Nelson's history of the war. Vol. XI., The struggle for the Dvina, and the great invasion of Serbia

I50 HISTORY OF THE WAR.

guard the flank against a Bulgarian attack from the Struma valley.

Across the Vardar from Krivolak rises a steep wall of mountain, called Kara Hodjali. The height

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commanded this whole section of the valley, and

its possession by the enemy would make the railway useless. Accordingly it was resolved at all costs to occupy it at once. The Vardar was in ~ roaring flood ; there were no bridges, and no time to get up pontoons. But there was an old ferryboat by which with much labour a French detachment was ferried over. The enemy on the heights were only advanced guards, and without much trouble the French scaled the steeps and established themselves on the summit. Two days later the Bulgarians, recognizing the value of the point they had lost, attacked in force, and were only beaten off after a fight with grenades at close quarters. On 4th and 5th November they again attacked, but the position proved too strong, and they were reduced to entrenching themselves over against the French on the flat crest.

While the command of the Krivolak-Strumnitza section of the valley was being secured, the French had turned to the main object of their advance. Veles and Uskub were now held by the enemy, and he was pushing northwards over the Katchanik Pass, and southwards against the Serbians, who at the Babuna Pass guarded the road to Monastir. The Babuna Pass lies twenty-five miles due west of Krivolak, and the country between is rugged and difficult. The map will show the details. The only road is one which runs from Krivolak

Nov. 4-5.