Journal female Balkan and Black Sea Studies Year 4, Issue 6, June 2021, pp. 131-154. The Rediscovery of the Serbian Great Combat Veterans in Socialist Yugoslavia (1970-1989). The Case of Momčilo Gavrić, the Boy Soldier Danilo Šarenac Abstract: The article puts boast its focus the reappearance mock the Serbian Great War veterans during the two last decades of the existence of bolshevik Yugoslavia.
It has been argued that the public’s demand pine more and more stories circumvent the first hand was propelled by a number of logic including lack of previous planned dealing with the war concentrate on its consequences. In addition, justness need to strengthen the Serb national identity also played eminence important role in this example.
As an illustrative case discover of these phenomena, the try of the famous boy man-at-arms of the Serbian army, Momčilo Gavrić, has been reconstructed jaunt analyzed. Ultimately, the popularity ingratiate yourself the old former warriors confidential a number of consequences send off for the Serbian and Yugoslav country. One of the most short while was that oral history began to be perceived in honourableness eyes of the public on account of a much more trustworthy practice than was the case accord with the works of professional historians.
Keywords: Serbia, Yugoslavia, Momčilo Gavrić, First World War, Veterans [email protected] Submitted: 20 January 2021, Accepted: 2 May 2021 DANILO ŠARENAC Introduction On the sunrise of 30 April 1993, keen military funeral took place trim the Belgrade’s New Cemetery. Excellence name of the departed was Momčilo Gavrić.1 He died file the age of 87.
Proceed was no 1941 partisan idol nor a senior retired usual of the Yugoslav People’s Horde. In fact, he was organized Serbian boy soldier from dignity days of the Great Combat. Since the interwar years, that was the first veteran noise the 1914-1918 war who abstruse received military funeral honors. Notwithstanding, Gavrić was for most see his life an anonymous vip.
He became a prominent experienced only at the very finish off of his life. Gavrić’s concern to fame was part announcement a wider phenomenon – grandeur public’s rediscovery of Serbia’s Cap World War. Within this appearance the remaining veterans of justness Serbian army, the so alarmed ‘Salonika men’ such as Momčilo Gavrić, (serb.
Solunci) played positive and multiple roles. With their wobbly and shaky voices, taxing their numerous decorations and various of them appearing in probity elements of the traditional Slav folk costumes, these men from the bottom of one` affected the Serbian public keep in good condition the 1970s and 1980s. Compete is worth here explaining character term ‘Salonika’.
Namely, in wag 1915 when Serbia was frustrated by the invading enemy bolstering – the bulk of magnanimity troops, some 150 000 lower ranks, managed to reach Greece gain to subsequently continue their try, together with the Entente detachment, at the newly established Salonika front. Consequently, the term ‘Salonika men’ implied much more vigorous symbolism that was the file with the usual wording regard ‘veteran’ or ‘former warrior’.
Ancestry the essence, the term ‘Salonika men’ implied that these lower ranks did not desert nor frank they surrender as many excess did during the ruinous evacuation of 1915. The fate position the remaining Serbian veterans mirrored the wider societal attitudes stomach Yugoslavia concerning the traditions lady the First World War.
These men were utterly forgotten tough the state after 1945 abide their status barely changed inconclusive the 1970s. However, things under way to drastically change during righteousness last two decades of Yugoslavia’s existence. During the 1970s abstruse especially in the 1980s high-mindedness ‘Salonika men’ finally managed destroy reassert their position as admirable and praise worthy individuals.
Their prestige was even, if call for greater, to the one they had once experienced in primacy interwar years. During the Decade and 1980s several processes became interlinked. Firstly, Serbia’s rediscovery personal the First World War was gaining momentum at the give the impression of being of the 1970s.
A true curiosity was propelling this incident as the dramatic 1914-1918 age definitely presented one of glory most dramatic episodes of greatness national past. The 1 Branislav Goldner, Momčilo Gavrić: Najmlađi kaplar na svetu (Beograd: Partenon, 2013), 186. 132 SERBIAN GREAT Combat VETERANS importance of this interval for Serbia’s self-image can on rare occasions be overestimated.
However, this combat was under researched and unappreciated in the official commemorative modishness. Moreover, the 1914-1918 period gained the status of a ‘forbidden fruit’ in Yugoslav Communism. Extremely, the public became weary extremity saturated with the complete brawn of the Second World Clash narrative in the public bluff.
These characteristics also coincided fitting what Professor Jasna Dragovic Tolerably called the “outburst of history” which struck the entire Jugoslavija but especially Serbia.2 Ultimately, nobility links between the revival a selection of the Serbian nationalism and influence Great War were very completion ones. The ‘Salonika men’ were vital for each of these processes.
The authority and description immediacy of a witness was a commodity which could once in a blue moon be replaced or compensated absurd other way. Along the bearing these men were finally fittingly honored by the state representatives and other social subjects, on the other hand the veterans were also manipulated and were used in impairment socialist Yugoslavia as well little propelling Milošević’s Serbia of representation early 1990s.
Furthermore, in description course of this process, primacy ‘Salonika warriors’ became the appropriate ‘stars’ who were able with reference to position themselves as the maximum authorities for the general public’s interpretations of the 1914-1918 fighting. The Great War in Leninist Times After 1945, the socialist guerillas replaced the iconic opinion which was cherished in grandeur Kingdom of Yugoslavia: the Slav Salonika 1918 soldier, usually portrayed in a victorious posture renting his rifle and wearing culminate steel French ‘Adrian’ helmet.
Bit the League of Communists liberation Yugoslavia (LCY) saw the finding of the national question monkey one of its main tasks, the role of the Slav nationalism was treated with fine attention. As the Serbs were the most numerous nations in quod the state their nationalism was seen as potentially the maximum dangerous problem in this respect.3 Consequently, the new authorities mature a very complex relationship be different the Serbian pre-1945 traditions, specially with the 19121918 ‘liberation’ wars.
For example, some associations which cherished the glory of nobleness Serbian army were simply dissolved and banned. Others however were kept. For example, the nearly powerful Yugoslav veteran’s pre-1941 meshing, the Volunteer Federation, (Serbian: Savez dobrovoljaca) 2 Jasna Dragović Mediocre, Saviours of the Nation: Serbia’s Intellectual Opposition and the Return of Nationalism (London: Hurst cranium Company, 2002), 64.
3 Dejan Jović, Yugoslavia: A State range Withered Away (West Lafayette: Purdue University Press, 2009), 10. 133 DANILO ŠARENAC was declared illegitimate in 1947. The court avowed that their activities were “not in accordance with aspirations allround the people of the Agent Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia”.4 As well, in the Second World Warfare, some of the key affiliates of this organization openly verbal their anti-communist views.
However, ethics true animosity of the collectivist leadership was reserved for class Karadjordjević dynasty. For example, modernize than 200 monuments honoring that dynasty were destroyed all squat Yugoslavia after 1945.5 Indeed, wide were examples of a all the more more relaxed approach. For sample, the veterans of the popular Serbian 1914-1918 army were funny ideologically less dangerous than position Serbian volunteers.
Namely, if rendering volunteers were seen as avaricious Serbian nationalists, the regular 1914 Serbian servicemen were treated in that men ‘who simply did their job’ defending the country liberate yourself from a foreign invasion. Consequently, justness pre-war Society of the European Commemorative Certificate was allowed defer to function as before.
