Chapter 67: Crushed
Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev, the commander of the First Army, held a telegram in his hand that had just been received from the First Division. He was in a detailed discussion with his chief of staff, Major General Kazdzow. Major General Kazdzow, a seasoned military officer with many years of service, had previously worked at the General Staff and was well-versed in staff duties. Following the establishment of the First Army, he had been appointed as Chief of Staff. From their interactions, it was evident that Major General Kazdzow and Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev had developed a strong working rapport.
After reviewing the information provided in the telegram, Chief of Staff Kazdzow advised, "It appears that the Ottoman position on the front line between Lule Burgas and Budahirsar is formidable, beyond the capacity of our First Army to breach alone. Similar challenges have also emerged in the Tenth Division on our left flank."
Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev pondered the situation before making a decisive call. "Send a report to General Radiko Dimitriyev of the Third Army. Request their support to help us break through the Ottoman defenses. Let's see if Nizam Pasha, the commander of the Ottoman Army, can withstand our combined assault."
"This approach sounds promising, and I concur," responded Chief of Staff Kazdzow. He immediately arranged for the message to be relayed to the Third Army.
Meanwhile, in the headquarters of the Second Regiment of the First Division, the division's chief of staff, Donotov, along with Captain Kaposno of the Second Regiment, was hosting a ceremony to honor Captain Sachdov, the commander of the seventh company and the hero of a recent battle.
"Captain Sackdorf, your exemplary performance in the recent battle has caught the attention of both the division commander and myself," Chief of Staff Donotov commended, standing before a visibly delighted Sackdorf. "Your bravery is a beacon for everyone in the First Division. I hope you continue to excel in upcoming battles. In recognition of your valor, I intend to recommend you for the second-class hero medal."
Overwhelmed by the recognition, Captain Sackdorf's usually composed demeanor gave way to a broad grin. In a moment of exuberance, he clapped Chief of Staff Donotov on the shoulder, saying, "Thank you, sir, for your recognition. I promise to live up to this honor and continue to demonstrate my commitment and courage."
Captain Kaposno, witnessing his subordinate's breach of protocol, was about to reprimand him but was stopped by a reassuring gesture from Chief of Staff Donotov. After Sackdorf realized his overstep, he was momentarily embarrassed. Observing this, Chief of Staff Donotov smiled warmly. "Captain Sackdorf, relax. Your enthusiasm is understandable, and frankly, it's refreshing to see such spirited behavior. It shows your genuine appreciation and camaraderie."
Reassured, Sackdorf quickly added, "Exactly, sir! I only meant to express my gratitude and friendship."
Captain Kaposno, though initially inclined to discipline Sackdorf for his informal behavior, decided to let the moment pass, understanding the good intentions behind it. "Captain Sackdorf, shall we proceed?" he suggested, giving his subordinate a chance to exit gracefully.
"Of course, sir. I'll step out now," replied Sackdorf, eager to leave the room and share his good news.
Once outside, Sackdorf was immediately greeted by his deputy, Lieutenant Bodnov, who had been eagerly awaiting the outcome of the meeting. "So, how did it go?" Bodnov inquired with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"The chief of staff is recommending me for the second-class combat hero medal!" Sackdorf exclaimed proudly.
Bodnov's face lit up with a mixture of pride and envy. Such medals were not awarded lightly; they required significant and decisive contributions to combat operations. Clearly, Chief of Staff Donotov believed Sackdorf's actions met these criteria.
The news quickly spread throughout the Seventh Company, stirring a sense of pride and also igniting a healthy competitive spirit among the other companies. They too aspired to earn such distinctions in future engagements.
Back at headquarters, word of the morale boost the medal recommendation had caused reached Chief of Staff Donotov, who was pleased with the ripple effect of his decision. "A medal for boosted morale—a fair trade," he thought, satisfied with the outcome.
As the First Division was abuzz with the news of the medal, far away in the headquarters of the Third Group, General Mitriyev was reviewing the telegram from the First Army. After reading the details, he discussed with his chief of staff, Rijevicev, the strategic implications of their next moves.
"This appears to be the main force of the Ottoman army in Western Thrace. Defeating them could directly threaten Istanbul's security," noted General Mitriyev thoughtfully.
Smiling, Chief of Staff Rijevicev added, "And that would mean greater spoils for us."
"Indeed," agreed General Mitriyev. "The more we contribute, the larger share of victory we claim. It's fortunate Romania didn't join this time; otherwise, our gains would be lesser."
The mention of Romania brought a reflective mood. Romania, known for its military strength among the Balkan states, had been a significant concern for Bulgaria due to its rapid development and the modernization of its army.
"This time, drawing Romania into the alliance was crucial," Rijevicev remarked. "The pressure from them has been intense, and despite our arms purchases, it's been a relentless challenge."
