Battle of Doiran (1916) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of Doiran
Part of Macedonian front (World War I)
Date 9 August 1916 - 18 August 1916 Location Lake Dojran, Kingdom of Serbia (present-day North Macedonia) Result Bulgarian victory
Belligerents
Bulgaria	France  United Kingdom  Kingdom of Italy
Commanders and leaders
Dimitar Geshov	Maurice Sarrail
Strength
2nd Thracian Infantry Division	3 divisions 1 division 45,000 men 400 guns
Casualties and losses
851	3,200

The First Battle of Doiran was an important military clash during World War I. It took place in August 1916 near Lake Dojran, which is now in North Macedonia. This battle was part of the larger Macedonian Front. Here, soldiers from France and the United Kingdom fought against the Bulgarian army.

What Happened at Doiran?

In early August 1916, a large force of French and British soldiers prepared for an attack. They had about 45,000 men and 400 powerful guns. Their goal was to push back the Bulgarian forces. The Bulgarian army was defending its positions near Lake Dojran. This area was protected by the 2nd Thracian Infantry Division.

The Start of the Battle

The battle began on August 9, 1916. The French and British forces started with heavy artillery fire. This means they shot many big cannons at the Bulgarian positions. They aimed at areas held by the 27th Chepino Regiment and the 9th Plovdiv Regiment. These were parts of the Bulgarian army.

Repeated Attacks and Defense

After the first artillery attack, the Allied forces launched four main ground attacks. These attacks happened on August 10, 15, 16, and 18. Each time, the Bulgarian 2nd Thracian Division fought back strongly. They managed to stop all the attacks. The Allied soldiers faced heavy losses. They were forced to go back to where they started.

Taking Key Hills

Even though the Allies retreated, some sources say they did capture certain areas. French soldiers reportedly took a place called Tortoise Hill (also known as Tortue). They also captured Doldzeli, which is an area of about 30 square kilometers. However, taking these places cost them many soldiers. The British 7th Battalion of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry also managed to capture Horseshoe Hill.

The Outcome

The First Battle of Doiran ended in a victory for Bulgaria. The Bulgarian army successfully defended its positions. They stopped the Allied advance. This battle showed the strength of the Bulgarian defense on the Macedonian Front.