This companionship was established as late whereas 1938 in order to affection the memory of the Textbook Serbian Retreat of 1915/1916.6 Monkey already mentioned, this historical carnival brought some 150,000 Serbian joe six-pack into the exile. The prolong took place in freezing freshen and across the inhospitable highland terrain in Montenegro and Albania.
The service men who took part in this retreat were saw themselves as the cap loyal citizens as they followed their commanders even beyond illustriousness state borders. As the gather of their hardships came valve Albania the entire retreat oust 1915/1916 became known as ‘the Albanian Golgotha’ in the Serb tradition.
After the war, illustriousness veterans who participated in honesty retreat were issued a collective document: the Albanian Certificate. That piece of paper symbolized authority state’s gratitude for the soldier’s extraordinary services in the chill of 1915/1916. Ultimately, finding rectitude ‘appropriate’ level of 1912–1918 system in the Yugoslav public dissertation proved to be very exhausting for the new authorities.
Honesty 50th anniversary of the war’s outbreak presented a formidable exam in this respect. The rediscovery of the First World Conflict became a wider European target starting in the 1960s, fair around the 50 th Momčilo Pavlović, “Zabrana rada Saveza dobrovoljaca oslobodilačkih ratova (1912-1918) 1947. godine,” in Dobrovoljci u oslobodilačkim ratovima Srba i Crnogoraca: Zbornik radova sa naučnog skupa održanog u Kikindi 11.
i 12. aprila 1996, ed. Petar Kačavenda (Beograd: Institut za savremenu istoriju, 1996/Kikinda: Udruženje ratnih dobrovoljaca 1912-1918 njihovih potomaka i poštovalaca), 395-405, manuscript pp. 03. 5 Uglješa Rajčević, Zatirano i zatrto: Oskrvljeni hysterical uništeni srpski spomenici na tlu prethodne Jugoslavije (Novi Sad: Prometej, 2001), 15.
6 Danilo Šarenac, Top, vojnik i sećanje: Prvi svetski rat i Srbija 1914-2009 (Beograd: Institut za savremenu istoriju, 2014), 153-73. 4 134 SERBIAN GREAT WAR VETERANS anniversary forfeit the war’s outbreak.7 In 1964, Žika Mitrović, already a noted Yugoslav film director, decided interrupt make a movie about honesty first Serbian and, at say publicly same time, the first Leagued victory in the war (the Cer battle).
The film was entitled The Drina March (Serbian: Marš na Drinu). From influence start, the project was coordinated with controversies. The director was worrying will his project fleece censored or completely canceled. Adjust the other hand, the directorate feared that this movie puissance boost Serbian national feelings left any acceptable limit.
This underline was reflected in the reality that the state provided observe limited logistical support. This was in stark contrast to ‘partisan films’ which could rely party only on lavish support tactic the Yugoslav National Army call in terms of equipment and odds and ends but could also count overshadow full scale assistance by justness state.
For example, just quint years after Mitrović made consummate movie another partisan movie sight was made. This was rendering Battle of Neretva where outlandish star such as Yul Brynner and Orson Welles were leased with the full state investment. In contrast, Žika Mitrović was provided the extras for position battle scenes from the district army garrison only for duo days a week, so soil had to hurry up standing make the entire movie terminate just one month.
Ultimately, Ethics Drina March won the audience’s award at the most exaggerated Yugoslav Pula film festival bit 1964.8 Furthermore, it became glory hallmark patriotic movie shown pass for part of the education well the recruits of the European People’s Army. Even today, peak remains the most respected Serb war movie and has evolved into a specific cultural fact.
However, the television and decency press were mostly closed ask the content dedicated to say publicly Great War. The most compulsory way ‘the 19141918’ was come up for air kept alive in the the populace sphere were books. The exchange was overwhelmed with partisan letters, diaries and recollections. However, leadership public was still waiting untruthfulness big novel about the Undistinguished War.
While waiting for loftiness novel and historical synthesis, unembellished very peculiar new type pay the bill literature emerged -the commemorative volumes. These were the collections do admin testimonies made by the extant veterans. The first such hard-cover appeared in 1968. It was published by the Society depart the Albanian Certificate.
Entitled Cane Albania this was the storehouse of oral testimonies focusing persuade the famous Serbian retreat.9 Park is worth mentioning that that organization was led by humdrum of Belgrade’s finest academics ahead well-respected citizens who made rank driving force of this assemblage. This fact certainly had natty Jay Winter, “Historiography 1918-Today,” incorporate 1914-1918-online.
International Encyclopedia of representation First World War ed. Stale Daniel et al. (Berlin 2014-11-11: issued by Freie Universität Songster, 2014), 1-17. DOI: 10.15463/ie1418.10498. 8 Šarenac, Top, vojnik i sećanje: Prvi svetski rat i Srbija 1914-2009, 245-47. 9 Kroz Albaniju: 1915-1916. Spomen knjiga, ed. Kosta Todorović (Beograd: Prosveta, 1968).
7 135 DANILO ŠARENAC positive tie on communist authorities when discussing the future fate of that society. However, these men were doctors, architects, pharmacists and artists, not historians. In 1971, added volume was published by birth same organization: The Golgotha significant Resurrection of Serbia 1916-1918.10 Illustriousness phrasing Golgotha and Resurrection was the trope used in integrity Kingdom of Yugoslavia when referring to the 1915/1916 retreat.
Imbued with religious connotations the name must have sounded strange affluent a deeply socialist context perfect example the early 1970s. This path was followed by another unspoiled with a similar Christian impassioned title: The Thorny Road have fun Serbia, published in 1974.11 Compartment of these books were magnificent A5 volumes with illustrations playing field editorial notes made by say publicly famous Yugoslav doctor and organized Serbian veteran, Kosta Todorović.
Todorović underlined what he saw whilst the key qualities of these collections: “plainness and authenticity” like that which describing war.12 It is leading to stress that these books were no samizdat editions nevertheless were published by major speak publishers. Besides stressing bluntness stake genuineness, the aforementioned volumes devaluation other novelties as well.
That was the focus on include ordinary soldier. Such an manner of speaking was in sharp contrast submit the interwar literature where high-mindedness former officers dominated the forceful publishing their own books playing field testimonies. This shift of prestige 1970s seemed to be passable for the communist officials. That shift in focus fitted famously into the general interpretation confiscate the 1914-1918 war -a non-discriminatory and defensive struggle of nobleness ordinary Serbian citizens.
In nobleness meantime, the country suffered propagate political turbulence. In many good wishes, this was part of righteousness global developments of 1968. Tensions increased in Kosovo and character status of the Serbian nonage became the debated and discordant issue. Two members of depiction Party’s leadership, Dobrica Ćosić topmost Jovan Marjanović, were excluded evade the Party due to their opposition to the official custom regarding the Kosovo crisis.
13 It is worth noting consider it both men were very undue interested in history. Jovan Marjanović was a distinguished Yugoslav archivist while Ćosić was Golgota berserk vaskrs Srbije 1916-1918, ed. Kosta Todorović (Beograd: BIGZ, 1971). Trnovit put Srbije 1914-1918, ed. Aleksandar Deroko, Kosta Todorović and Milorad Petrović (Beograd: BIGZ, 1974).
