"Serbian Naval Commander" - Ilija Gojković - The General Who Never Surrendered

Ilija Gojković (Drenovac, August 2, 1854 – Ionian Sea, February 15, 1917) was a Serbian general and Minister of War of the Kingdom of Serbia. Rising from the ranks of an ordinary soldier, he became one of the few Serbian generals to build his entire military career without graduating from a military academy. 

Ilija Gojković (third from right) with diplomats and Branislav Nushic (second from right) at the train station in Bitola 1912/13 (Photo: State Archives of Macedonia, Bitola Department (Manaki Fund))

Remembered for his extraordinary courage and leadership, Gojković was also the only general of the Serbian Army to die in direct combat — killed in 1917 after defiantly opening fire with a handgun on a German submarine that demanded his surrender in the Ionian Sea.

Born on August 2, 1854, in the village of Drenovac near Paraćin, Gojković completed the Kruševac Gymnasium in 1870. At just sixteen years old, he joined the Army of the Principality of Serbia as a volunteer. After six years of service as a non-commissioned officer and military clerk, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant of Infantry despite never attending the Military Academy.

Participation in the Serbian–Turkish Wars

Gojković distinguished himself during the Serbian–Turkish Wars. In 1876, he fought at Veliki Izvor as commander of the Homolje Battalion of the National Army. For his bravery, he received the Silver Medal for Courage and the Russian Order of Saint Stanislaus with Swords, Third Class.

During the campaigns of 1877 and 1878, he participated in the battles of Gramada and the liberation of Niš, earning the Gold Medal for Courage. After the war, in 1879, he took part in suppressing the Albanian uprising in the Toplica region.

Rise Through the Serbian Army Ranks

In the Serbian–Bulgarian War of 1885, Gojković commanded the 4th Battalion of the 4th Infantry Regiment during the Battle of Slivnitsa. His military career continued to advance steadily: he became a Major in 1889 and a Lieutenant Colonel in 1896, when he was also awarded the Takovo Cross, Fourth Class.

He was promoted to Colonel in 1899 and given command of the Danube Infantry Brigade within the Drina Divisional Area, while also serving as Head of the Economic Department of the Ministry of War.

Political Challenges and Role as Minister of War

In November 1901, Gojković fell out of favor with King Alexander Obrenović and was forced into early retirement. However, he participated in the May Coup of 1903, after which he was reinstated and returned to his former position in the Ministry of War.

From March 4, 1909, to March 1910, he served as Serbia’s Minister of War. He resigned after the government rejected his proposal to modernize the mountain artillery. During his tenure, he received several prestigious decorations, including the Order of the White Eagle, Fourth Class, the Order of Saint Sava, Second Class, and the Russian Order of Saint Stanislaus, First Class.

Balkan Wars and World War I

In 1911, Gojković was appointed commander of the Morava Divisional Area and the First Call Morava Division. He led the division during the Balkan Wars and distinguished himself at the Battle of Kumanovo, where he was promoted to General and awarded the Karađorđe’s Star with Swords, Fourth Class.

Ilija Gojković (sitting in the middle) with diplomats and Branislav Nushic (standing in the middle) in Bitola 1912/13 (Photo: State Archives of Macedonia, Bitola Department - Manaki Fund)

He continued commanding the Morava Division during World War I, particularly in the Battles of Cer and Kolubara. Gojković became renowned for his courage and personal leadership, often encouraging soldiers from the front lines. His troops affectionately called him “our old uncle” (“naš Čiča”).

Later, he briefly commanded the Užice Army and then the Timok Army, which successfully defended Serbia’s borders against attacks by the Bulgarian First Army. His forces distinguished themselves in the fighting near Kačanik before retreating through Albania to Corfu during the Serbian army’s great withdrawal. During this retreat, Gojković contracted typhus in Durrës and was sent to France for treatment.

Death in the Ionian Sea

While returning from France to the Macedonian Front, near Sicily on February 15, 1917, the ship Mimas, carrying General Gojković, was torpedoed by the German submarine U-39 under the command of Walter Forstmann.

After boarding a lifeboat, the German submarine surfaced and demanded the surrender of the officers in the boat. Gojković refused with the words:

“A Serbian general never surrenders!”

He then opened fire on the submarine with his pistol. The submarine’s machine gun immediately cut him down, and the lifeboat sank into the Ionian Sea.

Legacy of Ilija Gojković

Ilija Gojković is remembered as one of Serbia’s bravest military leaders — a self-made officer who rose from the ranks of an ordinary soldier to the rank of general through courage, discipline, and battlefield leadership. His refusal to surrender in the final moments of his life became one of the enduring symbols of Serbian military honor and resistance.

