Even prior to the Bulgarian invasion of Serbia, relief workers were constantly reminded that the war was close at hand. The workers often came across military convoys, and weapons.(MSS 97 Item 56, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware. , Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.)
As the medical mission continued, the political situation was deteriorating in Serbia. In early September, 1915, was Osborn stationed in Skoplje and worked closely with Lady Paget and the Relief Fund. Relief workers and their Serbian allies felt confident that after the Second Balkan War, Bulgaria would not again take up arms against Serbia. Rumors in mid-September indicated increased activity on the Bulgarian/Serbian border. Though Bulgaria had not announced their alliance in the war, rumors abound that the Allies had promised troops to protect the Salonika/Skoplje railroad line from an invasion. Though Serbia was hopeful that Bulgaria would fight alongside them, Bulgaria agreed to an Austro-Hungarian offer of Macedonian territory—currently Serb and Greek land—to Bulgaria in exchange for their loyalty. Serbia suspected the defection of Bulgaria to the Central Powers and sent word to the Allies for 120,000-150,000 troops to protect Serbia’s borders. Bulgaria entered World War I in early October, with an attack on the Serbian border.
Doctors Beyond Borders: Serbian Relief in 1915 
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