Battle of Sutjeska, Yugoslavia. 120,000 German and Italian soldiers track down and surround 20,000 partisans in the mountains above the Drina River. Axis planes begin bombing, injuring Tito himself. After ten days of siege, the weather worsens, and Tito takes advantage of the situation to escape across the river and reach safety. This event puts Tito in high regard. In August of the following year, Tito meets with Churchill, reaching an agreement for the supply of weapons and equipment, but without mentioning his communist aspirations. Shortly thereafter, Tito also travels to Moscow, agreeing with Stalin to allow the Red Army to occupy Belgrade before the Allies do so. In effect, Tito lied to both Churchill and Stalin (quoted by Jasper Ridley, biographer).
