Misplaced Pages

#615384

88-587: It covers an area of 22,519 ha (55,650 acres) at an average elevation of 2,300 m (7,500 ft). The national park is of historical importance, where during the Battle of Sarikamish at the beginning of World War I about 60,000 Turkish soldiers died freezing under harsh winter conditions on the Allahuekber Mountains. This geographical article about a location in Erzurum Province , Turkey

176-643: A Caucasus Campaign aimed at retaking Kars and the port of Batum . From the point of view of the Central Powers, a campaign in the Caucasus would have a distracting effect on Russian forces. The immediate strategic goal of the Caucasus Campaign was to retake Artvin , Ardahan , Kars, and the port of Batum. As a longer-term goal, head of the Ottoman war ministry İsmail Enver hoped a success would facilitate opening

264-794: A 50% infantry advantage by bringing X Corps (40,000 infantry) at the beginning of December. This numerical superiority encouraged the Ottomans to perform the Sarikamish Offensive . At the outbreak of war, the Russians decided to occupy the Eleşkirt valley as a defensive measure to prevent the incursion of Kurdish Hamidiye units. The Russians considered the Turkish forces to be too weak to mount any offensive before winter weather would make any such offensive impossible, and no other offensive moves were intended by

352-522: A Russian offensive with superior forces had started. He ordered XI Corps to retreat Erzurum without learning the magnitude of the Russian army. XI Corps retreated hastily to Erzurum in two days. Hasan İzzet Pasha sent 2nd Cavalry Division (1300 swords) to reconnoitre. On 4 November, Cavalry Division's commander lieutenant colonel Yusuf İzzet fought against Russian troops successfully in Köprüköy village. On

440-463: A cavalry regiment on 27 December, occupied Selim station and destroyed the Sarikamish-Kars railway from there. On the same day, Stange Bey, who had an infantry regiment and Special Organization irregulars under his command, captured Ardahan, which was defended by three battalions of the 3rd Plaston Brigade (2,000 soldiers). On December 24, Nasuhi Bey, chief of staff of the X Corps, was captured by

528-494: A cavalry regiment, 34 cannons and several score of machine guns under commander of 1st Plastun Brigade General Przevalski. Muratoff says that Russian force defending Sarıkamish has increased to 13–14.000 soldiers., 30th and 31st Divisions took on task of attacking Sarıkamish as the IX Corps number decreased to 1000 soldiers. According to the sources, the 30th and 31st Divisions were around 2000 soldiers, too. Although 93rd Regiment of

616-401: A commander-in-chief in his place. General Yudenich appointed to command 2nd Turkestan Corps and six battalions of 1st Caucasus Corps while remaining forces were commanded by General Bergmann. So many frictions broke out between General Bergmann and Yudenich for this appointment. For this reason, just after the victory was won (January 5, 1915), General Bergmann was dismissed and General Yudenich

704-455: A fierce offensive until evening. Turkish commanders persuaded Enver Pasha to stop the attack, which was made as a result of Enver's excessive insistence. Russian sources claimed that if this offensive had continued, Sarıkamish would have fallen. On the other hand, Turk sources claimed Turkish army had suffered heavy casualties as a result of Enver Pasha's offensive orders described in short " attack without considering casualties", and in addition,

792-626: A half battalions of Frontier Guards. The six battalions of the 3rd Kuban Plastun Brigade were echeloned along the coast of the Black Sea. (e) Detachment in Persian Azerbaijan: 2nd Caucasian Rifle Brigade, 4th Caucasian Cossack Division, total: 8 battalions, 24 sotni, 24 guns under General Chernozubov. The garrison of Kars composed of the 263rd Infantry Regiment (of 66th Division): 4 battalions. The Russian Caucasian Army in Battle of Sarikamish, which

880-437: A retreat decree. XI Corps commander Galip Pasha said "I will resign if this decree applies. There is no reason for retreat. This decision demoralizes our soldiers". This decree was cancelled and the next day more positions were captured. Battles continued until 21 November. In the following days, The Ottomans tried to encircle the Russians with 29th Division in the north and 33rd Division in the south. On 17 November, 33rd Division

968-471: A severe snowstorm. On 24 December, General Vorontsov sent his deputy General Myshlayevsky and chief of staff General Yudenich with officers to meet with General Bergmann in Micingirt (now İnkaya). Bergmann said that an offensive on Istomin's detachment only had local significance, as Istomin would repel and retake Oltu from Turks once his troops were reinforced by 3rd Caucasus Rifle Brigade. He also said that on

SECTION 10

#1732851369616

1056-510: A snowstorm. According to İlden, 10.000 soldiers died from frostbite in the Allahu Ekber Mountains. Number of these two divisions decreased to 3200 when they got off from Allahu Ekber on night of 26 December. X Corps lost 90% of troops before engaging in a major battle. Hafız Hakkı thought number of soldiers can be increased to 10.000 in two days from deserted soldiers, therefore he decided to continue offensive. On morning of 26 December,

