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EPISODE 4 SLAUGHTER
- Our 7th division passed over to the east of Sakarya by building two portable bridges near Beylik Bridge.
- Wonderful.
- Incredible! They built bridge and passed over Sakarya with their cannons but our guard posts were asleep.
- Colonel, the 5th Division left Mt. Mangal last night.
- I think now, the enemy will try to advance first to Türbe Hill and then to the Mt. Çal.
Therefore we have to be careful.
The morale of the troops is high because desertion has ended.
The injured go back to the field as soon as their wound is treated. They don't even think of defeat.
Last night the guard battalion left the hilltop in tears.
If the enemy knew this devotion they'd be very disillusioned.
- We were hit on both wings in one day.
- Unfortunately. It seems the battle field was paralyzed by the storm.
- Nothing can be an excuse for defeat.
Did Kenan Bey get authorization to leave the mountain?
- I started an investigation.
- Let's discharge him of his duty and notify the army until the investigation is concluded.
As to the clever enemy who passed over Sakarya.
The only thing we can do is te seize them on both flanks.
- The enemy halted the 7th Division's advence by seizing them on both flanks. They were drawn back to Beylik Bridge.
- The enemy halted the 7th Division's advence by seizing them on both flanks. They were drawn back to Beylik Bridge.
- We weren't successful in the north either. - We took Türbe Hill in a night raid.
- But we still couldn't break through the front. I want all three army-corps to charge tomorrow.
- We should instruct the army to use the ammunition economically.
Because the ammunition trucks sunk in mud.
- This morning, the enemy charged the whole frontage.
All the groups repulsed the attack.
However, in a night raid, the enemy seized Türbe Hill within the front line of the 3rd Group.
- Then they're about to break through.
- It seems so.
- The 3rd Group and the 57th Division will charge Türbe Hill and retrieve it.
- Commander of the 3rd Group General Yusuf Izzet.
- Yes General, what is it?
- After Türbe Hill was seized our defense line has been broken.
Which way should we withdraw? I need instructions.
- You'll soon receive a frontal order. Keep calm and stay there until then.
- Very well.
The Commander refused withdrawal. - Frontal order.
Fire!
- We are ordered to take Türbe Hill back.
Let's prepare. May God help us.
- We are ordered to attack Mt. Mangal on the flank today.
- All right.
- They took Türbe Hill back. Our division in Mt. Mangal is in trouble.
- I thought the Turkish army was finished.
- Vecihi is back from Muğla in a brand new plane.
- General Kondulis objection is unjust.
We have too many casualties but victory means bloodshed.
- We'll carry on with the offensive tomorrow.
Talk to Prince Andreu tonight and tell him to be more energetic.
- Today 1,300 men from only one division was disabled.
As we expand to the east, they extend their front line and resist with utmost force.
- Why don't you use the reserve division General Andreu?
- I can't because it defends the left wing of the army against Turkish cavalry.
- The cavalry brigade should do that.
- That brigade is formed of ceremonial horses too old to run or fight.
- The enemy cavalry penetrated our front line today. They hit all the columns transporting provisions.
If the army doesn't find a way out we'll have nothing to eat tomorrow.
- The unit that penetrated the enemy front reports that the Uzunbey village seemed too active.
- The unit that penetrated the enemy front reports that the Uzunbey village seemed too active.
It might be an important supply point.
- Let's raid the village.
We're almost rotten just sitting here, we'll hit the road tomorrow night.
We'll leave the effects and the radio here, we'll hit and come back
- What do you have? - Fried meat and new bread.
- The enemy gunner thinks I'm the target, whenever I move he fires.
- The dust is raising. - They must have started to move.
- They're early today.
- Let them come. We'll teach them a lesson.
- But they have lots of ammunition. - And we have to count.
- We don't have much ammunition.
- 100 cartridges a day is not enough to win this war.
- Lf you're sharp shooter 100 cartridges mean 100 dead men.
- You never miss Sergeant.
- I can never hit.
- They're coming!
Don't shoot before they come into range.
- Forward in the name of our fatherland!
- Too many casualties.
There are only two officers left in the 4th Division.
- Then the situation is getting dangerous.
- The enemy retireved Türbe Hill.
- What happened? - Türbe Hill has fallen.
- We're in a critical state.
It's very difficult for us to hold on the left wing. I hope they can manage until the reinforcements arrive.