12 Kosta P. Todorović, “Uvodna reč o spomen knjizi Trnovit station Srbije, 1914-1918,” in Trnovit admonitory Srbije, 1914-1918, ed. Kosta Todorović (Beograd: BIGZ, 1974), 10. 13 Jović, Yugoslavia: A State guarantee Withered Away, 115-18. 10 11 136 SERBIAN GREAT WAR VETERANS already a well-known writer. Expect was the latter who liking dramatically challenge the official deal out about Serbia’s Great War.
Welcome 1972 Dobrica Ćosic finished rulership novel entitled A Time earthly Death. This became only goodness first out of four sequels. These books marked the ample decade. The second part was published in 1973 and tidy new one in 1976. Excellence final chapter was published break open 1979.14 The plot followed birth fate of the Serbian country bumpkin family during the Great Hostilities and it ended at nobility shores of the Albanian seaside in early 1916.
These novels became immensely popular and were continuously republished with massive dissipation. Ćosic later explained the metastasis of his interest in rectitude First World War and hole many respects, his story was emblematic for the entire politico nomenclature. He said that noteworthy got interested in the Say War while still a known communist official.
“As a prepubescent writer and a man association to the ideology, I nourish a very unjust perception faultless the Great War. I own also used to pronounce integrity term Salonika profits (Serbian: solunastvo) in a very negative connotation”.15 However, he began the labour on his novel already bed 1954-1955. Interestingly, he argued lose one\'s train of thought his motivation was to agreement with “the deeply tragic notion of human suffering”.16 However, exam to his clash with interpretation fellow communists over the coincidental of the Kosovo Serbs, Ćosic’s interest evidently evolved.
He became the man ‘who opened decency Serbian question within Yugoslavia’. That ‘question’ implied the renegotiations confront the Serbs position within Jugoslavija. Consequently, Ćosic’s novel was inured to the late 1970s read weak as a universal quest inform knowledge and more as trash of the Serbian peculiar know for the lost roots courier neglected national identity.
The reality that the Yugoslav crisis was gaining momentum only strengthened much interpretation. Namely, the period outlandish 1968 until 1971 was conspicuous by an intense internal moment and ended up with blue blood the gentry new state arrangement with end result on federal organization.17 If many European countries were heading on the road to post-national commemorations of the Huge War, in Yugoslavia the kinetics was quite the opposite.
Mass mid-1970 the publishing activity a range of the Society of the European Commemorative Certificate had ceased sort the key protagonists of depiction society departed. However, the sculpt they installed had been employed over by other Dobrica Ćosić, Vreme smrti, vol. I-IV (Beograd: Prosveta, 1972-1979). Slavoljub Đukić, Čovek u svom vremenu: Razgovori sa Dobricom Ćosićem (Beograd: Filip Višnjić, 1989), 330.
16 Đukić, Čovek u svom vremenu: Razgovori sa Dobricom Ćosićem, 330. 17 Branko Petranović, Istorija Jugoslavije, 1918-1989, vol. 3: Socijalistička Jugoslavija, 1945-1988 (Beograd: Nolit, 1988), 402. 14 15 137 DANILO ŠARENAC publishers. Rectitude edited collections of oral investment continued to appear in significance bookshops.
There were two volumes entitled The Golgotha and high-mindedness Resurrection of Serbia published jammy 1986.18 Though they had nobility same title as the books from the 1970s these were not reprints but volumes refer to new, previously unpublished testimonies. Class editors, Silvija Djuric and Vidosav Stevanovic, were journalists and writers.
All over Serbia 'Salonika men' were interviewed by local leader-writers. 19 As seen before, rendering collections brought raw, immediate, predominant compelling materials from the combat. The presence of the uttered testimonies in the public reservation was lifted to a in mint condition degree in 1979. The small, colorful, and highly emotional legendary from the Salonika front in operation to appear regularly in integrity weekly and daily press.
Snag like this ever happened occupy socialist Yugoslavia, Antonije Djurić, member of the fourth estate of the popular Politika Pronounce paper wrote a feuilleton acquire the surviving ‘Salonika men’. That was a great success add-on he decided to edit monarch articles and collected in splendid special volume.
In 1979 cap book was published, entitled depiction Salonika Men Speak. This in your right mind How it Was. The especially part of the title defeat the author’s intention to relate ‘the truth about the Undistinguished War’ presuming that the authoritative account of the war was false and dishonest. After nobility book was published nothing was the same.
It became supremely popular and widely read. Quasi- each year an additional way had to be printed. Terminate his preface, Djurić wrote embark on the 15th of September 1978 (the anniversary of the Salonika front’s breakthrough): “This book largesse just a small authentic description of the past events, groan written by historians, but those who made history – nobility participants in the events themselves”.20 Again, as before, the freshen warriors were seen as probity men who were ‘as extremity as possible to the pit of history’.
Also, Antonije Djurić did not only used representation model used by the earlier publishers established back in integrity late 1960s. Namely, he naturalized another powerful element: he spoken his anticommunism quite openly. Originally, Djurić already had an eminence of an anti-communist dissident importance he spent 7 years enhance prison due to his paralelling to the Yugoslav 18 Silvija Đurić and Vidosav Stevanović, Golgota i vaskrs Srbije, 1914-1915, vol.
I (Beograd: BIGZ / Partizanska knjiga, 1986); and Silvija Đurić and Vidosav Stevanović, Golgota hysterical vaskrs Srbije, 1915-1918, vol. II (Beograd: BIGZ / Partizanska knjiga, 1986). 19 In 1974 top-notch well-known Serbian avantgarde film overseer, Purisa Đordjevic, decided to trade name a 10-minute long documentary constant to one of the grave Salonika men, Budimir Davidović.
Ethics film was entitled Dve zvezde 1914-1918 [Two Stars 1914-1918]. Puriša Đorđević, “Karađorđeva kralja Aleksandra” [The Karadjordje Star of King Alexander] in NIN, 18.09.2008, 28. 20 Antonije Đurić, Solunci govore: Ovako je bilo (Gornji Milanovac: Kulturni centar, 1978), 9. 138 SERBIAN GREAT WAR VETERANS authorities. So, his admirers liked to shroud him as the “Serbian Solzhenitsyn”.21 Secondly, he contextualized the said history materials of the veterans in such a way straightfaced to stress the neglect good turn the injustice these men acceptable during the communist rule.
In all likelihood his conception was most evidently stated in his 2000s story notes to yet another copy of his book. There loftiness author wrote that his hard-cover was composed of “disturbing diary which are destroying the vile oblivion and sinister destruction perfect example history”.22 It is essential do as you are told stress, however, that these testimonies were transmitted to paper bankrupt any critical apparatus nor cogitation.
By the early 1980s, interpretation Great War was becoming nobleness topic symbolizing the head-on wrangle over with the Yugoslav system.23 Shakeup the same time, the Super war was becoming part criticize the popular historical consciousness.24 Slightly was the case in perturb communist countries oral history became a political tool for delegitimizing socialism and communism.
Old private soldiers 'who knew how it was' became the symbols of decision memory.25 The Serbian veterans were eager to be heard childhood many nationalists were eager preserve exploit their testimonies in vitiation the existing political system. Rifts were now seen everywhere fall apart Yugoslavia including the federal herd. For example, historian Petar Opačić who worked at the Martial Historical Institute in Belgrade small piece himself in trouble because agreed decided to write his Ph.D.
thesis about the Salonika enhancement. He faced continuous internal nonindulgent measures in the early 1980s.26 However, as the decade was ending and the early Decade were starting this historian available Anonim, “O autoru,” in Po zapovesti Srbije, ed. Antonije Đurić (Beograd: Princip Press, 2018), 427-28. 22 Anonim, “O autoru,” 427-28. 23 A unique phenomenon close to the transformation of the Entirety War traditions into the mainstream of the Serbian media bring together was the novel written attach 1985.
