 --> 00:18:57,520 The plateau area is large. The enemy must find us first. 85 00:18:57,600 --> 00:19:00,760 I don't think the attack will happen before tomorrow. 86 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:06,600 We have to find out what the germans do. 87 00:19:06,680 --> 00:19:11,200 When they find us, we have to last until evening. 88 00:19:11,280 --> 00:19:16,280 At night we attack and we clear the road to the valley. 89 00:19:17,040 --> 00:19:23,040 The Germans are tired and confused. That's our only option. 90 00:19:23,120 --> 00:19:27,200 How about in the valley trenches existing troops? 91 00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:33,240 They have to use everything their power to destroy us. 92 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:38,680 It means the valley is empty. - Let's hope so. 93 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:46,760 The most important thing is to get food. 94 00:19:46,840 --> 00:19:51,120 Only with the help of food do we get strengthened men and their will to fight. 95 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:55,440 I think the plan is really dangerous. 96 00:19:57,480 --> 00:20:02,920 Franta is right. Staying together is our best chance of getting through. 97 00:20:04,880 --> 00:20:09,360 Comrades, go to your men and talk to them. 98 00:20:09,440 --> 00:20:14,400 Tell us our plan. Tell them, that they get food and rest. 99 00:20:14,480 --> 00:20:18,840 It is very important that we get their will to fight raised. 100 00:20:18,920 --> 00:20:21,120 That we can confirm their trust. 101 00:20:22,360 --> 00:20:25,160 Confidence that we can win. 102 00:20:26,800 --> 00:20:30,240 Death to fascism. - Freedom for the people. 103 00:20:36,080 --> 00:20:40,240 Comrade Commander, my battalion is going to Moravško. 104 00:20:40,320 --> 00:20:44,560 I suggest we go through alone. 105 00:20:44,640 --> 00:20:50,120 No way. If we want to survive, we must fight together. 106 00:20:50,200 --> 00:20:52,400 I have my orders. 107 00:20:54,400 --> 00:20:58,920 Comrade commander, the situation demands, that we work together. 108 00:20:59,040 --> 00:21:00,920 We need you. 109 00:21:04,760 --> 00:21:06,560 Yes, comrade. 110 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:16,920 We unexpectedly received confirmation, when the security battalion - 111 00:21:17,040 --> 00:21:19,160 happened to be passing nearby. 112 00:21:19,240 --> 00:21:23,280 They are experienced fighters and are a great addition to our two brigades. 113 00:21:23,360 --> 00:21:26,440 With their help, we will definitely succeed. 114 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:34,120 There was no time to waste. The attack could start at any time. 115 00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:38,680 I sent scouts to take find out their position. 116 00:22:05,800 --> 00:22:08,600 It doesn't seem like that they were leaving. 117 00:22:10,840 --> 00:22:16,360 Will they attack Tuhinji? - They are pushing us towards a siege. 118 00:22:24,040 --> 00:22:26,360 Damn businessmen. 119 00:22:36,200 --> 00:22:38,600 The Germans are approaching, 120 00:22:38,680 --> 00:22:42,920 but luck is turning finally on our side. 121 00:22:43,680 --> 00:22:48,640 We got a cow from a nearby farm, which feeds at least a few of us. 122 00:22:48,720 --> 00:22:52,640 The old mistress gave us his last cow. 123 00:22:52,720 --> 00:22:54,840 Now let's eat. 124 00:22:57,520 --> 00:23:04,440 Real camaraderie and community is bigger than commanders and units. 