Donka Ushlinova (Донка Ушлинова) - female soldier in the Ilinden Uprising, the Balkan Wars and World War I

Donka Bogdanova was born on December 1, 1885 in the village of Smilevo, Bitola region. At the age of 15, she was married to Stavre Hristov Ushlinov from the neighboring village of Lera, a village with a mixed Macedonian and Turkish population. 

Soon her husband left for work in Constantinople, leaving his young wife at home. Donka, as a young and beautiful girl, was soon disturbed by the notorious Turkish landlord Redzep-Aga.

Unable to endure his abusive behavior, she took justice into her own hands. In August 1902, with the help of her husband’s brother Apostol and his wife Srebra, they killed Redzep-Aga and buried him in a previously dug grave in the local cemetery. 

In order to avoid the retaliation of the Turks, Donka, Srebra and Apostol fled to the mountains where they joined the squad of Slavejko Arsov - “voivoda” (bandleader) form Resen region.

Donka Ushlinova (Донка Ушлинова)

Donka and Srebra probably are the first women to become members of the Inner Macedonian Revolutionary Organization against Ottoman rule in Macedonia. In 1903, they took part in the Ilinden Uprising, when Donka due to her courage, was nicknamed “Donka Voivoda”.

The uprising was soon suppressed, and Donka together with Srebra and Apostol retreated to Sofia, Bulgaria and later to Varna where her husband Stavre was located. Apostol and Srebra settled in Varna and later had 4 children.

During the Balkan Wars, Donka and Stavre became volunteers in the Eighth Kostur Company of the Macedonian-Odrin volunteer regiment. For the heroism shown during the battles, Donka was awarded medals for courage of III and IV orders.

Donka and Stavre Ushlinovi during WW1

With the beginning of World War I, Donka and Stavre again volunteered to join the Second Macedonian Infantry Regiment (later renamed to 60 пехотен полк) of the Eleventh Macedonian Infantry Division. They participated in the battles of Dojran, Krusha Mountain and many others.

For her bravery and heroism in combat, Donka was awarded the Order of Courage of the Second Degree, and during 1917 she received the rank of NCO and the Order of Courage of the First Degree. 

The order was personally awarded by General Nikola Zhekov.

Donka Ushlinova during WW1 - November 10th, 1915

Donka Ushlinova during WW1 - November 23, 1915

Donka Ushlinova during the battle of September 18, 1918 at Nikolich village, north of Dojran Lake

After the war, Donka and Stavre received а help of 10,000 lev, which they used to build a small house in Varna, where in 1924 their son Alexander was born.

Donka Ushlinova died on June 27, 1937.

Sources:
1. Wikipedia.org...
2.  "Речи и подвизи на доброволката Донка Войвода", София, 1928 година

American Red Cross Hospital in Bitola (Monastir) after WW1

With the entry of America into the First World War on the side of the Entente on April 6, 1917, a number of female doctors offered their help to the military. At that time in America less than 6% of total number of physicians were women.
Although many of them were successful and already proven in their profession, they were accepted into the military only as nurses and auxiliary staff. In 1917, a special commission from the American Red Cross visited Thessaloniki (Salonika), where they were impressed by the success story of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals. Thus, in cooperation with A.W.H, a similar mission was decided to be sent to the Balkans.
The hospital was first located in Voden city in Greece and after the end of the war was transferred in Bitola (Monastir).

Read more about - “The Angels of Bitola” and “Тhe Flyless Hospital of the Balkans” – Bitola after the end of the First World War...  

Photo Gallery: American Red Cross Hospital in Bitola (Monastir) after WW1

Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
* Bitola (Monastir) and Macedonia after the First World War were part of Serbia.

Original title: Serbians* never had the hospital habit, for the simple reason that there were no institutions to practice the habit on. This native woman of Monastir was induced to visit the American Red Cross hospital after suffering several days with an ear-ache. Dr. Eugenie Flod Keyes and Dr. Mabel Flood of the Red Cross staff are administering relief in the above picture. The Serbian woman is doubtful but patient. She is dressed in the native costume of Monastir, each town of the country having its own brocaded in bright colors. At this dispensary, 150 people are treated every day
* Bitola (Monastir) and Macedonia after the First World War were part of Serbia.
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017669601

