Montenegrin Campaign (World War I)

The campaign in Montenegro was in 1916 a follow-up operation of the conquest of Serbia and led to the defeat of the military resistance and the occupation of the Kingdom of Montenegro by the army of Austria -Hungary. Both operations went seamlessly into each other.

After the campaign against Serbia ended with the passage of the remnants of the Serbian army in Albanian and Montenegrin territory, the kuk decided High Command in Cieszyn to exploit the momentum of the operation and Montenegro first off as opponents. This resulted from the fact that the Montenegrin troops who had fought in Serbia, had also been pushed back to their border and thereby contributed delaying tactics. Furthermore, wanted the k.u.k. Chief of Staff Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf push in the Italian beachheads at Durazzo and Valona and distribute the French eastern army from Salonika. The original intention, so to speak, take the important Lovćen with only weak forces of Pristina into a run, you had to drop soon. The winter season, catastrophic road conditions and the lack of rail links in the area meant that the supply could not be guaranteed and they therefore had to make other arrangements. To this end, in December 1915, the XIX were. Army Corps reinforced by command of the 3rd Army with troops of the Commanding General of Bosnia, Herzegovina and Dalmatia and provided with mass, which included some independent associations between Trebinje and Kotor. As the main force of the Montenegrin army had collected on the western border (parts only fought in Serbia) should be the main attack from here, are carried forward from the coastal area of ​​Bosnia - Herzegovina. Associations would advance to a second shock in the interior and even ream existing enemy forces from the direction of Trebinje. The VIII Corps was still in the north and should first bind the present there Montenegrin forces.

Western Front

Strong associations with heavy artillery were in the Bay of Cattaro ( Kotor today ) gathered to attack the heavily fortified ridge of the mountains Lovćen. This was a key position and was considered by the Army of Montenegro as a citadel. A removal was necessary, as the Montenegrin artillery dominated the Austria -Hungarian naval base and nearly the entire Bay of Cattaro from the heights. The capital of Cetinje was covered by the mountain range. Is a non- continuous front closed to the assembled here defender to about to after Nikšić. The associations were approximately 2/3 of the Montenegrin army, which was estimated at a total of more 25,000 to 30,000 men.

On January 8, massive attacks began on the mountain, where the Austrian troops from the naval artillery of the Imperial Navy were supported. At 10-11. January, the Lovćen was conquered large parts, simultaneously pushed forward two independent brigades and the group Feldmarschalleutnant brown on Nikšić, so the left flank and at the same time threatening to cover the Montenegrin forces at the north-eastern front in the back.

On January 13, 1916 afternoon, the advance guard had reached the capital Cetinje. In the northern section the Austrians had up to this day, about 10 km can penetrate towards Nikšić against fierce resistance.

Eastern Front

The Eighth Army Corps, which had followed the retreating Montenegrin expeditionary forces from Serbia, had one hand, the purpose is to bind this and sat for a part of the 62nd and the 53rd Infantry troops Division - on the other hand, it should pass it on the right wing, with the troops of the XIX. Corps Unite to Montenegro as split into two parts.

The 62nd and 53rd Infantry Division troops invaded from 5 January 1916 by the northeast in Montenegro and urged the defenses on a line forward Pljevlja and Bijelo Polje along the river Tara back to stop there and build a front. At the same time attacked the 10th and the 18th Mountain Brigade of Novi Pazar and conquered on 10 January Berane. The pararell scheduled 205 landsturm Mountain Brigade and the 9th Mountain Brigade came from Pristina via Peć and Velika westwards.

The 57th Infantry Division troops moved from Pristina to Prizren and coming chain with parts after Gjakova from.

General Location

Shortly after the capital Cetinje had been occupied, a letter reached the staff of the XIX. Army Corps. It was written in French, signed by King Nikola, saying:

" To His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty, Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, Vienna

Sire! As your troops have now taken up my capital, the Montenegrin government is in the need to turn to the Imperial and Royal Government to of her with the end of hostilities to peace between the states of your Imperial and Royal Majesty and my country solicit. The conditions of a happy winner can be severe; I turn, therefore, in advance of your majesty to make intercession for an honorable peace, worthy of the reputation that enjoyed until recently your benevolence, your respect and sympathy of the people. Your magnanimous and knightly heart is him, I hope not impose humiliation, which it does not deserve.

Nicola "

In a second letter, the Montenegrin government asked for cessation of hostilities and to initiate peace talks. This was confirmed when the Montenegrin army would immediately lay down their arms. After this requirement had been met, the hostilities were set on January 17, 1916. Approximately three-quarters of the country were occupied. Who had surrendered unconditionally by the Montenegrin soldiers were added to a non-combatant in the status and sent home. Who had to be disarmed by force, was a prisoner of war.

Montenegro lost in World War 20,000 troops, which were 40% of mobilized soldiers and 10% of the total population. Other information even speak of 39,000 and 16 % total losses, which Montenegro was the most affected veterans.

King Nicola I. as commander in chief, it had preferred to let his army down and fled to Italy.