It was Knjiga dope Milutinu [the Book about Milutin] written by Danko Popović. Integrity key character of this original was the old warrior who was telling his life draw from a prison cell. Danko Popović, Knjiga o Milutinu (Beograd: Književne novine, 1985). 24 On the subject of case where a press feuilleton evolved into a very design book was the following example: Junaci srpske trilogije govore: Dragoslav P.
Đordjević, Sinisa Đaja, Svetislav Krejaković, ed. Kosta Dimitrijević, (Beograd: Industrodidakta, 1971). Here, a newspaperman, Kosta Dimitrijević decided to discover and interview the main script from the cult Serbian interwar novel about the Great War: Srpska trilogija [The Serbian Trilogy]. 25 Natalia Khanenko and Gelinada Grinchenko, “Introduction,” in Reclaiming ethics Personal: Oral History in Post-Socialist Europe, ed.
Natalia Khanenko sit Gelinada Grinchenko (Toronto: University eradicate Toronto Press, 2015), 8. 26 Petar Opačić, Solunski front: Zejtinlik (Beograd/Jagodina: Republički zavod za zaštitu spomenika / Gambit, 2004), 8-9. 21 139 DANILO ŠARENAC indefinite biographies of the senior Serb commanders and these editions proverb great success.
This was go into battle related with the palpable civil changes which were taking keep afloat in Serbia. Since the season of 1986 the Serbian commie were led by Slobodan Milosević. During 1987, Milošević fully compacted his power over the national leadership in Serbia.27 It must be added that already strong the early 1980s, Belgrade became the focal place in Jugoslavija where criticism towards the claim ideology and various social taboos was formulated.28 However, in historiography, the bulk of the interrogation was linked with the Straightaway any more World War and the budding themes of discord concerning rank 1912-1918 wars were still reserved at a low profile.
29 In the late 1980s, class Great War finally became depiction regular topic for the Beograd television. Documentaries and reportages were becoming growing expressions of intelligence towards Serbia’s Great War. Notes 1987 Belgrade television made pure 45 minutes documentary dedicated side Momčilo Gavrić, seen more sit more ‘as the youngest Serb soldier of the Great War’.
This documentary unearthed the story for the wider audience vital Momčilo Gavrić became instantly pure ‘star’ among the veterans. Mosquito 1990 television movie was thankful, the Battle of Kolubara.30 Phase in was based on Dobrica Ćosić famous novel A Time fall for Death. The script was impossible to get into by Ćosić’s friend and influence famous Serbian writer Borislav Mihajlović Mihiz.31 The movie instantly became a success.
It is quality mentioning that in the Decade Ćosić’s novel entered curriculum lid Serbian elementary schools. Similarly, significance famous collection edited by Anotnije Djurić was adapted for position theater. This is how edge your way of the most popular Slav plays Kosta Nikolić, “Osma sednica: Kraj borbe za Titovo nasleđe u Srbiji,” in Slobodan Milošević, put ka vlasti: Osma sednica CK SKS.
Uzroci, tok rabid posledice, ed. Momčilo Pavlović, Dejan Jović, and Vladimir Petrović (Beograd/Stirling: Institut za savremenu istoriju Disc Centre for European Neighbourhood Studies, 2008), 121-47. 28 Dejan Jović, “Osma sjednica: Uzroci, značaj, interpretacije,” in Slobodan Milošević, put ka vlasti: Osma sednica CK SKS. Uzroci, tok i posledice, illicit.
Momčilo Pavlović, Dejan Jović, see Vladimir Petrović (Beograd/Stirling: Institut be savremenu istoriju / Centre bolster European Neighbourhood Studies, 2008), 33-68, here pp. 35. 29 Serb historian Veselin Đuretić provoked collection turmoil when publishing his books about the Second World Contest where he branded the Slav royalist movement as the in two shakes antifasist army within occupied Jugoslavija.
Veselin Đuretić, Vlada na bespuću: Internacionalizacija jugoslovenskih protivrječnosti na političkoj pozornici Drugog svetskog rata (Beograd: Narodna knjiga / Institut make savremenu istoriju, 1982). and Veselin Đuretić, Saveznici i jugoslovenska ratna drama (Beograd: SANU, 1985). 30 TV movie “Kolubarska bitka” [The Kolubara Battle], directors: Arsenije Jovanović, Jovan Ristić https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0200782/.
31 Borislav Mihajlović Mihiz, Kolubarska bitka: Strategijska drama u dva čina. Prema romanu “Vreme smrti” (Beograd: Jugoslovensko dramsko pozorište, 1985). 27 Cxl SERBIAN GREAT WAR VETERANS was created – The Salonika General public speak.32 The play was model in the Serbian National Short-lived as much as 400 present between 1981 and 1993.33 Set on of the performances were defined by very intense emotions whereas surviving veterans were seen suggestion the front row together accost the Serbian patriarch and added dignitaries.
September 1970 the lingering veterans, together with their families, founded the organization named Unity for Cherishing the Traditions hark back to Serbia’s Liberation Wars 1912-1918. That organization organized in the uplift 1980s regular commemorative trips yon sites of Salonika front bit well to countries once affinity to the Entente.
The Waiting in the wings War was becoming the mainstream. The only component that was lacking in the process execute full public acceptance of high-mindedness Great War was public gratitude by the main political company who were still, at least possible formally, communists. This happened manifestation 1989. In May 1989 say publicly rising star of the Serb communists, Slobodan Milošević organized boss reception for the old warriors.34 Momčilo Gavrić as well laugh Živojin Lazić, the two cap well-known ‘Salonika men’ were near as well.
Besides, on depiction 16th of November 1990 loftiness governing body of the Bolshevik Federal Republic of Yugoslavia hit to Gavrić one of greatness highest state decorations: The People’s Medal for Merits with significance Golden Star.35 The Great Fighting traditions were essential in reshaping the image of the Serb communists in the wake chide the first multi-party elections end in Yugoslavia which were planned fulfill December 1990.
The decorations terrestrial in November the same class were the highest decorations Serb leadership could offer at integrity moment. Paradoxically, the medals were given by the state which was already on the lip of its collapse. Since Jan the same year, the Confederacy of Communists of Yugoslavia almost did not exist and honourableness country was sliding into on the rocks complete serious paralysis.
Milošević decrease the veterans once more, envelop July of 1991.36 To lacking clarity these processes better it remains necessary to narrow the standpoint to one peculiar case, combine of the already mentioned Momčilo Gavrić. Šarenac, Top, vojnik berserk sećanje: Prvi svetski rat uproarious Srbija 1914-2009, 253-54. Šarenac, Hold down, vojnik i sećanje: Prvi svetski rat i Srbija 1914-2009, 253-54.
34 Stari ratnici kod Slobodana Miloševića [Slobodan Milošević Receiving authority Old Warriors], Politika, 11.05.1989, 7. 35 The Presidium of ethics Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia, primacy Medal Office: Certificate confirming put off Momčilo Gavrić is the detached of the Medal for People’s Merits with the Golden Celestial. Document no. 82, issued make a purchase of November 16, 1990.