Original title: Red Cross personnel at Monastir. From left to right, back row, Miss Rogers and two Serb workers, next row, Miss Rose and Mrs. Freeman, next row: Serbian workers, Major Rogers Perkins, Captain Austin, Captain Pfotzer, Miss Crosley, Lieut., Paul Ivanichevitch, Lieut. Adams, front row, Serbian orphan, Miss Mountain, Dr. Keyes, Capt. Lanning McFarland, Dr. Flood, Miss Saxton. The two army officers in the group, Capts. Austin and Pfotzer organized the municipal health department of Monastir and are members of it. Drs. Keys and Flood, the two Red Cross women, have been the Balkans for a year and a half. During the Allied advance they worked in the front line dressing stations in the capacity of surgeons for days

Date of photo: 25 July 1919 [date received]
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017669651

Original title: Christians and Mohammedans alike call on the A.R.C. in Southern Serbia for aid. These women have lined up outside a Red Cross office in Monastir with applications and recommendations for medical relief and food. Miss Saxton and Miss Carolyn Mountain are the two Red Cross workers in charge of the relief lists. The first two women with their faces veiled are of Turkish descent and Mohammadan faith. The house in the background is a typical Turkish residence of this country. The overhanging balcony is especially built for the harem, in order that the women might look up and down the street from little grilled windows without being seen
Created / Published: 19 July 1919 [date received]
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017669606

Original title: After the Bulgarians and Austrians were driven from the hills around Monastir, the A.R.C. established its first civilian hospital in this old Turkish school building. It had the roof, windows and doors shot out by shell-fire and the floors ripped up for the soldiers. But the Americans repaired it with the help of some prisoners of war and is now caring for seventy five people within its walls. The cases are mostly typhus and civilians, wounded by shells and bombs accidentally exploded in the nearby fields. In the background is a Turkish watch-tower, built and used by the Ottomans during their regime over this country to keep a constant eye on the town and surrounding country.
Created / Published: 19 July 1919 [date received]
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017669602

Original title: No Bath, No Food is American Rule in Balkans. A group of Balkan refugees in the yard of the American Red Cross Hospital at Monastir. To prevent the spread of Typhus and other diseases the Americans require every one asking aid of them to take a bath, which is provided in the building in the background. The food cards which they receive from the Red Cross unless the bath mark upon them has been punched. This particular group has just made its way back from an internment camp in Bulgaria. The man at the right in his bare feet has just had a bath, while the others are waiting to be called. During the bath their clothes are sterilized. The copper pot on the ground is a precious possession. It has been with this group throughout their four years of war travel

Created / Published: 25 July 1919 [date received]
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017669652

A battery of American tractors in the Monastir valley of Serbia sent by the A.R.C. to replace the horses and oxen stolen from the peasants by the enemy. They are to be loaned to the farmers of Serbians to help them prepare their land and regain their economic independence. The Red Cross has an operating crew and a repair shop to insure full use of this agricultural machinery. It is estimated that the Serbians lost 224,000,000 worth of horses, farming implements and machinery as a result of the German and Austrian invasion

Created / Published: 19 July 1919 [date received]
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017669607

"Spilling the beans" in Serbia. Two war orphans serving American bean rations to their fellow country people at Monastir, Serbia. These two girls at the side of the Bean box are being cared for at the American Red Cross Orphanage. They assist in the relief work as shown here
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.04077

A brave little rooster walking down the bread line that formed in front of the American Red Cross station at Monastir, Serbia, a rooster took a big chance. Note the attention that he is getting from the people despite the fact that they are being photographed by an "Amerykanski". Many of these people have walked over mountain roads for clothing, medicine and food, which the Red Cross distributed throughout the Balkans

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.04901

American dentists in Monastir. Captain Frank L. Adams of West Tampa, Fla. is doing the first dental work for a Serbian girl seen in native costume. This dental workshop which is maintained by the American Red Cross has a steady stream of calls from Serbians who are curious to have their teeth examined for the first time in their lives

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03975

From this little desk was done the paper work that distributed relief to many thousand Serbian refugees in the Monastir district. Captain Lanning Mc Farland, a Harvard student, was in charge of the American Red Cross work in this town. He operated a bakery, hospital, bathing establishment, warehouse and feeding station. He is shown at his desk examining the application of a Turkish woman for relief
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.04695

Children of Monastir calling at the depot of the A.R.C. set up in an old shelled building for their rations of bread, lard and other foodstuffs sent from the United States to check the starvation in Southern Serbia. Each of the inhabitants is given a two pound loaf of bread, a pound of rice, beans and sugar each week
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03944

Carl Randan & Capt. Aupperle in Monastir. A Minaret working a Mohammedan mosque, in the rear. These minarets have an interior circular stairway & several times daily a "Muezzin" or priest climbs up and shouts a Jew prayer from the little balcony
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03923

