But it also necessitated a difficult crossing
of the Danube, which would have had to be preceded by the building
of pontoon bridges. This would have given the Serbians time to move
up their main forces. The second alternative, an invasion from
the east, would have entailed a longer journey, but the advantage
of natural covering and easy crossing made it a sounder plan.
On July 28, 1914, the Serbians concentrated their forces in anticipation
of either event. The outpost forces were stationed at or near Losnitza,
Shabatz, Obrenovatz, Belgrade, Semendria, Pozarevatz and Gradishte.
But their principal armies were centrally grouped along the line
Palanka-Arangelovatz-Lazarevatz, while weaker, though important,
detachments were stationed in the vicinity of Valievo, a branch
railroad terminus, and Uzitze. This narrowed the field down to
such limits that it was possible to march the troops from point
to point, while the few railway facilities available were utilized
for food and ammunition supplies.
* * * * *
CHAPTER XLVIII
AUSTRIAN SUCCESSES
On the morning of July 29, 1914, the day after war had been declared,
the residents of Belgrade were startled by a deep roar, followed
by the whistling shriek of a huge body hurtling through the air,
and a shell burst over the battlements of the old Turkish citadel,
doing no damage. Immediately there came another deep shock; the
Serbian guns were responding.
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