Video - Breakthrough on the Macedonian Front during the First World War - military archival material

A video showing the breakthrough of the Macedonian front during World War I. Starting from the battle of Dobro Pole, it follows the advance of the armies through Macedonia and Serbia. The legends are in Polish, so far I have not been able to find who is the author /producer.

00:00 - Decydujące zwyciestwo armii wschodniej (Decisive victory of the eastern army) 00:05 - Z armja generala henrys From General Henry's Army 00:09 - Linja Bulgarskiej obrony Bulgarian Defense Line 00:46 - Bowbardowanie pozycyi nieprzyjacielskih Bombardment of enemy positions 03:19 - Pierwsi jency The first prisoners 04:02 - Materyal wojenny porzucony Abandoned war material 04:35 - Wies Zowik Wzieta przez oddzialy greckie The village of Zowik was taken by Greek troops 04:47 - Ambulans bulgarski zajety przez wojska sprzymierzencow Bulgarian ambulance captured by allied forces 05:19 - Wies Starowina wzieta przez francuzow The village of Starowina was taken by the French 05:52 - Prilep 06:16 - Wejscie pierwszych oddzialow francuzkih Entry of the first French troops 07:29 - Material Wojenny porzycony na dworcu przez nieprzyjaciela War Material Left at the Station by the Enemy 07:36 - Glowny atak od Sokola do Dobropolje (15 wrzesnia 1918) Main attack from Sokol to Dobropole (September 15, 1918) 07:56 - Jency wzieci do niewoli przez dywizja kolonialna francuzka w dzien ataku Prisoners taken prisoner by the French colonial division on the day of the attack 09:34 - Stanowisko Bulgarskie w Dobropoliju (1700 metrow wysoksci) zniszczone przez nasze granaty Bulgarian site in Dobropol (1700 meters high) destroyed by our grenades 09:54 - Dywizja Poludniowych-Slowian przecodzi wskros linije francuzkie by scigac nieprzyjaciela The South Slavic Division will cross the French lines to pursue the enemy. 10:47 - Okopy zdobyte. Kilku Jencow Trenches captured. Several prisoners 11:29 - Zdobycz na nieprzyjacielu Enemy Prey 12:04 - Armata niemiecka zdobyta przez Serbow i skierowana przeciwko Bulgarom German cannon captured by Serbs and directed against Bulgarians 12:22 - Pulk poludniowski wychodzacy na poscig The Southern Regiment going out to pursue 13:12 - Pierwsza wies Serbska odzyskana: Rozden Spalony przez Bulgarow The first Serbian village reclaimed: Rozden Burned by the Bulgarians 13:32 - Stare kobiety placza nad zgliszczami swych domow Old women cry over the ruins of their homes 13:58 - Wyzad naprzod. Wojska sprzymierzencow wdzieraja sie na gory 1500 do 2000 metrow wysokosci Forward. Allied forces are breaking into the mountains 1,500 to 2,000 meters high 15:32 - Lekkie i ciezkie baterje opuszczone przez nieprzyjaciela Light and heavy batteries abandoned by the enemy 16:07 - Kadawar zdobyty przez Serbow, po przejsciu 100 kilometrow w gorach w siagu trzech dni Kawadarci conquered by the Serbs, after walking 100 kilometers in the mountains in three days 16:30 - Senegalczyk Diahne Cassana uwolniony po dwoch latach niewoli u Bulgarow. Wlada ich jezykiem i sluzi za slomacza. Senegalese Diahne Cassana freed after two years of captivity by the Bulgarians. Speaks their language and serves as a ???. 16:41 - Gradsco. Bulgarzy spalili sklady aprowizacijne i dworzec kolejowy Gradsko. Bulgarians burned down food stores and the railway station 16:49 - Z pierwsza armja serbska With the first Serbian army 18:37 - Most na Kriwolaka przezwany przez nieprzyjaciela The bridge on Kriwolak, demolished by the enemy 19:00 - Dworzec kolejowy gdzie nieprzyjaciel zostawie liczny material wojenny Railway station where the enemy left a lot of war material

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

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.

WW1 - Bulgarian Generals in the First World War – WW1 Military Leaders

This post presents an excerpt on WW1 - Bulgarian Generals in the First World War – WW1 Military Leaders, taken from Ратни албум (War Album), 1914–1918, authored by Andra Popović (Андра Поповић) and published in Belgrade in 1926.

