Topic: BatzG - Gallipoli
Gallipoli Campaign - 1915
Questions to the Turkish General Staff, Part 9
The Turkish General Staff Answers
During 1919, after the defeat of Turkey, a unique opportunity was opened up for CEW Bean to question the members of the Turkish General Staff about the Gallipoli Campaign. Bean presented a list of 111 questions. In June 1919, he received the answers. In the following transcription, the answers given by the Turkish General Staff will be qualified by the questions asked by Bean.
Question 84.
84. What was the Turkish appreciation of the attack at HELLES?
It was thought that if the British attack at Cape Helles was successful the result would be more decisive than an attack in another part of the front also that the cramped nature of the Anzac position would prevent free movement in attack.
Question 98
98. What was the first news of the evacuation of Anzac (ARI BURNU)?
The 19th Division reported as follows to the Fortress Group Command at 4.30 a.m. on 20/12/1915:-The enemy exploded 3 mines in front of trench No. 18. Part of our front trenches has been destroyed. A Company Commander on his own initiative occupied the craters with his Company and met with no opposition. He therefore sent a patrol forward to the enemy trenches and found them empty.
This fact was reported to the Division who ordered the trenches on the divisional front to be occupied.
Question 99
99. Where did the Turks attack on the morning following our evacuation?
The Northern Group Command gave the general advance order to all divisions at 6.40 a.m. on 20/12/1915.
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Citation: Gallipoli Campaign - 1915, Questions to the Turkish General Staff, Part 9
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Thursday, 2 July 2009 3:34 PM EADT