- Let's warn General Refet. He should prepare to evacuate Ankar if the worst comes.
- The 2nd Group asks permission to withdraw.
- General Fevzi has sound information about the conditions of the southern front. We must consult him first.
- Today I visited all units. The troops morale is high, supplies are sufficient.
They always keep the reserve forces at hand so that they can move them immediately when necessary.
There is nothing to worry about. Keep calm and carry on fighting.
- The Commander in Chief is waiting for your call.
- We hesitate because the reports coming in from the groups were quite anxious.
Is that so? Thank you. Sleep well.
General Fevzi says the situation does not necessitate an extensive withdrawal.
- Then we can move Halit Bey's group to the left wing.
- But the Regular Army-Corps will be left alone on the bank of Sakarya.
- We'll have to take that risk.
- We can also move the cavalry to the left wing. - Good idea.
- I'll prepare the frontal order.
- I'm planning to go to the southern front tomorrow.
- But the Doctor... - Don't worry, I'll take it easy.
- What's going to happen?
- I observed General Papoulas in the battle field three times.
I have carefully studied his skills and methods as a commander.
He's a good commander, directs his troops very well.
But he's not patient, if he fails he becomes anxious and uneasy.
Then he stops fighting and retreats.
I'm sure he'll lose his temper as the war goes on.
- General, we retrieved Türbe Hill.
- We'll carry on with the offensive tomorrow.
I don't want to hear objections! Tomorrow I want results!
- I'm not feeling very well.
- Where's the Doctor? - I'm here.
- Withdrawal can only be an option when its a must for the whole front.
Why should we withdraw all our troops when the defense line is broken on one point?
- That's the only rule we know. Is there another solution?
- There must be.
- You're in command Baki.
Hurry, don't be late.
Otherwise the raid won't be a surprise.
Water.
Damm. So this is malaria?
- There are lots of wrestlers in Anatolia but malaria is the champion.
Then comes poverty, tyrants, contractors and brigands.
- Leave him alone. - I was explaining.
- Can you contact the cavalry group? - Yes, their radio never breaks down.
- Then wire this order immediately. Fahrettin Bey went there for a raid, make sure he receives the message.
- Thank you.
- The day is breaking.
- You go to bed child. I'll work a little more.
- When do we start? - At 8:00.
- We secured Türbe Hill in a night raid.
The 1st Army-Corps is moving on to Mt. Çal.
- Lf we occupy Mt. Çal, the way to Ankara will be free.
Because behind it lies the Haymana Plain, and the enemy cannot hold there.
- They're attacking!
- Take the aircraft away!
- Where's the driver of the Commander?
- Take the ammunition trucks away!
- Thousands of Turkish cavalrymen are coming from all directions!
- What happened? - We were a little late but...
- No problem, you intensify the attack.
- Very urgent. - I'll go to the Commander.
- Damn. The army is marching on to victory but its commander is about to be taken prisoner.
- Urgent message.
- We're ordered to join the left wing.
- The headquarters is about to fall.
- This is enough, the left wing must be in deep trouble.
Stop the raid, we're going back.
- According to the classical defense rules, when the front line of a unit is broken...
...the unit can withdraw to a distance in proportion with its size.
Neighboring formations also draw their front lines back.
Today we'll change this rule.
We no longer have a line of defense, but a surface of defense.
If a unit has to withdraw it'll halt when it can and fight.
Meaning, it'll defend the area it holds to the last stone on it.
Neighboring units will stay where they are and resist.
I want you to inform your men about this new tactic and apply it immediately.
Let's visit the headquaters in this part, they're fighting very bravely.
- Lf you spill it, you'll get a smack.
- I wouldn't dare, this is the last of our coffee.
- Are you sure?
- What's going on?
- This is one of the prisoners we captured in Uzunbey. His name is Galani.
He's General Papoulas driver.
- You mean...
- All of them were there.
- Damm this radio!
Couldn't you break down just once?
You made me miss this chance.
Tell the operator not to come near me.
Why did he have to keep the radio in such a good condition?
If it weren't for that radio we fouldn't receive the frontal order.
And I would be drinking coffee with Papoulas right now.
- We're out of coffee. - Get lost!
- What a day. It was a narrow escape.
- But the supply order is ruined. - You can re-arrange it.
- Casualty report of the day is ready.
Casualties of the 1st Army Corps is 3,700.
