The Bulgarian Army in the World War I – 1914-1918

The World War I , which broke out in the summer of 1914 , regenerated in the ruling liberal coalition and monarchial institution hopes for national union. The state and the army , however, were not prepared for new war. There was no unanimity among the political and military circles respectively taking side in the conflict. As to its location and fighting efficiency of the army, Bulgaria was a wanted ally both for the Central Forces (Germany, Austria- Hungary and Turkey) , for the Entente (Russia, France and Great Britain). The temporary successful actions of the Central Forces , the failure of the Entente’s Dardanelles’ operation and the loan of 500 million levs ,issued to Bulgaria, predetermined pro- German orientation of the ruling circles.

On August 24th , 1915 Bulgaria concluded military convention with Germany and Austria- Hungary and also an agreement with Turkey ,and, on September 10th , 1915 was issued a decree for total mobilization. The strength of the Bulgarian Operating Army amounted to 15 908 officers , 600 772 non- commissioned officers and soldiers , grouped in three armies.

On October 15th , 1915 Bulgaria declared war on Serbia. As regards to the oprative relationships, the Operating Army was subordinated to the Commander of the Allied Forces General Field- marshal Mackensen. Its objective was to take part in the crushing of the Serbian Army and to secure territory for intercommunications between the allies and Turkey.

During the maneuver period of war (1915-1916) the Bulgarian troops took part in two campaigns. The campaign in Serbia and Macedonia achieved defeat of the Serbian Army and throwing back of Entente’s troops beyond the Greek border. The campaign in Dobruja and Romania finished with defeat of the Russian- Romanian troops and set up of the North Front at Danube River delta and along Seret River.|

During the positional period of the war (1917-1918) the Bulgarian Army waged defensive actions, defending its positions both at the North and South Fronts.

Waging the campaign in Serbia and Macedonia , the Bulgarian Army carried out three operations. “Morava” offensive operation (1st- 27th October 1915) was part of the strategic operation of the Group of armies “Mackensen” , aiming defeat of the Serbian Army under command of Lieutenant- General Kliment Boiajiev. In the course of operation the Bulgarian troops took over the fortified sections of Pirot and Nish and set up control over the valley of Morava River.

”Ovche pole” offensive operation (October 1st - November 12th 1915) was prepared by the Bulgarian High Command. It was carried out by 2nd army under command of Lieutenant- general Georgi Todorov. In seven days the Bulgarian troops took over the towns of Kumanovo and Veles and entered the valley of Vardar River. The north operative group of the army drove back Serbian conterstrike at the front Vrania, Gniliane, Kachanik . The south group stopped the advancing from Thessalonike along the valley of Vardar River British and French troops and followed them to the Greek border.

”Kosovo” offensive operation (October 18th - November 1915) was a continuation of “Morava” operation. After forcing of Morava River , units of 1st army threw back the enemy , took over the town of Prokuple and went in pursuit , which was finished with seizure of the town of Priotina and Kosovo Field. Units of the north group group of second army, after repulsing Serbian cxounterstrike at Ferizovo and Gniliane , crossed over Shar Mountain and enterd Prizren. On November 16th , part of the Serbian troops surrendered and the main forces abandoned their heavy machines and armored vehicles , got across the Albanian Mountains and reached the Adriatic seacoast.

The inclusion of Romania in the war on the side of the Entente (August 27th 1916) opened second front on the Balkans. “Dobruja” operation (September 1st , 1916 – January 3rd 1917) was a part of the strategic operation of the group of armies “Mackensen”, aiming to take Romania out of the war. The operation was realized by 3rd Bulgarian army under command of General Stefan Toshev.

On September 6th , 1916 , after three days of fights , by decisive assault, under command of Major–General Pantelei Kiselov , parts of 4th Preslav Infantry division and 1st Sofia Infantry division took over the Tutrakan Fortress – the strongest point of the Romanian defense in South Dobruja.

On September 7th , not far from Dobrich , Varna Detachment under command of Major- General Todor Kantarjiev , strengthened by two regiments of 6th infantry division and one Turkish regiment, together with 1st horse division of Major – general Ivan Kolev , crushed one Russian and one Serbian division.

Having suffered a defeat on the line Tutrakan- Dobrich and the encounter battles of Oltina- Karaomer- Mangalia , the Russian- Romanian Army withdrew on the strengthen line Rasovo- Kubadin – Tuzla. On October 21st , 3rd army made decisive break through in the center of Kubadin position.After seizure of Kiustennja and Cherna Voda (On Danube River) , persuit of the enemy was stopped in the narrowest part of North Dobruja. Part of the Bulgarian units were in the strength of the Danube Army which forced Danube river at Svishtov – Zimnich and after seizure of Bucharest followed the Romanian Army to the east till Seret River. On December 15th , 3 rd army renewed the offensive in North Dobruja , broke through the strengthen position between the village of Cherna and Danube River , and on January 3rd ,1917, took over the town of Machin – the last stronghold of the Russian troops to the south of Danube River.

During the positional period of the war (1917-1918) decisive importance attained the South front. From Shkumba River (to the west of Ohrid Lake) till the mouth of Struma River the front , with longitude 354 km , was defended by 11th German Army , composite mainly of Bulgarian infantry units of 1st and 2nd Bulgarian armies. The Aegean coast between Struma River and Maritza River was defended by 4th Bulgarian army , which was formed in November 1917. Towards September 1918 the total strength of the Bulgarian Operating Army reached 697 157 men and 1 459 guns , and the total number of the mobilized Bulgarians increased to 857 063 men.

Spread on a vast front , without operative and strategic reserves , poorly supplied , the Bulgarian Army almost three years held the pressure of the growing up Entente troops. Memorable were the combats at Chervenata Stena , the turn of Cherna River , Dobro Pole, Iarebichna peak and Doiran.

On September 15th , 1918 started powerful Entente offensive on the front line from Ohrid Lake to the town of Doiran. 9th infantry division under command of Major- general Vladimir Vazov , defending the Doiran section, withstood two- days’ artillery attack and 14 gas attacks. In afierce battle , which lasted 4 days and nights , it defeated two Britain and one Greek divisions. The losses of the enemy were 11 673dead and 547 prosoners of war , and the losses of 9th division – 1728 dead and missing and 988 wounded.

In the direction of the main blow Entente Command secured almost fourfold superiority against 2nd and 3rd Bulgarian infantry divisions, defending the front of dobro Pole , and, on September 17th , the enemy made a break through in the Bulgarian positions. Discontent among the retreating units turned into soldier’s uprising against the government and monarchy. On September 29th , 1918, on demand of Bulgarian Government, was signed the Armistice of Thessalonike. The Bulgarian troops, to the west of Skopie meridian ,remained as hostages, but nevertheless, not a single Bulgarian combat flag was taken by the enemy.

The participation of Bulgaria in the World War I was the heaviest military effort in the Bulgarian history, having led to strenuous mobilization tension and exhaustion of the economic resources of the country. The military operations of great intensity and continuity cost to Bulgaria 101 224 dead and missing and 155 026 wounded.