Advance into Bulgaria(1913)
Background
Since Greece's main military effort was initially directed toward Macedonia on the Epir front, the Greek army was numerically outmatched by the Ottoman Yanya Corps at the outbreak of hostilities in October 1912. After the initial attack by Ottoman commander Esat Pasha was halted at Gribovo, the Greeks succeeded in liberating Preveza (21 October) and pushed the front northward toward Ioannina, repelling an Ottoman attack at Pente Pigadia (Beshpinar). On 5 November, a small force from Corfu made a landing and captured the coastal area of Himaria without encountering significant resistance, and on 20 December Greek troops improved their positions in Epir and entered Korçë, north of Ioannina, the last supply route and thereby threatening the northeast flank of the city. The natural terrain south of Ioannina provided the Ottomans with exceptional defensive opportunities.
Campaign: Second Balkan War 1913
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Romania entered the Second Balkan War with a massive advance south, meeting minimal resistance from an exhausted Bulgaria.
alt=|miniatura|| Plan of Greek troop movements that led to the fall of the city of Ioannina. After this new failure, Sapountzakis was released from his command and replaced by the crowned prince Constantin I. Constantin carefully increased his forces, bringing more men and additional artillery pieces. The prince formulated a new plan, under which his army would attack Bizani from the southeast, while the main effort would actually be directed toward the southwest flank of the fortified area. The Greek artillery began a preparatory bombardment on March 4, continuing throughout the day. It is estimated that the Greeks fired 150 rounds in this bombardment, while Ottoman counter-fire was hindered by the lack of ammunition. The assault was launched on [date], with three Greek infantry divisions—the 4th, 6th, and 8th Infantry Divisions—focusing on the eastern and western sectors of the defensive perimeter.
Casualties & Outcome
All 1,600 Romanian deaths from cholera, not combat. Bulgarian losses negligible — no major engagements.
Romania achieved victory over Bulgaria.
alt=Ottoman prisoners captured by the Greek army.|miniatura|| Ottoman prisoners. After the battle, the Greek army captured approximately 8,600 prisoners. During the battle, 2,800 Ottomans were killed, while the Greeks suffered much lighter losses, with 500 dead and wounded. The Greeks also captured approximately 8,600 detainees, while the rest of the Ottoman garrison managed to retreat to Albania. The Greeks captured 108 artillery pieces and large quantities of supplies. Greek forces entered Gjirokastër and Delvinë and captured Tepelenë the following day. By the end of the war, they had reached a line stretching from the Ceraunian Mountains (north of Himara) along the coast of the Ionian Sea to Lake Prespa in the east. The success on the Epirus front allowed the Greek high command to transfer part of the army to Salonica, thus preparing for a confrontation against the Bulgarians.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Treaty of Bucharest (1913) awarded Southern Dobruja to Romania.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Advance into Bulgaria?
- The Advance into Bulgaria took place in 1913. Jul 10–18, 1913.
- Who won the Advance into Bulgaria?
- The Romania were victorious against the Bulgaria.
- What was the significance of the Advance into Bulgaria?
- Treaty of Bucharest (1913) awarded Southern Dobruja to Romania.