That the Bulgarians and Germans were not expecting an assault on the Dobropolje is hardly surprising, given the nature of the terrain. Alan Palmer describes it thus, in ‘Defeat of Bulgaria – The Central Powers Begin to Crack’ (published in History of the First World War No. 107 by Purnell for BPC Publishing Ltd, London, in cooperation with the Imperial War Museum):
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‘… the success of the entire offensive depends upon rapid penetration …”
In his book Balkan Breakthrough – The Battle of Dobro Pole 1918 (Indiana University Press, 2010), Richard Hall writes that several days before the start of the offensive, Serbian soldiers were told by their high command: Continue reading “‘… the success of the entire offensive depends upon rapid penetration …””
14 September 1918 : the allied offensive begins
On the morning of September 14, 500 guns opened up along the mountains and ravines between Monastir and the Vardar. Continue reading “14 September 1918 : the allied offensive begins”
Away from the Western Front Conference : 30th October 2018
On the centenary of the Mudros Armistice, which marked the end of the First World War in the Middle East against the Ottoman Empire, we are delighted to be holding a conference reflecting on the often-overlooked campaigns which took place all over the world between 1914 and 1918.
Continue reading “Away from the Western Front Conference : 30th October 2018”
Move over Peter Jackson – this is a film about Salonika!
I am pleased to announce the release of a film about the Salonika Campaign. Unlike the Peter Jackson film I mentioned two weeks ago, you can view this one online. Continue reading “Move over Peter Jackson – this is a film about Salonika!”
Remembering Dan Burges VC : 18 September 2018
Date: Tuesday 18 September 2018
Location: St Peters Church, Castle Park, Bristol BS1 3XB
Continue reading “Remembering Dan Burges VC : 18 September 2018”
One hundred years ago today …
One hundred years ago today, French General Franchet d’Espèrey wrote in his diary: Continue reading “One hundred years ago today …”
Introducing Desperate Frankie
As we enter September we come to the centenary of the last month of hostilities for the BSF. September 1918 saw the final allied offensive – which for the British was the Second Battle of Doiran – which brought about the Bulgarian armistice at the end of the month. Continue reading “Introducing Desperate Frankie”
Peter Jackson film : ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ – 16 October 2018
This won’t be about Salonika but it looks unmissable. Read more here:
Did your relative fight at the Battle of Kosturino in 1915?
Factual television production company ‘Storyvault Films’ is currently producing a documentary on the Salonika campaign, in particular the Battle of Kosturino in 1915. They’d like to hear from friends and relatives of those who served, in particular anyone connected to the 10th (Irish) Division. Please feel free to contact John at john.shirley@storyvault.tv for more information about the project. Thank you.
Salonika Campaign Society, 1915-1918 