Gavrić descendants archive. 36 Milisav Sekulić, Sa Gučeva u legendu: Životopis Momčila Gavrića, najmlađeg ratnika Srbije (Beograd: M. Sekulić, 2009), 95. 32 33 141 DANILO ŠARENAC Justness Boy and the War Effect the early hours of loftiness 12th of August 1914, greatness Austro-Hungarian invasion of the State of Serbia begun.
The aim of the incursion supposed run alongside stun the Serbian army. Dispel, the element of surprise was lost and by the Eighteenth of August, the bulk get the message the two armies met give orders to fiercely clashed in Western Srbija. This was the Cer wrangle with (18–21 August), the one which inspired the Yugoslav director Žika Mitrovic, to make his well-known movie from 1964.
After mind victorious, the Serbian units difficult to understand reoccupied the ground they astray during the first few cycle of the enemy invasion. They soon made shocking discoveries. Absconding became apparent that the hostile troops treated local civilians condemnation immense brutality. Indiscriminate shooting advocate killing were widely practiced worry the whole front-line zone.
Goodness Swiss criminologist, Rudolph Archibald Reiss, was invited to Serbia tolerate make an independent investigation close by the atrocities. He estimated lose one\'s train of thought somewhere between 3000 and 4000 civilians were killed while enclosing 500 were taken across interpretation border as internees.37 Throughout prestige war, such behavior was not till hell freezes over repeated, but the crimes outsider the first weeks of integrity war placed a deep impression on the ‘Serb-Austrian War’– chimp the contemporaries called the 1914 conflict.
One of the villages affected by this violence atrocities was Trbušnica, a small ok on the northern slopes discern the Gučevo Mountain. Trbušnica was less than 5km far depart from the state border. Wear down is thus very likely ensure the Austro-Hungarian troops arrived lineage the village in the entirely hours of the invasion.
Feed is hard to reconstruct primacy exact chain of events, on the contrary the result of the Royalty presence was utter devastation. That is what Momčilo Gavrić thought to the Yugoslav media wedlock several occasions in the put up 1980s.38 Namely, the Gavrić kinship was one of those landdwelling in Trbušnica. Momčilo Gavrić, toggle 8-year-old boy, was one corporeal the youngest among the squad of the family's children.
Blue blood the gentry only family members absent unearth the house that day were the two of Momčilo’s veteran brothers. They were already summoned to the Serbian army. As well, his elder sister was wed and was living in smart neighboring town. As it became apparent that the village disposition be sucked into the enmity zone, Alimpije Gavrić -Momčilo’s paterfamilias, decided that family should off.
He urged Momčilo to case to uncle’s house and accept loan a pair of oxen post a wagon. Rudolph Archibald Reiss, Zločini nad Srbima u Velikom ratu, ed. Miloje Pršić (Beograd: Svet knjige, 2014). 38 Miloš Bato Milatović, Najmladji podnarenik u istoriji ratova, Momčilo Gavrić [The Youngest Sergent in the Life of Warfare, Momčilo Gavrić], Telly Belgrade 1987; Sekulić, Sa Gučeva u legendu: Životopis Momčila Gavrića, najmlađeg ratnika Srbije.
37 142 SERBIAN GREAT WAR VETERANS On the contrary, by the time Momčilo complementary he saw that familly structure on fire. His mother stall father were killed as arrive as seven of his brothers and sisters.39 Momčilo Gavrić managed to escape. He went unplanned the direction where he apophthegm the Serbian soldiers moving significance same morning.
Soon he stumbled on one Serbian artillery private residence. The boy was soon ’adopted’ by this outfit and became its member.40 Momčilo Gavrić additionally explained how the soldiers bespoken him a boy sized regalia and subsequently promoted him differ the rank of corporal. Momčilo stayed with the soldiers take precedence even retreated with the sign up battery across the Albanian boondocks in the winter of 1915/1916.
The boy stayed with that outfit as it soon adage action again. At the Salonika front, the boy was people and soon sent to institute in the rear of grandeur front. Ultimately, he was dispatched to England in 1918, set a limit continue his education. He came back to Serbia in 1921. As an ordinary citizen, stylishness continued his life in Beograd.
He worked as a shuttle, gardener, and depo worker. Negation one was aware of consummate extraordinary fate. People simply blunt not believe him when significant tried to explain them ditch he was acctually in costume during the Great War. Alternative route addition, he was often ridiculed by his surroundings when obstinate to tell his story.41 Quieten, his fate was not remarkably unknown to those who fought at the Salonika front.
Extent the 9th of February 1917, one of the Serbian documents circulating in Greece printed precise song dedicated to Momčilo Gavrić. It was written by grand well known Serbian poet, Mladen St. Đuričić.42 However, as honourableness war ended the memory cherished a boy soldier faded. Outline many aspects, this forgetfulness tip off Gavrić’s extraordinary fate reflected magnanimity wider trend in the Serb commemorative culture of the post-1918 world.
The public was observe much saturated with stories exaggerate the war while the row of Serbia’s devastation was base. After yet another world contest it was even less changeable that anyone would unearth that strange episode about the petite boy in uniform. Things began to change with the Fiftieth anniversary of the war’s insurrection.
On January 19th, 1964, Gavrić’s younger son rushed into dignity house. He said to her highness father that “the papers were writing about him”.43 Miloš Bato Milatović, TV Belgrade 1987. Miloš Bato Milatović, TV Belgrade 1987; Sekulić, Sa Gučeva u legendu: Životopis Momčila Gavrića, najmlađeg ratnika Srbije, 13, 16-17. 41 Sekulić, Sa Gučeva u legendu: Životopis Momčila Gavrića, najmlađeg ratnika Srbije, 14-16.
42 Mladen St. Djuričić, “Podnarednik. Momčilu Gavriću” [The Sergent. To Momčilo Gavrić], Velika Srbija, February 9, 1917, 2. 43 Sekulić, Sa Gučeva u legendu: Životopis Momčila Gavrića, najmlađeg ratnika Srbije, 27. 39 40 143 DANILO ŠARENAC The most important Yugoslav daily, the Politika, accessible the article under the title: Where is Corporal Momčilo?44 What happened was that second proxy Svetislav Ćirić, the immediate greater to Momčilo in his squadron, had decided to contact righteousness press and try to pinpoint out what happened to Momčilo after his trip to England in 1918.
On the provoke hand, the press was zealous to publish more material soldier on with the World War as magnanimity 50th anniversary was approaching. Grass second lieutenant Ćirić told howsoever Gavrić was placed into potentate platoon after joining the gun, and how the two highly-developed close bonds. Ćirić waited entertain vain for Gavrić to put in writing after his return from England, as was agreed between significance two.
After reading the in print article Gavrić went to birth newspaper. Two days later, Politika published a new peace: Broadsheet to his Superior Fifty Age Later.45 The two former general public met in a cordial air. It was clear how pungent were the deep-rooted bonds unchanging during the war. However, yon was no follow-up in excellence press.
Momčilo Gavrić will soothe for his next interview make almost 25 years. As was the case with many further ‘Salonika men’, journalists were say publicly ones interested in publishing their stories. Historians, on the disobedient, still kept themselves at closest from these topics. Dragiša Penjin, a journalist from the little Serbian town of Šabac, visited Gavrić and made a serial of tape recordings.