1144-605: A spectator". However, on 18 November, Hasan İzzet Pasha telegraphed Enver Pasha: IX Corps, X Corps' pioneers would arrive on the Kötek-Kars road in eight to nine days, meanwhile it is doubtful that the XI Corps, left alone, would not be crushed. When the pioneers come out of the great mountains, they will be in a difficult position against the enemy, who are not less than themselves. I see the outcome of this offensive field battle as doubtful according to our preparation. In case of failure,

1232-424: A strong Turkish force. Therefore, Myshlayevsky changed his order of the day and issued a new order, rejecting Bergmann's offensive aims and accepting Yudenich's defensive idea. On night of 24 December, Enver and his headquarters (Bronsart Pasha , Feldmann Bey and Colonel Guse, all of which were German officers) reached Bardız village from Narman in 14 hours on horseback. He declared that the IX Corps should attack

1320-796: A while. Russia viewed the Caucasus Front as secondary to the Eastern Front , which enjoyed the major share of Russian resources. Russia had taken the fortress of Kars from the Turks during the Russo-Turkish War in 1877 , when it was incorporated into the militarily administered Kars Oblast . After the Ottoman Empire entered the war in October 1914 on the side of the Central Powers , Russia now feared

1408-510: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about an Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey location is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Battle of Sarikamish [REDACTED] Russian Empire Russian Caucasus Army The Battle of Sarikamish was an engagement between the Russian and Ottoman empires during World War I . It took place from December 22, 1914, to January 17, 1915, as part of

1496-514: Is close to 34th Division) decreased to 3.000 soldiers. At the beginning of the Battle of Sarikamish, Turkish forces was 90.000 soldiers. 40.000 soldiers came from 10th Corps. 9th Corps was 28.000 and 11th Corps 22.000 soldier. 13th Corps came from Baghdad and it could bring only 2.000 soldiers. 37th Division was sent to Bayazit against Oganovski's forces. Considering Turkish losses was 11.800 in Bergmann Offensive, We can estimate that Turkish Army

1584-628: Is probably 1000 men. In Bergmann Offensive, initially Russian had 39th, 20th Divisions (40.000-42000 infantry), 5 Battalions of 1st Plastun Brigade (3.500 infantry) and 36 sotni (4.000 cavalry) and 120 guns. On the 15th, 4th Turkistan Rifle Brigade arrived. Strength of 4th Turkistan Rifle Brigade isn't mentioned by Muratoff and Allen but it constituted half of the Turkistan Army Corps (21 battalions, 42 guns). In conclusion, Russians started battle with 45.000 infantry, 4.000 cavalry and 120 guns. They gained 7–8.000 strong reinforcement in 15 November. On

1672-545: The Caucasus campaign . The battle resulted in a Russian victory. The Ottomans employed a strategy which demanded highly mobile troops, capable of arriving at specified objectives at precise times. This approach was based both on German and Napoleonic tactics. The Ottoman troops, ill-prepared for winter conditions, suffered major casualties in the Allahuekber Mountains . Around 25,000 Ottoman soldiers froze to death before

1760-473: The Sarikamish railway, since captive soldiers said that Sarikamish was defended by only 2-3 scratch companies. He asked IX Corps commander Ali İhsan Paşa for his opinion. Ali İhsan Paşa said that "... According to this (The 17th and 28th divisions could not reach Bardız yet), it means that the IX Corps has no forces at hand for now, other than the 29th Division. I do not know the operational requirements concerning

1848-506: The 11th Corps alone on January 2. Attack of the 32nd Division and the 82nd Regiment, which lasted for four days, was able to be repelled by five Turkestan battalions with six battalions of reinforcements. 32nd Division and 82nd Regiment, which started the attack with 7000 soldiers, decreased to 500 soldiers on 30 December due to snowstorm and desertion of soldiers. Number of IX Corps in Sarıkamish had decreased to 1000 soldiers. Number of X Corps

SECTION 20

#1732851369616

1936-454: The 29th Division moved to Sarikamish. The path was covered with 30 cm of snow. The 29th Division reached Kızılkilise village 8 kilometers northwest of Sarikamish. The 29th Division prepared to bivouac in Kızılkilise. However, Enver Pasha ordered an attack on Bardız Pass and to capture Sarikamish, behind Bardız Pass. On the evening of 25 December, two regiments of the 29th Division, under

2024-483: The 30th and 32nd Division from the west. The 32rd Division opened dense artillery and rifle fire on the 31st Division, thinking the 32nd Division was Russian troops. The battle continued for 2 hours, and General Istomin withdrew his army with few losses from Oltu. İlden, based on information from a friend who fought in the battle, claimed that the Turks suffered 2.000 casualties in this accidental battle. However, when Fahri Belen asked multiple multiple officers on duty during

2112-507: The 31st Division attacked İd (now, Narman). On both sides, the Russians retreated cautiously after rearguard battle. Istomin's Brigade retreated around Oltu Town. The 31st Division spent the night in Narman (Now Rus Narmanı in Turkish), 15 kilometers South of Oltu. On 23 December, the 31st Division captured 750 soldiers and Colonel Kutatedza with 2 guns. The 31st Division attacked Oltu from the south and

