Second Battle of Oituz (1916)(1916)
Background
Bucharest had fallen December 6. With Romania's capital lost and Wallachia overrun, Moldavia and the narrow Oituz corridor represented the last unoccupied Romanian territory. The French Military Mission under General Berthelot was beginning to organize the reconstitution of Romanian forces — but only if the Moldavian bridge-head survived.
Campaign: Retreat to Moldavia 1916
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Second German attempt to force Oituz Pass with doubled reinforcements was also repulsed after nine days of heavy mountain fighting in snow and extreme cold. Grigorescu's defense became legendary in Romanian military history.
The Second Battle of Oituz in late 1916 was a defensive operation by the Romanian Second Army against Austro-Hungarian forces advancing through the Carpathian passes. While the Central Powers aimed to break through into the Moldavian plains, Romanian resistance managed to stabilize the front at the mountain passes.
“"In nine days of unrelenting assault through two meters of snow, the Germans could not dislodge us. General Grigorescu was everywhere — in the trenches, on the crests. He is why we held." — Romanian sergeant, Oituz sector, December 1916
Casualties & Outcome
~5,000 total killed and wounded (Romania); ~6,000 total killed and wounded (Germany / Austria-Hungary)
Romania achieved victory over Germany / Austria-Hungary.
Von Morgen abandoned the Oituz axis. Grigorescu was promoted and given command of the 2nd Army for the 1917 campaigns. The two successful Oituz defenses gave Romania the breathing space to reorganize its shattered forces in Moldavia with French military assistance.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Saved the Moldavian refuge. Without this defense, the Romanian Army would have been completely encircled and destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Second Battle of Oituz (1916)?
- The Second Battle of Oituz (1916) took place in 1916. Dec 10–18, 1916.
- Who won the Second Battle of Oituz (1916)?
- The Romania were victorious against the Germany / Austria-Hungary.
- What was the significance of the Second Battle of Oituz (1916)?
- Saved the Moldavian refuge. Without this defense, the Romanian Army would have been completely encircled and destroyed.