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Nick Ilić

@nickilic68

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Great final day with the Serbian Armed Forces on a Salonika Staff Ride focussing on the breakout at Dobro Polje on 15 September 1918 and the crucial role played by the British Salonika Force on the Doiran Battlefield.

By the end of the campaign the British and Serbian Armies each lost over 10 000 men killed. The collapse of the Central Powers on the Salonika Front was a major factor in Germany accepting that there was no option but to seek an armistice.

Great to see the Salonika 1915 - 1918 Campaign Society at the Doiran Memorial at the same time. by @nickilic68

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4 days ago

Day 2 of our Salonika Battlefield Study with the Serbian Army. Today we climbed to the summit of Kajmakchalan (2,524m) on Mount Nidže fought over 12-30 September 1916, during the First World War.

It is difficult to fully appreciate the scale of what happened here until you actually climb the mountain.

The ascent is demanding even today — steep, rocky terrain, exposed slopes, rapidly changing mountain weather and the effects of altitude make reaching the summit a serious physical undertaking. And yet, 110 years ago, soldiers fought their way up these same slopes under artillery fire, carrying weapons, ammunition and equipment, often through trenches, wire obstacles and gullies. Kajmakchalan is one of the highest battlefields of the First World War.

The intensity of the artillery bombardment was so great that some historical accounts state the summit was actually lowered by several metres.

Standing there today, looking across the landscape, gives a very different perspective from studying the battle on a map. The ridgelines, approaches, gullies and commanding heights become tangible. You can begin to understand why this seemingly remote mountain was so important — and why taking it required such an extraordinary effort.

Our climb was, of course, only a small physical challenge compared with what the soldiers endured here. But walking the ground, studying the terrain and seeing the battlefield firsthand brings the history to life in a way that maps and books simply cannot.

This feature was the ‘Gate of Freedom’ - the rest is history. by @nickilic68

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6 days ago

Thank you everyone for your kind birthday wishes. Nic and I spend the day walking from Lynemouth to Coombe Martin along the South West Coastal Path, so it will certainly be a day to remember! by @nickilic68

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25 days ago

To all my Serbian family and friends who celebrate their Patron Saint’s Day today - SRECNA SLAVA!!

The Serbian Slava is a unique Orthodox Christian tradition where families celebrate their patron saint, passed down from father to son. It serves as a cornerstone of Serbian identity, honoring the family's ancestor who first accepted Christianity.

Today is St George’s Day and is celebrated each year on 6th May. The original Christian (Julian) calendar had St Georges’s Day on 23 April - but when the modern Christian (Gregorian) calendar was introduced the difference in the calendar meant the date was moved.

Interestingly both King George VI and King Charles III were both coronated on 6th May or Orthodox St George’s Day. by @nickilic68

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5 months ago

Христос Воскресе! - Christ is Risen! Happy Easter to all my family and friends who celebrate Easter today. by @nickilic68

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6 months ago

A bit of a walk up a few hills and then a pint in an old haunt with my bestie taken in The Sarah Siddons by @nickilic68

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6 months ago

Delighted to have been able to support the 12th Annual Commemoration of the Women in Foreign Medical Missions who came to Serbia’s aid during the Great War at the Serbian Orthodox Church of St Sava in London at the weekend.

It was great to team up with Alan Wakefield who was joined by members of the Salonika 1915 - 1918 Campaign Society to deliver a talk on Lady Leila Paget and the Serbian Relief Fund and the role of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Service in Salonika. by @nickilic68

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7 months ago

Мир Божији, Христос се роди! - А very happy Christmas to all my Serbian, as well as other Orthodox, family and friends who celebrate the birth of Christ today.

According to the original Christian (Julian) Calendar Christmas is celebrated on 25th December. When the current (Gregorian) calendar was introduced the dates were changed and 25th December according to the old calendar is 7th January according to the new.

For many across Britain it is a ‘White Christmas’ - so stay safe wherever you are. by @nickilic68

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9 months ago

Great to be at the National Army Museum in Chelsea to listen to the last Friday 12 o’clock talk of 2025 by Dr Jake Gasson, who explored the unique challenges of Coalition Warfare faced by British soldiers serving on the Salonika front during the First World War.

Some brilliant quotes from British officers and soldiers on their wartime Allies - including the Serbs.

It was also a pleasure to see Alan Wakefield there too! by @nickilic68

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9 months ago

A real honour to return to RMA Sandhurst to attend the annual Sydney Jary wreath laying ceremony.

For those who knew Sydney, he always thought and cared for the welfare of his soldiers. His book on his wartime experiences in the Second World War: ‘18 Platoon’ is essential reading for young Infantry officers on how to command soldiers in battle.

Prior to his passing Sydney would each year lay a wreath at the memorial to the ‘other ranks’ who were killed in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts outside the Sandhurst Memorial Chapel.

After his passing the tradition has continued in his honour and to the glory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. by @nickilic68

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a year ago

Just returned home from an emotional day with thousands of other ex-Servicemen, Servicewomen and supporters for the annual pilgrimage to the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Arboretum at Arlewas in Staffordshire.

As always great to catch up with so many old friends from the Light Infantry, Royal Green Jackets and RIFLES motorcycle fraternity. ‘Old’ because we were the lucky ones who came back from numerous operational tours. Sadly so many of our comrades and friends were not so lucky - and they will forever be remembered as the men and women that they were - young, carefree and with so much more to give.

‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.’ by @nickilic68

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a year ago

It’s that time of year to ‘Ride to the Wall’. Phase 1 complete - arrived at the Strensham Services RV. by @nickilic68

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a year ago