With the Serbs in Macedonia

122 WITH THE SERBS IN MACEDONIA
and severe fighting followed. As hostile reinforcements
were increasing in numbers, and
as the rocky nature of the ground rendered
rapid consolidation difficult, the troops were
withdrawn in the evening to their original
line, the object of the attack having been
accomplished. This withdrawal was conducted
with little loss, thanks to the very effective
fire of the artillery."
Meanwhile on the Franco-Serbian front a
general attack had been ordered for September
I2th, but, after the artillery preparation had
been completed and the Serbian infantry was
ready to be launched,
it was found that
General Cordonnier's group was late and had
not succeeded in taking the starting positions
assigned
to it. The bombardment was continued
on the 13th and local attacks made ;
and then
General Sarrail informed Serbian Headquarters
that the enemy was in full retreat before General
Cordonnier, and ordered the Serbs to push
forward as hard as they could. Accordingly,
an attack was ordered at dawn for all the troops
in the Gornichevo sector. This attack was
vigorously pressed, in spite of the difficulties
of the country, and was completely successful.
The Bulgars were put to flight in disorder,
their retreat became a rout, and many prisoners
and guns and much valuable material were
i