125 00:23:05,160 --> 00:23:10,600 Greatest battles don't go with guns and bullets - 126 00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:14,320 but with a big and generous heart. 127 00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:30,160 Comrade Franta. - Comrade commander. 128 00:23:30,920 --> 00:23:34,720 Our battalion has some canned goods. 129 00:23:35,680 --> 00:23:38,560 We give our share to the meal. 130 00:24:13,760 --> 00:24:17,160 Valči, you have more meat. 131 00:24:20,040 --> 00:24:23,840 Are you jealous? do you want 132 00:24:25,800 --> 00:24:27,440 Please. 133 00:24:28,680 --> 00:24:33,160 Are you jealous? - The world is unfair. 134 00:24:33,240 --> 00:24:35,600 This is for the two of you. 135 00:25:07,160 --> 00:25:10,440 Dr. Lazo. - Comrade commander. 136 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:14,680 What does the situation look like? - We collected all the medicines, but... 137 00:25:14,760 --> 00:25:19,200 Save the morphine. Use it only in the worst cases. 138 00:25:21,720 --> 00:25:23,840 We don't know what's coming. 139 00:25:25,320 --> 00:25:27,480 All right, Comrade Commander. 140 00:25:42,200 --> 00:25:44,040 Comrades. 141 00:25:49,880 --> 00:25:51,640 Thanks. 142 00:26:59,920 --> 00:27:02,920 We have gained new strength. 143 00:27:03,080 --> 00:27:10,080 For a few short moments it felt like as if there was no enemy. 144 00:27:20,600 --> 00:27:22,720 Tomorrow, you too! 145 00:27:24,840 --> 00:27:27,560 Come here! Come here! 146 00:27:28,840 --> 00:27:33,600 Wait! Come here! I'll show you! 147 00:27:35,920 --> 00:27:39,040 Come and get a snow wash! 148 00:27:45,640 --> 00:27:50,280 It's nice to see how the soldiers forget the war for a moment. 149 00:27:53,040 --> 00:27:55,400 Come here! - But I can't forget. 150 00:27:55,480 --> 00:27:59,680 I keep thinking about it, how do i get them home alive 151 00:28:02,320 --> 00:28:09,080 Sonny, how did you end up being a partisan? 152 00:28:10,120 --> 00:28:14,920 My parents didn't give permission, so i ran away. 153 00:28:15,040 --> 00:28:19,520 My uncle often told me that he knew where the partisans were. 154 00:28:19,600 --> 00:28:26,360 I went to see him in Kamnik, but the Gestapo caught me. 155 00:28:27,560 --> 00:28:32,360 I lied about being on vacation. They said, 156 00:28:32,440 --> 00:28:36,720 that they would pay me 50 marks, if I go to Svetega Primoža - 157 00:28:36,800 --> 00:28:39,840 and I will tell you if there are partisans. 158 00:28:39,920 --> 00:28:43,520 I took the money and joined the partisans. 159 00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:46,640 Great. 160 00:28:46,720 --> 00:28:53,600 Although the partisans said I am too young, I refused to go. 161 00:29:23,080 --> 00:29:28,240 Get out of the car, quick! Faster! Go! 162 00:29:28,320 --> 00:29:32,480 Quickly! More sacks. 163 00:29:32,560 --> 00:29:36,920 Quickly! Go quickly! 164 00:29:37,080 --> 00:29:42,320 Go to the stations. Quickly! 165 00:30:24,200 --> 00:30:27,360 Please. It should a couple of sips is enough. 166 00:30:37,160 --> 00:30:42,440 I know the plain very well, but still i'm worried. 167 00:30:43,800 --> 00:30:48,840 Kharkov, this is the best option. We can't hide. 168 00:30:48,920 --> 00:30:51,760 There are too many Germans. We are too tired. 