Ottoman Infantryman 1914-18

Osprey Pub Co, 2010. New book, 64 pages, WAR145. Following the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, the Ottoman Empire undertook a massive military retraining program. Although many histories have depicted the Ottomans as a poor fighting force, this was more often due to poor leadership and logistics. The typical Ottoman soldier, the asker, was tough, well-trained, and courageous. While fighting over varied terrain from Gallipoli, to Mesopotamia and to the Caucasus, they proved themselves to be able front-line troops. This is the first English-language book to focus exclusively on the Ottoman infantryman in the First World War. Using a combination of first-hand accounts, period photographs and specially commissioned artwork, it explores the recruitment, training, and combat experiences of these often neglected warriors. Contents: Introduction, Chronology, Recruitment, Enlistment, Training, Appearance, Equipment, On Campaign, Belief and Belonging, Experience of Battle, After the Battle, Collecting, Museums, Re-enactment, Bibliography, Glossary, Index.. Soft Cover. As New. Illus. by Hook, Christa. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.