Barracks Božan Šimović

Barracks Božan Šimović is located in Grabovine where generations of young recruits have been educated, starting from its construction in 1952 until today. Armies have changed, but the purpose of the barracks has remained the same. Today, it houses professional units of the Army of the Federation that are organized and equipped according to NATO standards.

Božan Šimović (Zvirovići, Čapljina, 7th of July 1959 – 8th of November 1992) was the first commander of the Special Purpose Unit "Ludvig Pavlović". He was killed on 8th of November 1992 while leading his soldiers on the Hodova Plateau, hitting a mine during the Operation Storm. The YNA announced a reward of 1000 marks for his head.

Biography

When the HDZ was founded, he was one of the representatives of HDZ's policy in Čapljina. He completed military training in Pula.

On October 7, 1991, Šimović, along with five other members of the HOS under his command (Ante Bubalo, Milko Ljubičić Kikaš, Ante Mandić, Ante Bautović, and Ante Rodin) “left” their positions in Konavle and moved to the island of Šipan where he apprehended the diverter of the Croatian Navy, Igor Bušelić, who was later executed after brutal torture.

Initially, he was in the King Tomislav unit, but it later disbanded, and many fighters went to "Pauci", while a group of fighters with Božan went to Čapljina where they formed their military unit. Their first success was the capture of the barracks in Čapljina during the Operation Lipanjske Zore. This same base will later carry Božan's name. He died in battles fought for the Chetnik stronghold in Herzegovina Šćepan Križ known as Point 690. In that battle, Božan lost his life, while one soldier sustained serious injuries, and four others were lightly wounded.

High-ranking HVO officer General Slavko Puljić stated in an interview for a Military History magazine contributor that he is convinced that if Šimović and others like Ludvig Pavlović, Tvrtko Miloš, and Tihomir Mišić had survived, the course of the war in Mostar would have been different and that some unfortunate events that followed would never have happened.

Song

This song was written by Božan Šimović on January 23 1991 on the wall of House of Culture in Čapljina:

The night is falling, everything is dying, victory shines from the eyes

Croatia, when the sun rises, I want to be with you.

Croatia, lead me on the path of truth and strength against evil

Croatia, lead me, for you I want to fight.

No one can break you, Croatia, let everyone know

above the hatred, victory shines from the eyes

Oh God, give me strength to endure for Croatia, I will give my life.

Croatia, mother, lead me to where the sun shines

Oh God, give me strength to endure for Croatia, I will give my life.