After losing all their mid-Dalmatia strongholds, the German army tried to retain Knin as the key to the defense of Western Bosnia. In late November 1944, the town was defended by several Axis units with the 264th Static Division as the main German formation. The Partisans estimated the total enemy forces at 20,000 troops with 20 AFVs and 80 artillery pieces. The attacking forces were part of the 8th NOV Corps with the 19th and 26th Dalmatian Divisions as the major units. Using British equipment, including guns and battle-dresses, the Partisan infantry also received the welcome support of part of the 1st Tank Brigade and some artillery.
