Simplify the following text for a Grade 12 native English-speaking person.
Original: In May 1945 , a large column composed of anti-communists , Chetniks , UstaÅ a followers , NDH Army troops and civilians retreated from the partisan forces , heading northwest towards Italy and Austria .
Simplified: In May 1945 , a large column composed of UstaÅ a followers and NDH Army troops and civilians retreated from the partisan forces , heading northwest towards Italy and Austria .