BULGARIA 1876 (65AP-150AP)

(Battles of Zaitschar, Novi-Bazar, Gurgusovatz, Alexinatz)

SERBIAN – Aggression: 2

1 x Inert HQ @ 10AP, 8-32 x Inferior BL @ AP, 0-2 x Light Cavalry @ 5AP, 1-4 x Rifled Field Artillery (Brass) @ 12AP, 0-1 x Rifled Heavy Artillery (Brass) @ 18AP, 0-4 x Entrenchment @ 15AP, 0-3 x Redoubts @ 5AP, 0-1 x Supply Base @ 8AP.

TURKISH – Aggression: 4

1 x CP @ 15AP, 0-1 x subordinate CP @ 15AP, 4-9 x BL @ 6AP, 1 x Elite Light Horse (Circassians) @ 3AP, 1-2 x Rifled Field Artillery @ 12AP, 0-1 x Pontooneers @ 2AP, 0-1 x Supply Base @ 8AP.

This Serbian invasion of Turkish-ruled Bulgaria was instigated by the Russians, who were not yet ready to take on the Turks themselves. Many Russian officers were sent as “advisers” and quickly became hated by the Serbs for trying to make them do exactly what they did not want to do – fight. They showed this dislike by running away after each setback. Masses of Russian “volunteer” troops crossed the border in civilian clothes to stiffen the Serbs in the final battle, to no avail. For once, the local Turkish field command was in the hands of competent junior generals who quickly defeated the invaders, but were prevented from counter-invading by inertia at Constantinople followed by diplomatic pressure by the great powers.

Copyright © Phil Barker 6^th June 2003