First Assault on Grivița(1877)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Grivița redoubt, 9km east of Pleven, at Grivitsa village
Coordinate source: Multiple sources 43°25'N 24°42'E
Background
Romania declared independence and joined Russia in the Russo-Turkish War. After two costly Russian failures at Plevna, Prince Carol I took supreme command. The assault was part of the Third Battle of Plevna.
Campaign: Siege of Plevna 1877
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Four successive frontal assaults. The fourth wave breached the earthworks in bayonet combat, capturing the Grivița 1 redoubt.
The First Assault on Grivița was the defining action of the Romanian Army during the Siege of Plevna. After two failed Russian assaults, the Romanian 4th Division, supported by the 3rd, launched a series of four frontal attacks on the Ottoman redoubts. The final wave, led by officers like Valter Mărăcineanu who fell in the breach, successfully captured Grivița Redoubt No. 1, marking the first major victory for the newly independent Romanian state.
“"The Romanians fight like lions. Their courage is unmatched." — attributed to an Ottoman officer, cited in Romanian War of Independence accounts
Casualties & Outcome
~500 killed, ~2,100 wounded (Romanian); 1,000–1,500 killed and wounded (Ottoman)
Romania achieved victory over Ottoman Empire.
Grivița 1 became a Romanian strongpoint. Attacks on Grivița 2 failed, shifting strategy to full encirclement.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Only permanent Allied success of the Third Battle of Plevna. Defining act of Romanian military heroism.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the First Assault on Grivița?
- The First Assault on Grivița took place in 1877. Sep 11, 1877.
- What was the outcome of the First Assault on Grivița?
- The Romania were victorious against the Ottoman Empire.
- What was the significance of the First Assault on Grivița?
- Only permanent Allied success of the Third Battle of Plevna. Defining act of Romanian military heroism.