Osprey Men-at-Arms 269 : The Ottoman Army 1914-1918

The Ottoman Turkish Empire was one of the leading protagonists of World War I, and the stolid courage of the individual Ottoman soldier - 'Johnny Turk' as he was known to his enemies - was recognised by all. Yet the army in which he served is, like the Ottoman empire itself, generally little understood. The Empire had already been in existence for six centuries and was still a formidable force. Although it was apparently tottering towards its final collapse, it was not, as is so often thought, already finished. Over the four years of the Great War, the Ottoman Army, Navy and two tiny air services fought on five major fronts (Gallipoli, Sinai-Palestine, Arabia, Iraq and the Caucasus), as well as seeing troops serve in many other war zones. This book takes a close look at the organisation, uniforms and equipment of the Ottoman Army during this period, and dispels the numerous myths that have enshrouded the examinations of its forces at this time. Navy, Air, auxiliary and allied forces are also covered. Text by David Nicolle with illustrations by Raffaele Ruggeri.

Contents

• Introduction
• Prelude to the Great War
• Chronology
• The Army
• Uniforms and Equipment
• German Influence
• Transport
• The Navy
• The Air Forces
• Auxiliaries and Allies
• The Plates