American tractors in Serbia. The American Red Cross has thirty farm tractors tilling the soil in southern Serbia. These modern machines are proving a great boon to the Serbian Farmers who have been wothout agricultural implements for four years and whose land has been idle for want of the plough all during the war
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03816

Reaping with a bayonet. Bereft of all Agricultural Implements by the invading armies, the peasants of Serbia harvest their crops with what tools they can obtain. This shows a man and his wife cutting grain with small sickles. The man fashioned his from a bayonet. To aid Serbia in planting and harvesting the American Red Cross sent 1,000,600 worth of Agricultural machinery into the country and taught the Serbs how to use these modern contrivances

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.04915

Misery knows neither sex nor age in devastated Serbia. This old man doesn't need a top hat nor a frock coat but some old gentleman's cast-off clothing to take the place of the indescribable garment he now wears would ease his declining years. For him and thousands like him the A.R.C. is conducting a nationwide collection of used clothing, shoes and blankets

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03207

"A wilderness of rags," is the description travellers give of devastated Serbia and the garb of these small Serbians tells why. Thousands of men, women and children in this unhappy land and others that were laid waste by the Hun must wear clothing like this until civilized garments reach them from the nationwide collection of used clothing, shoes and blankets conducted by the A.R.C. for the refugees in Allied Countries
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03198

Buffalo motor van A.R.C. ambulance in Serbia
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03122

Transportation in southern Serbia
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03071

Although the A.R.C. station does not open until eight o'clock these people formed in line at daybreak. They are refugees and destitute people of the town who call every two weeks. Each has a Red Cross card showing the amount of food he or she is entitled to. Each one represents a family. The station serves 600 people everyday, distributing bread, lard, beans and clothes. They use sacks, shawls, aprons and even their skirts to carry the food away in

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03634

Part of the huge bakery at Monastir turned over to the A.R.C. by the French Army. If formerly supplied the Allied Army of the Orient with 125,000 loaves of bread a day. Now it is sued to help feed the starving civilian population in this district of the Balkans. The baskets heaped in the background are used to hold the kneaded dough, which is placed in the pits drawing heat from the fire-boxes, to rise. The fires are raked out and the dough is put into the fire-boxes on long planks being baked by the heat retained in the sontes. Each loaf baked here weighs three pounds and is in the shape of a fair-sized dish-pan. A mill where wheat is ground into flour adjoins the bakery and is operated by the A.R.C.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03633

Miss Robia Whedon, Dr. McCarthy and Serbian Helper, with disinfection machine formerly used by Germans
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/anrc.03318

Bulgarian military WW1 cemetery in Capari village, Municipality of Bitola

In the yard of the church of St. George in village of Capari there are several graves of officers from the Bulgarian army, killed in the battles of “Crveni Steni” (Red Rocks) on Pelister and Elevation 1248, on the Macedonian front during the First World War.

Capari village is one of the larger village settlements at the foot of Baba Mountain and it is abundant with quite interesting examples of traditional Macedonian architecture. The church St. George is a three-nave church built in 1888 and is located in the village itself.
To the church it leads an asphalt road.

Coordinates: 41.057516, 21.176912

In the western part of Capari village is located the Bulgarian military cemetery for about 300 soldiers killed on this part of the Macedonian Front.
The cemetery has been recently been restored.

How to get to there:
In proximity of the cemetery leads an asphalt road, which links to the newly restored walking path. It is best to leave the vehicle on the asphalt road and continue on foot, about 50 meters to the cemetery.
The road is narrow and not appropriate for buses.

Big Lake Pelister – WW1 location - Pelister National Park

During the First World War, the front line of the Macedonian Front passed through today's Pelister National Park and large number of remains of the events that happened here are visible even today.
On the mountain roads leading to the Big Lake, a large number of trenches and the positions occupied by the warring parties are visible. On the Jeep road leading to the Big Lake, can be seen the Prespa Lake and the villages Brajcino, Ljubojno, the city of Bitola and the positions around Crveni Steni - a place where some of the bloodiest battles of this part of the Macedonian Front were fought.

Right next to the lake there is the eponymous mountain lodge, which in the summertime operates during the weekends, where visits and overnight stays are possible. Near the lodge also remains can be seen of objects used during the First World War by the French army.

The Pelister Big Lake is a postglacial lake located at an altitude of 2218 m. The lake is located at the source of Ezerska river, which is left tributary of Sapunčica river. With a maximum depth of 14.5 m, it is the deepest mountain lake in Macedonia.

How to get to Big Lake, Pelister National Park

• Jeep tours to Big Lake...
• Mountaineering paths to the Big Lake...

Photo Gallery