Battle of Mărăști(1917)
Background
Mărăști, just like Mărășești, is part of the strategically important Focșani Gate, the control of which eases attacks into several Romanian regions. The Romanian order of battle provided for the principal offensive to unfold in three phases. The first phase envisioned breaking through the enemy defenses between Încărcătoarea clearing () and the village of Mărăști with the aim of taking Teiuș Hill. The 3rd Infantry Division and right-flank forces of the 6th Infantry Division were selected to break through, after which they were to hold the Încărcătoarea clearing–Câmpuri–Vizantea Mânăstirească–Găurile line. If needed, second-order troops could be sent in. In the second phase, the 4th Army Corps was to join the fight by starting a left-flank offensive towards the Coada Văii–Babei clearing. To the south, the advance was to take place in cooperation with the 4th Russian Army's right flank and with the aid of the 2nd Romanian Army, its objective being to reach the Coada Văii–Babei clearing–Rotilești–Teiuș Hill–Valea Teiușului line. The third planned phase envisioned the front shifting to the Sboina Neagră Peak hills to the north of Lepșa, north of the Putna River–Valea Sării line.
Campaign: Summer Campaign of 1917
Forces Engaged
The Battle
First Romanian offensive victory of 1917. The French-reformed army proved itself battle-ready.
The Battle of Mărăști (Romanian: Bătălia de la Mărăști) was one of the main battles to take place on Romanian soil in World War I. It was fought between 22 July and 1 August 1917, and was an offensive operation of the Romanian and Russian armies intended to encircle and destroy the German 9th Army. The operation was planned to occur in tandem with the Nămoloasa offensive; however, this operation was abandoned before it began.
“"The Romanian soldier has proven himself equal to the best in Europe." — General Henri Berthelot, head of the French Military Mission to Romania
Casualties & Outcome
1,469 killed, 3,052 wounded (Romanian); ~10,000 total including ~2,700 prisoners (Austro-German)
Romania achieved victory over Austria-Hungary.
By 30 July, the 2nd Army had won a wide and about deep bridgehead into the 1st Austro-Hungarian Army’s front. The offensive was stopped because the Allied Command had to adjust its initial plans. The new plan moved the 9th Russian Army from the Western Moldavian front to the Northern front to stop the successful offensive of the 3rd and 7th Austro-Hungarian Armies from Bukovina, which started on 19 July. Moreover, the 1st and 2nd Romanian Armies, along with the 4th Russian Army, had to expand their area of responsibility to compensate for the withdrawal of the 9th Russian Army. The Battle of Mărăști represented an important turning point in the evolution of the military operations on the Romanian Front, also raising the morale of Romanian troops.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Restored morale after the catastrophic 1916 campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Mărăști?
- The Battle of Mărăști took place in 1917. Jul 22–Aug 1, 1917.
- Who won the Battle of Mărăști?
- The Romania were victorious against the Austria-Hungary.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Mărăști?
- Restored morale after the catastrophic 1916 campaign.