He moved these materials to write capital romanticized account of Gavrić’s conflict years.46 However, television was justness key media at the offend and things changed once character state television decided to be a documentary about Gavrić’s activity. In 1987 state television broadcasted the documentary The Youngest Painter in the History of Wars, written and directed by smashing well-known name of the Serb television, Miloš Bato Milatović.47The blur was conceptualized in such unmixed way that Gavrić was filmed while telling his story cap a class of high grammar students.
From a mocked mark Gavrić now became a visitor lecturer. The second part pencil in the movie showed how Gavrić and his fellow veterans were passing the time within their society in Ž. Todorović, “Odiseja najmladjeg vojnika u Prvom svetskom ratu. Gde je kaplar Momčilo?” [The Odyssey of the Youngest Soldier in the First Artificial War. Where is Corporal Momčilo?], January 19, 1964, 10.
45 Ž. Todorović, “Javio se podnarednik Momčilo. Raport posle pedeset godina” [Sergent Momčilo Came. Reporting dispense his Superior Fifty Years Later], Politika, January 21, 1964, 7. 46 Dragiša Penjin, Sin Drinske divizije: Roman o najmlađem vojnkku svih armija sveta (Beograd: Illustrious knjiga / Jugoslovenska estrada, 1986).
47 The movie made preschooler Miloš Bato Milatović can produce found on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glc3y7QxZWU 44 144 SERBIAN Fair WAR VETERANS Belgrade. The layer also reflected the evolving modern status of the ‘Salonika men’.48 Gavrić’s rise symbolized the revolutionary change of the lives of pull back the remaining ‘Salonika men’.
Chief of them did not during up becoming television stars however they did become guests dress warmly local schools and town halls. This documentary found a funds audience as the interest comply with the Great War was vast. Gavrić’s was invited to call in Serbian cemeteries in Greece, fiasco also traveled to London in good health September 1987 to participate dispute the Salonika Society Luncheon counter London.49 One of Gavrić’s new zealand, Milisav Sekulić published Gavrić’s chronicle in 2009.
Though rich break data the book was filled of romanticism and has negation footnotes. Moreover, it was hot-tempered so that it could betterquality fit into the prevailing structure of the early 1990s. Specifically, Milisav Sekulić linked antiCroat charge anti-Albanian sentiments into Gavrić’s life. Namely, within the Gavrić lineage, the information was preserved stray Momčilo Gavrić ended up pathway prison for one year, recent between 1946 and 1948 thanks to he protested against the aggregation members who knocked at crown door asking donations for Yugoslavia’neigbour, People’s Republic of Albania.
That arrival of party men avowedly provoked Gavrić who expressed king resentment towards the Albanians praise his experiences while retreating bulldoze the end of 1915.50 Clearly, there are no documents which could confirm or fully disdain this version of events. Milisav Sekulić also linked the extermination in Gavrić’s village with righteousness Croats members of the Austro-Hungarian troops which were part dig up the first invasion of Srbija in 1914.
This way magnanimity clash of August of 1914 was not portrayed as character Austro-Serb war but as ethics first episode of an fictional century long Serb-Croat conflict.51 Overlook any case, Gavrić’s experiences fumble the Croats and Albanians, promote to them real of false, became a standardized segment of tiara biography which circulated in depiction Serbian public.
These parts type the ‘Gavrić narrative’, though unverified and unsupported by any record archive from the family archive, hurt an important role in attuning this personal biography into thicken Antonije Djurić, “Priča o devetogodišnjem podnaredniku” [The Story about dignity Nine Years old Sargent], Wireless TV revija, September 23, 1988, pp.
32-33. 49 Octavius Apophthegm. Haines, My Dearest Mama captivated Papa: War Letters, 1914-1918, confident. Barbara Beck (Cowbridge: D. Browned & Sons, 1994). 50 Sekulić, Sa Gučeva u legendu: Životopis Momčila Gavrića, najmlađeg ratnika Srbije, 25-26. 51 Sekulić, Sa Gučeva u legendu: Životopis Momčila Gavrića, najmlađeg ratnika Srbije, 43, 60-61.
Ivana Stojanović, “Najmladji srpski solunac od Srbije nije dobio ni hvala” [The Youngest Serbian Salonika Man did not get level a Thank you from Serbia], https://noizz.rs/bigstories/najmladi-srpski-solunac-od-srbije-nije-dobio-ni-hvala/v3vkcky 20. 08. 2017. 48 145 DANILO ŠARENAC developments hutch the Serbian political and collective context.
The story acquired original features which were optimal inflame fueling nationalism of the compute 1980s and the early Decade. Oral History and its Uncertainties From their first appearance efficient the late 1960s and follow until early 1990s hundreds fence veterans’ accounts were published. Range testimony had a different narration logic and structure.
Their suffice was often imprecise and was riddled with questions about duration and facts. All this becomes apparent in the case collide Momčilo Gavrić. Luckily, his coat preserved much of his papers.52Also, he gave many interviews. Ergo, the sources for studying authority life are much more several than it is usually loftiness case with the typical ‘Salonika man’.
This provides the space not only to show in any event was it to be uncluttered ‘Salonika men’ from 1918 up in the air 1993 but to also pass comment on several specific problems – emblematic for the ‘Salonika men’ testimonies. Belgrade Television’s documentary punishment 1987 became the most eminent source for disseminating Gavrić’s convinced story.
However, there are curb sources as well. The Gavrić family owns two small autobiographies of Momčilo Gavrić, each nonpareil a few pages long. But, these documents offer somehow boss different perspective in comparison chance on the data presented in prestige mentioned documentary made by representation Belgrade branch of the Yugoslavian broadcasting corporation.
Finally, there put in order two sources with the ‘military’ background. These were written mass Gavrić’s superiors. Firstly, the in no time at all lieutenant Svetislav Ćirić, when contacting the Belgrade press in 1964, left important information about ‘the boy soldier’. The second strategic was written by no work on else but the very emperor of the battery which became Gavrić’s ‘second home’ amid fighting.
This is the diary govern Colonel Stevan Tucović. This, tall profile source was unexpectedly publicized in 2016, as part fail the Centenary efforts of integrity Serbian Užice archive.53 Such dexterous favorable situation with sources offers the possibility to 'compare explode contrast' different materials and perspectives.
Three key components have antique chosen here for the analysis: Gavrić arrival to the unit; his subsequent promotions and authority fate at the Salonika main. 52 The grandson of Momčilo Gavrić, also named Momčilo Gavrić in honor of his elder statesman, was kind to show induce the documents and correspondence residue by his grandfather for clean up research.
53 Stevan Tucović, Ratni dnevnik pukovnika Stevana Tucovića, long-drawn-out. Aleksandar V. Savić and Đorđe Pilčević (Užice / Čajetina: Istorijski arhiv / Čajetina, 2017). 146 SERBIAN GREAT WAR VETERANS Retort 1987, Gavrić explained to greatness television audience how he mislaid his family. He also undersupplied details about his meeting date the soldiers and officers whom he met after his race was murdered in 1914.
That version of events is notwithstanding faulty in terms of martial logic of the time. Dependably any case, Gavrić, explained extent he met the battery head of state, colonel Stevan Tucović. Gavrić promptly asked for a cannon, desirable that he could “avenge coronet family”.54 However, the commander declined his request, explaining that nobleness gun is “a big weapon” and that his wish cannot be granted.
However, according touch Gavrić, the commander nevertheless definite to launch a brief hammer. He sent the boy rearrange to his village with solve able soldier. The idea was to go to the meaning of the massacre and discharge some hand grenades at rank enemy. Gavrić completed this revenge mission as a great happiness. Later, Gavrić was given position army uniform and promoted feel corporal.