Published only a few years after the end of the Great War, the album preserves a valuable visual and documentary record of the people, events, political figures, and military leaders associated with the conflict. This excerpt features several prominent Bulgarian statesmen and army leaders who played important roles during the First World War, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria's political and military leadership during the conflict.

Beyond its historical content, War Album is also a valuable contemporary Yugoslav-era historical source, reflecting how the wartime generation remembered and documented the figures and events of 1914–1918.

Source: Andra Popović, Ратни албум (War Album), 1914–1918, Belgrade, 1926.

Bulgarian Generals in the First World War

1. General Tosev, Commander of the 3rd army (Dobrudža)

2. General Kolev, Commander of the Dobric grouping (Dobrudža)

3. General Kissalov, Commander of the Turtukai Grouping

4. General N. Zekow, with the Staff of the 1st Army opposite Florina (Lerin)

5. General Zlatarov and Colonel Protogerov

6. General Nerezov with his Staff

7. Colonel Burmov with the 10th Division Staff

8. General Tanev, Governor of East Macedonia

9. Bulgarian cattle requisition in Macedonia

10. Bulgarian anti-aircraft machine-gun section.

Excerpt from the book:
Ратни албум (War Album) 1914-1918,
Author: Андра Поповић (Andra Popovic),
Belgrade, 1926

Bulgaria in WW1 - Bulgarian Statesmen and Army Leaders

This post presents an excerpt on Bulgaria in WW1 – Bulgarian Statesmen and Army Leaders, taken from Ратни албум (War Album), 1914–1918, authored by Andra Popović (Андра Поповић) and published in Belgrade in 1926.

Published only a few years after the end of the Great War, the album preserves a valuable visual and documentary record of the people, events, political figures, and military leaders associated with the conflict. This excerpt features several prominent Bulgarian statesmen and army leaders who played important roles during the First World War, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria's political and military leadership during the conflict.

Beyond its historical content, War Album is also a valuable contemporary Yugoslav-era historical source, reflecting how the wartime generation remembered and documented the figures and events of 1914–1918.

Source: Andra Popović, Ратни албум (War Album), 1914–1918, Belgrade, 1926.

Bulgaria in WW1 - Bulgarian Statesmen and Army Leaders

1. Ferdinand I. King of Bulgaria

2. Dr. W. Radoslaw, Prime Minister

3. Crown Prince Boris.

4. Prince Kirill, the second son of the Bulgarian King

5. Jostof, General, Chief of the General Staff.

6. Bojadieff, General, commandor of the 1st Army

7. Todorof, General, Commander of the 2nd Army

8. Jekov, General in Chief of the Bulgarian Army (previously Com. of the 3rd Army)

9. The members of the Bulgar Komitadjis Organization

Excerpt from the book:
Ратни албум (War Album) 1914-1918,
Author: Андра Поповић (Andra Popovic),
Belgrade, 1926

Balkan Alliance - postcards issued during the First Balkan War

Postcards from the serie "Balkan Alliance", „У слози је спас“" (“In consent lies the redemption”) issued during the First Balkan War.

On the postcards:

King Ferdinand I, Bulgaria (26.02.1861 - 09.10.1948)

Born in Vienna as Ferdinand Maximilian Karl Leopold Maria of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, he ruled Bulgaria from 1887 to 1918.

Nikola I Petrovic, Montenegro (19.10.1840 – 02.03.1921)

Nikola I Mirkov Petrovic Njegos was born in Njegushi Montenegro. He ruled Montenegro as “Knez” prince from 1860 to 1910 and he was the first and only king of Montenegro from 1910-1918. He died in France 1921 when Montenegro was part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.

Petar I Karadjordjevic, Serbia (11.07.1844 - 16.08.1921)

Petar I Karadjordjevic was king of Serbia from 1903 to 1918 and King of the Kingdom of Serbs Croats and Slovenes from 1918 to 1921.

George I, Greece (12.24.1845 - 03.18.1913)

George was the first king of Greece (born Prince William of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg), son of Danish King Christian IX. When the Danish prince ascended the Greek throne, he was only 17 years. In 1867 George I married Olga Konstantinovna (1851-1926) of the Russian Romanov dynasty.

