But to weaken the Serbian center by these
tactics it was also necessary to free the Austrians in Shabatz, or,
at least, it was necessary that they should assume a strong offensive
against the extreme right of the Serbians, and, if possible, flank
them.
But the Serbians anticipated the plans of the Austrians. Additional
reenforcements were sent to the extreme right with orders to spare
no sacrifice that would keep the Austrians inclosed within their
fortifications around Shabatz.
And true enough, next morning, August 18, 1914, shortly after the hot
summer sun had risen over the eastern ridges, the Austrians emerged
from Shabatz and attacked the Serbians. The Austrian onslaught was
furious, so furious that, step by step, the Serbians, in spite of
their reenforcements, were driven back. Fortunately toward evening
the Austrian offensive began losing its strength, and that night
the Serbians were able to intrench along a line from Leskovitz
to Mihana.
This obliged the cavalry division, which had been cooperating with
the Serbian center and was driving the Austrians toward Leshnitza,
to retire along a line from Metkovitch to Brestovatz. Naturally the
advance of the Austrians from Shabatz was endangering its right
flank. Moreover, a reenforced column of Austrians also appeared
before it. But this opposing force did not press its advance.
Meanwhile, on the same day, August 18, 1914, the Austrians were
reenforcing their position on the Tzer ridges.
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