| ID | 170488 |
| Title Proper | Hitch on the Path to Glory |
| Other Title Information | the Breakthrough Across the Balkan Ridge During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78 |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Statiev, Alexander |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In the late autumn of 1877 it seemed that the Russo-Turkish War had entered a stalemate: The Russian Army still stayed to the north of the Balkan Ridge, which was deemed to be impassable until spring. However, bold initiative backed by a series of thoughtful improvisations allowed the Russians to outmaneuver the Ottomans and cross the ridge. The numerous non-combat injuries sustained during this march were a fair price for the strategic surprise that paved the way to a total victory. In this case, the improvised approach to mountain warfare paid off, but the attempts to bet on improvisations in subsequent campaigns on a less forgiving mountainous terrain or against an enemy experienced in mountain warfare were to fail. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Slavic Military Studies Vol. 32, No.4; Oct-Dec 2019 :p.507-525 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Slavic Military Studies Vol: 32 No 4 |
| Key Words | Balkan Ridge ; Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78 |