Order by the Mayor of Bitola, Dr Bojadjiev for taking protective measures during the bombardment – January 17, 1916

Наредба од градоначалникот на Битола Д-р Бојаџиев
за преземање на заштитни мерки при бомбардирање – 17.01.1916
(Извор: Државен Архив на РМ, одделение Битола)
Order by the Mayor of Bitola, Dr Bojadjiev for taking protective
measures during the bombardment – January 17, 1916
(Source – State Archive of RM, Department Bitola)

English translation (Превод на Англиски)

ORDER
Since the border is very close, it is possible that enemy planes occur again over the city and to avoid victims
I APPEAL
All citizens to take the following measures: In appearance of those planes, which carry a sign of "Red Cross" from below, citizens immediately should seek shelter in homes in a safe place, preferably in the basement.
And to get the chance to be saved those citizens who at that time were found on the road, citizens to leave open the entrance doors, so that these people can be hidden in the houses.
It is forbidden for the citizens to gather in groups in the streets, because they can become targets for the enemy.

Mayor Dr. A. Bojadziev
January 17, 1916
Bitola
Print – Pili Brothers - Bitola

Превод на Македонски (Macedonian translation)

НАРЕДБА
Со оглед на тоа да границата е многу блиску, можно е непријателски авиони да се јават повторно над градот и за да се избегнат жртвите
СЕ ПОВИКУВААТ
Сите граѓани да ги преземат следните мерки: При појавувањето на тие авиони, кои што носат знак на „Црвен крс т“ од долу, граѓаните веднаш да се приберат во куќите на сигурно место, препорачливо во визбите.
А за да се даде можност да се спасат и лицата кои во тој момент се затекнати на пат, граѓаните да ги остават отворени влезните врати, за да можат овие лица да се скријат во куќите.
Имсе забранува на граѓаните собирање во групи на улиците, зошто на тој начин стануваат цел на непријателот.

Градоначалник Д-р А. Бојаџиев
Јануари 17, 1916 г
Битола
Печатница – Браќа Пили Битола

Bitola 19.11-31.12.1916 - Notes by Mary L. Matthews

“Destruction by shells in Monastir,” Digital Exhibits of the Archives and Special Collections, accessed September 29, 2016, https://ascdc.mtholyoke.edu/items/show/3677

Mary L. Matthews (1864-1950) was missionary to the Protestant American School for Girls in Bitola (Monastir).  She arrived in Bitola in 1888 and her post lasted for 32 years, in which she took only three short furloughs to the U.S., in 1893-1896, 1904-1905, and 1913-1915.

Mary L. Matthews (1864-1950)

 She was a witness of the Ilinden upraise, the situation of the local population during Turkish Rule, the Young Turks' Revolution in 1908, Balkan Wars, First World War and she remained in Bitola until 1920.
During this time she kept a diary recording many events and also she personally took many valuable photos with her own camera.
In this post, short notes are presented, giving us valuable information about Bitola at the beginning of Second Balkan War.


