Bergmann Offensive

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Bergmann Offensive
Бергманнский прорыв


caption=
date=November 2, 1914 - November 16, 1914
place=Western Armenia
result=Minor Ottoman victory
combatant1=flag|Ottoman Empire|size=25px
combatant2=flag|Russian Empire|size=25px
commander1=Hasan Izzet Pasha
commander2=General Bergmann
strength1=3rd Army
strength2=I Caucasian Army Corps
casualties1=
casualties2=40,000|

The Bergmann Offensive ( _ru. 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.cite book
last = Hinterhoff
first = Eugene
author link =
title =The Campaign in Armenia. Marshall Cavendish Illustrated Encyclopedia of World War I, vol ii
publisher = Marshall Cavendish Corporation
date =1984
location =New York
pages = p.500
isbn = 0-86307-181-3]

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. On his left flank a Cossack division under Baratov moved into the Alashkert valley towards Yuzveran, after it crossed the Arax river.

In response the Ottoman 3rd Army went on a general counter-offensive. Contact was established on the 6th. 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.

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.

References