Romanian Militia

[dmac444]

Hi - I wonder if anyone can help with details - organisation, numbers, equipment, order of battle, etc.) for the Romanian third line militia or territorial units during WW1. I've seen odd references to named battalions but wonder whether there was any higher organisational structure - e.g. brigades - that they used. Many thanks in advance.

Duncan

[dragos03]

In 1916, there were 20 independent militia battalions:
- Mehedinti ((Maj. Ion Niculescu)
- Calafat (Maj. Ovidiu Balaceanu)
- Rovine (Maj. G. Dumitrescu)
- Dolj (Maj. G. Brailoiu)
- Olt (Maj. Alex Basarabescu)
- Romanati (Maj. Teodor Ricman)
- Teleorman (Maj. A. Danielescu)
- Vlasca (Lt-col I. Coanda)
- Muscel (Cpt. Stefan Fotescu)
- Ilfov (Maj. Alexandru Pop)
- Arges (Lt-col D. Merisescu)
- Radu Negru (Maj. S. Camarasescu)
- Dambovita (Lt-col V. Mironescu)
- Prahova (Maj. V. Kebach)
- Mircea (Maj. Emil Bechi)
- Buzau (Maj. Gogu Iliescu)
- Putna (Maj. Gh. Predescu)
- Bacau (Lt-col Spiru Murgulescu)
- Vasile Lupu (Maj. V. Balsanescu)
- Constanta (Maj. Alexandru Giuran)

They were never grouped in larger units, although they were usually attached to larger regular formations. The militias were armed with obsolete weapons, made up of old untrained conscripts and commanded by reserve officers. The morale was very low and most of these units were completely useless in combat. For example, one of these battalions panicked and fled during the Battle of Turtucaia before reaching the front line, just because of the sound of the enemy artillery. Some of their officers were brave and attempted to lead through personal example but their death caused the complete desintegration of their unit.