1914_0918_01: The Serbian Invasion of Bosnia - FWWC 03 Serbia '14

The border between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia, 18th September 1914:

While the battle raged in the Macva Peninsula and on Mackov Kamen of the Jagodnja massif, the Serbians again took the opportunity to go on the offensive into the Austro-Hungarian Empire as they earlier had into Syrmia, this time Army Group Uzice would launch an attack into the heart of Bosnia. The offensive effectively occurred in the rear of the Austro-Hungarian 6.Armee, and thus had the potential of being disastrous if 6.Armee's supply lines could be cut at Vlasenica. Alternatively, a more difficult objective would be the capture of Sarajevo itself which would bring about a political catastrophe piled onto an already growing list of shame for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Army Group Uzice was thus presented with a dilemma, thrust in force towards Vlasenica or Sarajevo, or split into a two pronged effort towards both.

The Serbian offensive began on the 15th of September, amid constant rain that turned the area into a muddy landscape which bogged down the advance in the rugged terrain. The area was guarded by only a few Austro-Hungarian units, but these units were skilled and prepared to hold the area at all costs.

In the end, although the 6.Armee was threatened by the Serbian offensive and withdraw vital units from Mount Jagodnja to deal with Serbian offensive, the allied offensive was poorly executed by the Serbian Army Group Uzice commander, General Bazanovic, who was both indecisive and extremely cautious in his water logged advance.

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*See the notes document for information on scenario design decisions and historical notes.