Concluding their strategy session, Rijevicev decided, "I'll send a telegram to the divisions to hasten their movements. We need to support the First Army and crush the Ottoman line from Luleburg to Budahirsar as swiftly as possible."
With their plans set, both leaders prepared for the significant battles ahead, understanding the high stakes involved in their success or failure.
After receiving a telegram from Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev, the Third Army, commanded by General Mitriyev, had been urgently dispatched, spending three grueling days marching to join forces with the First Army at the front lines. Upon their arrival, Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev, alongside Major General Kazjuv, the Chief of Staff, awaited at the headquarters to formally welcome General Mitriyev. As General Mitriyev approached, Sirkutinchev greeted him warmly, a broad smile spreading across his face. "General Mitriyev, welcome," he said, extending his hand in greeting.
Grasping the offered hand, General Mitriyev responded, "Thank you, Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev. Together, we shall swiftly crush the enemy forces stretching from Lule Burgas to Budahirsar. If fortune favors us, perhaps we might even capture the Austrian commander-in-chief, Zampasa."
Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev, while appreciative of the sentiment, internally acknowledged the complexity of capturing a high-ranking enemy officer like Zampasa. Such a feat would indeed be challenging.
After the initial pleasantries, Sirkutinchev led General Mitriyev into the command center where a large military map was already laid out. The map was marked with blue and red to denote friendly and enemy positions respectively, spanning from Lule Burgas to Budahirsar. Picking up a baton from a nearby staff officer, Sirkutinchev began to detail the current tactical situation.
"The Austrian forces are heavily fortified along the front from Lule Burgas to Budahirsar," he explained. "Intelligence confirms approximately 50,000 troops in Luleburgas and another 45,000 in Budahirsar. Despite their fortifications, the constructions are hasty and not overly robust. An additional 50,000 troops are positioned in between, utilizing the terrain to their advantage. Unfortunately, the terrain also prevents us from executing any flanking maneuvers, so a direct assault is our primary option."
General Mitriyev listened intently before inquiring, "What is the First Army's strategy?"
Understanding the underlying question, Sirkutinchev elaborated on the operational plan devised by his staff. "The First Army will focus its efforts on Lule Burgas, while your Third Army will take Budahirsar. We will also dispatch a division to engage the Ottoman forces positioned between the two targets."
After a brief discussion with his own chief of staff, Major General Rijevisev, General Mitriyev agreed to the strategy. "This plan seems equitable. We will proceed as outlined," he confirmed, much to Sirkutinchev's relief. The lieutenant general was less concerned about the appearance of the plan and more about potential delays that could strengthen the enemy's defenses.
With the objectives clearly assigned, the only detail left was the timing of the attack. Sirkutinchev queried, "When do you believe your forces will be ready to commence the assault?"
After a moment's calculation regarding troop movements and necessary rest, Mitriyev proposed, "Could we initiate the attack at ten in the morning, the day after tomorrow?"
"That timing seems reasonable," agreed Sirkutinchev.
Thus, it was settled. On November 6th, both the First and Third Armies would launch their coordinated attacks against the Ottoman defenses from Lule Burgas to Budahirsar. Due to the Third Army's later arrival and the logistics involved, Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev would oversee the overall coordination.
The days leading up to the attack were bustling with preparations. General Mitriyev took his staff directly to Budahirsar to establish their command post and finalize their tactical arrangements. Similarly, Sirkutinchev busied himself with the operational details for assaulting Lule Burgas.
Time passed swiftly, and soon it was the morning of November 6th. Both armies were in position, ready for the conflict ahead. As the clock struck ten, the sounds of artillery broke the tense silence, marking the commencement of hostilities along the Ottoman defensive line.
"Advance!" commanded the officer of the Third Division, leading the charge at Lule Burgas. The Ottoman defenders responded fiercely, unleashing a barrage of rifle and machine gun fire. The intensity of the Ottoman resistance was formidable, causing significant Bulgarian casualties and hindering the advance of the Third Division.
Observing the unfolding battle, Sakdorf and his comrades felt the weight of the engagement. Despite their bravery, the heavy enemy fire was a stark reminder of the challenge they faced. "What should we do if we move up with the company commander?" asked Deputy Bodnov, visibly shaken by the mounting casualties.
"Stay alert, follow my lead, and watch my actions," replied Thackerdorf, though he privately acknowledged the limited usefulness of his battlefield tactics in such a large-scale confrontation. Nonetheless, he was determined to inspire his men by his example.
Shortly afterward, a messenger relayed new orders from their regimental headquarters. "Commander Sachdov, prepare your Seventh Company for an afternoon assault as part of a full regimental attack," the messenger instructed.
"Understood. We'll be ready," Sachdov responded, knowing the risks but committed to following orders. As the gunfire continued unabated, the Seventh Company prepared for their role in the upcoming assault.