169 00:30:51,840 --> 00:30:54,920 We have to lure them here and a reversible game. 170 00:30:57,200 --> 00:31:00,080 You'll see. Tomorrow we will win. 171 00:31:02,840 --> 00:31:06,120 I can hardly wait that this miserable war will end. 172 00:31:06,200 --> 00:31:09,040 So you can go back to keeping cows. 173 00:32:00,880 --> 00:32:05,040 Our camp has 50 snowmobiles, 174 00:32:05,120 --> 00:32:09,920 which are close to each other in the area of 900 meters. 175 00:32:10,080 --> 00:32:14,120 We are well fortified against the German attack. 176 00:32:14,200 --> 00:32:18,360 Our defense is fine. We are ready. 177 00:32:19,080 --> 00:32:23,040 This is my wife. -She is beautiful. 178 00:32:23,120 --> 00:32:25,480 Yes. Here are my kids. 179 00:32:25,560 --> 00:32:30,040 How old are they? -One and five. 180 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:34,320 Do you miss them? -Yes. 181 00:32:50,120 --> 00:32:53,760 Death to fascism. - Freedom for the people. 182 00:32:58,200 --> 00:32:59,760 Let's go. 183 00:33:08,040 --> 00:33:11,920 Look, Kharkov... I want to give you this. 184 00:33:12,920 --> 00:33:18,360 It saved my life in Kozjansko. The bullet hit it straight. 185 00:33:19,400 --> 00:33:21,920 Really? -Please. 186 00:33:23,800 --> 00:33:27,880 Hope it protects you as well. 187 00:33:30,600 --> 00:33:33,280 This is from my first German. 188 00:33:35,720 --> 00:33:37,840 Are you sure? 189 00:33:37,920 --> 00:33:41,360 We both have now nice memory of Menina. 190 00:33:43,280 --> 00:33:45,040 Kharkiv... 191 00:33:47,920 --> 00:33:49,360 Thank you. 192 00:33:54,440 --> 00:33:56,720 Everything is still going well. 193 00:34:05,760 --> 00:34:10,560 When I think about tomorrow, i hear machine guns and guns. 194 00:34:14,320 --> 00:34:17,360 If we fail, I will never forgive myself for that. 195 00:34:19,040 --> 00:34:23,160 The only thing that silences the sounds of gunshots in my mind, 196 00:34:23,240 --> 00:34:26,360 is the idea of ​​a free Menina plain. 197 00:34:28,680 --> 00:34:32,840 Someday in the near future. 198 00:34:35,160 --> 00:34:37,360 That day could even be tomorrow. 199 00:36:42,920 --> 00:36:45,640 March 15th. Battle day. 200 00:36:50,480 --> 00:36:53,680 Germany will no doubt attack. 201 00:36:53,760 --> 00:36:59,440 We have to find out the direction and force of the attack. 202 00:37:00,760 --> 00:37:04,360 Only then, we can act in time. 203 00:37:08,520 --> 00:37:10,920 It's going to be hard. 204 00:37:15,200 --> 00:37:20,160 There is hope for success stronger than our worries - 205 00:37:20,240 --> 00:37:25,040 and the need to escape is stronger than our insecurities. 206 00:37:26,520 --> 00:37:31,480 Unyielding will and mutual trust is on our side. 207 00:38:07,720 --> 00:38:09,360 Precautionary. 208 00:39:21,440 --> 00:39:23,480 Hand grenades! 209 00:39:25,320 --> 00:39:27,640 Hand grenades ready! 210 00:40:57,800 --> 00:41:00,520 Do you see him? - I don't know. 211 00:41:00,600 --> 00:41:03,560 They would hide in the snow, like rats! 212 00:41:03,640 --> 00:41:06,160 Let's go. 213 00:42:32,920 --> 00:42:37,920 The haze that helped us to remain hidden, has dissipated. 214 00:42:38,080 --> 00:42:45,040 The attack reached and the enemy also fired with cannons. 