Battle of Bazargic (Turtucaia Front)(1916)
Background
Romania had entered the war only two weeks earlier (Aug 27, 1916) and was simultaneously advancing into Transylvania. Bulgaria's immediate offensive into Dobruja with German support created a dangerous two-front crisis that Romania was ill-prepared to manage.
Campaign: Dobruja Campaign 1916
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Bulgarian forces captured Bazargic (modern Dobrich) in southern Dobruja. Romanian forces retreated northward after failing to hold the city against numerically superior Bulgarian forces executing a double envelopment.
The Battle of Bazargic, also known as the Battle of Dobrich or the Dobrich epopee (Bulgarian: Добричка епопея), (Russian: Битва при Добриче), took place between 5 and 7 September 1916 between a joint Bulgarian–German-Ottoman force, consisting mainly of the Bulgarian Third Army, and a Romanian–Russian force, including a Division of Serbian Volunteers serving under the Russian 47th Corps. The battle was part of the Romanian campaign towards the end of 1916. It ended with a Central Powers victory.
“"Our men fought stubbornly but the Bulgarians came from two directions at once — there was nothing to be done. We fell back in good order but Bazargic was lost." — Romanian officer's field diary, September 1916
Casualties & Outcome
~5,000 total killed, wounded, captured (Romanian); ~2,000 total (Bulgarian / Central Powers)
Bulgaria / Central Powers achieved victory over Romania.
Romanian and Russian forces fell back toward the Cernavoda–Constanța defensive line. Bulgarian forces occupied Bazargic and continued pushing north through Dobruja.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Loss of southern Dobruja. Part of the devastating Dobruja front collapse that threatened Romania's southeastern flank and opened the road to Constanța.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Bazargic (Turtucaia Front)?
- The Battle of Bazargic (Turtucaia Front) took place in 1916. Sep 5–7, 1916.
- Who won the Battle of Bazargic (Turtucaia Front)?
- The Bulgaria / Central Powers were victorious against the Romania.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Bazargic (Turtucaia Front)?
- Loss of southern Dobruja. Part of the devastating Dobruja front collapse that threatened Romania's southeastern flank and opened the road to Constanța.