Nov. 19, 1916 French and Serb Armies entered the city.
“ 20. Mon. German and Bulgarian Armies entrenched on mountains within sight of Monastir; (they shelled and bombed the city for the next 22  months).
One shell struck Mr. Clarke’s house; one fell on Peter Robeff’s house near the American school.  Aero battle all day.
“21.Tues. Cannon all day.  Three air-plane raids.
“22.Wed. A shell, about 5 P.M., near the Dragor River, killed or wounded 25 soldiers, and wounded a Major and 2 Italian generals.
“23.Thur. Shells on the city; one on Mr. Hronograph’s shelter near us, killed two boys who were in it and wounded Spasika Eftimova who had taken refuge there, a graduate of the American school.
“24.Fri.    Cannon.
“25.Sat.   Shells fell not far away.
“26.Sun. Shells from 3 to 4 P.M.  One fell on Deacon Uncha’s house, but the family was absent.
“  27.Mon. Terrible fighting with big cannon, 3.15-4 and later.  We saw it—the flash of the enemy guns and the shells on the city, a few seconds later.
“28.Tues. Battle in A.M. and early P.M. with cannon.
Civil government by Serbians;  Military, by the French.
Dec. 1.Wed.    German shells near us and on Yeni ward.
“ 6. Sun.     Many shells on or near the city.
“7. Mon.    Not many shells.
“9.Wed.   German shells on R.R; destroyed the station.  Severe battle.
“10.Thur. Shells on city; one woman killed; shell on Leonda’s house.
“11.Fri. Severe bombardment.  A shell broke into the Annex of the American School, destroyed beds in a dormitory.  School not in session after Nov. 28.  21 persons in the compound, but no one was injured.
 “12.Sat.   Bombardment in early A.M. and continued with intervals of quiet.
“13.Sun.  Bombardment, 3.30-5.30 P.M.
“14.Mon. Some cannon firing.
“15.Tues.  Fighting.
“16.Wed.  Terrible shelling.
“17.Thur. French Protestant service in our chapel; 20 soldiers present.  Very earnest service.  The soldiers want a Christmas tree.  M.L.M. was there and some of our people.
“18.Fri. Governor Jovanovitch gave M.L.M. an order for a bag of the flour the
“19. Americans went without, for all in the School Compound to share. Some were refugees, whose homes were dangerous.  It was difficult to reach the flour depot on (sic) “wheat market”, as streets were strictly guarded by French police.  Finally two Serb officers saw the order and took Miss M. to get the flour.  Terrible fighting in P.M. and evening, on the north hills.  French fired much; German shells on city; no harm to us.  At 10 P.M. 8 French soldiers got into the Orphanage Compound. At 1 A.M., those who had probably come over the wall opened the street gate which was locked inside; they let in other soldiers.  They knocked on Orphanage door, but Mrs. Mita did not open it.  Soldiers also went to some neighbors’ houses.  The French Chaplain, Pastor Gonin, and Dr. Muller entered a complaint for Miss M. to the French Authorities.  Fierce battle in evening on the western front.
“20. Last night, the men at the School Compound.  Dea. Uncha and Daniel, Mr. Eftem and Mr. Nicola took turns in going to the Orphanage to see if all was right.  Hard fighting all night.
“21. Battle on the hills in evening.
“23. At 3.30 P.M. a terrible bombardment by Germans, and shells fell not far away, and on the Volkani house.  Kosta Sarabakaloff’s little Nadeshda was killed.  Also, five other children near the Roumanian Church.  Mrs. Santa and Baba Santa were on the street and saw them.  All our people came home safely.
“24. Not many German shells, but French fired many; in an hour, Mrs. Mircheff counted about fifty.  In evening machine guns were fired at Magarevo.
“25. Christmas Day!  Picked a bunch of violets in the yard .  Roses are budded.  German shells on city in A.M., damaged many houses, but no casualties so far as we know.  Shells kept some of us away from the French service at 1 P.M. soldiers had set up a tree in our church and decorated it very prettily, at 2.30.  After the tree exercises at 5 o’clock,  Miss M., Baba Santa and Magda served tea.  Soldiers brought tea, sugar, biscuits; Miss M. furnished bread and raspberry jam.  Pastor Conin, Dr. Paul Muller and 24 soldiers were presents and all had a good time.
 “26. A lively rifle battle tonight.
“27.Wed.  French fired; Germans answered; about 1.30 and 8 P.M.  Considerable damage to people and property.
“28. Thur. Roar of cannon almost continuous.  German shells fell frequently, especially from 1 to 2.30 P.M.
“29. Fri.  Cannon thundered all day.  German shells fell about 10.30 A.M. and often in P.M.  One fell in yard of Mr. Geo. Rombi, op. our Annex, and broke the stone at his well; broke a pane in our Science Room; a bit blew thru window and fell near my desk upstairs.
“30. Sat. Cannon firing most of day.  City seems dead.  Few on streets.  No trade.
Damaged houses everywhere.
“ 31. Sun.  German shells on city, about noon.   One in our garden at 3 P.M. broke panes of the School.  No one was hurt.  Marvellous!  God is very good to us.  The orphans had sat in yard until 5 min. before shell fell.

Full diaries and letters of Miss Mary L. Matthews at Mount Holyoke College, where she was in the class of 1885.   https://ascdc.mtholyoke.edu/exhibits/show/marymatthews

References
1. Peggy Hanson Website - grand niece of Mary L. Matthews

2. Mary L. Matthews Papers, 1863-1950 - Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections

A Bucket of Gold for Dobro Pole - story from Mariovo

In the villages in Mariovo region, there is a "story" that the Battle of Dobro Pole during the First World War, was purchased for a bucket of gold, which unknown French, gave to a Bulgarian general. Some of the older residents, tell this story so confidently, a man would think that they too had attended the handover of bribery. Normally, it is nonsense that someone could testify such event, or that would be some written proof, but we can not help but wonder whether there is truth in this story, and more important from where it originated.