215 00:42:46,200 --> 00:42:51,120 Hand grenades flew in the air and explosions colored the sky. 216 00:42:52,160 --> 00:42:55,080 We saved our ammunition. 217 00:43:43,360 --> 00:43:47,200 Everything is fine. Lean into it. Keep him awake. 218 00:43:47,800 --> 00:43:49,880 Don't fall asleep. 219 00:43:51,120 --> 00:43:56,360 A little more. Everything is fine. 220 00:44:03,720 --> 00:44:05,600 Are you in pain? 221 00:44:06,920 --> 00:44:10,560 Do you feel anything? - I don't. 222 00:44:14,640 --> 00:44:16,560 A little more. 223 00:44:18,640 --> 00:44:22,920 Sometimes it hurts. Hold on. 224 00:44:24,480 --> 00:44:28,320 A little more. Take a little while longer. 225 00:44:28,400 --> 00:44:30,560 A little more. 226 00:44:49,040 --> 00:44:51,040 Everything is fine. 227 00:45:07,240 --> 00:45:11,480 There are clearly more Germans. 228 00:45:12,720 --> 00:45:15,280 I have five fighters in reserve - 229 00:45:15,360 --> 00:45:19,920 and we have 12,000 enemies around us. 230 00:45:21,920 --> 00:45:25,480 They won't shows all his cards at once. 231 00:45:26,480 --> 00:45:29,920 They get us to our shame and caution. 232 00:45:30,040 --> 00:45:34,440 In one moment it is calm and followed by blind gunfire. 233 00:45:35,400 --> 00:45:38,080 Comrade Franta... -Get out! 234 00:46:40,480 --> 00:46:42,560 Hey, brigadiers, hurry up 235 00:46:42,640 --> 00:46:47,640 Scatter and conquer Slovenian home arsonists 236 00:46:47,720 --> 00:46:51,560 Machine gun, Sing your song Let it reverberate everywhere 237 00:46:51,640 --> 00:46:54,840 From the free forests comes our greeting 238 00:46:54,920 --> 00:46:59,200 Machine gun, Sing your song Let it reverberate everywhere 239 00:46:59,280 --> 00:47:02,440 From the free forests comes our greeting 240 00:47:02,520 --> 00:47:06,560 Where are the limits? For the Slovenian brigades 241 00:47:06,640 --> 00:47:10,160 No, we don't know no limits 242 00:47:10,240 --> 00:47:14,200 Over the cloudy ridges And through misty ravines 243 00:47:14,280 --> 00:47:17,840 We go from victory to victory 244 00:47:17,920 --> 00:47:21,680 Over the cloudy ridges And through misty ravines 245 00:47:21,760 --> 00:47:25,400 We go from victory to victory 246 00:47:25,480 --> 00:47:30,160 Over the scorched plains All the way to beautiful Ljubljana 247 00:47:30,240 --> 00:47:33,920 Our army is raging like a storm 248 00:47:34,080 --> 00:47:38,320 As long as the brigades are here No one can steal our country 249 00:47:38,400 --> 00:47:41,840 We are the lords of Slovenia 250 00:47:41,920 --> 00:47:45,840 As long as the brigades are here No one can steal our country 251 00:47:45,920 --> 00:47:49,720 We are the lords of Slovenia 252 00:47:52,480 --> 00:47:58,240 When all is almost lost, the song to restore strength to our waning souls. 253 00:47:58,920 --> 00:48:03,400 Like an unknown force, which surrounds us and helps us cope. 254 00:48:03,920 --> 00:48:05,400 On to the next battle. 255 00:48:52,520 --> 00:48:58,280 There are fights here and there, which adds to the chaos and confusion. 256 00:48:58,360 --> 00:49:03,240 It is very difficult to get communicate and manage the situation. 257 00:49:03,320 --> 00:49:07,920 In addition to the messengers, mine you have to deliver the orders yourself. 258 00:49:25,200 --> 00:49:29,720 No song can help us against such superiority. 259 00:49:30,360 --> 00:49:33,800 No amount of courage can preparing us for death. 