'The development of the military strength of Turkey. [Translated from the "International Revue" for November 1893 and "Die Reichswehr" for February 1894.]' [5v] (10/16)
The record is made up of 1 file (6 folios). It was created in 20 May 1894. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .
Transcription
This transcription is created automatically. It may contain errors.
4
These irregular horsemen may fairly he compared with the Cossacks for
capability to endure fatigue, and as to their methods of service and tactical
formations ; they are all born riders,—these r Iurks, Kurds, Arabs, Kara-Papaks,
as well as those Tscherkess tribes which come into the computation ; they are
splendid fighting material, and will cost the State next to nothing : their value,
however, will increase with their notions ol discipline.
By considering the peculiarities of eacli tribe, by handing oyer to them
the formation of the regimental establishments, by naming the regiments after ^ ^ ^
their own chiefs—emphasising, however, the duty which each tribe owes in the ra e > r •
shape of military service—the Sultan has defined the main outlines of this '
creation, and a study of them will convince the severest critic that he has gone
the right way about it. \
Mixed regiments are forbidden : regiments will be formed from a single
class, or, if a whole regiment cannot be raised, one or two squadrons will be
furnished.
The strength of the regiments will vary from 4 to 6 squadrons of from
128 to 192, horses, and from 512 to 1,152 men.
The llamidie Cavalry will be organised in brigades under a “ Liwa ” of the Liwa-Brigadier-
regular army, whilst the command of the whole will be exercised by a“ Perik.” General -
Duration of military service, 17th —40th year of age.
Becruit class ... 17th—20th year.
Regular Nizam class ... 20th—32nd „
Reserve class ... 32nd—40th „
They take the oath of allegiance to their chief on entering each class.
The recruits will be drilled for at least three months every year in their own
stations, the main object being to accustom them to discipline and military life.
The Nizam are drilled yearly, and every three years have extensive man
oeuvres. The reservists, on the other hand, are only called out in peace
under exceptional circumstances.
Whilst the Recruit and Nizam class can only leave the territory of
their tribe with permission, the Reservists are free to go where they will, with
the proviso, however, that they notify each change of abode.
Every three years the llamidie Regiments will be concentrated outside their
own stations for a series of manoeuvres extending over two months, the dura
tion of which will be intimated in orders. The Regimental commander fixes
the day for assembly ; the men present themselves equipped and mounted; they
receive arms, ammunition, and standards from the “ Redif ’* depots. These large
scale manoeuvres w r ill include evolutions by large bodies working over
open country, and dismounted duties: the General Commanding the whole
llamidie Cavalry will make his inspections at this time.
The men equip and clothe themselves : those of the 1st and 2nd class must
regularly maintain a suitable horse: the 3rd (Reservists) are only obliged to
bring a horse fit for service when called out for concentration or war.
The style of dress will be in conformity with the custom of the tribe: three
different patterns are permissible, but the regimental number w ill bo worn.
From the time that the men leave their tribal stations for concentration
or manoeuvres, they will receive full pay and rations : in their own stations
they get only a proportion of the pay and a gratuity.
The Brigade and Regimental Commanders (and at first the greater propor
tion of the regimental ofiieers) will be appointed from the regular cavalry:
eventually, however, Lieutenant-Colonels, Majors, Captains, and Subalterns will,
as far as possible, be chosen from amongst the leading men of the tribe.
If they prove themselves especially fitted for it, officers from the tribes
will be permitted to command regiments later on, provided they fulfil the
following conditions:—
They must he present at all drills and exercises, and serve for three years in
a regular regiment and prove themselves thoroughly qualified for the command.
They will then receive the pay of regular officers and be given the preference
for the appointment.
About this item
- Content
The file contains three extracts from German papers, translated and commented on by Captain Offley Bohun Stovin Fairless Shore in 1894, detailing the latest up-to-date information on the armed strength of Turkey at the time.
The extract from the International Revue for November 1893, discusses press underestimation of Tukey's military system, covering the Artillery Reorganisation Programme of 1886-87, the subdivision of the empire into territorial zones, military reform, mobilisation arrangements, armament, cavalry, and regiment organisation.
In contrast, two extracts from Die Reichswehr discuss the incompleteness of the existing Turkish military preparations. Die Reichswehr dated 11 February 1994 covers the distribution (dislocation) of troops, unsatisfactory armament, and lack of training for officers. Die Reichswehr dated 21 March 1894 breaks down the dislocation of the Turkish army, and covers the lack of armaments, and of cavalry and artillery horses.
- Extent and format
- 1 file (6 folios)
- Physical characteristics
Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 8; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
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- English in Latin script View the complete information for this record
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'The development of the military strength of Turkey. [Translated from the "International Revue" for November 1893 and "Die Reichswehr" for February 1894.]' [5v] (10/16), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/MIL/17/16/21, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100028416982.0x00000b> [accessed 4 January 2025]
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- Reference
- IOR/L/MIL/17/16/21
- Title
- 'The development of the military strength of Turkey. [Translated from the "International Revue" for November 1893 and "Die Reichswehr" for February 1894.]'
- Pages
- 4r:6r
- Author
- International Revue
- Usage terms
- Public Domain