At 5 a.m. on the 3rd, the artillery support group, comprising three regiments of 50-heavy artillery and one regiment of 20-heavy artillery, was fully assembled. These units were distributed across six artillery positions, which had been prepared in advance. Rows of trucks laden with ammunition were parked nearby. Notably, the 20-heavy artillery used the Romanian killer cannonball, each weighing 20kg. A single Dongfeng truck could transport only twenty of these shells at a time. Considering the firing rate of three rounds per minute, one truck could deliver enough shells for just over four minutes of continuous fire. The 36 guns of the 20-heavy artillery regiment alone required over 600 trucks for a single round of ammunition supply. This didn't even account for the ammunition needs of the three 50-heavy artillery regiments, nor the numerous 05 howitzers and 75 artillery pieces. This massive logistical effort underscored the reality that modern warfare was primarily a contest of economic and national power.
By 8:30 a.m., the air was shattered by the deafening roar of artillery from behind the Romanian lines. Nearly two hundred heavy artillery pieces, each with a caliber exceeding 50, unleashed a torrent of fire upon the Bulgarian First Army stationed at Mount Tsarevets. The fortified positions on the mountain were obliterated under the relentless barrage. Bulgarian soldiers, caught in the trenches, were frequently struck by the devastating artillery, their screams lost in the explosions as they were reduced to mere bloodstains in the mud. The 20kg shells were particularly lethal; even soldiers who were not directly hit could be killed by the shockwave within a ten-meter radius. It was a common, grim sight to see soldiers lying in the trenches, seemingly asleep with no visible wounds, yet shaken to death by the sheer force of the blasts.
The horror of the situation left me praying silently that no shells would find my trench. The idea of retreating seemed futile; several recruits who had attempted to flee to the rear were instantly vaporized by the heavy artillery, their ashes mingling with the soil of Mount Tsarevets. After three hours of this intense bombardment, reminiscent of the Western Front in World War I, the First Army had suffered tremendous casualties, with at least 5,000 soldiers lost. More devastating, however, was the near-total destruction of their fortifications, particularly the key firepower points. The landscape of Mount Tsarevets had been transformed into a lunar surface, pockmarked with craters and saturated with the acrid smell of gunpowder.
Lieutenant General Kudinchev, the commander of the Bulgarian First Army, had made the difficult decision to endure the artillery onslaught without ordering a counterattack. The Bulgarian artillery was outmatched in both caliber and range, and Romanian aircraft had been harassing his positions since early morning. He chose to conserve his limited artillery resources for a more critical moment, sacrificing his soldiers in the process.
From a concealed observation post in the rear, Crown Prince Edel, along with Chief of Staff Admiral Courtois and Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Prosi, observed the effects of the shelling. Edel remarked, visibly moved, "This is the power of heavy artillery bombardment!"
Admiral Courtois agreed, adding, "Yes, your highness, but not many countries can replicate this kind of attack."
Major General Prosi, however, pointed out the economic implications, noting that such an attack was costly and not sustainable for Romania in the long term. Edel, unable to refute this reality, simply suggested they continue observing the battle.
Following the artillery barrage, the Fifth Division of the Second Army was ordered to advance. The First Brigade moved out of their trenches and charged towards the devastated Bulgarian positions at Mount Tsarevets. As they advanced, Bulgarian artillery began firing upon them, but the Romanian soldiers pressed on undeterred. The Romanian 05 howitzers quickly responded, targeting the Bulgarian artillery positions and forcing them to relocate.
As the Romanian troops approached within 500 meters of the front line, they dropped to the ground and crawled forward under heavy fire. This development caused Lieutenant General Kudinchev considerable concern, evident from his furrowed brow as he observed from his post.
The fighting intensified around the front line, with soldiers on both sides focused solely on survival and combat. A Bulgarian soldier managed to shoot a Romanian counterpart, only to be killed moments later by a sniper's bullet. Amidst the chaos, the exchange of gunfire and artillery continued, with Romania's superior artillery firepower gradually overwhelming the Bulgarian defenses.
Back at the Romanian command post, General Ankodar was being praised by Crown Prince Edel for the successful assault. "General Ankodar, you performed excellently. If we can maintain this momentum, the Bulgarians will lose their position in one swift campaign," Edel commended.
General Ankodar, remaining composed, replied, "We caught the Bulgarians by surprise this time. We may not be so fortunate next time."
Admiral Courtois, however, was more aggressive in his approach, suggesting, "Then turn your feint into a full attack and see if the Bulgarians can withstand another blow."
Edel, agreeing with Courtois, concluded, "Follow the admiral's advice. I'm eager to see how long the Bulgarian army can hold out under our pressure."