Dobro Pole, Macedonian - Greek Border

In October 1928 while in Yugoslavia the 10th anniversary of the end of World War is commemorated, in Bulgaria interesting litigation happened, associated with the Battle of Dobro Pole. The widow of General Ivan Lukov due to insult on her husband, sued the former Minister Dobri Petkov, who in his pamphlet "The culprits of the collapse of Bulgaria" (Виновниците на погрома на България през септември 1918 г. ), has accused the leadership of Bulgaria for the defeat in WW1 and also the late General Lukov for a treason.

Excerpts from newspaper Politika (08-17.10.1928)

According to Dobri Petkov, the basis for this accusation, among other things, was the alleged statement of French General Louis Franchet d'Espèrey, during the signing of the armistice in Thessaloniki (09.30.1918) that allegedly he spoke in front of the Bulgarian delegation:

"It is sad, but among you there are traitors, who I as a soldier, despise"

Excerpts from newspaper Politika (08-17.10.1928)

It is interesting that at that time (October 1928) General Louis Franchet d'Espèrey is in Yugoslavia, where he was asked by reporters whether he remembers this event and whether he really said this.

General d'Espèrey confirmed that he clearly remembered that day, but denied that he said such a thing. Louis Franchet d'Espèrey never testified before the Bulgarian court, but even if he did, he would hardly cast a stain on the victory of the Allied forces or would directly interfere in the internal affairs of Bulgaria.

The lawsuit later ends in favor of the widow of General Lukov and with imprisonment of Dobri Petkov.

Excerpts from newspaper Politika (08-17.10.1928)

According to many historians, this lawsuit was closely associated with the unstable situation in Bulgaria at that time and the fighting for supremacy, in which the two sides accused each other of treachery and profligacy. Questions were asked such: why the breakthrough happened at Dobro Pole, not in Dojran, Why there was no counterattack by the Bulgarian army, etc.

In Yugoslavia and especially in Macedonia, these events were closely monitored, with many newspaper writings, so we can assume that this is the source of our story.

But is there any truth in it?

It is fact that at the end of the First World War the Bulgarian army was in extremely bad condition. The soldiers were hungry, badly equipped, and rebellions and defection were very common. It was no question of "IF" but "WHEN" and "AT WHAT PLACE" would happen the breakthrough of the front. The Entente Command decided that this would happen on the sector of the Serbian army, which also had the greatest interest to end the war.
The Entente forces concentrated about 550 cannons in the area of around Dobro Pole and much larger and more equipped army against the demoralized and poorly equipped Bulgarian army.
The amount of shells that fell on the Bulgarian trenches were a guarantee for the success of The Battle of Dobro Pole and there was hardly any need to "bribe" anyone. We can say that the Battle for Dobro Pole was a clean victory and in a short period of time the Entente forces achieved great success on the Macedonian front, whose fate was already decided.

Yet it was uncertain whether and how long Bulgaria would continue fighting and would it sacrificed its population for its ally Germany. Bulgarian King Ferdinand (who was also of German origin) supported the idea, against a number of generals and government officials, who were aware of the situation among the population, and did not agree to continue fighting and were considering a change of leadership.  In these political games, we can assume that there were treachery and profligacy on both sides, and fighting for dominance continued after the war ended. It is naive to believe that in this situation there was no influence from other countries and even bribes. But these were complex political games that are out of everyone's understanding, and yet provide a good basis for discussion, speculation, and stories among the population.

The real problem of today's Mariovo region!

In a situation of low living standard, the stories associated with gold and hidden treasure are always interesting for the people, especially in Mariovo region. This region forgotten by many slowly becomes a haven for illegal activities, which inflict irreparable damage to the cultural heritage and are particularly dangerous for the local population. The "Gold diggers" as they are called, are actually a "Relict hunters" who irreversibly destroy the rich cultural heritage in this region.

Text: Pargovski Jove
https://macedonia1912-1918.blogspot.com