260 00:49:33,880 --> 00:49:36,800 We are losing more and more men. 261 00:49:42,920 --> 00:49:48,040 Our medical men do again work with great dedication. 262 00:49:49,040 --> 00:49:54,280 They do everything they can to help these men and to relieve their pain. 263 00:49:55,480 --> 00:50:00,560 They have nothing but a little iodine and torn bandages. 264 00:50:01,280 --> 00:50:07,080 In such circumstances, the medical practitioner can only fulfills the office of savior. 265 00:50:07,880 --> 00:50:12,280 Like they're trying digs his comrades out of the pit, 266 00:50:12,360 --> 00:50:15,920 whose enemy is long ago covered. 267 00:50:35,360 --> 00:50:41,720 The commander can no longer act relying on his heart and feelings. 268 00:50:43,160 --> 00:50:48,800 He must remain calm, make plans and act. 269 00:50:49,880 --> 00:50:55,400 Great sacrifices must be made in order to can save the saveable. 270 00:50:57,160 --> 00:50:59,360 No matter how hard it is. 271 00:51:00,920 --> 00:51:04,640 Not all of us will make it home. 272 00:51:10,800 --> 00:51:13,400 Nurse, hold his leg. 273 00:52:06,360 --> 00:52:09,320 Damn businessmen. He has lost a lot of blood. 274 00:52:11,360 --> 00:52:16,520 Give him more. His health is deteriorating. Quickly! 275 00:53:01,200 --> 00:53:03,560 Lazo, is there any morphine left? 276 00:53:05,200 --> 00:53:07,160 Little. 277 00:53:07,240 --> 00:53:10,520 Give it to all the hopeless cases so that they fall asleep. 278 00:53:11,480 --> 00:53:15,240 Comrade Commander, I can't do it. I'm a doctor. 279 00:53:15,320 --> 00:53:19,240 At least we can to end their suffering. 280 00:53:19,320 --> 00:53:23,920 Cover them with branches, so that the bailiffs cannot find them. 281 00:53:24,080 --> 00:53:28,600 Yes, Comrade Commander. - We'll pick them up later. 282 00:54:28,760 --> 00:54:31,160 Was I too cold-hearted? 283 00:54:31,240 --> 00:54:36,080 Did this hellish fight kill my heart and my feelings forever? 284 00:54:37,480 --> 00:54:42,800 Did it kill the person inside me? Without a first hit. 285 00:54:59,360 --> 00:55:03,360 Bera, Jože, sakemanns come on too hard. 286 00:55:03,440 --> 00:55:07,280 I give the order to retreat to Ježica. 287 00:55:07,360 --> 00:55:11,240 The 11th Brigade holds the line. Is it clear? Go on. 288 00:56:40,880 --> 00:56:45,200 We survived, but we had to retreat. 289 00:56:45,280 --> 00:56:49,600 The number of casualties was a serious blow to us. 290 00:56:50,760 --> 00:56:56,040 The worst thing was that our troops the youngest, Sonny, had disappeared. 291 00:56:57,280 --> 00:56:59,840 We didn't know where he was. 292 00:56:59,920 --> 00:57:02,600 Let me go! Let me go! 293 00:57:06,800 --> 00:57:10,400 Mother! Mother! Mother! 294 00:57:11,480 --> 00:57:16,640 Mother! Help! Let me go! 295 00:57:27,320 --> 00:57:30,120 One more time. Mother! 296 00:57:31,640 --> 00:57:33,320 Mother! 297 00:57:39,920 --> 00:57:41,920 Do not! No! 298 00:57:47,360 --> 00:57:48,720 Comrades! 299 00:57:55,600 --> 00:57:57,760 What is that? 300 00:58:02,680 --> 00:58:07,480 What is it? Is that a medal? Comrade has a medal. 301 00:58:08,800 --> 00:58:10,880 Medal. 302 00:58:12,920 --> 00:58:19,240 Did you get it for killing our soldiers? - Let me go! Mother! 303 00:58:19,320 --> 00:58:22,400 Do not. Mother. Let me go. 304 00:58:23,240 --> 00:58:26,920 Did you get it for killing our soldiers? 305 00:58:40,240 --> 00:58:45,640 Mother. Mother. 306 00:58:46,720 --> 00:58:48,880 Mother. 