The Balkan Cockpit - The Political And Military Story Of The Balkan Wars In Macedonia

PREFACE SEVERAL circumstances have combined to retard the publication of these reminiscences of the epoch- making events which have opened a new chapter in Balkan history. Delay in such cases has its advantages. If some vivid impressions are lost, we are, on the other hand, able to correct too hastily drawn conclusions and to appreciate moves on the diplomatic chess-board which were, at the time, incomprehensible. Many excellent and instructive books have beer, written on the Thracian campaign. Others have arrived to describe the experiences of war correspondents with one or other of the rival armies. I propose, however, to work along somewhat different lines. Stationed in the capital city of Macedonia, I was able to watch the rise and fall of Young Turkey, the temporary burial of the blood-stained Christian hatchets, the collapse of Ottoman civil and military power, the triumphal progress of the Greek, Semian and Bulgarian armies in Macedonia, the breakdown of the Balkan Alliance and the subsequent war between the quondam allies. All these passing events I have sought to weave into a story. I have, as far as possible, avoided dry military and historical detail, and though the soldier will find much that is instructive, and the historian much that is valuable in the succeeding pages, my object has primarily been to interest the man in the street, and to bring him into closer touch with the fascinating tale of PvIacedonian strife. If, with the facts before me, I have had occasion to somewhat severely criticise the Bulgarians, I beg them remember that they have so long feasted upon praise and flattery, that they must not complain if 1 have found it necessary to suggest that their actions have not always been in keeping with what one had been led to expect from Christian conquerors. To render justice is often to condemn, and if, as I believe, my statements cannot be disproved, then I submit that my criticism has been both fair and merited. The Turks, too, must realise that the motive of this book has necessitated my pointing out their failures and not their virtues. The Constitutionalists did many good things, but these were not instru- mental in bringing about the Balkan War. The evil that men do lives after them the good is oft interred with their bones. Many of us have reason to regret the departure of old and dear Turkish friends, and our regret will-if I mistake not-be shared by many among the Christian populations of Thrace and Macedonia who will henceforth live under alien rule. Greelrs and Servians will find little that is un- pleasant in my criticisms. That result is again due to themselves rather than to any desire on my part to mete out more sympathetic treatment. Neither were faultless. Both had to deal with an enormous and unexpected extension of territory, and war is hell. But, on the whoIe, they carried through their difficult task with highly - commendable ability and humanity, and their conduct inevitably stands out in sharp contrast to that of their neighbours. My acknowledgments are due to my journal for the use of extracts from my dispatches. NOTE.-The arflior had no opportunity of correcting the proofs of this book, as he was at the war while it was being printed.