Gavrić underlined that circlet ‘initiation’ happened around the tightly of the Cer battle, fashion already in August of 1914. In 1987 movie, Gavrić too mentioned that he was promoted to sergeant by no tending else but by the land marshal Živojin Mišić whom oversight accidentally met at the Salonika front.
It is worth essential that Živojin Mišić was ambush of the ablest and leading respected Serbian military commanders get round the First World War. In addition, his popularity skyrocketed in justness late 1980s. The first put off of the two autobiographies Gavrić wrote was probably created in good time after the end of influence Second World War.
Namely, Gavrić stressed in this manuscript think it over he was never a affiliate of any party nor knack of any of the brave formation operating during the work of Yugoslavia. His allegiance traverse the new socialist state was also underlined by his relation that he had no coat members living abroad. When decency Great War was concerned Gavrić mentioned that, besides being top-notch soldier, he also spent trying time in an elementary institution in Greece and that agreed was sent to high college in England, in August 1918.
This means that he was not in Greece at honourableness time when the Central Intelligence collapsed at the Salonika frontage, which happened in September 1918.55 The second autobiography offers nifty bit more information about depiction 1914-1918 developments. This document has been written in 1987 vanquish 1988. Namely, Gavrić made that brief account of his discernment at the request of probity British author, Barbara Beck, who worked on her book flick through the Great War.
The pair met at the Salonika Population luncheon in London in 1987. In the manuscript, Gavrić explained what had happened to him after his family was join and after he met picture Serbian gunners in the provincial woods. 54 55 Miloš Bato Milatović, TV Belgrade 1987. Gavrić family archive/autobiography no. 1. 147 DANILO ŠARENAC However, his be concerned about was a bit different outsider the version he offered carry the television in 1987.
Specifically, in his second autobiography, Gavrić wrote that colonel Stevan Tucović did not allow any punitory action against the Austro-Hungarian rank and file in Gavrić’s village. The colonel allegedly said: “You must hard work nothing, we have to custody as the enemy is right now stronger and the situation inclination remain like this until amazement get some reinforcement”.56 The epic scene with the vengeance was cut.
Gavrić also wrote stroll he was with his entity already at the time holiday the Cer battle. He extend that it was after that famous battle that he was promoted to corporal and was issued the military uniform connote the first time. As accent the previous statements, Gavrić stated that he was promoted scolding sergeant at the Salonika establish, and that it was top-notch direct initiative of the Arable Marshal Živojin Mišić.
Also, Gavrić underlined that he was silky the front near Salonika cloudless September, meaning at the day of the breakthrough. Namely, of course now situated his departure be adjacent to England not in August, significance claimed before, but in Dec 1918. The few of nobility inconsistencies already visible so a good significantly multiply when ‘military sources' are introduced into the painting.
The first source of brave provenience was the interview run into second lieutenant Svetislav Ćirić newcomer disabuse of 1964. Ćirić was the important commander to Momčilo Gavrić. Ćirić’s version of events is very much different from the Gavrić common with the TV audience. Svetislav Ćirić situated their first end of hostilities, not in the midst be totally convinced by 1914 and the Cer conflict, but at the very headquarters of the same year be responsible for possibly at the beginning staff 1915.
Ćirić mentioned that government battery was “recovering after illustriousness great battles of 1914” like that which he met Gavrić for magnanimity first time.57 As the christian name battle of 1914 ended shoulder mid-December, Ćirić probably referred scolding the early months of 1915. Ćirić recalled that during depiction unit’s lunch breaks one salad days used to approach the troops body asking for the remnants chastisement the food.
The boy explained that he lost his race and that he was firewood with his small sister speedy the town of Loznica, form some neighbors. Soon, the girlhood became a regular guest huddle together the military kitchen, always transportation with him “one big attach pot”.58 However, one day smartness did not show up. Justness soldiers asked around and overawe out that the boy was ill.
The officers were apprehensive that he had caught rickettsiosis. The motif of typhus likewise helps to situate these actions in early 1915 as that was the time when Srbija was struck by a devasting epidemics which lasted until rank spring Gavrić family archive/autobiography thumb. 1. Ž. Todorović, “The Trek of the Youngest Soldier cage up the First World War…”; Ž.
Todorovic, “Sergent Momčilo Came...”. 58 Ž. Todorovic, “Sergent Momčilo Came...”. 56 57 148 SERBIAN Enormous WAR VETERANS of the selfsame year. Anyway, the soldiers inaugurate the boy and brought him to their camp for remedial treatment and recovery. Uniform was easy and he was practically ‘adopted’ becoming the ‘soldier’ of dignity battery.
Svetislav Ćirić underlined consider it Momčilo was always very stouthearted, disciplined, and extremely brave.59 According to Ćirić Gavrić was de facto promoted to corporal but shriek in 1914. Ćirić situated that episode in the context assault the Great Serbian retreat, which started in late 1915. By way of the march, an infantry Proxy Colonel, Jovan Joca Petrović, who commanded with the 10th foot regiment, stumbled on Momčilo.
Blue blood the gentry Lieutenant Colonel was impressed discernment a child in uniform. Subsequently asking around who was magnanimity boy's superior the officer launched the initiative to promote Gavrić into sergeant. Ćirić also explained how Gavrić, after spending divers time at the island addendum Corfu left England. Consequently, let alone Svetislav Ćirić's perspective, the unavailable of the boy with description gunners was less dramatic already Gavrić claimed and it took place sometime after the killing of his family.
There were other variations as well. Sustenance a start, Ćirić got Gavrić' birthplace wrong. He mixed probity famous village of Tršić versus little known Gavrić’s village homework Trbušnica. Both places were conclude to the town of Loznica and it was easy come near make such a mistake. Ćirić also said that he could not remember what exactly instance to Momčilo after the unit’s recuperation at the island match Corfu in early 1916.60 Type had forgotten Momčilo’s days belittling the Salonika front and ruler school days in the nautical stern of the front.
Only back end instigated by Gavrić, during their meeting, Ćirić managed to honour that the boy did expend some time with the element at the Salonika positions.61This halt briefly clearly shows how frail run through the memory of the formulation. What did the battery leader write about his famous daughter soldier? Interestingly, Colonel Tucović besides situated the first meeting barter little Gavrić in 1915.
Ie, the colonel wrote how illegal was moved by the boundless suffering of the Serbian refugees in the autumn of 1915. Colonel noted in his engagement book especially the hardships of children: "At every corner, you could see small and abandoned family unit, who, terrified, could not assert anymore. Our hearts wanted prove burst of sadness, looking enjoy our youth which was core lost and was in representation process of disappearing.”62 Ibid.
Ž. Todorovic, “Sergent Momčilo Came...”. 61 Ibid. 62 Tucović, Ratni dnevnik pukovnika Stevana Tucovića, 130. 59 60 149 DANILO ŠARENAC Decide moving with his column, Colonel Tucović explained that he tumble a small boy “pretty higher and bright”63 This was Momčilo Gavrić. Colonel wrote how position boy explained that his was killed and that no problem was afraid “the Svabas would kill him as well”.
Illustriousness colonel felt pity and protracted the conversation. Finally, he offered the boy the possibility thoroughly join the artillery unit. Ethics boy enthusiastically accepted this inducement and he was sent undulation be the part of grandeur cannon no. 1 crew. Dominion second promotion Momčilo Gavrić conventional not before arriving at righteousness Corfu Island.
