Day Two (23 Aralık 1914)

Sketch: 23 December 1914

11th Corps:

In the South, the 11th Corps and the 2nd Cavalry Division attacked once again and established a firm contact with the Russian Forces.

9th Corps:

The 29th Division arrived Esenyurt despite the poor weather conditions and the snow with a thickness of one meter on the ground. On the other hand, the 17th Division entered Çatak and the 28th Division reached Pitgir. However, the blizzard and the storm gradually increasing in strength precluded the progress of provisions and ammunition wings any further. And for the first time orders were being given to the units to use their ammunition economically and obtain their food requirements locally. So, the 9th Corps was subject to supply difficulties in the second day of the operation.

Sketch: 23 December 1914

10th Corps:

The 10th Corps launched an attack against the Russian Forces located in Oltu to besiege their left and right wing. The 31st Division approached to Oltu on its own initiative and at that moment was subjected to a fire from the North. Thus, a battle started between two sides. When they came closer to one another 600-700 meters under heavy fire, they suddenly stopped and ceased firing. The heartbreaking mistake had finally been noticed. The 32nd and 31st Divisions had fought against each other. As a result of lack of communication 24 Companies had fought against one another for 4 hours. There were about 2000 casualties. (Serif Bey)

At noon Turkish Soldiers captured Oltu. Along with the Fethi Bey’s Detachment, the 30th Division arrived Lispek and the Russian Forces were drawn back with a bloody bayonet attack. The 10th Corps was supposed to perform things that exceed human endurance.

After these battles Hafiz Hakki has been promoted to Brigadier General.

Photo: Oltu (today)

General Summary:

Soldiers were tired. But, there was a long way to cover despite poor communication and merciless cold. Furthermore, the 30th Division and Fethi Bey’s Detachment had left their bags and coats in Kaleboğazi, to ensure quick and easy movement. On the other hand, the capture of Oltu created a great morale for the Turkish units.