At the same time it
was able to assist the column advancing along the Tzer ridges by
playing its artillery on the Austrian position in the mountains at
Troyan. Throughout all the fighting this cavalry division rendered
notable service by its dismounted action.
On the morning of August 17, 1914, the extreme right of the Serbian
front now turned toward Shabatz. Though only half the number of the
forces they were proceeding to engage, they continued onward. But
on closer approach it became apparent that they could do nothing more
than hold the Austrians inside the town. So well and so thoroughly
had the Austrians fortified themselves that it was hopeless for
so small a force to attempt an attack. Thus this section of the
Serbian front settled down to wait for reenforcements.
The center and left of the Second Army now prepared to advance
along the Tzer and Iverak ridges. The Austrians in this section,
who had suffered so severely the day before at Belikamen, were
now concentrated around Troyan, the most easterly and the second
highest peak of the chain.
At dawn on August 17, 1914, the Serbians located the Austrians.
Immediately they began a heavy artillery fire on this position,
then proceeded to infantry attack. Two regiments hurled themselves
up the slopes, and with bayonets and hand bombs drove the Austrians
back. After that no further progress was possible that day, the
Serbians having to wait for their artillery to come up.
Pages:
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434