Battle of Gorni Dubnik

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Gorni Dubnik
colour_scheme=background:#eeddbb


caption=
partof=the Russo-Turkish War, 1877–78
date=24 October, 1877
place=near Pleven, Bulgaria
result=Russian victory
combatant1=flag|Russian Empire|1858
combatant2=flag|Ottoman Empire
commander1=Joseph Gourko
commander2=Achmet Hefzi Pasha
strength1=8,000
strength2=3,750-4,000
casualties1=3,300
casualties2=1,500 killed & wounded
2,250 prisoners|

In an effort to reduce the fortress of Pleven quicker, Russian forces began targeting garrisons along the Turkish supply and communications route. A significant garrison had been reduced at the Battle of Lovcha in September. General Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko was called up from the Shipka Pass area to deal with more of the garrisons protecting Pleven.

On October 24 Gourko attacked the fortress of Gorni-Dubnik. The Russian attack met heavy resistance but two other Russian columns were able to easily push back the Turkish lines. The Finnish Guard sharpshooter battalion participated on the battle and stormed the fortress walls. Gourko continued the attacks and the garrison commander Achmet Hefzi Pasha surrendered. Within the month several more Turkish garrisons were to fall including Orchanie. By October 24 the Russian army had completely surrounded Pleven which capitulated December 10.

The battle is commemorated in the Finnish Guard Regiment March. October 24 is the honorary day of the descendant of the Finnish Guard sharpshooter battalion, the Finnish Guard Jaeger Regiment.

ee also

* Battles of the Russo-Turkish War, 1877–78

ources

* http://www.russianwarrior.com/STMMain.htm?1877_militaryhist.htm&1
* "Compton's Home Library: Battles of the World" CD-ROM