Dr. Todor Pavlović (1876–1915): Forgotten Scientist and Officer Cover Image

Др Тодор Павловић (1876–1915). Заборављени научник и официр
Dr. Todor Pavlović (1876–1915): Forgotten Scientist and Officer

Author(s): Velimir Ivetić
Subject(s): Military history, Higher Education , History of Education, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919)
Published by: Institut za strategijska istraživanja
Keywords: Todor Pavlović; Serbia; Balkan Wars; First World War; Sociology; Cer Battle; Battle of Mačkov kamen; Kolubar battle; Kačanički maneuver;

Summary/Abstract: Colonel Dr. Todor Pavlović was a scientist, the first Serbian citizen who defended his Ph.D. dissertation at the Paris Sorbonne University, Paris, and remained in active military service. His Ph.D. dissertation, published in Paris, was included on reading lists of all military educational institutions in France; it was republished in the United States and cited in more than one hundred other studies. Pavlović was the author of the first books on Serbian military discipline and military psychology, a professor and member of the Military Academy Council, contributor to several journals where he presented his arguments in favor of more humane relations, developing of skills for concrete and logical thinking, application of social sciences achievements, etc. He was the first Serbian recipient of the French Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur in recognition of his contributions to social sciences. He also distinguished himself during the Serbian Wars for liberation and unification from 1912 until his death in 1915. During the Balkan wars, he was recognized for his performance in the Kumanovo and Bregalnica battles and during the siege of Adrianople. He was one of its first awardees of the Golden Medal for Valor and Karađorđe Star with Swords (4th class). During the Great War, Pavlović served as a regimental commander in one of the most active and successful divisions. His 5th Regimental successfully reached the mountaintop during the Battle of Cer. In clashes over Mačkov kamen, Pavlović was severely wounded while charging at the head of his regiment. He requested to be appointed as the commander of the 3rd Regiment in the 2nd line Morava Division, even though he had not yet recovered from his wounds, where he distinguished himself during the offensive phase of the Battle of Kolubara battle. For his gallantry in action, he was one of twenty-six senior Serbian officers awarded with Order of the White Eagle (3rd class). Before and during the Kačanik operation in November 1915, he continued to command the 3rd Regiment. During the withdrawal across Albania, while his regiment acted as rearguard, he was killed in an attempt to extract his regiment from an Albanian ambush. For his outstanding and selfless service in 1915, in 1920 on the occasion of the operation’s fifth anniversary, he was posthumously awarded the Karađorđe Star with Swords (3rd class). On this occasion, Pavlović’s name was first on the list in the official proclamation.

  • Issue Year: 2015
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 207-223
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Serbian