Great Offensive

Overview

The Great Offensive was the largest and final military operation of the Turkish War of Independence, fought between the Turkish Armed Forces loyal to the government of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, and the Kingdom of Greece, ending the Greco-Turkish War. The offensive began on 26 August 1922 with the Battle of Dumlupınar. The Turks amassed around 98,000 men, the largest number since the beginning of the war, to begin the offensive against the Greek army of approximately 130,000 men. From 31 August to 9 September, the front moved a distance of 300 km (190 mi) as the Greek troops retreated. The Turkish army lacked motorized vehicles; its forces consisted of infantry and cavalry units, and logistical support was provided by a supply system based on ox carts.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The Great Offensive was the largest and final military operation of the Turkish War of Independence, bringing the Greco-Turkish War to a close. Launched on 26 August 1922 with the Battle of Dumlupınar, it was the single largest Turkish force concentration since the conflict began, committing roughly 98,000 to 103,000 men against a Greek army of approximately 130,000. The scale of the Turkish victory is reflected in the asymmetry of losses: Greek casualties reached approximately 35,000 against roughly 2,318 on the Turkish side. Between 31 August and 9 September, the front advanced 300 km as Greek forces retreated, effectively collapsing Greek military power in Anatolia and ending Greek territorial ambitions in the region.

Tactics

Forces & casualties

Commanders (6)