March on the River Drina

March on the River Drina

Year: 1964

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: Serbian

Director: Živorad ‘Žika’ Mitrović

DramaWarAction

A Serbian artillery battery of the Combined Division undertakes a forced march toward Cer Mountain in western Serbia to confront Austro‑Hungarian forces that have crossed the Drina River. The film chronicles the Battle of Cer, a pivotal World War I engagement and the Allies’ first victory over the Central Powers.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – March on the River Drina (1964)

Trace every key event in March on the River Drina (1964) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Mobilization declared in Belgrade

The film opens with Serbia declaring general mobilization on July 26, 1914, in Belgrade, signaling the approach of war and setting a tense, urgent mood. It introduces the protagonist, a young artillery officer from a wealthy banking family, who is slated for the artillery battery rather than the family’s preferred commission. This moment establishes the personal stakes and the path toward armed conflict.

July 26, 1914 Belgrade
2

Balkan Wars context and the officer’s choice

The officer previously served on the commission that supplied guns during the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), and his family wants him back on the commission. He insists on joining the artillery battery and going to war with his comrades instead. The backstory explains his motivation to pursue frontline action over a safe post.

1912–1913 Belgrade / Serbia
3

Battery deployed to western Serbia

The artillery battery moves to western Serbia in anticipation of an Austro-Hungarian attack and is stationed in Arandjelovac while commanders plan. The deployment signals the preparing for imminent combat and the strategic shift toward the western theater. The men brace for the upcoming engagement.

late July 1914 Arandjelovac
4

Strategic briefing: Drina vs Sava

In the Arandjelovac meeting, infantry Major Kursula argues that the main Austro-Hungarian attack will come via the Drina corridor, not across the Sava. The discussion shapes expectations for the invasion axis and the unit’s forthcoming orders. The debate reveals evolving Serbian strategic assumptions.

August 1914 Arandjelovac
5

Arrival in Arandjelovac and waiting orders

On August 10, the battery reaches Arandjelovac and awaits orders from commanders who are still at the meeting. Tensions run high as soldiers prepare for action and monitor the broader strategic discussions. The waiting period underscores the uncertainty of early war operations.

August 10, 1914 Arandjelovac
6

Lazarevac stop and reaffirmed Drina priority

On August 14, the unit moves into Lazarevac for a brief stay before continuing, while the Supreme Command rejects the Sava-crossing theory and confirms the Drina route as the main axis of attack. The decision reshapes the battery’s redeployment toward the Drina front.

August 14, 1914 Lazarevac
7

Redeployed toward the Drina frontier

The division is redeployed to western Serbia toward the Drina, aligning with the new strategic assessment. The battery prepares for a potential engagement in difficult terrain and heavy fighting. The move marks a turning point in their deployment plan.

August 14–15, 1914 Drina frontier, western Serbia
8

Arrival at Cer Mountain's base and entry into combat

By August 15, the battery reaches the foot of Cer Mountain and immediately becomes part of the battle lineup. The men brace for intense fighting as the hill becomes a focal point of the conflict. The battlefield conditions test their resolve and training.

August 15, 1914 Cer Mountain
9

Retreat under pressure and the gun’s safeguard

On August 16, the Combined Division pressures them, forcing a retreat from Cer Mountain to save lives. A sergeant disassembles a gun to ensure that it does not fall into enemy hands, a pragmatic act to deny the foe a crucial weapon. The retreat underscores the costs and improvisation of wartime defense.

August 16, 1914 Cer Mountain area
10

Kursula reports to the supreme commander

After withdrawal, Major Kursula goes to Tekeriš to report to the army’s supreme commander, General Stepa Stepanović. In the late afternoon, the army conducts a counter-attack that reverses the enemy’s gains. The chain of command proves crucial in coordinating the defense.

August 16, 1914 (afternoon) Tekeriš
11

Counterattack and Drina withdrawal

The Serbian forces counter-attack successfully, driving the attackers back and forcing their withdrawal across the Drina River into Bosnia. The victory stabilizes the front and demonstrates the resilience of the Serbian army under pressure. This moment represents a pivotal turn in the battle sequence.

August 16, 1914 (afternoon) Drina River region (across into Bosnia)
12

End note: mobilization to frontline reality

The events culminate in a transition from mobilization to frontline action, with the battery’s deployment, Cer Mountain combat, and the Drina crossing illustrating the harsh realities of 1914 Serbia. The narrative highlights personal sacrifice and strategic stakes that defined the early war period.

August 1914 Drina region / Serbia

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 11:30

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