Momčilo Gavrić, The youngest soldier in World War I | source
When Momčilo Gavrić, Serbian soldier in World War I and World War II said to his wife and two little boys that he participated in World War I when he was only 9 years old, they didn't believe him. It took a time before real truth was discovered and Momčilo's story became one of the most shocking stories in the history of the last century. Everything began like this...
It was August of 1914. World War I had begun. Austrougars came into Serbian towns and villages, starting to kill people, leaving just fear behind them. In the village called Trbušnica, near Serbian town Loznica lived an 8-year-old boy called Momčilo Gavrić. He had five brothers, two sisters, mother Jelena and father Alimpije. Momčilo hadn't been dreaming that this day will change his entire life and that he will become the youngest soldier in World War I.
Disaster of War | source
Momčilos father Alimpije knew that that day he had to do something with his family because Austrian soldiers were really close. He said to his son Momčilo to go to his uncle house and tell him to prepare his car for running away with their families. When Momčilo was back, his father, mother,7 brothers and sisters were dead. All yard was covered with blood and only home Momčilo ever none was on fire. A young boy couldn't believe what he saw. Momčilo immediately remembered that one troop of Serbian army was in the woods not far away from his house. He run fast, until he came to them. He said to one soldier: Sir, Austrians have killed all my family. Solider ordered to his people to follow the boy to his house and see what had happened. When they came to the house they said to the boy that they will help him revange his family. The sterted to trow bombs together. Momčilo did the same That day all bonderis were destroyed and Momčilo had to grow up faster than he had ever taught he will have to.
Becomeing a man | source
From that day, Momčilo was alway with soldiers. They were really careful and good with him. Young and brave boy was in several battles. He participated in Battle of Gučevo and Battle of Kolubara. For his courage he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, youngest in the whole world! Those years were most difficult years for the Serbian army. The withdrawal of the Serbian army through the Albanian mountains began in winter of 1915. Hungry, tired and frozen soldiers retreated through Albanian vain. 240000 people were killed in this venture... Momčilo was one of the rare soldiers that survived. He had wreath with solt fishes around his neck. It was a present from one soldier and thanks to it little child survived long walks, cold, hunger and everything rest...
Tired soldiers | source
After a long time Serbian army finally came to Greek island Kerkyra. It was something they hoped for. A lot of popeople who ate first time after long time died from it. There was not enough food on the island and locals were really frightened at the first. Later on, they started to sympathize soldiers who survived the terror. On this Greek island, something really unexpected happened to Momčilo. One day, a man aproaced to him and gave him a small present- wach and a swiss knife. That man was a famous Archibald Reiss.
Archibald Reiss | source
Wounded Momčilo| source
That is not all. It is known that famous Lady Paget called him a "Serbian knight" and that she maid chocolate cake for him. It was the first time that Momčilo tried chocolate. The Greeks put a gold plate on Corfu in the memory of this war hero. It is remembered that Famous French General Lepardija said to Momčilo: "It's a pity that you were not a French soldier, you would have a monument in the Yelisei Fields."
After a war Momčilo went to England as a war orphan. He finished his school there and finally had a little bit of peace. But it wasn't for a long time. The World War II has to come and he came back to his homeland to fight again for his bellowed Serbia. In this War, Momčilo didn't get what he had deserved in the previous War. In the army, he was telling his story to the other soldiers and they didn't believe that he had actually crossed Albanian mountains. Because of that, he had to go to the military court. He was in prison for three months for lying. When liberation came, Momčilo was almost shot because he collaborated with the occupier. It was of course a lie. He was saved by one soldier that knew his story and told it to the ones that were going to kill him.
Little Momčilo | source
Momčilo and his unit | source
Momčilo's life was really hard, but also beautiful. He lived few lives in one. There are not so many extraordinary destinies like his was. After the end of the second war, there were no proofs that Momčio was in the First war. His family didn't believe him. Then something finally happened. Lieutenant Svetislav Ćirić was searching for this boy for almost 50 years, until one day he put commercial in Serbian famous magazine called Politika. Momčilos family noticed a commercial and called a magazine. That's how, after 50 years, his family finally believed who he was. It was a wonderful and unbelievable discovery for them. Momčilo was 87 when he died.
Momčilo and his family |source
For all those who read this text from Serbia I would highly recommend to watch a film in Serbian about Momčilo Gavrić. Unfortunately, there are still no films in English about him. This film made great impression on me. Momčilo's destiny did the same. There are not so many heroes like he was.
Hope you liked the text,
Thanks for reading!
***STEEM ON***