TNT History Mini-Series: A Turk Behind Russian Lines on the Danube Front (1877)/Part VII

//Ed. note: İzzet Fuat finally reached the palatial tent of the
Russian Grand Duke at Plevne.  Before relating the contents 
of his subsequent talks, though, he shared some thoughts 
about the need for commanders and officers to have the 
benefit of automobiles and horses to keep them battle-ready.
(Evidently, İzzet Fuat was impressed by the advent of
automobiles in warfare when writing this piece in 1909.)//


                                       Byala Bridge


Byala Bridge click here for background on the bridge and 
Midhat Paşa

As soon as we left the village we crossed a long stone bridge.  This
proved that we were heading toward Plevne because the bridge was
the Byala Bridge that had been built when Midhat Paşa reinvigorated
this province (1865-67).  The road was very good but the carriage was
not well-built, although it was spacious enough for Haşim and I to
stretch out in it and, in spite of the bumps, get some sleep.

When we awoke it was to the sounds of trumpets and a band playing
a Russian march.  In the distance, the sound of cannon fire could be
heard, as well.  Haşim Bey pulled himself together and we went to
the Grand Duke's headquarters.  Since my eyes were blindfolded I
couldn't see anything but I could hear the sounds of swords scraping
against the ground and whispers.  A couple of officers said "bonjour"
to Haşim Bey, who was holding me by one arm.

I could sense that a large contingent of officers were looking at me but
I was still blindfolded.  Evidently, some artists from European
illustrated newspapers were drawing my picture and, in fact, after the
war was over I saw the pictures myself in the newspapers. 


Grand Duke's outsized (!) furnishings at San Stefano, where
the war-ending agreement was signed with Turkey.  Today the
town is called Yeşilköy, a western suburb of Istanbul. 

We stopped at some place and Haşim Bey told me to watch out for a
stair-step, which I then mounted and they took off my blindfold. 
Looking around I thought I was in a dream, having landed in the
palace of the sultan of the fairies.  It was the Grand Duke's tent but it
really was more like a room in a palace than any tent, and able to
accommodate 200 people.  There were four or five layers that made
the interior neither hot nor cold. 

In the center was a large table with lots of maps strewn on top of it.
There was a rather tall man leaning on the edge of the table, who was
very well dressed: Grand Duke Nicholas, the commander of the entire
Russian Army.

One could ask whether such ornate decorations are suitable in a war

situation.  And yes, there was probably no need for a palace-like tent

for the Grand Duke but, on the other hand, such places are necessary 

for commanders to relax so that they are well-rested when the time 

comes for the call to action.  The warfront has changed dramatically

since then and in our modern times the need for officers to display 

braggadocio and exaggerated bravery, or for them to be needlessly 

worn out and put upon, has passed  

In the 1870 war, the Prussian army spent two nights sleeping out in the

open and that was just to establish contact.  They didn't even set up tents.  

With the cavalry providing cover and support in the forefront, and good

logistical support provided nearby, there was no need to needlessly tire

out the soldiers and officers, which would only have produced negative 

results.

Soldiers and officers should, of course, be able to handle difficult 

expeditions. But their effectiveness must not be needlessly compromised.  

Thanks to automobiles, today the older officers in European armies have 

been made young. Rather than traipsing for hours out to the front line 

from a central or secondary HQS, and then returning in the evening 

exhausted, today's commanders can use automobiles and save the wear

and tear on their bodies and minds.  They are, consequently, better able

to converse with their general staffs the next day with regard to the 

requisite operations and maneuvers.  

When it comes to junior officers, today infantry officers in the great 

armies ride horses to ensure they are more effective.  Isn't it quite 

evident that a 35-year-old or older junior officer should not wear 

himself out marching with his soldiers, who are between 21 and 

26-years-old?  How could an officer who has marched with his troops 

for two, three or four days be able to effectively manage a battle or 

provide security in such a tired condition?  The ability of an army to 

march and maneuver is directly proportional to the health and well-

being of its commanders and officers.  

//END of PART VII//