These excerpts are taken from French 19th century publications covering Serbian defeats against Turkish forces in 1876
The Serbian defeat at Belgradzik near Vidin, at Jesie Bazar and Javoz against Turkish forces in 1876
Cited:
“Defeat of the Serbs at Belgradzik, near Vidin. Defeats of the Serbs on the Timok and at Jesie Bazar. Reichstadt meeting between the emperors of Austria and Russia. The Turks defeat the Serbs at Javoz and prevent them from linking up with the Montenegrin army”
Source
Journal historique & littéraire. Revue générale. Volume 24. 1876.
Serbian defeats at Gurgussovatz (Gurgusovаc) and Gralako
“War in the East: Attack on Babina Glava… Although the war is not yet over, the imminent defeat of the Serbs is easily foreseen. After a three-day battle and feats of great valor, Gurgussovatz fell into the hands of the Muslims, who set it ablaze. This is a bloody setback for the Serbs, who had concentrated considerable forces in this town; however, their fortifications—though not insignificant—had to yield to the sheer number of attackers.
They fared no better opposite Sinidje; following a fierce engagement, the enemy dislodged them from the heights they held and seized their fortifications. Forced to retreat, the Serbs were pursued across the border by the Turks, who took prisoners and captured large quantities of weapons, munitions, and livestock. On the Timok River, at Gralako—a village one league from Zaïtchar—Hassan Pasha engaged Prince Milan’s army and put it to complete rout.
Following this victory, the Turks burned two villages and put to the sword any Christians they encountered. Near Soboukdja, the Serbs took the offensive and fiercely attacked the Muslims camped on the near side of the Morava bridge. The battle lasted seven hours; although the Turks suffered heavy casualties, they ultimately held the field. On the 6th, in the wake of the victory at Gurgussovatz, the Serbian forces under Leschjanin were compelled to abandon Zaïtchar and join Tschernaïeff’s corps.
Naturally, the Ottoman army hastened to enter Zaïtchar. By way of compensation, the Serbs managed to drive back the Turkish garrison at Novi Baran. On the 7th, Osman Pasha established his headquarters at Zaïtchar. This position was advantageous for the Serbian army, and it is… It is regrettable that she withdrew so hastily, leaving the field open to the enemy.
Various rumors are circulating regarding Prince Milan’s intentions; some say he is prepared to call for European intervention, while others claim that, seeing the impossibility of continuing, he will submit. However, the Belgrade government is resolved to fight to the last cartridge. What will happen? The future will soon tell. Command-in-chief of the army at Alexinatz and Zaïtchar has been entrusted to General Chernayev.
During the night of the 8th, Mukhtar Pasha, at the head of six battalions, succeeded in resupplying the Turkish garrison blockaded in Fort Dugi. He was personally detained by the Montenegrins, but after tremendous effort, he managed to link up with Mustapha near Bilek. The victorious Turkish army has advanced as far as Paratchin; Chernayev has established his headquarters at Tchuprija and currently holds strong positions in the Klissura passes.”
Source
“La” France illustrae journal litteraire, scientifique et religieux 1876.
Serbian defeats at Palanka, Drina and Aleksinac in 1876
“Military events; entry of Serbian forces into Turkey via Bosnia and Bulgaria … their defeats at Ak Palanka and on the Drina; entry of Turkish forces into Serbia, crossing of the Timok, capture of Knjaževac and Zaječar on August 7; inconclusive victories for Prince Nikita in Albania and Herzegovina on July 29; fierce fighting from August 19 to 25; defeat of the Serbs commanded by the Russian General Chernayev and the siege of Aleksinac (Temps, August 29; Nord, August 30).
Prince Milan requests mediation by the Powers (Débats, August 29); suspension of hostilities; pronunciamento organized by Chernayev and acclamation of Prince Milan as King of Serbia; Chernayev disavowed in Belgrade and disapproved of in St. Petersburg; resumption of hostilities; further defeats for the Serbs, who abandon Deligrad and Đunis on October 30; Russian ultimatum (see infra).”
Source
Répertoire politique, historique et littéraire 1877. Charles Valframbert.
References
Journal historique & littéraire. Revue générale. Volume 24. 1876.
“La” France illustrae journal litteraire, scientifique et religieux 1876.
Répertoire politique, historique et littéraire 1877. Charles Valframbert.