The relentless nature of modern warfare, with its heavy reliance on artillery and logistics, was playing out in full force on the fields of Mount Tsarevets, shaping the fates of thousands of soldiers caught in its deadly embrace.
The First Army, tasked with defending the strategic position of Zarevec Mountain, was now on its third replenishment of weaponry and manpower. Despite these efforts, the relentless assaults by the Romanian army had left the troops exhausted and their resources depleted. Lieutenant General Kudinchev, the commander of the First Army, felt the immense pressure mounting against him. With few options left, he reached out to Lieutenant General Savov, the Secretary of the Army, seeking urgent assistance.
Lieutenant General Savov, upon receiving Kudinchev's telegram, felt a weight settle over him. The situation was dire, and he struggled to devise a viable strategy. The Romanian forces outmatched them in nearly every aspect, leaving Savov feeling helpless. It was during this moment of contemplation that King Ferdinand I entered Savov's office unannounced.
"Lieutenant General Savov, I've been informed that Lieutenant General Kudinchev has requested your aid. What measures do you intend to take?" the king inquired, his tone unusually direct.
Caught somewhat off-guard, Savov could only respond, "Your Majesty, I am currently considering our options."
Unsatisfied with this vague answer, Ferdinand I pressed further, "And what might those measures be?"
Savov, sensing the king's growing impatience, explained, "Your Majesty, our army faces severe challenges, primarily due to the superior Romanian artillery. Perhaps we could explore disrupting their supply lines."
King Ferdinand I, though slightly calmed by this response, continued to probe, "Is victory against them possible?"
"Directly, no," Savov admitted. "We might force them to retreat temporarily, but they will regroup and counterattack once they resupply."
"That is unacceptable," Ferdinand I declared, his frustration evident. He then shared alarming intelligence that heightened the urgency: "The Eastern Thrace region reports that the Ottoman army is mobilizing. We must defeat the Romanians swiftly, or face a new front opening against us."
The news stunned Savov. The prospect of battling on multiple fronts was daunting, and it explained the king's unusual directness. In a moment of desperation, Savov proposed a risky strategy he would later regret: "Your Majesty, if we are to swiftly defeat the Romanians, there is but one option."
Intrigued, Ferdinand I urgently asked, "What would that be?"
"A night raid," Savov declared.
The king pondered this. The Bulgarian army was at a significant disadvantage, and a frontal assault seemed futile. A night raid, risky though it might be, offered a glimmer of hope. Aware of the potential disastrous consequences of failure, yet enticed by the possibility of a decisive victory, Ferdinand I decided to gamble.
"Lieutenant General Savov, proceed with planning this operation."
Savov, well aware of the king's desperate hope, replied somberly, "Your Majesty, I will need two days to prepare."
"That is acceptable," the king responded, granting Savov the time needed.
After the king left, Savov felt the gravity of the situation. Bulgaria was cornered, and this night raid was a desperate thrust against overwhelming odds.
Over the next two days, Savov focused solely on planning the raid, instructing Kudinchev to hold their positions at all costs. The Romanian forces continued their assault, unaware of the Bulgarian preparations. The Bulgarian defenders fought with reckless abandon, their losses mounting alarmingly. This fierce resistance puzzled the Romanian command, who sent reconnaissance planes but could not discern any signs of a Bulgarian retreat.
On the third day, Savov presented his plan before King Ferdinand I, General Podovich of the Fourth Army, and General Vidic of the Fourth Division. The Fourth Army, consisting of 89,000 men and equipped with 214 artillery pieces, was to spearhead the attack. The Fourth Division, experienced in large-scale night operations, was chosen as the vanguard.
"Our aim is to disrupt the Romanian left flank," Savov explained. "The Fourth Division will initiate the attack, followed by the Fourth Army. Our primary objective is to sow chaos within their ranks and, if possible, neutralize their artillery."
General Vidic expressed concern about the lack of firepower support and the tight schedule.
Savov reassured him, "I will arrange for additional support. We have no choice but to act quickly, as the First Army is nearing its breaking point."
With no further objections, Savov dismissed the generals to begin preparations.
As they left, Ferdinand I approached Savov, asking quietly, "How confident are you in this plan?"
Savov, alone with the king, confessed, "There is less than a fifty percent chance of success."
Ferdinand I, placing a hand on Savov's shoulder in a silent show of support, left without a word.
The night before the attack, the Fourth Army and Fourth Division feverishly prepared. Weapons and ammunition were distributed, and the troops rested briefly before the scheduled start at 2 AM.
This desperate gamble, born out of necessity, was Bulgaria's attempt to turn the tide of a seemingly unwinnable conflict.