‘Russo-Turkish War, 1877. Operations in Asia.’ [‎43v] (20/42)

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descended a ravine on the right of the Turkish position but were speedily
observed by the Russians, who brought forward a couple of heavy field guns
from their main camp-half way between Khalifalu and Igdyr-and from a point
about 1.000 yards on their side of the former place, unlimbered and opened tire,
nushinn- forward at the same time a battalion in extended order to the east of
the village. This at once checked the advance of the Turkish irregulars and
both sides then continued firing at each other at long ranges and with little
effect till evening. The Turks at the same time opened an arti lery fire from
their advanced batteries on the Russian guns and skirmishers. The firing went
on till dark, with little damage to either side. On the Turkish side the losses
were 1 Bashi-Bazouk and 2 horses killed and 1 man wounded Towards even-
ino* a Russian ammunition wagon was blown up by a lurkisn she .
In the meanwhile another and more serious tight was going on on the other
flank 1 ate in the afternoon 4 Russian battalions, supported by 4 guns a -
vanced from the village of Yokari-Cherik-Jileh, and made a more serious but
unsuccessful attack on the Turkish extreme left. They were met by 3 1 urkish
battalions, occupying a position about 1,000 yards m front of their camp a ter-
wards supported by a portion of another battalion and 3 guns advanced for the
purpose These guns were, it is said, used with considerable effect on the
Russian skirmishers, but were retired on the latter coming within rifle range.
The Russians made three distinct advances on the Turkish position, which was
temporarily strengthened by stone breastworks, but were repulsed each time with
considerable loss. A regiment of Cossacks advanced during the engagement, and
dismounting, supported their infantry as skirmishers, whilst on the J urkish
side, seme GOO Koords under Erak Bey came to the support of their infantry
on their extreme left, and, dismounting, materially checked the Russian advance
The Turkish loss in this action is given as 5 killed and 12 wounded
(among the latter was Kaimakam Hafiz Bey commanding on the left of the
Turkish position, mortally wounded). m , . , , . -p, .
Simultaneously with the real attack on the Turkish left, the Russians
made a demonstration with one battalion from Khalifalu on the centre, but
beyond a good deal of firing between skirmishers, nothing took place. The
Turkish loss was nil.
The total Russian loss in the engagement is not known, but it was un
doubtedly more severe than the Turkish, as they were much more exposed
throughout the affair. . . ,
In consequence of this attack, the Turkish left was on the following day
reinforced by 2 battalions, raising the force on the left of the Zor ravine to 9
battalions, 12 guns (4 pounders), 4 mountain guns, 1 regiment of cavalry, and
some hundreds of Bashi-Bazouks. .
There was no fighting or firing on either side on this or the following day,
( 21 st. 22 nd), but on the latter day Mohammed Mumri Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , lately in command
of the reserve, was appointed commander of the 3rd brigade, comprising all
the Turkish troops on the left of the Zor ravine, as given above.
At sunset on the 23rd, the Turks fired a salute and lit bonfires all over
their positions to celebrate Osman’s victory at Plevna, news of which arrived on
the night of the 22 nd.
Shortly after midnight on the 23rd, heavy firing took place in front ot the
Turkish position and on both sides of the Zor ravine. The Russians advanced
2 or more battalions, with what object it is difficult to say, and fired several
volleys by sections into the camp of a Turkish battalion (Malacthia) located
lust above and on the left bank of the ravine, and soon succeeded in drawing a
heavy indiscriminate file fire on themselves from all sides. No casualties were
apparently caused on either side, and the Russians retired after a couple of
hours’ waste of ammunition by moonlight, having only succeeded in alarming
the whole of the Turkish camp.
On the following night the Turks, anticipating a renewal of the previous
night’s diversion, reinforced their outposts with a large force of infantry and
Bashi-Bazouks, but the Russians did not repeat the experiment.
From the tactics employed by the Turkish General, he would seem to have
had an idea of pushing forward his batteries by degrees, working at night and
2 battalions were now encamped lower down on the slopes in the immediate