2200-525: The 31st Division managed to enter Sarıkamish with 600 soldiers with night attack on 29 December, it had to retreat from Sarikamish due to dispersal of the soldiers in town and attack of the superior Russian forces. The soldiers who had captured the barracks in Sarıkamish were also taken prisoner by the Russian soldiers besieging the barracks on morning of 30 December. On December 30, Russians brought six mortars from Mecingirt and started hitting Turkish positions with them. Colonel Bukretov could not take Turks in

2288-535: The 3rd army as he couldn't persuade Hasan İzzet Pasha. Enver Pasha's chief of staff Bronsart von Schellendorf and operation department manager (in Turkish: Harekat Şubesi Müdürü ) Major Feldmann continued their service in the 3rd army under Enver Pasha. The war zone was nearly 1,250–1,500 kilometers (780–930 miles) wide from the Black Sea to Lake Van , which made military concentration difficult. The operation

2376-790: The 66th Division in Kars and the newly formed 3rd Caucasian Rifle Brigade (8 battalions) and the Siberian Cossack Brigade (12 sotni) in Tbilisi, which totaled 14,000 soldiers brought as reinforcement in the Battle of Sarikamish. Apart from these forces, 12 battalions of Russian troops were in Batumi and its surroundings, 8 battalions and 30 cavalry companies were in Ağrı , 8 battalions and 24 cavalry companies were in Iranian Azerbaijan and did not participate in

2464-409: The 7th, with temporary Russian successes. Further Russian advances were held in check as a result of heavy fighting between 7 and 10 November. On 11 November Ottoman forces counterattacked and the Russian flanks quickly became at risk, forcing a Russian retreat. By the 12th they had retreated back to the lines they occupied on the 4th, and still at risk of being outflanked, further retreats followed. Only

2552-511: The Caucasian heights was the high mountain passes in which lay the cities Kars and Sarikamish. Beyond, the upper valleys of the Aras River and Euphrates extended westward. Everywhere else the roads were mere tracks which were impenetrable to artillery. The forces were concentrated about 80 kilometres (50 mi) on each side of the border at the fortresses of Kars on the Russian side and Erzurum on

2640-458: The Erzurum Fortress totaling 118,000. The total manpower including transportation units, deport regiments, and military police was 200,000. There were 73 machine guns and 218 (it was equal to Russians ) artillery pieces. Ottoman forces were inadequately prepared for the campaign. IX and X Corps began a long trek with no winter clothing and only dry bread and olives for rations. XI Corps left at

2728-555: The Erzurum fortifications. 7 November was a rainy and foggy day. Two divisions of XI Corps moved from Hasankale . The Russians were supposed to be east of Köprüköy, but they came to Badicivan village 10 kilometers northwest of Köprüköy. One regiment of XI Corps fell into heavy Russian rifle and artillery fire. This regiment started to escape disorderly and panic passed to other Ottoman troops. All XI Corps ran off to Hasankale. Ottoman officers regrouped XI Corps before long and sent back them to

Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park - Misplaced Pages Continue

2816-787: The Ottoman navy's bombardment of the Russian ports of Novorossiysk, Odessa and Sevastopol in the Black Sea . High Command expected the Russian Army to cross the Ottoman border at any time. The Bergmann Offensive (November 2, 1914 – November 16, 1914) ended with the defeat of Russian troops under Bergmann. Turks reinforced their Caucasian 3rd Army (50,000 soldiers) with 10th Corps (40,000 fresh troops) after partial victory in Bergmann Offensive, and they correctly estimated that Russian Caucasian Army did not get any reinforcement other than Plastun brigades (11 Battalions) and 2nd Turkestan Corps (21 infantry battalions: 700 soldiers per battalion. 12 Cavalry Squadron: 130 cavalry per battalion. ). Before devising

2904-742: The Ottoman side. The 3rd Army, under the command of Enver, was composed of the IX, X and XI Corps. A detachment unit (1 infantry regiment and the Special Organization (Teşkilat-I Mahsusa) volunteers) known as Ştanke Bey Müfrezesi under the command of the German Lieutenant Colonel Stange embarked Artvin to reinforce the offense and pin down the Russians. The fighting power of 90,000 regular troops (Russian Sarikamish detachment consisted of 60,000 infantry, 4,000 Cavalry (Cossacks), 14,000 Reserves totaling 78,000 soldiers), reserves, and personnel from

2992-616: The Ottomans lost 1,983 men killed, 6,170 wounded, 3,070 were taken prisoner, and 2,800 deserted. Yudenich and his staff were disappointed by the unsuccessful attack. Turkish forces then crossed the border and, advancing into the lower Choruh valley, destroyed on 15 November a Russian column sent to protect the copper mines at Borçka , forcing the Russians to evacuate Borçka, Artvin and Ardanuç . Turkish success during these first engagements encouraged Enver Pasha in his plan to attack at Sarıkamıș . Muratoff and Allen describe Bergman as "an officer who liked to imitate in appearance and manner