307 00:58:56,800 --> 00:59:00,400 are you cold are you cold 308 00:59:07,040 --> 00:59:08,400 Deuce! 309 00:59:09,560 --> 00:59:13,840 Throw him into the flames! Throw him into the flames! 310 00:59:13,920 --> 00:59:20,800 No! Mother! Do not! -Throw him into the flames! 311 01:00:27,920 --> 01:00:32,920 Darkness descended upon us again, but the enemy does not sleep. 312 01:00:33,040 --> 01:00:38,120 They shoot light flares and trying to find our hiding place. 313 01:00:40,240 --> 01:00:42,080 We are exhausted. 314 01:00:45,080 --> 01:00:46,760 And desperate. 315 01:01:18,040 --> 01:01:22,920 The sound of church bells carries on up the slope with the wind - 316 01:01:23,080 --> 01:01:27,200 and reminds us that how close salvation is. 317 01:01:34,640 --> 01:01:41,280 It reminds us that if we are alive, we must not give up. 318 01:01:42,280 --> 01:01:47,400 If we are alive, we can and must have hope. 319 01:02:21,520 --> 01:02:25,520 Comrades, it's time to go through the German positions. 320 01:02:25,600 --> 01:02:30,920 Groups attack with hand grenades, which should cause panic. 321 01:02:32,080 --> 01:02:35,800 This time we we get to surprise them. 322 01:02:35,880 --> 01:02:41,520 The wounded and a small group of men going in the other direction towards the hospital. 323 01:02:43,360 --> 01:02:49,280 Distribute all the ammo and tell for men a plan. Is it clear? 324 01:03:15,040 --> 01:03:20,600 Comrade Commander, you asked us to come. -Kharkov says you are local. 325 01:03:21,800 --> 01:03:25,200 You know the plateau well. -Yes. 326 01:03:25,280 --> 01:03:30,440 You go ahead. Find out the location of the Germans. 327 01:03:31,240 --> 01:03:36,240 Find where we can strike, so we can get down. 328 01:03:36,920 --> 01:03:39,080 You get half an hour. 329 01:03:40,080 --> 01:03:43,280 Death to fascism. - Freedom for the people. 330 01:05:17,520 --> 01:05:21,280 Kharkov, I hope they didn't run away. 331 01:05:21,360 --> 01:05:24,480 It's not possible. I know them. 332 01:05:42,320 --> 01:05:44,360 Comrade commander. 333 01:05:45,480 --> 01:05:51,360 We found an opening in the German siege line. 334 01:05:52,160 --> 01:05:55,200 And a log chute that is not guarded. 335 01:05:56,720 --> 01:06:02,480 Darko and Bell stayed further away. -Good. Very good. 336 01:06:03,280 --> 01:06:07,880 You are our guide. Bera, give the order. Let's go. 337 01:07:18,680 --> 01:07:21,200 Quietly. Quietly. 338 01:07:27,840 --> 01:07:32,480 Help him. Slowly. 339 01:07:54,240 --> 01:07:55,840 Come on. 340 01:09:41,480 --> 01:09:42,640 Let's go. 341 01:11:03,080 --> 01:11:07,440 Luck was on our side and we made it to the valley. 342 01:11:08,840 --> 01:11:12,600 Where do we go from here? 343 01:11:19,200 --> 01:11:21,160 Germans are everywhere. 344 01:11:21,240 --> 01:11:24,880 The inn girl said, that the valley is occupied. 345 01:11:53,240 --> 01:11:56,320 Are we facing another battle? 346 01:11:58,320 --> 01:12:00,360 Not enough ammo. 347 01:12:02,080 --> 01:12:05,480 We were so exhausted, that we wouldn't be able to fight back. 348 01:12:08,320 --> 01:12:10,120 I misjudged. 349 01:12:16,800 --> 01:12:20,160 It was pointless. My plan failed. 350 01:12:22,120 --> 01:12:24,600 Are there really Germans everywhere? 351 01:12:26,360 --> 01:12:33,280 Out. What about the trenches? Are there any of them there? 