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Nikola ZhekovBulgarian military leader, infantry general
Date of Birth: 25.12.1864
Country:  Bulgaria |
Content:
- Bulgarian Military Leader General Zhekov
- Military Career
- Commander of the Dobrudja Campaign
- Commander on the Salonika Front
- Challenges and Retirement
Bulgarian Military Leader General Zhekov
Early Life and EducationNikolay Zhekov was a Bulgarian military leader who rose to the rank of Infantry General. He graduated from the Military School in Sofia (1887) and the Military Academy in Turin, Italy (1898).
Military Career
Command of the Bulgarian Army during WWIIn 1915, at the insistence of King Ferdinand, Zhekov was appointed commander-in-chief of the Bulgarian Army during World War I (1915-1918). While King Ferdinand was the nominal supreme commander, Zhekov effectively led all Bulgarian military operations under the control of the German command.
Commander of the Dobrudja Campaign
In September 1916, the 3rd Bulgarian Army under Zhekov's command successfully fought against Romania, capturing the fortress of Tutrakan (Turtukay) on September 6th. By October 1916, the army had occupied southern Dobruja and by early 1917, northern Dobruja.
Commander on the Salonika Front
Zhekov commanded the Bulgarian Army on the Salonika front, where they engaged in fierce battles against Allied forces. In August 1916, Bulgarian troops occupied several cities in Greece.
Challenges and Retirement
As the war turned against Germany and Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria's allies, domestic political issues intensified. War fatigue and dissatisfaction within the ranks led to open protests against officers.
In September 1918, Zhekov departed for medical treatment in Vienna. Allied forces launched a decisive offensive on the Salonika front, breaking through the front. A soldiers' uprising followed. An armistice was signed in Salonika on September 29th on harsh terms for Bulgaria.
On October 3rd, King Ferdinand abdicated, and Zhekov was dismissed from the army on October 4th.
