The Serbian Commemorative Medal of the Great Serbian Retreat of 1915 to Albania is a solemn and historically significant decoration. It was issued to commemorate the harrowing retreat of the Serbian Army, government, and civilians across the Albanian mountains during World War I, a defining moment in Serbian history.
Key Features:
Name: Serbian Commemorative Medal of the Great Retreat, 1915.
Dimensions: 49.86 x 32.65 mm, oval-shaped.
Design Details:
Obverse:
Inscription: Displays the Serbian Cyrillic text:
"Споменица за верност отаџбини " ("Commemorative Medal for Loyalty to the Fatherland, ").
The design is simple yet solemn, symbolizing the resilience and loyalty of those who endured the retreat.
Reverse:
Inscription: Repeats the sentiment of loyalty with the Serbian Cyrillic text:
"За верност отаџбини 1915" ("For Loyalty to the Fatherland, 1915").
Minimalist in design, emphasizing the gravity of the event it commemorates.
Historical Context:
The Great Serbian Retreat occurred in late 1915, when Serbian forces, facing overwhelming Austro-Hungarian, German, and Bulgarian advances, were forced to retreat through the harsh Albanian mountains. This journey, often called the "Serbian Golgotha," involved extreme weather, starvation, and disease, with many lives lost.
The retreat ultimately preserved the remnants of the Serbian Army, which regrouped on the Greek island of Corfu and later played a crucial role in liberating Serbia in 1918. This medal honors the enduring spirit and loyalty of the soldiers, officials, and civilians who survived this ordeal.
 
This medal is a meaningful artifact for collectors of Serbian, Balkan, or World War I memorabilia, representing a testament to human endurance and the unyielding spirit of a nation during one of its darkest hours.