The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe, page 142

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF

some heavy guns. But their efforts were all in vain. The Serbian infantry, working in cooperation with their very effective artillery, proved irresistible, and the enemy was defeated after a few hours’ fighting. The 15th and 16th Austrian Army Corps were badly beaten and completely demoralised. During these first three days the Serbians took over 5000 prisoners, and many thousands of the enemy remained on the battle-field dead or wounded.

This almost miraculous resuscitation poured new life into the Serbian Army and revealed the extent of its latent strength. By the complete and harmonious co-operation of all their forces the Serbians dealt the enemy a crushing blow without much loss of life on their own side. The commanders of the different units expressed their thanks for the harmonious co-operation of the commanders on their wings. The infantry was full of praise of the artillery, and the gunners could not find words to express their admiration for the impetuosity and irresistible onset of the infantry.

The victory was complete, but General Misic knew how to utilise it to the full. It was in vain that the Austrian rearguards, after the third day, attempted resistance, for before the enemy’s infantry could deploy for fighting in a new position, the Serbian artillery began to shell their lines, and the Serbian infantry to creep beneath the enemy’s batteries. The Austro-Hungarian resistance was broken before it had already

126