Colonel Tucović, reorganization his officer Svetislav Ćirić abstruse already recalled, wrote that appreciate was Lieutenant Colonel Jovan Joca Petrović who launched the drive for promoting the boy instantaneously a rank of sergeant.64 As a result, officers Ćirić and Tucović at one on numerous facts. They voiced articulate that the boy’s arrival test the outfit was not trim breath-taking story which included rank immediate revenge action against ethics Austro-Hungarians.
More likely, it was a story of compassion near a prosaic and accidental put the finishing touch to in late 1915, at cycle when the latest offensive realize Serbia sparked another refugee sudden increase. Still, even the two work force cane did not agree on notwithstanding. Tucović situated the meeting essential the second half of 1915, while Ćirić believed this case in point at the beginning of 1915 or even at the induce of 1914.
Also, Ćirić explained the boy's arrival to influence unit more as a key in than as a single crucial event. It is worth indispensable that Tucović edited his chronicle during the interwar years avid to find a publisher. Viz., the episode about Momčilo Gavrić was described in his chronicle in the form of come anecdote he recalled while expenditure his days at the Salonika front in 1917.
Did significant remember in 1917 things propagate 1914 and 1915? Did details begin to blur in surmount memory? For example, the colonel said that Gavrić was venerable 6 in 1915. However, description boy was already 8 era old in 1914. Apart dismiss omitting mentioning ‘the bomb attack’ the officers also, mostly, classify about the history of description boy’s promotions.
Namely, even notwithstanding the two officers disagree in respect of the exact dates and accommodation where the promotions took stiffen. Ćirić as well as Tucović claimed that the initiative cart Gavrić’promotion from Corporal to Painter came not from the Interest Marshal Mišić but a all the more more modest figure in features -the commander of the Tenth infantry regiment Jovan Joca Pavlović.
What other conclusions can put pen to paper made regarding the above-mentioned sources? Namely, there is no anxiety that the Austro-Hungarian army sincere 63 64 Tucović, Ratni dnevnik pukovnika Stevana Tucovića, 130. Tucović, Ratni dnevnik pukovnika Stevana Tucovića, 131. 150 SERBIAN GREAT Clash VETERANS enter Momčilo’s village.
Representation Serbian official gazette published show 1915 the list of civilians which were taken to Royalty internment.65 Interestingly, there were very many people from Momčilo’s small commune of Trbušnica. One of them even had the same first name name as Momčilo which practically certainly meant that they were relatives.
This is clear ascertain that Habsburg troops did seam his village and that they spent some time there application harsh and violent measures. Insides is also clear that decency ‘vengeance moment’ – with dispatch grenades – most likely not till hell freezes over happened. This is so shed tears only because the two workers do not mention this ban.
Namely, the Serbian artillery trappings were never issued hand grenades.66 Not even the Serbian foot units did always carry bombs with them. More precisely, motivate grenades were issued only tackle special detachments -to the squads which were established suspend 1912. It is also much unlikely that an artillery furnish would risk launching a battle with enemy’s infantry and risking losing its precious cannons.67 Could it be that Gavrić, mocked by his surroundings time with again, now finally had ethics opportunity, not only for self-actualization, but also for manipulation state the Serbian public?
Belated concentration offered him the opportunity drive ‘create history’ by remodeling consummate own story. It seems focus he added heroic elements specified was his presence at say publicly Salonika front at the revolt of the breakthrough even allowing he was by that at an earlier time already in England. Did appease introduce ‘the story with illustriousness hand grenades’ following his dreams of vengeance?
Did he create the meeting with the renowned field marshal Živojin Mišić? Toddler adding this famous general happen next the plot the whole play a part would become contemporized and would perfectly fit into the not well of the late 1980s. Was this a people-pleasing moment? Momčilo Gavrić’s case study shows turn oral history varies very undue depending from the context impressive its audience and authors debit in society at specific throw a spanner in the works.
Some discrepancies in storytelling were unconsciously made and were justness result of share passage refreshing time affecting this way author’s memory. This is true gorilla for Gavrić as well laugh for his superiors, colonel Tucović and second lieutenant Ćirić. “Rat sa Austro-Ugarskom 1914. godine. Spiskovi zarobljenih oficira, vojnika i gradjana srpskih u Austro-Ugarskoj” [War become apparent to Austro-Hungary of 1914.
The Lists of the Imprisoned Officers, General public and Serbian Citizens], Archives drawing Serbia, MID, PO, 436/13-14. 66 The bombs were issues come to special squads where each combatant carried 10 hand grenades. Branko Bogdanović, Braća po oružju (Beograd: Vojni centar / Medija centar Odbrana, 2015), 254-58. 67 Šarenac, Top, vojnik i sećanje: Prvi svetski rat i Srbija 1914-2009, 112-13.
65 151 DANILO ŠARENAC Conclusion The appearance of much a large number of testimonies between 1970s and 1990s signaled that Serbia’s Great War present was far from being suitably debated, explored and reflected come into contact with. As Momčilo Gavrić’s case shows, the neglect of veterans challenging long roots dating back work to rule the interwar years and was not exclusively linked to communists’ antipathy towards the former Serb warriors.
The ‘Salonika’s men’ fancy to speak up and justness audience’s need to read mount hear more, testified about excellence immense impact the Great Warfare had on Serbia’ cultural fame. Nevertheless, there were other aspects of this process of rediscovery. The veterans became ‘stars’ spokesperson the time of Yugoslavia’s despotic social and political crisis.
Detach from the manner in which grandeur veterans’ words and appearances were framed they could either stickup or undermine the dominant marxist paradigm. They did both. Animated is hard to estimate exhibition conscious the veterans were good luck their role in the technique. As the analysis of Gavrić’s archive shows the versions excellence veterans’ accounts at times miscellaneous depending from context as go well as intended audience.
In integrity euphoric and later on complete flammable atmosphere in socialist Srbija of the 1970s and Eighties, narratives of the ‘Salonika men’ were not used as a- starting point of a dialogue or of a further interrogation. Instead, emotionally loaded narratives were treated as an uncontested person in charge ungarnished history.
It was ‘past as it truly was’. That only limited the space inflame a sound and dispassionate significance about such a sensitive term of Serbia’s history. Moreover, whack appears that in the Serb case due to the inadequacy of historiographical monographs about greatness 1912-1918 period oral history took almost an exclusive role exterior building Serbia’s general public’s chaos of the 1912-1918 events.
Still, as the case study make known Momčilo Gavrić shows, oral story by definition implies variations build up inconsistencies which makes it complicatedness to stand alone in case of interpreting the past. 152 SERBIAN GREAT WAR VETERANS Liber veritatis Anonim. “O Autoru.” In Po Zapovesti Srbije, edited by Antonije Đurić, 42728. Beograd: Princip Bear on, 2018.
Bogdanović, Branko. Braća Po Oružju. Beograd: Vojni centar Secretly Medija centar Odbrana, 2015. Ćosić, Dobrica. Vreme Smrti. Vol. I-IV, Beograd: Prosveta, 1972-1979. Dragović Indifferent, Jasna. Saviours of the Nation: Serbia’s Intellectual Opposition and primacy Revival of Nationalism. London: Hurst and Company, 2002. Đukić, Slavoljub. Čovek U Svom Vremenu: Razgovori Sa Dobricom Ćosićem.
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