The Entente Offensive, Autumn, 1916
mountains from Orsova to the Bukovina, it was soon apparent that the gth and the Austrian ist Armies had come to a standstill. A continuation of the attack here was no longer possible. Other plans had to be adopted for the entire operations. Field-Marshal von Mackensen had to beat the enemy in the Dobrudja with the help of the German division which was coming up, though slowly, follow him up with part of his forces, and with the rest effect a crossing of the Danube south of Bucharest. The gth Army of Archduke Charles' Army Group was to cross the Transylvanian Alps into Wallachia. Both armies were then to defeat the enemy and try to effect their junction.
It was not yet certain whether Field-Marshal von Mackensen would cross the Danube near Turtukai, Rustchuk or Sistova, and whether General von Falkenhayn, with his main concentration near Orsova, would invade Wallachia by way of the Szurdok or Rotenturm passes. In any case, the troops which had opposed the Rumanians up to now no longer sufficed. The Rumanian Army was strong; help was to be expected from Russia. Of course, both Army Groups would have every available man ready for the invasion of Wallachia.
I would willingly have reinforced Field-Marshal Mackensen with anything that could be spared, so as to make his front the centre of gravity of the whole operations. It was easier to cross the Danube than the mountains, where, moreover, snow had already fallen. Besides, the enemy's whole attention was concentrated on the mountain sector. But the condition of the Bulgarian railways precluded any reinforcement of Field-Marshal von Mackensen. We had therefore to decide to force the mountain barrier as the first part of the operation; only when this was done and we were well into Wallachia could the Field-Marshal cross the Danube; otherwise, with his small force his position would have been dangerous.
The broad outlines of our plan were adhered to, but the knotty question had still to be decided whether the necessary troops for this operation were really available. I had a severe inward struggle. The wastage on both the long East and West
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