After our popular 2017 tour and the numerous military units we have led to this stunning battlefield, with the help of recognized authority on the Campaign and author of Under the Devil’s Eye, Alan Wakefield, Battle Honours are pleased to announce this small group walking tour in connection with the Salonika Campaign Society. Continue reading “SCS April Salonika Battlefield Tour: 12-17 April 2019 “
Tag: Doiran Front
The British XII Corps area of operations around Lake Doiran on the border between Greece and Serbia (now FYROM).
Remembering 5769 Private Joseph Devine, ACC
In April 2017 a post about the Army Cyclist Corps in Macedonia prompted a response from Kevin MacDermot who was researching his great uncle, 5769 Private Joseph Devine of 16th Corps Cyclist Battalion, Army Cyclists Corps (formerly 10623, Royal Irish Fusiliers).
Continue reading “Remembering 5769 Private Joseph Devine, ACC”
Meanwhile …
I’m going to take a break from French colonial cavalry to consider what the BSF was doing at this time, using the Official History of Military Operations in Macedonia (Vol. 2 – 1935) by Capt. Cyril Falls.
What next?
Under the Devil’s Eye describes the thoughts of a British officer after the two failed attacks at Doiran:
“a stunned silence”
In the small hours of September 20 all German and Bulgarian troops from the Crna to Dojran were ordered to prepare to fall back to new positions.
“The cost was far too high”
A second attack was ordered for September 19. Alan Palmer describes it in stark terms and adds a damning indictment of the British attacks.
12/Cheshire on Pip Ridge
A fine depiction of a soldier of 12/Cheshire catching his breath – and probably still suffering from the effects of malaria – in the attack on Pip Ridge. Continue reading “12/Cheshire on Pip Ridge”
“508 bottles of beer will be sent to you”
Early in the morning of September 18th this apparently inconsequential message was telephoned to each British Divisional HQ. It was the signal that the attack at Doiran was to be launched at eight minutes past five that morning, one and three-quarter hours before sunrise. The offensive opened with…
Continue reading ““508 bottles of beer will be sent to you””
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”
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”