The Kingdom of serbia : report upon the atrocities committed by the Austro-Hungarian Army during the first invasion of Serbia

II

BOMBARDMENT OF OPEN TOWNS AND DESTRUCTION OF HOUSES

TE bombardment of open towns likewise formed part of the programme of the Austro-Hungarian “punitive expedition.” In this manner Belgrade, Shabatz, and Loznitza were bombarded. I visited these three towns during their bombardment and was able to make the following personal observations. Belgrade. 1 was in Belgrade from the 2nd to the 4th October, 1914 (new style). At that date the Austrians had bombarded the town for 36 days and nights consecutively. I think nobody will attempt to dispute the fact that Belgrade is an open town, as the old Turkish fortress cannot pass muster as a modern fortification. It is an interesting historic monument and nothing more. This, however, by no means prevented the Austrians from copiously bombarding it. Moreover, this fortress is altogether separate from, and outside the town. During my enquiry I have been able to ascertain that the shells were aimed indiscriminately at private houses, public buildings and factories. At that time 640 private houses, and 60 State and Municipal buildings had been struck by projectiles. (By the end of July,1915, the total number of buildings in Belgrade affected by the bombardment had reached 718.) Among the 2 17