Bergmann Offensive

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Bergmann Offensive
Бергманнский прорыв
Date November 2, 1914 - November 16, 1914
Location Western Armenia
Result Minor Ottoman victory
Belligerents
Ottoman flag Ottoman Empire Flag of Russia Russian Empire
Commanders
Hasan Izzet Pasha General Bergmann
Strength
3rd Army I Caucasian Army Corps
Casualties and losses
40,000
v • d • e
Caucasus Campaign
Bergmann Offensive – Sarikamis – Persian Campaign– Van – Manzikert – Kara Killisse – Erzerum Campaign – Trebizond – Bitlis – Erzinjan – Sardarapat – Abaran – Karakilisa – Baku

The Bergmann Offensive (Russian: Бергманнский прорыв) was the first engagement of the Caucasus Campaign. General Bergmann, who was the commander of the I Caucasian Army Corps took the initiative against the Ottoman Empire.[1]

On November 2, he crossed border into enemy territory into the general direction of Koprukoy. On his right flank was a brigade under General Istomin that moved from Oltu in the direction of Id.[1] On his left flank a Cossack division under Baratov moved into the Alashkert valley towards Yuzveran, after it crossed the Arax river.[1]

In response the Ottoman 3rd Army went on a general counter-offensive.[1] Contact was established on the 6th. [1] As a result Russian forces found themselves being threatened by an enveloping movement on both sides. Only quick arrival of Russian reinforcements saved the situation. The fighting finally died away on the 16th of November.[1]

Russian losses were up to 40% and their morale was shaken. Meanwhile, Turkish morale was high. It was success during this first engagement that encouraged the Enver to his grandiose plan at Sarikamish.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Hinterhoff, Eugene (1984). The Campaign in Armenia. Marshall Cavendish Illustrated Encyclopedia of World War I, vol ii. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, p.500. ISBN 0-86307-181-3. 
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