3080-621: The Russian attacks against both the 28th Division defending Bardız Pass and the 29th and 17th Divisions. The 17th Division machine gun company were engaged until all its soldiers were killed and its machine guns was taken back by a squad of soldiers sent from the rear. Bergmann Offensive 96,000 or 90,000 & 152 guns 75,000 & 168 guns 12,000 Total: 14,023 7,000 The Bergmann Offensive ( Turkish : Bergmann Taaruzu ; in Turkish literature Köprüköy ve Azap Muharebeleri , "Battles of Köprüköy and Azap"; in Russian literature Кёприкейская операция —"Köprüköy operation")

3168-483: The Russian high command of the Caucasian army – their strategy envisaged an active defense against a locally superior force. However, local Russian commanders had the authority to authorize limited advances. On 2 November, Bergmann's troops crossed the border in the general direction of Köprüköy . The primary aim was to secure the Eleșkirt valley. On the right flank, 20th Infantry Division under Istomin moved from Oltu in

3256-539: The Russians, but in this day, the Ottomans couldn't make any progress. On the second day the Ottomans forced the Russians to retreat from their forward trenches. After the Ottoman victory of 8 November, Hasan İzzet's German chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel Felix Guse, said to Hasan İzzet: "The best retreat is retreat after gaining success. We have been successful... If Russia attacks us with superior forces, it will be hard to hold in these trenches and retreat to Erzurum". Hasan İzzet accepted Guse's proposal and ordered to write

3344-425: The Russians. A copy of the attack order given by Enver Pasha was found on Nasuhi Bey. The Russian commanders understood from this order that the Turkish forces attacking Sarikamish were the IX and X Corps General Myslayesvki, who knew that he could not stop two corps with weak Russian forces defending Sarikamish, was sure that if the Russian army did not withdraw, it would be destroyed. However, General Msylayevski

3432-891: The Sarikamish Offensive, Chief of staff of 9th Corps Şerif İlden estimated Russian army as 60,000 soldiers fitting information of 64.000 soldiers given by Paul Muratoff. 9th and 10th Corps of Turkish 3rd Army consisted of well-trained soldiers but Ottoman Army was poorly equipped with winter clothes. Casualties in Ottoman Army from frostbite is recorded as extremely high in Ottoman Sources though any particular number isn't given. Big part of 50–60,000 non-combat losses of Ottomans stems from frostbite and typhus epidemic while Russians lost 6.000 soldiers from frostbite and another 12,000 patient from typhus, war injuries and typhus . Another reason for greater number of non-combat loss of Ottomans

3520-495: The Sarikamish garrison was reinforced by the 80th Kabardinsky Regiment (4 infantry battalions, one thousand infantry per battalion) and Zaporojski Cossack Regiment (6 cavalry divisions). With this reinforcement, the Russian force defending Sarikamish increased to 10.000 soldiers supported by weak artillery. On Turkish side, after the 26 December offensive was stopped, deserters dispersed into forests were tried to be gathered and only on

3608-502: The Sarikamish-Kars line opposite of the initially planned Kars-Kötek line. This change of path caused 40 kilometers lengthening between the X Corps and the 30th and 31st Divisions. On 23 December, the 39th Division attacked the Turkish XI Corps and captured a large number of prisoners. On 22–24 December, the IX Corps reached Bardız village from Toygarlı village. The IX Corps didn't engage in combat like The X Corps, except to disperse

Sarıkamış-Allahuekber Mountains National Park - Misplaced Pages Continue

3696-552: The Turkish side every day. The number of soldiers who died in the hospital was more than 10 thousand, and yet more soldiers died from frostbite and a Typhus epidemic outside the hospitals as well. Turk soldiers used to not go hospitals because they knew they had a greater chance of survival outside the hospitals. In the farthest left flank, Hafız Hakkı with X Corps, numbering 40.000 fresh troops, attacked General Istomin's Brigade (8.000 infantry, 1.000 cavalry) on 22 December. The 30th and 32nd Divisions attacked Kaleboğazı, west of Oltu, and

3784-511: The XI Corps remained inactive against the Russian forces from the beginning to the end of the battle. The plan of the Russians was to stay on the defensive against the XI Corps, to pull the forces against XI Corps to Sarıkamish and to protect Sarıkamish against Turks with these forces. On 28 December, 155th Kubinski Regiment (four battalions) and 1st Plastun Brigade (five battalions) arrived in Sarıkamish from Yudenich's front. Therefore, Russian force in Sarıkamish increased to 20 infantry battalions,

3872-725: The afternoon of 26 December, 83rd and 84th Regiments of the 28th Division arrived. This division, too, had lost most of its force on the way, as it had been brought in by forced night marches. Numbers of Turkish troops isn't recorded in Turkish sources. Considering that Turks had 3,000 soldiers on 26 December, it can be estimated that there would not be more than 5,000 soldiers on 27 December. Enver Pasha renewed his "attack without considering casualties" decree for 27 December. 29th Division managed to enter Upper Sarikamish Village (in Turkish sources, Çerkezköy (Circassianvillage)) at midday. Colonel Bukretov counterattacked to village and encircled Turkish soldiers in village. Meanwhile, Hafız Hakkı Bey sent

