Bulgarian coastal artillery marks 114 years since first combat engagement

The Naval Museum in Varna commemorates the 114th anniversary of the first combat engagement of Bulgarian coastal artillery, which occurred on October 24, 1912.

The battery, consisting of two 240-mm guns purchased from the French firm Schneider, was established starting in 1906 and mounted near Varna in 1909. Following a decree by Tsar Ferdinand in January 1912, the artillery was incorporated into the Fleet. Under the command of Captain Milko Zhelezov, the unit was placed on combat readiness following the mobilization in September 1912.

On the afternoon of October 24, a Turkish squadron including the cruisers ‘Mejdiye’ and ‘Hamidiye’ and the destroyer ‘Yadiguer Millet’ was spotted. At 14:20, the battery fired its first salvo at the ‘Mejdiye’. Although the shells did not score a direct hit, they fell on either side of the vessel, successfully ranging the target. Following the engagement, the Turkish cruiser changed course to retreat. A second salvo was attempted at 14:37, but the ship had already moved out of range. The skirmish concluded with the withdrawal of the Turkish vessels and the end of the shelling of Varna, demonstrating the battery's effectiveness in defending the bay.