Our Peasant Adapts Quickly
Memories of the cavalry officer of the Serbian army, Božidar Đermanović, preserved vivid images of one of the most difficult periods in Serbian history. Historian Zoran Tošić, from Loznica, who dedicated his career to the Great War, talks about these records, which testify to the character of the Serbian soldier and people during the retreat through Albania, conveying parts of recorded memories from the winter of 1916.
TL;DR
- Serbian soldiers displayed remarkable resourcefulness and self-reliance during the retreat through Albania.
- Their peasant upbringing provided them with practical skills and an innate sense of direction.
- Even in dire circumstances, soldiers found ways to create fire, water, and shelter.
- Some soldiers maintained a positive outlook and sang despite the hardships.
- The war created a sense of equality among soldiers, as they shared both suffering and survival.
- Serbian soldiers showed bravery and a focus on basic needs, like food, even during enemy attacks.
- Their ability to manage livestock was noted upon their arrival in Corfu.
- Đermanović's observations underscore the enduring human spirit and adaptability in the face of adversity.