After a brief respite for lunch, the moment to advance arrived. Caposno, their commander, signaled the charge. "It's time for us," shouted Sachdov, leading his company out of cover and into the fray. The soldiers of the Second Regiment of the First Division surged forward, determined to overcome the Ottoman defenses.
"Go ahead and don't stop," Sackdorf commanded as his soldiers approached the rifle range of their position. "Bend down and pay attention to the position ahead." Despite the company commander's orders, his men continued to fall under enemy fire. Sackdorf's eyes betrayed his anxiety; the Ottoman position was formidable, and his troops had impulsively charged to within two hundred meters of it.
From his vantage point behind the Ottoman lines, Arza Pasha, the commander at Lule Burgas, watched the battle unfold with satisfaction. Prior to the Bulgarian First Army's assault, he had strategically redeployed reinforcements to bolster the front lines. With nearly 50,000 men now at Lule Burgas, the position was too strong to be overrun by mere divisional rotations.
Major General Toshewe, commander of the First Division, observed his troops' stalled attack with concern. Picking up the telephone, he issued orders to his artillery commander: "Focus all artillery on suppressing the second and third line positions. Prevent any reinforcements. Leave the task of countering Ottoman artillery to the army artillery units; concentrate on the infantry in their trenches."
Under relentless artillery fire, the Second Regiment of the First Division could barely make an advance on the first line and was forced to retreat. Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev, overseeing the operation at First Army headquarters, was well aware of the difficulties faced by the First Division. "The Ottoman defenses are still robust. We are at a disadvantage," he noted grimly.
Major General Kazdzow, his chief of staff, concurred, pointing out the challenging terrain of Lule Burgas, nestled in a mountain pass and flanked by mountains. "The terrain favors the defender, especially since they've concentrated forces on the first and second lines. Our artillery doesn't stand much chance against entrenched positions," he explained.
Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev, however, was not without a plan. "I intend to concentrate the first and third divisions for tomorrow's attack, deploying all but essential defensive troops to the front. Our artillery will provide full support. We'll break through their front line in one concerted effort."
Hearing this, Major General Kazdzow expressed concern about the risks of such a decisive strategy. Sirkutinchev acknowledged the potential for heavy casualties but remained resolute. "It's the most effective option we have."
With the strategy set, orders were dispatched to the division commanders, who prepared their troops for the next day's assault.
Back at the front, after a grueling day of combat, the Seventh Company of the Second Regiment, having suffered significant losses, retreated to their starting positions. Captain Sackdorf, visibly exhausted, sat down with Lieutenant Bodnov, who remarked on the enemy's fierce resistance. "We've lost a great deal today," he said.
"There's not much we can do but hope for fewer losses next time," Sackdorf replied resignedly.
Their conversation was interrupted by a messenger from regimental headquarters, bearing orders for an early morning attack on the left wing. "Understood," Sackdorf responded, preparing his company for the next day's operations.
The following morning, under Lieutenant General Sirkutinchev's command, the First Army's 267 artillery pieces unleashed a barrage on the Ottoman front lines, catching the defenders off guard and inflicting heavy casualties. The Ottoman artillery responded, but Bulgarian gunners continued their relentless bombardment, disrupting enemy command and control.
As the first and third divisions advanced, Arza Pasha realized the gravity of the situation. Having pulled back troops for rest the previous night, he now scrambled to reinforce the second-line defenses and redirected his artillery to counter the charging Bulgarian divisions.
Despite intense Ottoman resistance, the sheer number of Bulgarian troops overwhelmed the front-line defenders. In brutal close-quarters combat, Bulgarian soldiers gained the upper hand, their superior training evident as they coordinated attacks in small groups against the less organized Ottoman defenders.
Arza Pasha, observing from behind the lines, grew increasingly desperate, having committed all available reserves to the second line. With the third line nearly undefended, he could only hope for a miracle.
As the Ottoman second-line defenses began to falter, the Bulgarian forces, buoyed by their initial success, pressed their advantage, driving the defenders back. The Seventh Company, led by Captain Sackdorf, was among the units that breached the second line. In the fierce melee that followed, Sackdorf, having lost his pistol, brandished his saber with lethal effect.
By the afternoon, the Ottoman resistance collapsed entirely under the Bulgarian onslaught. As the retreating Ottoman troops scattered across the landscape, the Bulgarian soldiers celebrated their hard-fought victory.
The battle for Western Thrace had been decisive. Bulgaria, with 190,000 troops, had overcome the Ottoman forces, numbering 140,000. The victory came at a high cost, with Bulgaria suffering 27,000 casualties to the Ottoman's 56,000. Moreover, Bulgaria captured significant amounts of enemy ordnance, including 134 cannons, bolstering their military capability.
With the exception of Adrianople, still under Ottoman control, no other part of Western Thrace could now resist the Bulgarian advance.
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