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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Exhibition opens marking 110th anniversary of evacuation of Serbian army in First World War

Belgrade, 3 March 2026

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić today opened the exhibition “Across the Sea, Rescue 1915-1916, a Story of Italian-Serbian Friendship” at the Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, in the presence of Minister of Defence of the Italian Republic Guido Crosetto.

The exhibition, organised by the Military Museum in cooperation with the Military Archives, the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade and the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade, has been opened to mark the 110th anniversary of the evacuation of the Serbian army from the coast of Albania in the First World War.

The Minister pointed out that in the autumn of 1915, in the snow, exhausted by hunger and disease, during three months of suffering, more than 77,000 soldiers and over 140,000 civilians lost their lives, adding that at a moment when everything seemed lost, a hand of friendship was extended.

He recalled that at that time the Italian Royal Navy, with immense effort and at great risk, organised the evacuation of the Serbian army and civilians from the Adriatic, stressing that this act was not merely a military operation, but also an expression of humanity, solidarity and respect among allies.

Crosetto stated that the Italian Royal Navy carried out this task bravely, with discipline and self-sacrifice.

By remembering the historic rescue of Serbian soldiers, he emphasised, we celebrate not only one episode in history, but also the deep bond between our armed forces, our countries and our peoples.

The Italian Royal Navy, with the support of British and French units, carried out more than 500 voyages, evacuating approximately 260,000 people.