The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

that the war might endinthis way. It was this that saved Serbia.

Had Austria-Hungary attempted to imitate the German onrush through Belgium, Serbia’s position would have been seriously compromised, for her greatest danger would have been a quick, resolute advance of the Austro-Hungarian troops already massed on her frontiers.

Fortunately, nothing of the kind happened. During the first week, the Austro-Hungarian forces confined themselves to incessant but irresolute and feeble attempts to cross the Save and take Belgrade, but every time they were repulsed with great losses. This gave time and instilled new courage into the whole Serbian Army. Within two weeks, the Serbian Army was concentrated, full of confidence, ready to fight an army half a million strong.

The Serbian Army consisted of troops of the first ban, men from 20 to 380 years of age, the second ban from 31 to 37 years, the third ban from 38 to 45, and, lastly, the troops of the national defence, men from 45 to 55 and from 17 to 20 years of age. The mobilising being general, Serbia was able to meet Austria at once with an active army 350,000 strong. The number of available men was greater, but Serbia was short of rifles, and many thousands of troops were armed and included in the active army some weeks later after some 120,000 rifles had been sent from Russia.

The newly annexed provinces were represented

111