7th Rila Infantry Division

The 7th Rila Infantry Division was a Bulgarian Army unit that played a significant role in the country's military history, particularly during the Balkan Wars, World War I, and World War II. Named after the Rila Mountains, it was primarily formed from soldiers recruited in southwestern Bulgaria, making it deeply tied to the region.

History

The division was formed in 1904 with headquarters in Dupnitsa. Stefan Toshev was appointed as the first commander of the division. During the Balkan Wars it was commanded by Georgi Todorov.^[1] In the First World War it was led by general Valko Vasilev.^[2] During WWII it was under the leadership of general Stefan Taralezhkov.^[3] The division consisted of the 14th Macedonian, 22nd Thracian, 13th Rila Mountain, 26th Pernik Infantry Regiments, the 7th Artillery Regiment, the 7th Pioneer Company, the 1st Cavalry Division, the 1st Horse Regiment, and the 7th Division Quartermaster's Office.

During the First Balkan War, the division took part in Bulgaria’s push against the Ottoman Empire. Its soldiers fought in key battles like the Siege of Adrianople (Edirne). In the Second Balkan War, the division was tasked with defending Bulgaria's southern borders, particularly in clashes against Greece and Serbia.

Yane Sandanski supporting 7th Rila Infantry Division.

When Bulgaria joined the Central Powers, the 7th Rila Division was deployed to the Macedonian front. It participated in fierce battles against the Entente forces (primarily French and Serbian troops). Its involvement helped secure Bulgarian control over parts of Vardar Macedonia for much of the war. After Bulgaria's defeat in World War I, the division was reorganized under the restrictions of the Treaty of Neuilly (1919). Like other parts of the Bulgarian military, its size and strength were significantly reduced.

In the Second World War the division took part in the Bregalnitsa-Strumica Operation.^[4] The division was disbanded in 1956.

Footnotes

^ Азманов, Димитър. Български висши военоначалници през Балканската и Първата световна война, София 2000, с. 237.
^ Руменин, Румен. Офицерският корпус в България 1878 – 1944 г. Т. 1 и 2. София, Издателство на Министерството на отбраната „Св. Георги Победоносец“, 1996. с. 122.
^ Георгиев, Лъчезар. Книги, студии и поредици по военна психология 1938 – 1946 г. // Научно списание за книгата, 2018, No. 2 (кн. 3 – 4), с. 89 – 93.
^ Колектив, Участието на България в разгрома на Хитлеристка Германия, Държавно военно издателство, 1975, с. 78-81.

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[1] Азманов, Димитър. Български висши военоначалници през Балканската и Първата световна война, София 2000, с. 237.

[2] Руменин, Румен. Офицерският корпус в България 1878 – 1944 г. Т. 1 и 2. София, Издателство на Министерството на отбраната „Св. Георги Победоносец“, 1996. с. 122.

[3] Георгиев, Лъчезар. Книги, студии и поредици по военна психология 1938 – 1946 г. // Научно списание за книгата, 2018, No. 2 (кн. 3 – 4), с. 89 – 93.

[4] Колектив, Участието на България в разгрома на Хитлеристка Германия, Държавно военно издателство, 1975, с. 78-81.

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