Chapter 58 – Mustafa

Harvey Broadbent describes in Gallipoli-The Turkish Defence (p. 174) the Russian naval attack on the northern entrance to the Bosphorus on 2 May, Enver’s strategic worry for the capital Istanbul and his desire to rid the Gallipoli peninsula of the enemy presence. This account also describes the reinforcements Enver sent and his visit to the Gallipoli battle field on 11 May 1915. Also described in this account (p. 173) are Turkish reports claiming “von Sanders did not give Enver Pasha in Istanbul accurate information about the situation at Ariburnu, exaggerating the ability of his troops to throw the enemy back into the sea and the imminence of that result.” This account also provides a translation of Mustafa Kemal’s account of his meeting with Enver’s entourage and his response to Enver’s questioning at Kemalyeri on 11 May (p. 174-5). General Esat’s irritation at Kemal’s slight against his policy of “withdrawal” is described on p.176.

Mustafa Kemal’s immediate commander, General Esat, Commander of III Corps had a more cautious view than von Sanders or Enver. He saw large scale attacks as a waste of men, only to weaken the defences. This is described by Harvey Broadbent in Gallipoli – The Turkish Defence (pp. 173-174)

The circumstances around Mustafa Kemal’s transfer to Bulgaria in 1913, as the military attaché in Sofia are described by Andrew Mango in Ataturk (pp. 123-124). Mustafa Kemal was living in the house of his friend and patron Fethi who was in conflict with the senior members of the new Young Turk Government – the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP). Fethi was moved out of the way to the post of Ottoman Ambassador in Sofia and Mustafa Kemal was caught up in removal of dissent.

An account of Enver’s failed attempt to assassinate Lieutenant Colonel Nazim, central commandant of Salonica in 1908, and Mustafa Kemal’s involvement in the cover up is provided by Andrew Mango in Ataturk (pp. 72-73). This description also mentions that General Esat was the former director of studies at the War College in Istanbul.

Harvey Broadbent describes in Gallipoli – The Turkish Defence (p. 179-181) secret visits Mustafa Kemal received from Major Rayman, one of General von Sanders’ “supernumerary general staff officers” from 14 to 17 May. Mustafa Kemal’s response is included in a translation from the Turkish TGS History (actually dated 17 May). This account includes a translation of a report Kemal issued to General Esat with the same aggressive views, to be sure he could not be accused of bypassing his superior. A similar account is provided in Defending Gallipoli – The Turkish Story (p132-134).

The strength of the Ottoman 2nd Division on 19 May is stated as 10,946 men by Harvey Broadbent in Gallipoli – The Turkish Defence (p.183).

Haluk Orak describes in Gallipoli 1915 Through Turkish Eyes (p. 326), how, on 5 or 6 May 1915, Lieutenant-Colonel Fahrettin, General Esat’s Chief of Staff, suggested to Mustafa Kemal naming the location of his 19 Division headquarters as “Kemalyeri” (English translation: “Kemal’s Place”). The Anzac name for this location was “Scrubby Knoll”. Kemal agreed and Fahrettin obtained General Esat’s approval for the name to be included on official Ottoman documents and maps.