Mountains, and
its right wing within reach of Shabatz, it advanced as far as Dublje in
the north. At the same time it was able to assist the column advancing
along the Tzer ridges by playing its artillery on the Austrian position
in the mountains at Troyan. Throughout all the fighting this cavalry
division rendered notable service by its dismounted action.

On the morning of August 17, 1914, the extreme right of the Serbian
front now turned toward Shabatz. Though only half the number of the
forces they were proceeding to engage, they continued onward. But on
closer approach it became apparent that they could do nothing more than
hold the Austrians inside the town. So well and so thoroughly had the
Austrians fortified themselves that it was hopeless for so small a force
to attempt an attack. Thus this section of the Serbian front settled
down to wait for reenforcements.

The center and left of the Second Army now prepared to advance along the
Tzer and Iverak ridges. The Austrians in this section, who had suffered
so severely the day before at Belikamen, were now concentrated around
Troyan, the most easterly and the second highest peak of the chain.

At dawn on August 17, 1914, the Serbians located the Austrians.
Immediately they began a heavy artillery fire on this position, then
proceeded to infantry attack. Two regiments hurled themselves up the
slopes, and with bayonets and hand bombs drove the Austrians back. After
that no further progress was possible that day, the Serbians having to
wait for their artillery to come up. The Austrians now began intrenching
themselves on the heights of Kosaningrad, the loftiest portion of the
Tzer range.

Along the Iverak ridges the Austrians made a determined advance. The
situation of the Serbian troops in this section, the left wing of the
Second Army, was extremely dangerous, for their left flank was becoming
exposed by the continued retreat of the Third Army. The only hopeful
aspect of their situation was that the Austrians were also having their
left flank exposed by the retreat of the Austrians along the Tzer
ridges. Evidently the opposing forces realized this fact, for they made
a fierce attempt to drive back the Serbians opposing them, so that their
danger from the north might be lessened. Half an hour later they were
severely repulsed. But heavy reenforcements came up to the Austrians
just then, and again they attacked, this time more successfully.

By noon, August 17, 1