The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF

situation was saved by a bold attack of the Serbian 8rd Army on the flank of the enemy, but the retreat was continued under the heaviest pressure,

But still Headquarters were able to concentrate five divisions and two brigades against the Bulgars for the battle for the possession of the passes. With these forces, the Serbs attacked the Bulgars on the front Novo Brdo-Kaéanik. The main enemy positions were on the Velika Planina and Zegovac mountains. In fierce battles from 17th to 21st November, the Serbs took the Zegovac Mountain, and their operations against Velika Planina were also very successful. The Bulgars were in a rather critical situation and began to give way on the northern portion of the front. Everything pointed to the complete success of the Kaéanik operation, if the Serbs had had time to develop their advantage. But again the pressure of the Austro-Germans was brought to bear upon the whole military situation. On the 21st of November the AustroGermans were already in the possession of the Prepolac, and were attacking the Serbs defending the Tenedol Pass on the road to Pristina. To be in safety, the Serbian army would have not only to beat the Bulgars at Kaéanik, but also to drive them beyond Skoplje. Such an operation would have required time, whereas the occupation of Pristina by the enemy would have completely isolated the Serbian forces

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