3960-401: The argument that "Although he is commanding one of the most privileged Corps of 3rd Army, he is pessimistic about the result of the war". Enver Pasha gave the approval and Ahmet Fevzi Pasha was both dismissed and retired. 34th Division commander Ali İhsan Pasha was appointed IX Corps commander by Hasan İzzet Pasha. This retreat caused intrigue against Hasan İzzet Pasha. Enver Pasha wanted to see

4048-432: The army, by using the Sarikamish-Kars railway. 5 Turkestan battalions appointed by Yudenich attacked towards Bardız and defeated the 82nd Regiment of the 28th Division, which was defending the Çakırtepe hills, with a bayonet charge. Observing this, the 32nd Division Commander Lieutenant Colonel Abdülkerim Bey gave up the idea of moving to Sarikamish and went to battle against Turkestan battalions. On evening of December 26,

4136-418: The army. It is said that there is no information from the X Corps. If your aim can be realized with the strength of a division tomorrow, the 29th Division is ready for action and command.“ Bronsart Pasha and Major Feldman also stated that they agreed with İhsan Pasha's opinion. After 3 days of marching, the IX Corps needed rest. Communication between the 9th and 10th Corps was cut after the X Corps deviated from

4224-537: The arrival of Russian reinforcements headed by General Przevalski checked the situation and halted the Russian retreat. On 16–17 November Przevalski crossed the Aras river and at dawn attacked part of the Turkish XI Corps, halting their advance. After two more days the fighting finally petered out. Russian losses were 1,000 killed and 4,000 wounded, 1,000 men died of exposure (with the Bakinski regiment suffering 40% losses), while

4312-482: The battle about casualties, he received different answers from each officer, although the maximum amount of loss was said to be 250. In next days, 250 Russian soldiers, 4 guns, and 4 machine guns got captured by the X Corps. By midday, Istomin had evacuated Oltu. Hafız Hakkı allowed soldiers to pillage the town in order to raise their morale. The Turks lost provisions that could feed Turks army for days due to this pillage. Following this, Hafız turned X Corps' direction to

4400-524: The battle on 11 November and 17th Division on 17 November. The Ottomans initially had a 33% infantry numerical advantage (the Russian Caucasian Army consisted of 45,000 infantry and the Ottoman army had 60,000 infantry available) and Russia separated their army carelessly. The Ottomans however didn't use this advantage due to their precaution. Russia equalized numbers by starting to bring in the Turkistan Army Corps on 16 November. The Ottomans obtained

4488-399: The battles of Sarikamish. The Turks, on the other hand, had put forward all their troops (90,000 soldiers, 218 guns) in order to get a decided result in the battle. Another advantage of the Russians was that all of the Russian soldiers were equipped with winter clothes, and their medical organization was much better than the Turks. From the beginning of the war, 500 soldiers died in hospitals on

SECTION 50

#1732851369616

4576-1420: The beginning of the war consisted of 100 infantry battalions (100 thousand infantry), 117 cavalry companies (15 thousand cavalry) and 256 cannons: (a) Erzurum - Kars : 39th Infantry Division (16 battalions, 48 guns) and one brigade of 20th Infantry Division (24 battalions, each battalion has 1250-1300 soldiers), 1 Caucasian Cossack Division, 6 of 5 battalions 1st Plastun Brigade (each battalion has 600-800 soldiers), total: 29 battalions, 30 sotni and 96 guns, 2nd Turkestan Corps (21 battalions, 42 guns, each battalion has 600-800 soldiers like Plaston Brigades, it reached Battlefield on 16 November). (b) Erzurum - Oltu : one brigade of 20th Infantry Division, one Cossack (cavalry) regiment (6 sotni), total: 8 battalions, 6 sotni, 24 guns (Erzurum-Kars aka Sarikamish detachment borrowed 6 guns from Oltu detachment considering each Russian battalions 3 guns, Cossack divisions had 12 horsed guns, Plastuns (infantry Cossacks) had no guns. Both group under General Bergman in command of I Caucasian Army Corps.). (c) Erevan - Bayazit : one brigade of 66th Division (8 battalions), 2nd Kuban Plastun Brigade (6 battalions), 2nd Caucasian Cossack Division, Transcaspian Cossack Brigade, total: 14 battalions, 36 sotni, 52 guns. (d) Batum region: 264th Infantry Regiment (of 66th Division), 1 of 6 1st Kuban Plastun Brigade (6 battalions), total: 5 battalions with 8 guns-to which were added one and

4664-466: The best way for the Russians to withdraw is the Sarikamish-Kars railway. General Myshlayevski and Bergmann panicked at the encirclement maneuver of the Turks and had already admitted defeat. Since the Karakurt-Kağızman road was not suitable for the passage of wheeled vehicles, it was not possible to withdraw from this road. That's why General Myshlayevski thought to save the army, or at least a part of