2nd Army-Corps is 5,000. and the 3rd Army-Corps is 2,700.
- Almost a division.
- There's only one way to end this war with the least casualties.
To defeat the enemy.
- Last night, Mustafa Kemal ordered Ankara to be prepared for evacuation.
- Last night, Mustafa Kemal ordered Ankara to be prepared for evacuation.
Which means he has decided to draw back to the east of Kızılırmak.
- So here ends the story of Mustafa Kemal.
- But the Greeks will become more violent.
I'm afraid the Turks will react.
- The Turks are exhausted, they don't even make a sound.
- This silence frightens me. - Why?
- They might be in rage.
- You're exaggerating the Turks.
- They ambushed a column of 150 ammunition trucks, only 30 trucks could reach the front.
- What happened to the rest? - Escaped to the Fettahoğlu Bridge.
- Don't worry, they'll be here tomorrow.
- Turkish cavalry holds that road and there is no other way!
- Don't worry, we'll do something.
- We have other problems.
Gasoline is almost finished. Bread is not enough.
I can't acquire bandages. The army is bleeding, only their skeletons will reach the destination.
Try and take a look at their faces. One day you'll be very surprised.
- Enough! This is going to the in a few days, keep calm.
- The General is expecting you.
- Something wrong? - I think so.
- The Greek spy Crazy Mehmet was killed by his men near Konya.
- Last year, that treacherous bigot told the villagers that...
...the Greek army had come here with the request of the Caliph and they shouldn't resist.
Unfortunately he bad convinced them. - But not this time.
- I'm glad.
I hope the people will be able to distinguish true believers and...
...religion-mongers in the future after all these experiences.
Otherwise these painful incidents will keep on repeating.
What else Halide Hanım? - This is all for today.
- Thank you. What about the front?
- Arif Bey's group took up a position at the left wing.
The cavalry group will catch up tomorrow.
- The left wing is almost balanced.
- The enemy got exhausted near Mt. Çal and halted.
- You sent for me? - Sit.
You're right. My staff officers are so fanciful that they never condiser the worst.
That's why we're trapped. We're vanishing as the enemy becomes harsher.
I just received a special message from General Kondulis.
"I'm in a very difficult situation. I beg to God and the Commander to send ammunition right away."
- That's it.
- There're about 100 ammunition trucks on the Fettahoğlu Bridge. I'll bring them in immediately.
- Hurry up.
- Do you know what our troops do behind the lines?
- We hear things. - Nasty things.
I'm afraid we'll have to pay for all that.
- We're coming close to the bridge.
Your worries were in vain. There's not one Turkish cavalryman in sight.
- The Turks! Let's go!
- All the wounded troops are being sent to Ankara.
I don't have anymore place to accomodate them. I have to use all the official buildings.
I don't have anymore place to accomodate them. I have to use all the official buildings.
- Not this one I hope. - Yes, but only the fist floor.
- Where are we going to work?
- I have two spare rooms at home. Two ministries can move to my house.
- My ministry can use one of them. - And I can use the other.
- I have another urgent problem. I don't have any money for medicines.
_will you allow me? - Go ahead.
- The next room is the Ministry of Finance. The state treasury is kept in the vault in that room.
This is the key to the vault. If you find any money, take it.
- What am I going to do? - You'll buy on credit.
- Please. A government that challenges the whole world shouldn't beg for drugs.
- Don't worry.
They'll understand that courage is more important than money to fight a war of independence.
- We could only secure a part of it. - Distribute it right away.
- We will clear the road to Ankara with this ammunition.
- Fire!
- The 3rd Army-Corps of the enemy has shifted its offensive direction from north to west towards Mt. Çal.
- The 4th Group reports that they are under great pressure.
- The division stationed to the west of Mt. Çal was broken up under heavy fire and great pressure.
The enemy has seized the western summit of the hill.
- Then the rest of the hill is also vulnerable.
- Yes, we need to take very urgent precautions.
- General Ismet has pulled back two divisions from the left wing and moved them to Mt. Çal.
- What are we going to do until reinforcements arrive?
- The 190th Regiment will sacrifice itself to stop the enemy until the reinforcements arrive.
- The Regiment was under fire all day. I don't know if they can make it, the enemy has 10,000 men.
- They'll make it. They have to.
- We got hold of the western front in the offensive today.
We have to make one last move to accomplish the final victory: Take Mt. Çal.
- Will that be enough?
