Article by Justin Woodhouse – treasures found by Aquapulse
During the early 1900’s many men from Montenegro immigrated to the United States of America, arriving by steam ship past the statue of liberty, landing first on Ellis Island to be processed by immigration authorities before taking up jobs across the country, particularly in the mining industry. They enjoyed a good life in the neutral United States while in Europe their Balkan relatives were readying themselves for war.
Shortly after the first Balkans War of 1912-1913; which deposed the Ottoman Empire from the regions, a Serbian backed organization assassinated the heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, causing the 1914 July Crisis which resulted in the outbreak of the First World War.
Despite living a good life in the neutral United States of America, many Montenegrin men returned home to help their countrymen in the fight against the Austro–Hungarian armies.
Montenegro suffered severely in World War I. At the first invasion of Serbia by the Austro-Hungarian armies, Montenegro declared war against the Austria-Hungary Central Powers, and received 30 cannons and financial help from Serbia to defend the coastline and mountain passes to the South and West of the frontline.
The cannons that were supplied by Serbia were the new Canon de 75 modele 1912
Schneider. This French World War I piece of 75mm artillery was designed and manufactured by Schneider et Ciein Le Creusot. It entered service with the French horse-mounted artillery in 1912 and some were sold to the army of Serbia and passed onto Montenegro. These guns were positioned to defend the coastline and crucial port entrances and had a range of 5 miles and could fire 15 rounds a minute.
At gun positions along the Przno Budva coast, men from Montenegro that had returned from the United States of America manned the guns in defence of their Country against the invading Austria-Hungary Central Powers.
Montenegro was supplied with necessary war material and food through the port of Bar, which was finally blockaded by Austrian battleships and submarines and despite a valiant defence of the country, the lack of vital materials needed to maintain the fight eventually lead Montenegro to surrender, and the country was occupied by Austria-Hungary in 1916.
At one position evidence of this epic struggle can still be found on the sea bed. Diving 
with an Aquascan metal detector, brass shell cases from a Canon de 75 modele 1912 Schneider were recently detected in the sand and between the rocks beneath an old gun position, also found were a considerable number of live misfired 75mm shells, and rifle ammunition cases that suggest more close quarter fighting in the area. Other brass shell cases were also found which are believed to be from a German or Italian anti-aircraft gun probably located on the same position during World War two.
By far the the most poignant find among the spent 75mm shell cases was a gilt watch fob medal; a cheap souvenir depicting the statue of liberty perhaps worn and lost by one of the brave Montenegrin men returning home from safety in the United States to defend their Country.
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