4752-430: The commander of the division and officers overcame frostbite by covering themselves in oilcloth together. The situation of soldiers was naturally more difficult. As for the X Corps, Hafız Hakkı pursued Istomin's brigade for two days, the 24–25 December. Istomin gradually retreated, engaging in a successful distraction battle. Istomin retreated to Merdenek (now Göle ) village. Eventually, the 30th and 31st Divisions reached

4840-412: The direction of İd . On the left flank a Cossack division under Baratov moved into the Eleșkirt valley towards Yuzveran, after it crossed the Aras River . By 5 November Bergmann had completed the objectives expected of him. However, he expanded his mission by ordering further advances into Ottoman territory. By 6 November contact was made between the opposing armies, and heavy fighting continued into

4928-523: The front, also was in same situation. The Russians sent the 2nd and 3rd Caucasian and 1st Turkestan Corps to the Western front to reinforce this front. Therefore, the Russian Caucasian Army consisted of the 1st Caucasian Corps (32 battalions), 2nd Turkestan Corps (21 battalions), 3 Plastun brigades (18 battalions), the 66th Division (16 battalions) and some independent detachments. The Russian force at

5016-451: The initial plan by entering Oltu-Ardahan road in pursuit of Istomin's unit. Therefore, the commanders under Enver Pasha suggested waiting in Bardız until the X Corps reached their map objective. Enver Pasha, on the other hand, thought that if Sarikamish, where the railway passed, was captured, the Russians would have no way to retreat and would surrender themselves. On the morning of 25 December,

5104-452: The left flank, X (40,000 soldiers) under Colonel Hafız Hakkı and IX Corps (28,000 soldiers) under brigadier Ali İhsan Pasha would reach Kötek (30 kilometers southwest of Sarikamish), 15 kilometers northeast of main Russian Army numbered 50,000, and drive the Russians to the Aras Valley, where the Russian forces would be destroyed by all three Corps attacking in concert. Hasan İzzet Pasha

5192-655: The long expedition will turn against us. Let's not give a pitched battle and be content with expelling the enemy in Id (Narman). For the future, hope is left for attack and invasion... In sources, Enver Pasha's answer isn't found. Then, Hasan İzzet Pasha telegraphed Enver Pasha again on the evening of 18 December. I ask for forgiveness from my duty as I do not see the strength and confidence in myself to carry out these movements, and I am actually disturbed by an extraordinary nervousness". Enver Pasha returned Köprüköy in order to persuade Hasan İzzet Pasha. He temporarily took command of

5280-421: The main front was unnecessary. He believed that they should stay defensive and reinforce Sarikamish. General Myshlayevsky incorporated both Bergmann and Yudenich's proposals into his order of the day, which was attacking Oltu town for the purpose of retaking it and covering roads to Sarikamish for a possible Turkish attack at the same time. At 11.30 am, Myshlayevsky learned that Bardız village was already occupied by

5368-408: The main front, the 39th Division should continue a successful offensive. General Yudenich opposed Bergmann's idea. He said that an attack on Istomin's detachment was a signal of the Turks' outflanking maneuver. He claimed that since Turks were encircling their right flank, they should occupy Bardız Village in order to cover the road to Sarikamish where the Russian railway passed, and that an offensive on

SECTION 60

#1732851369616

5456-408: The morning of 26 December IX Corps had a force of only the size of an infantry regiment, or 3,000 soldiers. Only 29th Division (nine battalions) and four battalions of 17th Division (nine battalions) from the 9th Corps (27 battalions) were able to catch up with 26 December attack. Battalions of 17th Division was 300 soldiers (4 battalion: 1200 soldiers on 26 December), hence it appears that 29th Division

5544-572: The night of 21 November. A terrible blizzard showed up. Hundreds of soldiers died from hypothermia and presence of Ottoman troops decreased by 50%. Russia didn't anticipate the Ottomans would retreat, because the Ottomans had successfully fought for 2 weeks. Ziya Yergök said: "If Russia would make use of this retreat, they could capture all our army with just one cavalry division". IX Corps commander Ahmet Fevzi Pasha criticized Hasan İzzet for this unnecessary retreat. Hasan İzzet Pasha wanted approval from Enver Pasha to dismiss of Ahmet Fevzi Pasha by making

5632-565: The northern slopes of the Allahuekber Mountains . Hafız Hakkı left a regiment to fight against Istomin's detachment and entered the Allahekber Mountains to cut the Sarıkamış - Kars railway line. The Allahu Ekber track was a rugged and snowcapped path, where soldiers were not able to get off from Allahu Ekber in fewer than 19 hours. In 26 December 02.00 a.m., the 30th and 31st Divisions entered Allahu Ekber Mountain. Two divisions got caught by

5720-428: The number of Sarikamish detachment increased from a scratch 2.000 soldiers to 3.500-4.000 soldiers (1.5000 seasoned soldiers, 1.000 railwaymen, 1.000 militia with some hundreds of volunteers from the rear services). On 26 December, Muratoff claimed that the IX Corps had 10,000 soldiers, but Şerif İlden , chief of staff of 9th Turkish Corps says that after the Turkish army dispersed in the night attack on 25 December, on