- Yes, it overlooks the whole field and the plain lies behind it.
There are no natural positions for the enemy to hold until Ankara.
If we raid and retrieve the western summit of the Mt. Çal the army will earn the day.
There's no other way. - Very well.
- The enemy broke through our front and retrieved the summit with one regiment.
But our whole division couldn't draw the raid back.
We are thrown back to the skirts of Mt. Çal, this is unacceptable.
I have just one order: Charge! Charge at any cost!
- He's losing control.
- The 190th Regiment succeeded to stop the enemy until the reinforcements arrived.
- There must be too many casualties.
- The effective force left is 1 company.
The enemy is charging with all its forces. We prepared the plan to withdraw to the east of Kızılırmak.
- I don't think we'll have to withdraw even if Mt. Çal falls.
Here's what I thought.
It overlooks the whole field, it would be good to retain it. But we are not going to withdraw if we lose it.
Position and site are not important for an army taking reasonable action.
The troops can fight anywhere. It's not important if they are at the top or bottom of the hill.
We'll defend this area to is last stone.
If we lose it, We'll withdraw 500-1000 meters, set up a new front and carry on fighting.
- Unfortunately, at 19:00 hours Mt. Çal was seized by the enemy completely.
We lost the battle.
- What do you mean? - You should have faith in victory!
- How could we lose just because of a hill?
- According to the military rules... - Shut up!
- They may defeat the army but this nation is not going to be defeated!
- Polatlı.
- I heard General Mustafa Kemal never sleeps.
I heard it from a reliable source. - And I heard no bullets would touch him.
- We settled down in our new positions behind Mt. Çal. The enemy stopped the offensive.
Papoulas must have lost control. They're preparing defense positions in haste.
- Then we slowed down the enemy.
- They exhausted their last force and finished. They're mentally defeated.
- I came to pick you up. Everybody is waiting for you to celebrate your victory.
- What victory?
- We broke through the front. The road to Ankara is free now.
- Please sit, I want to talk.
I thought the enemy would fall to pieces and retreat when we took Mt. Çal.
- What else they can do? - Take a look at these messages.
They have withdrawn a little and set up a new front.
- Impossible.
- They've applied a new tactic.
We lost 30,000 men, but could only advance for 15 kilometers. Ankara is still too far away.
We have to evaluate the situation all over again.
If I force the enemy harder, I'm afraid we won't even find the power to retreat.
- Damn, I'll tell them to keep silent.
- Let them make merry in a dream of victory tonight.
When the reports start coming in they'll understand what a deadlock we're in.
It's time to be realistic.
Obviously we couldn't overcome the enemy's devotion and tactics.
I'll make the army rest for a few days.
Then I'll ask permission from the Government to withdraw to the west of the Sakarya River.
Will you take my report to Athens?
- All right.
- Thank you.
I'm sorry I was late. I waited for the evening reports.
- What's going on? - Papoulas is determined to retreat. But he doesn't have to courage.
May be we can urge him a little. - Then prepare for the offensive.
- I'm having 7 divisions and 58 cannons moved to our right wing.
- That's it. The Greeks fought in fury exhausting their entire power.
This was all they could do. Now it is our turn.
Let's go to the headquartes of the Regular Army-Corps tomorrow. General Fevzi is there too.
We'll finalize the date and details of the offensive.
- We're confronted by a determined and well-equipped army.
They applied a new defense tactic impossible to cope with.
Mustafa Kemal's army fought for its fatherland and won.
- General Metaxas was right. Now we have to face the whole nation.
- But we'll have to face our own nation if the army retreats.
- We cannot leave the army under the enemy threat for political interests.
If the worst comes, we may even lose Western Anatolia.
- Lf we draw back without any notable success the state of war will continue.
- I don't think we'll be able to afford it any longer.
- The only way is to negotiate with the British.
I think I'll be able to get the support we deserve.
- Intelligence report.
- The Turks will take the offensive tomorrow morning.
- What? The Turks will attack?
It seems they'll put substantial power on their right wing, Dua Hill and its surroundings.
- But how?
- It's surprising. They're waging a war that violates all the military rules and estimates.
- The Greeks may overturn the attack if they can resist in this part.
- What if they can't?
- The eastern policy of Britain will go bankrupt. The flow of the history will change.
- Fire!
- You're slower than the division on your left. Advence faster.
- The enemy artillery is taking an open positions, they're sacrificing themselves to save the infantry.
