First Assault on Grivița(1877)
Romania victorysiegefortified
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
Victor
Romania
Commander: Gen. Cernat / Gen. Manu
Strength: 12,000
Defeated
Ottoman Empire
Commander: Osman Nuri Pasha
Strength: 5,000
The Battle
Four successive frontal assaults. The fourth wave breached the earthworks in bayonet combat, capturing the Grivița 1 redoubt.
“"The Romanians fight like lions. Their courage is unmatched." — attributed to an Ottoman officer, cited in Romanian War of Independence accounts
Casualties & Outcome
2,617
Romania
casualties
1,500
Ottoman Empire
casualties
~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.
- Who won 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.
Related Battles
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