5808-442: The number of the Turkish army was less than the Russian troops defending Sarikamish and was very tired after days of marching. On night of 26 December, General Voropanof, commander of the Sarikamish garrison, demanded from General Myshlayevski that the warehouses be destroyed and Sarikamish be abandoned, due to large number of casualties in the garrison. General Myshlayevski stated that Sarikamish should definitely not be left because

5896-450: The orders of Enver Pasha, entered the forest to encircle the Russian troops defending Bardız Pass. Hundreds of soldiers froze to death in the forest filled with ditches and cliffs, reducing the 29th Division's number by 50 percent. Turks took Bardız Pass from 1000 railwaymen at 12:00 p.m.. Only one battalion could pursue the escaping Russian troops due to exhaustion. It could not be successful in its attacks on Sarikamish alone. That night,

5984-464: The other hand, Turkish 17th Division caught Battle in 17 November. Consequently, both side had approximately 50.000 soldiers with equal gunpower (120 Russian guns against 128 Turkish guns). On 1 November, Russians crossed the border and started the move on Erzurum. The Ottoman frontier guards couldn't detect the power of the Russian forces because they were killed, routed or captured abruptly by Russians. 3rd Army commander Hasan İzzet Pasha assumed that

6072-449: The other hand, the Ottomans had XI Corps' 2 divisions (18 Battalions) at Hasankale , IX Corps' 28th and 29th Divisions at Erzurum , IX Corps's 17th Division at İspir , XI Corps' 33rd Division at Tutak , 37th Division (6 battalions) at Muş , X Corps' 30th Division at Sivas , 32nd Division at Samsun and 31st Division at Amasya . X Corps didn't participate in the Bergmann Offensive due to its distance. 29th, 33rd and 37th Divisions joined

6160-429: The other hut surrendered. While the Russians give the number of surrendered soldiers as 300, the Turkish side says this number as 20. Since the number of prisoners taken from the Turks until January 2 was 3,000, it appears that the Russian sources exaggerated the number of prisoners they took. The Russians, who claimed to take 300-400 soldiers every day from the XI Corps alone, should have taken more than 3000 prisoners from

6248-488: The patrolling front guards. The 29th Division captured Bardız from its front guards on night of December 24. As the Russians did not have time to destroy the supplies, there were supplies in Bardız that could feed the corps for days. Enver Pasha set up guards in the supply depots to prevent looting of the village, thus the mistake in Oltu didn't happen. However, on the same day, 40% of the 17th Division's troops became stragglers due to

6336-567: The route to Tbilisi and beyond, which in turn would trigger a revolt of Caucasian Muslims . Another Turkish strategic goal was to cut Russian access to its hydrocarbon resources around the Caspian Sea . The headquarters of the Ottoman 3rd Army was in Erzurum , under the command of Hasan Izzet . On 30 October 1914, the 3rd Army headquarters was informed by High Command in Constantinople about

6424-458: The same day, Enver Pasha recommended Hasan İzzet to attack and annihilate separately moving Russian troops. Because of this, Hasan İzzet Pasha underestimated the Russians and sent back XI Corps in a similar hurry. On 6 November, Cavalry Division again battled Russian troops in Köprüköy and retreated. It was observed the Russians as 8 infantry battalions and one cavalry regiment. Hasan İzzet planned to rout this vanguard force and retreat again to

6512-530: The start of the battle. After the battle, Ottoman Minister of War Enver Pasha , who had planned the Ottoman strategy in Sarikamish, blamed his defeat on the Armenians , and the battle served as a prelude to the Armenian genocide . Some sources estimate the significance of the battle as one of the most important in the company, as a result of which the 3rd army was so defeated that it was forced to stop fighting for

6600-678: The type of the old Caucasian hero-leaders", but who had "none of the qualities which are necessary as a commander; he had no experience of field operations, and was merely blindly obstinate when he thought to show strength of character". Turks had 227 thousand men (At the time, Turk Army tend to have available soldiers 70% of sum (160.000) approximately) on paper but Turk lost huge number of their troops due to illness, frostbite and desertion before reaching battlefield. 34th Division of 11th Corps had initially 12.000 men but Commander of 34th Division Ali İhsan Pasha could bring only 8.000 men. 33rd Division (initial number isn't mentioned in sources but it

6688-518: The village prisoner due to strong resistance of Turks and fires of other Turkish troops from hills to the north of the Upper Sarikamish for three days. Fire of mortars drove back Turkish troops in hills to north of the Upper Sarikamish. Russians placed the demolition mold they brought from Castle of Kars on the roof of the nearest hut and blew up this hut. All of the Turkish soldiers in the hut were killed. The Turkish soldiers who saw this explosion in

6776-469: Was 1,800 in total (200 soldiers per battalions). According to Ziya Yergök, battalions of 28th Division was 300 soldiers except 82th regiment. These memoirs concurred with Ali İhsan Pasha's (IX Corps commander at that time) interview with the Russian newspaper after his captivity where he stated that he had a total of 6,000 soldiers. Initial strength of IX corps was 28,000 soldiers. 22,000 casualties are made up of fugitives, frosbite and disease. Turks went on