352 01:13:07,720 --> 01:13:12,360 Comrade! Comrade commander. -Shut up. 353 01:13:15,760 --> 01:13:20,040 The trenches are empty. All the Germans are up there. 354 01:13:26,040 --> 01:13:28,400 Let's go. Let's go! 355 01:13:29,720 --> 01:13:32,080 Facing forward. 356 01:13:49,200 --> 01:13:51,560 We didn't fail after all. 357 01:13:52,920 --> 01:13:58,040 Relieved, we smiled after a long time, 358 01:13:58,120 --> 01:14:03,160 when we watched Menina Germans who remained in the area. 359 01:14:03,240 --> 01:14:05,160 Valči, look. 360 01:14:13,760 --> 01:14:18,920 Comrade, should I go and tell that they shoot towards the void? 361 01:14:33,760 --> 01:14:35,440 Hello. 362 01:14:51,920 --> 01:14:54,480 Damned bandits. 363 01:14:55,760 --> 01:14:57,840 Partisans. 364 01:14:58,840 --> 01:15:03,360 Filthy, dirty dogs. What a fiasco! 365 01:15:05,760 --> 01:15:10,800 How our officers can be so mean, 366 01:15:10,880 --> 01:15:15,160 that they will not succeed to destroy a small group of partisans! 367 01:15:20,880 --> 01:15:22,920 Devil! 368 01:15:31,080 --> 01:15:33,360 Damn businessmen. 369 01:15:35,600 --> 01:15:40,160 We succeeded. We achieved the impossible. 370 01:15:40,840 --> 01:15:44,080 It was an incredible breakthrough. 371 01:17:21,640 --> 01:17:25,240 He really saved our lives. 372 01:17:25,320 --> 01:17:32,320 Unbelievable, a boy under 22 years old. 373 01:17:33,040 --> 01:17:38,520 Today, those of that age are children, but he took charge - 374 01:17:38,600 --> 01:17:42,840 almost 500 people's lives while helping them to safety. 375 01:17:42,920 --> 01:17:46,840 All the wounded also survived. 376 01:17:46,920 --> 01:17:53,720 We trusted him. Although he was young, he was a dynamic person. 377 01:17:53,800 --> 01:17:59,640 And determined. There was no shortage of confidence. 378 01:17:59,720 --> 01:18:03,560 He kept the troops with a high will to fight. 379 01:18:03,640 --> 01:18:10,640 He had fought the partisans in the forces for almost four years. 380 01:18:12,040 --> 01:18:16,080 They had been through a lot. 381 01:18:16,160 --> 01:18:19,400 That's when he saved us all. 382 01:18:19,480 --> 01:18:22,480 I don't know what would be happened without him. 383 01:18:22,560 --> 01:18:26,080 All men knew it, 384 01:18:26,160 --> 01:18:32,240 that we wouldn't have survived without him. 385 01:18:33,920 --> 01:18:39,320 Not all commanders would be acted the same. I knew several. 386 01:18:40,200 --> 01:18:44,240 He didn't try desperate plans. 387 01:18:45,160 --> 01:18:48,800 He decided that retreat was the best tactic. 388 01:18:48,880 --> 01:18:52,680 All of them, down to the last man... 389 01:18:52,760 --> 01:18:56,640 All for one and one for all, that was our motto - 390 01:18:56,720 --> 01:19:00,720 and our reality in Menina. 391 01:19:00,800 --> 01:19:04,240 As if we were breathed with the same lungs. 392 01:19:04,320 --> 01:19:10,680 Everyone fought side by side. 393 01:19:11,640 --> 01:19:18,360 It was always true, that you wouldn't survive without companionship. 394 01:19:19,360 --> 01:19:22,760 Therefore, in my opinion, 395 01:19:22,840 --> 01:19:29,840 our resistance was so strong, emotionally and factually 396 01:19:29,920 --> 01:19:34,320 bound by fellowship, to true companionship. 397 01:19:34,400 --> 01:19:39,760 Such camaraderie and mutual trust - 398 01:19:39,840 --> 01:19:44,920 there was no more when peace came. 399 01:19:45,040 --> 01:19:51,640 Comrades remained, but the camaraderie waned. 