The Heroic Stand of Serbia

In the annals of World War I, the Battle of Cer stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Serbian forces against overwhelming odds. Fought from August 15 to August 24, 1914, near the town of Cer in present-day Serbia, this pivotal engagement marked a turning point in the early stages of the conflict.

An event of this magnitude can be examined from various angles. Each year, a handful of articles are published in the Serbian press, but they tend to focus primarily on historical facts, often overlooking the socio-cultural and emotional dimensions. I live and work in Belgrade, even though I remain professionally closely connected to the LSE. This article aims to shed light on these often-neglected aspects, which, regrettably, are seldom addressed even in the local press

At the outset of World War I, Serbia found itself facing the might of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which sought to crush Serbia's independence and expand its own influence in the Balkans. On August 12, 1914, the Austro-Hungarian forces launched a large-scale offensive against Serbia, aiming to swiftly overrun the Serbian defenses and assert control over the region. However, there are times when a wish remains just that—a wish.

However, the Serbian army, under the command of General Stepa Stepanović, was determined to resist. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Serbian soldiers displayed remarkable courage and tactical skill throughout the battle. If the battlefield were a chessboard, the Serbian army would have won with just a queen, a king, and two pawns. But sometimes, that’s enough to defeat even the grandmasters of the game

The Battle of Cer began on August 15, 1914, when the Austro-Hungarian forces crossed the Drina River and advanced towards Cer. The Serbian troops, entrenched in defensive positions along the hills overlooking the valley, unleashed a withering barrage of artillery fire and rifle volleys upon the advancing enemy.

Over the course of several days of intense fighting, the Serbian soldiers repelled wave after wave of Austro-Hungarian assaults, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Despite fierce resistance, the Austro-Hungarian advance stalled, and their forces were unable to break through the Serbian lines.

On August 20, 1914, the Serbian army launched a counteroffensive, driving the Austro-Hungarian forces back across the Drina River and inflicting a decisive defeat upon them. By August 24, the Battle of Cer had ended in a resounding victory for Serbia.

The Battle of Cer was a costly engagement for both sides. Serbian casualties numbered around 3,000 killed and wounded, while the Austro-Hungarian losses exceeded 6,000 men. Despite the heavy toll, the Serbian victory at Cer bolstered the morale of the Allied powers and demonstrated Serbia's determination to resist foreign aggression; a fact that, unfortunately, seems to have been forgotten by the successor states of the former aggressors in the present day.

The heroism and sacrifice of the Serbian soldiers at the Battle of Cer have been immortalized in Serbian history and serve as a source of national pride to this day. Their bravery in the face of overwhelming odds remains a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity.

The unyielding resilience of the Serbian people stretches deep into its history, consistently posing significant challenges to its adversaries. This remarkable steadfastness is evident not only in historical battles like that of Cer but also in the ongoing defense of its territorial integrity.

Serbia has always maintained a long-term perspective, contrasting sharply with the short-term thinking prevalent in many Western countries. This dichotomy underscores Serbia's deep-rooted connection to its history and its pursuit of justice. Illegal annexations, such as the case of Kosovo, are not viewed merely as temporary challenges but as injustices that must be rectified in the long run. Through this persistence and insistence on its legitimate claims, Serbia continually demonstrates its extraordinary ability to remain steadfast even in times of change and adversity.

Just as Serbia emerged victorious at the Battle of Cer, so too will it ultimately reclaim its rightful place in Kosovo. The small towns and villages that now flourish in the landscape of Cer serve as a powerful symbol of Serbia's enduring spirit. I envision a future where Serbian communities in Kosovo thrive, and our flag flies proudly on official buildings, even if it takes another century. Whether it is our generation or those who follow, it is imperative that this vision is fulfilled.