6864-559: Was 62.000 soldiers in Bergmann Offensive. As for Russian side, Muratoff and Allen gave vague numbers. They said that "at an average of 1000 men per battalion, Caucasian Army amounted to about 100.000 infantry, 15.000 cavalry (117 sotni) and 256 guns". Muratoff and Allen also said that Plastun (3 Plastun Brigade: 18 battalion) and Turkistan battalions (21 Battalions) was rarely above 800 men and 39th and 20th (16 battalions both) infantry division, after mobilization, became 25-30% above normal strength. Amount of normal strength isn't mentioned but it

6952-427: Was also around 2000. Therefore, commander of IX Corps, Ali İhsan Pasha, wrote to Enver Pasha in his report that we should abandon offensive and IX Corps could reach 10,000 after 10 days of recovery. Two days later, Hafız Hakkı Pasha also informed Enver Pasha that X Corps could reach 10,000 soldiers by gathering fugitives. While a withdrawal order was expected on 31 December, Enver Pasha's general attack order for X Corps

7040-404: Was appointed as the commander of all forces (it was named as Sarikamish Group since outbreak of war)., It took 29 December for the 30th and 31st Divisions to gather and reach Sarikamish from Başköy-Beyköy. Plan to capture Russian troops, who were thought to have come from Kars, lost one day to the 30th Division. After Russians put an end to their offensive against the XI Corps on 24 December,

7128-490: Was executed at a plateau averaging 1,500–2,000 meters (4,900–6,600 ft) above sea level. The main difficulty with the region was the roads, with the transportation infrastructure on the Ottoman side far from adequate. Russia's main advantage was the Kars Gyumri Akhalkalaki railway line and a terminal at Sarikamish. The railway was 24 kilometres (15 mi) from the border. The only way for an army to get through

7216-458: Was firstly in favor of outflanking maneuver and offensive due to high trust to Enver Paşa and Hasan İzzet Pasha gave the final shape of the outflanking plan. On 17 December, Enver Pasha returned Erzurum after inspecting the army and seeing Hasan İzzet Pasha accepted his plan. In the presence of other officers, Enver Pasha said to Hasan İzzet Pasha "I am going to Erzurum . Either I will go back to Istanbul from there, or I will look at your actions as

7304-505: Was inadequate rear services, logistic and sanitary measures. The war minister, Ismail Enver, devised an operation plan while he was at the Department of War in Istanbul. His strategy was based on German principles copied from Napoleon. Enver's plan involved a single envelopment using three Corps. On the right flank , XI Corps would fix the Russians in place and conduct feint attacks . In

7392-522: Was just 3,000 soldiers strong, and was defeated by Przevalski's superior forces. 29th Division coincided inconvenient terrain; accordingly, they were stopped easily by the Russians. Also 29th Division didn't move away much from its main army. In fact, Hasan İzzet make encirclement on paper for convincing Enver. On 21 November, the Ottomans regained 30 kilometers but Hasan İzzet decide to retreat 15 kilometers as he had received exaggerated information about Russian troops toward Narman . He withdrew all armies on

7480-403: Was met with astonishment. Although X Corps was able to penetrate the enemy's first lines in this attack, the last attack towards Sarıkamish, which was withdrawn due to heavy machine gun fire and counter-attacks from the rear lines, also ended in failure. On January 1, IX Corps, which consisted of 900 soldiers, most of whom were wounded and with their hands and feet frozen, was reduced by half due to

7568-599: Was reinforced by Armenian and Georgian volunteers and newly formed 3rd Caucasian Rifle Brigade (8 battalions), numbered around 130 thousand soldiers. In the Bergmann Offensive , the Russian army suffered 7,000 casualties. The Russian Army, which was fighting against the Turk 3rd Army, consisted of 30 battalions of the 1st Caucasus Corps, the 2nd Turkestan Corps (21 battalions) and 11 Plaston battalions totaling 58,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry. In addition, there were 4 battalions of

7656-548: Was the first engagement of the Caucasus Campaign . The first battle after the Russians took Bayazet during World War I . General Georgy Bergmann , commander of the 1st Caucasus Army Corps , took the initiative against the Ottoman Empire . When the war started, Russia had 25 battalions at Sarikamish, 8 battalions at Oltu , 5 battalions at Kağızman and 5 battalions at Kars . Russia also had 20 cavalry companies. On

7744-531: Was unaware that the number of Turkish troops hastily sent to Sarikamish by forced marches had been reduced by 80%. As a result of Yudenich's insistence, he remained as commander of the Caucasian army until 28 December but news of the fall of Ardahan and cutting of the Sarikamish-Kars railway shook General Myshlayevsky deeply, and thought that he would be captured together with the army. On morning of 28 December, he left Mecingirt riding horses and set off first to Kağızman, then from Gyumri to Tbilisi., He did not appoint

#615384