The Story of the Great War, Volume 2: History of the European War from Official Sources
History
The Story of the Great War, Volume 2: History of the European War from Official Sources
World War, 1914-1918
This obliged the cavalry division, which had been cooperating with the
Serbian center and was driving the Austrians toward Leshnitza, to retire
along a line from Metkovitch to Brestovatz. Naturally the advance of the
Austrians from Shabatz was endangering its right flank. Moreover, a
reenforced column of Austrians also appeared before it. But this
opposing force did not press its advance.
Meanwhile, on the same day, August 18, 1914, the Austrians were
reenforcing their position on the Tzer ridges. They had also strongly
fortified the height of Rashulatcha, which lay between the heights of
Tzer and Iverak, whence they could direct an artillery fire to either
field of activities.
But the difficulties which the Serbians operating along the Iverak
ridges were meeting also hampered the Serbians who were attempting to
sweep the Austrians back along the Tzer ridges. If they advanced too far
they would expose their flank to the Austrians over on Iverak. As a
general rule, it is always dangerous for any body of troops to advance
any distance beyond the general line of the whole front, and this case
was no exception. However, though delayed, this division did advance.
Oxen were employed in dragging the heavy field pieces along the trails
over the rocky ridges.
With savage yells the Serbian soldiers leaped over the rocks, up the
jagged slopes of Kosaningrad. Again they had fallen back on their
favorite weapons, bayonets and hand bombs. The Austrians put up a stout
resistance, but finally their gray lines broke, then scattered down the
slopes, followed by the pursuing Serbians. Having gained possession of
Kosaningrad Peak, the Serbian commander next turned his attention to
Rashulatcha, which, in conjunction with the Serbians over on Iverak,
could now be raked by a cross artillery fire. He had previously left a
reserve force behind at Troyan. This he now ordered to reenforce his
left, which had been advancing along the southern slopes of the Tzer
range. This force he now directed against the heights, but the movement
was not vigorously followed up.
Over on Iverak the Serbians had succeeded in making some headway.
Forming into two columns, this wing marched out and attacked the
Austrians at Yugovitchi and succeeded in driving them from their
trenches. But immediately the Austrian artillery on Reingrob opened fire
on them, and they were compelled to dig themselves in. And late that
night, August 18,1914, the Austrians delivered a fierce counterattack.
But night fighting is especially a matter of experience, and here the
Serbians with their two Balkan campaigns behind them, proved immensely
superior. They drove the Austrians back with their bayonets.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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