The Battle of Cer: 111 Years Since the First Entente Victory in the First World War
In memory of the Battle of Cer, every August 19 marks the anniversary of the first major victory of the Entente in the First World War, achieved by the Serbian army. The battle began on the night between August 15 and 16, 1914, when Serbia’s Combined Division launched a surprise night attack on Austro-Hungarian forces on the slopes of Mount Cer, near the village of Tekeriš. The fighting involved the armies of the Kingdom of Serbia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although the course of the war later shifted, especially with the Triple Offensive that began in September the following year, after the Battle of Cer the Balkan army of Austro-Hungarian troops were decisively defeated and forced to retreat with heavy losses
The Kingdom of Serbia Delivered the Allies Their First Victory
At the head of Serbia stood King Petar I Karađorđević, while supreme command of the army was held by his son, Crown Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević. Austria-Hungary was ruled by Emperor Franz Joseph I, and the operations against Serbia were led by generals Oskar Potiorek and Liborius Frank. The Serbian army in the battle was commanded by General Stepa Stepanović, commander of the Second Army.
The fighting was fierce, conducted under harsh conditions on mountainous terrain and often at night. Nevertheless, the Serbian forces forced the enemy’s withdrawal across the Drina, inflicting severe losses in manpower and equipment.
The Liberation of Šabac and Serbia in the First World War
After intense combat, the Serbian army succeeded on August 24, 1914, in liberating the town of Šabac on the Sava River, which had been under Austro-Hungarian occupation just days earlier. During their brief control, enemy troops inflicted heavy destruction and committed atrocities against the civilian population. The return of the Serbian army brought a new wave of hope and pride.
The liberation of Šabac became a symbol of Serbia’s strength and determination to defend its territory and its people. The event further enhanced the reputation of the Serbian army, showing that even a small nation could mount a strong resistance against one of Europe’s greatest military powers at the time.
Vojvoda Stepa Stepanović – Hero of the Battle of Cer
A special place in history belongs to Vojvoda (Field Marshal) Stepa Stepanović, commander of the Second Army, whose decisions and courage played a crucial role in the victory at Cer. Born in 1856 in the village of Kumodraž near Belgrade, Stepanović was among Serbia’s most respected and experienced commanders.
During the First World War, he distinguished himself as a strategist who knew how to combine military discipline with an understanding of soldiers on the battlefield. After the triumph at Cer, he was promoted to the rank of vojvoda, the highest title in the Serbian army. His name became synonymous with determination and faith in victory, and today numerous streets, schools, and monuments across Serbia bear his name in gratitude for his contribution to freedom.
“March on the Drina”: Music of victory and memory
Everyone recognizes the opening notes of the famous composition “March on the Drina” (Marš na Drinu), but few know who composed it and why. Its rhythm recalls the marching steps of Serbian soldiers, who often covered as much as 50 kilometers per day.
The march was composed in 1915 by Stanislav Binički as a tribute to the Serbian victory at Cer and to the heroism of the Serbian fighters. Soon after, it became a symbol of resistance and bravery, performed at state ceremonies, military parades, and public gatherings. “March on the Drina” transcended its local origins and became an international musical emblem of the First World War, performed by many orchestras worldwide.
Interestingly, the lyrics to the song were only written half a century later, in 1964, by Serbian poet and journalist Miloje Popović Kavaja (1936–2020).
“They too will fail, just as you did on exam”
In 1964, director Žika Mitrović released the film “March on the Drina”, starring some of Serbia’s most renowned actors: Ljuba Tadić, Aleksandar Gavrić, Dragomir Bojanić, and Ljubiša Jovanović.
One of the most famous scenes features Major Kursula (played by Ljuba Tadić), who says:
“Mister General, do you remember failing me on the exam because of the Drina? I told you the Austro-Hungarian army would cross the Drina river; it was the most favorable place to do so. And look, they really did cross the Drina.”
To which General Stepa Stepanović replies:
“Well then… They too will fail just as you did on the exam.”
This line remains one of the many memorable quotes from the film that stuck with audiences.
Commemoration of the Battle of Cer
Today, 111 years later, the Battle of Cer remains a symbol of courage, determination, and national unity. Commemorating this day serves as a reminder of the first great victory of the Entente in the First World War and of Serbia’s extraordinary role in defending freedom.
Monuments and Memorial Sites – What to Visit?
For those who wish to learn more about history and experience the spirit of 1914, Serbia offers many sites dedicated to the memory of the Battle of Cer and the liberation of Šabac.
The most famous is the Cer Memorial Complex, near the village of Tekeriš, where annual commemorations are held and descendants of the warriors gather. The complex includes a memorial ossuary with the names of fallen soldiers, as well as a museum exhibit dedicated to the battle.
In Šabac, visitors can see sites of civilian and military suffering, memorial plaques, and local museums preserving the memory of the Austro-Hungarian occupation and the town’s liberation on August 24, 1914.
The Military Museum in Belgrade’s Kalemegdan fortress also offers a special experience, displaying original objects, uniforms, and weapons used during the battle.
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