400 01:19:53,240 --> 01:19:57,200 I think Menina - 401 01:19:58,440 --> 01:20:02,640 is a living and solemn tribute - 402 01:20:02,720 --> 01:20:07,360 to the Slovenian Liberation Front. 403 01:20:07,440 --> 01:20:13,120 It included all those values, 404 01:20:13,280 --> 01:20:20,280 which we partisans was during the conflict. 405 01:20:22,040 --> 01:20:29,040 I think it must not be allowed to disappear. 406 01:20:29,120 --> 01:20:35,040 It must not be forgotten, because everything generations can learn from it, 407 01:20:35,120 --> 01:20:38,520 if problems arise. 408 01:20:38,600 --> 01:20:43,040 All generations can learn from 409 01:20:43,120 --> 01:20:49,400 how to achieve such which others try to prevent. 410 01:20:54,600 --> 01:20:59,040 FRANC SEVER - FRANTA JOINED THE PARTISANS 1941 - 411 01:20:59,120 --> 01:21:04,440 AND TOOK PART IN MANY BATTLES AS A PRIVATE MAN AND BRIGADE COMMANDER. 412 01:21:04,520 --> 01:21:08,920 AFTER THE WAR HE WORKED AS AN ARMY PILOT AND COMMANDER. 413 01:21:09,080 --> 01:21:14,280 HE STUDIED A DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AND WORKS AS MANAGER OF BRNIK AIRPORT. 414 01:21:15,520 --> 01:21:19,640 VALERIA SKRINJAR - VALČI BECAME A PARTISAN TEACHER - 415 01:21:19,720 --> 01:21:22,200 AT THE AGE OF 16 AND A YEAR LATER HE BECAME A PARTISAN. 416 01:21:22,280 --> 01:21:27,200 HE ACTED AS CODE BREAKER COMMANDER IN THE TWO BRIGADES OF FRANTA. 417 01:21:27,280 --> 01:21:30,480 AFTER THE WAR HE BECAME EDITOR AND WRITER. 418 01:21:30,560 --> 01:21:34,800 HE ENDED UP IN SARAJEVO, WHERE HE EXPERIENCED THE SECOND WAR. 419 01:21:35,680 --> 01:21:40,080 JOŽE STRNIŠA HAD TO TO THE GERMAN ARMY AS A 16-YEAR-OLD. 420 01:21:40,160 --> 01:21:45,400 AFTER LONG INTERROGATION HE JOINED THE PARTISANS IN 1944 - 421 01:21:45,480 --> 01:21:49,280 AND ACTED AS A MESSENGER AND AS A MACHINE GUNNER. 422 01:21:49,360 --> 01:21:54,640 AFTER THE WAR HE WORKED AS A LOCKSMITH AND LATER AS A PROFESSIONAL DIVER. 423 01:21:55,760 --> 01:22:00,480 FRANCI BERA HAD TO TO THE GERMAN ARMY AT THE AGE OF 17. 424 01:22:00,560 --> 01:22:04,920 BEFORE SENDING TO THE EAST COAST - 425 01:22:05,080 --> 01:22:10,840 HE RAN AWAY AND JOINED THE PARTISANS AND ACTED AS A MESSENGER AND A WARRIOR. 426 01:22:10,920 --> 01:22:15,280 AFTER THE WAR HE WAS TWICE MAYOR OF SLOVENSKA BISTRICA. 427 01:22:16,400 --> 01:22:19,560 RUDOLPH PFEIFFER JOINED TO THE PARTISANS AT THE AGE OF 18. 428 01:22:19,640 --> 01:22:24,480 HE TOOK A RADIO COURSE AND SERVED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT UNITS. 429 01:22:24,560 --> 01:22:29,440 AFTER THE WAR HE WAS TEN YEARS IN ARMY SERVICE, 430 01:22:29,520 --> 01:22:33,040 WORKED AS A TECHNICIAN ON RADIO AND TELEVISION - 431 01:22:33,120 --> 01:22:35,560 AND LATER WORKED AS A TELEVISION PRODUCER. 432 01:22:36,680 --> 01:22:42,760 LEAD BY SS-GENERAL ERWIN RÖSENER ANTI-GUERILLA FORCES. 433 01:22:42,840 --> 01:22:47,920 AFTER THE WAR HE WAS JUDGED TO DEATH IN LJUBLJANA - 434 01:22:48,040 --> 01:22:53,600 AND GOT IT AFTER HIS DEATH JUDGMENT IN NUREMBERG. 435 01:22:58,560 --> 01:23:02,280 REWARDS AND THANKS FOR FREEDOM FIGHTERS - 436 01:23:02,360 --> 01:23:06,480 AND AS A LESSON TO PRESENT AND FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS. FRANC SEVER - FRANTA. 437 01:25:48,520 --> 01:25:53,520 Subtitles: Elina Korpela www.junefirst.tv