Battle of Kolubara

The Battle of Kolubara was one of the greatest battles in Balkans during World War I. It was fought between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, and the Serbian army was victorious.

Related Topics:
Balkans - World War I - Austria-Hungary - Serbia

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After the Battle of Drina, the Serbian army retreated on the right bank of the Kolubara river. The Serbian Army had 250,000 poorly equipped soldiers and the Austro-Hungarians had a well-equipped force of 280000 men. On 16 November 1914, Austro-Hungarian Balkan Army group (5th and 6th Army), commanded by Field Marshal Potiorek, launched an attack over the river. Potiorek's goal was to take over the railroad that led from Obrenovac to Valjevo and to use it for supplying his troops instead of using muddy roads in Macva. The 5th Army, which held the northern part of the front, captured the town of Lazarevac which was held by the Serbian 2nd Army. In the south, parts of the 6th Army (15th and 16th Corps) attacked the 1st Serbian Army, captured Mount Maljen on 24 November, and put the Serbian left wing in a difficult situation. On the 25th November, 5th Army pushed back 2nd and 3rd Army, crossed the Ljig river and flanked the 1st Army.

Related Topics:
Battle of Drina - 16 November - Obrenovac - Valjevo - Macva - Lazarevac - Mount Maljen - 24 November - Ljig river

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Because the 1st Army was in difficult situation, its commander, General Zivojin Misic, wanted to abandon his current positions and retreat to the new position in front of Gornji Milanovac. His plan was to delay combat, rest his troops, and then launch the counteroffensive. Howewer, Field Marshal Putnik didn't approve that plan. He warned Misic that in that case other armies will also have to retreat, and Belgrade will have to be abandoned. But Misic firmly believed that his plan was the right one, and said to Putnik that the orders are already given, and that he will not change them while he is in command. In the end, Putnik accepted his plan.

Related Topics:
Zivojin Misic - Gornji Milanovac - Belgrade

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When Belgrade was abandoned, Potiorek made a new plan. He wanted to amass the entire 5th Army in the Belgrade region and annihilate the 2nd army which was on the right wing of the Serbian front. Then the 5th Army would turn to the south, get behind the enemy and force him to capitulate. But Potiorek underestimated the offensive capabilities of the 1st Army in south. He thought that this army is too tired and weakened, and that it will stand and do nothing while his forces are maneuvering.

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Austo-Hungarian soldiers were very tired even before this maneuver began. While they were marching, Serbian troops were resting in their new positions. On the 2 December, Misic finished all preparations for an attack. Putnik ordered the attack of the entire Serbian army on 3 December. That was the right moment, because the largest Austro-Hungarian formation, the Combined Corps, was out of combat, marching north.

Related Topics:
2 December - 3 December

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On the 3 December, the 1st Army launched an attack against the surprised 16th Corps. The attack was supported by the Uzice army from the left wing. 16th Corps suffered heavy casualties and was pushed back. On the 4 December, 17th Corps tried to hold the advance of the 1st Army, but failed. Potiorek ordered an attack of the 5th Army so that he could complete his operation before the 6th army is defeated. Howewer, the Combined Corps was still on its march.

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On the 5 December, 1st Army captured Mount Suvobor, the main defensive position of the 6th Army. Meanwhile, the 3rd Serbian army didn't manage to push the 15th Corps off of Mount Rudnik, and Uzice army suffered heavy casualties. Howewer, these formations pressured the Austro-Hungarian forces and helped the 1st Army to achieve a breakthrough. In the evening, Combined Corps arrived on its positions, but it's soldiers were very tired.

Related Topics:
5 December - Mount Suvobor - Mount Rudnik

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On 6 December, Potiorek ordered the retreat of the 6th Army on the left bank of Kolubara. Combined Corps finally attacked the 2nd Army, but the attack was easily stopped. Its soldiers were so tired that they had to wait until 8 December to launch some serious attack. Howewer, 2nd Army managed to hold its positions. Other units of the 5th Army were more successfull, but it was too late. The 1st Army already captured Valjevo and was pushing north. Putnik reinforced the 2nd Army with fresh troops and ordered an attack before the Austro-Hungarians fortify their positions. On the 12th December, Field Marshal Stepanovic's 2nd Army attacked and defeated the 8th Corps. 5th Army had to leave Belgrade and cross the Sava River on 15 December. The battle was over.

Related Topics:
6 December - 8 December - Sava River - 15 December

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The Serbian Army captured 43,000 enemy soldiers, and the number of Austro-Hungarian casualties was even greater. General Misic was promoted to Vojvoda (Field Marshal), while Potiorek was retired.

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In 1914, Austro-Hungarian Balkan Army Group lost around 270,000 men, while the Serbian army lost around 160,000 men.

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