Title: Experiences and lessons from combat operations of the Serbian
Abstract:The First Balkan War 1912-1913 was the last in a series of national liberation wars of the Balkan peoples against the Osmanii feudalism, which was for centuries retarding their economic development an...The First Balkan War 1912-1913 was the last in a series of national liberation wars of the Balkan peoples against the Osmanii feudalism, which was for centuries retarding their economic development and depriving them of their freedom. It was ended by a quick and catastrophic defeat of Turkey. The Serbs and Montenegrins wrote in that war a glorious page in the history of their struggle for freedom and independence. A particularly prominent place in that war was won by the morally powerful and well equipped Serbian Army. After four days of heavy fighting (16-19 September 1912) on the border front at Prepolac and Merdare, this Army smashed the Turkish defense and liberated Kosovo and Sanjak areas. In two days' battle at Kumanovo (24-25 October 1912) it defeated the Turkish Vardar Army; in three days of heavy fighting (3-5 November 1912) at the ridge of the Babuna mountain and in the battle at Kicevo it attained significant successes; in violent fighting and showing extraordinary self- sacrifice it drove away (on 6 November 1912) the Turkish forces from their Alinci positions; and finally in heavy fighting in the Bitola battle (16-18 November 1912) it totally defeated the Turkish Army. Victories of the Serbian Army in the First Balkan War 1912-1913 have a prominent place in the history of wars, owing both to the patriotic and combative spirit of the Serbian people and to the skillful leadership of the Serbian Army. In this war came to expression the war experience, combat tradition and freedom-loving spirit of the Serbs, and it is, therefore, as a positive asset of our rich war history, still interesting and instructive. Although the armaments, tactics and strategy have since those times undergone substantial changes, rich experience from combats and battles fought in that war, particularly concerning the right and efficient leadership, can be found useful in our new system of defense.Read More
Publication Year: 1996
Publication Date: 1996-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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