- The cavalry is attacking Mt. Mangal.
The cavalry attacked Mt. Mangal from behind the lines and retrieved it.
- Our troops started a bayonet charge, they're running to death under fire.
- Dua Hill is about to fall.
- Damn.
- They penetrated between our 1st and 2nd Army-Corps at the center.
- Move all the effects and the injured to the west of Sakarya right away.
- But General... - Enough! Shut up Sarıyanis!
I don't want to hear another suggestion from you.
- Shoot!
- They only have one plane but it's more useful than all of our planes.
- You haven't put your right foot on the stirrup. The General sent me to help you.
- Come Madam, we're fighting.
The Greeks are fighting with courage.
- We took Dua Hill!
- It was confirmed by the British.
The Greeks were actually defeated.
The Greek army was ruined and retreated to the west of the Sakarya River.
Our army is in pursuit. I think we should congratulate...
...our victorious army for giving their lives to defend our fatherland.
I came to ask for authorization.
All right Your Highness, I shouldn't have disturbed you.
- Another defeat.
This cannot be true.
- Marshal Wilson just called.
I knew you be very angry so I didn't put him through.
He seemed to be pleased that the Greeks were defeated.
- I never understood why our officers always supported the Turks.
I had so many disagreements in the domestic and foreign arena...
...that my political prestige depends on this problem.
I have to find a way out.
- Would you like to have some coffee?
- Yes, I need a strong coffee.
- Gentlemen, the Turkish nation, the Grand National Assembly and the Government...
...demands that it's existence, freedom and independence is recognized. This is the whole point.
As the chairman of the Supreme Assembly I declare that we want peace, not war.
If they believe that the Greek army will divert us from this just cause it is not possible.
The Turkish army will carry on the pursuit and offensive until there's not one enemy soldier left on our land.
Thank you.
- This wasn't what we expected.
- Gentlemen, there are 8 motions to promote General Mustafa Kemal to the rank of Marshal and...
...and endow him with the title of Ghazi to show the gratitude of the Turkish people.
I'll have them read.
- All the news coming from the Greek sources are false.
The Turks won a brilliant victory.
From now on, the Greek army won't be able to impose the Treaty of Serves on Turks.
They don't have the power.
Now, the Turks have the initiative.
They can march on to Istanbul or even Mousul.
Both possibilities would mean catastrophy for us.
- What then?
- My ministry believes that we have to negotiate with Ankara in order to eliminate these possibilities.
- I support. - So do I.
- I propose that all the Turks witheld in Malta should be released.
- The Mustafa Kemal Government is now a reality.
Therefore, I support your proposal in grief.
- So do I.
- Mr. Churchill? - Yes.
After 3 months of resistance we shall do...
...as Mustafa Kemal wanted in the first place.
This is an unbearable situation.
- Don't worry, we lost but Turkey won.
- That story is over. I decided to go to Turkestan.
I think I'll be able to do something there.
- Like what? - Who knows?
May be I can rise a revolt in Asia.
- You're still chasing rainbows.
- Good bye.
- This time we could only defeat the enemy. We'll abolish them when time comes.
- How about your epaulets? - Don't caharge them. One star on the collar is enough.
- But General... - It will do.
Tomorrow Mr. Bouillon will be in Ankara. I want you to join the preliminary meeting.
- Yes Sir.
- Tell the cavalry to clear the way.
There's nobody in here.
- You have overturned all the estimates of the British Government.
I must admit that something incredible happened and the "Kağnı" overcame the truck.
My Government has decided to act independent of the British policy under these extraordinary circumstances.
I wouldn't want to be a Greek politician these days.
- Mr. Lloyd George has finally received us today. He was friendly.
He wants us to defend the Afyon- Eskişehir line until the conditions for peace is settled.
- What will they give in return?
- Nothing. They're deceiving us.
- We received a terrible message. The British were also shocked.
The Turks and the French signed a treaty.
- Impossible.
- The French will leave Çukurova and Antep, and draw back to Syria.
They'll leave all the war material to the Turks.
- We had the Turks in a very weak position.
In three years they defeated the Armenians in the east.
They made an agreement with the Soviets.
They suppressed the revolts.
They halted the French and forced them to sign a treaty.
Now we're alone with them.
- What are we going to do? - I have no idea.
They forced us into the war, but they left us all alone in the end.
- Hello.