The Romanian Army in 1916: Disaster at Turtucaia

In August 1916, Romania joined World War I on the side of the Allies, hoping to liberate Transylvania. Instead, the first major engagement turned into a catastrophe. This episode focuses on the Battle of Turtucaia (now Tutrakan, Bulgaria), where a hastily assembled Romanian force faced a combined German-Bulgarian assault. We examine the strategic miscalculations of the Romanian High Command under General Alexandru Averescu and King Ferdinand, the role of German General August von Mackensen, and the brutal aftermath that saw over 28,000 Romanian soldiers killed, wounded, or captured in just three days. The fall of the fortress at Turtucaia exposed deep flaws in Romania's military preparedness and set the stage for the devastating occupation of Wallachia. We also touch on the controversial decision to attack across the Danube without securing the southern flank, and the long-term consequences for Romania's national morale. Specific details include the fortifications of Turtucaia, the role of the Romanian Danube Flotilla, and the experience of ordinary soldiers under artillery bombardment.

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