Tirana is the core city of Albania. The city is very young. It was founded by a Turkish general in the early 17th century. In order to attract immigrants, he built mosques, bakeries and baths. With the development of transportation and the coming of caravans
With the increase in population, Tirana gradually became the core city of Albania.
Faced with such a city, the Ottoman military certainly did not want to surrender it to Italy. Although the city was only more than 20 kilometers away from Durrës, it still sent two divisions of troops to defend Tirana.
Some people may ask why the Ottoman army only sent so few troops. Didn't the Second Macedonian Army have more than 80,000 troops?
At first glance, you can tell that you have little understanding of military affairs. You must know that when two armies are facing each other, especially in modern times, supply lines are very important. The location and terrain of Albania determine this. The Ottoman army here must not fight Italy on plain terrain.
The reason is simple: the Ottoman army's supply lines were longer than those of Italy.
Moreover, the supply lines of the Ottoman army, because the sea power is on the Italian side, basically can only go by land. The supplies have to be transported over the Dinara Mountains of one thousand to two thousand meters. The cost of transporting supplies alone for the Ottoman army is
It is ten times more expensive than Italy. After all, Italy can transport supplies through convenient sea routes, which is not comparable to the Ottoman transportation line, which requires traveling over mountains and ridges and uses stored energy transportation.
In addition, the transportation distance between the two is also different. Although the Ottomans have war preparation warehouses in Skopje, Salonika and other places, which store a large number of guns and ammunition, these materials were initially prepared for war with surrounding small countries.
Supplies, that can be compared with the Italian war.
Now the Ottoman Empire transports a large amount of military supplies from Istanbul to the Macedonian region. It also transports supplies from Macedonia to various places in need. This supply line stretching for nearly a thousand kilometers is a headache for many people. So for the Ottoman Empire
Said, choosing the battlefield is very important.
The experienced Army Minister Marshal Nuri Pasha also knew this very well, so his battle plan was to rely on the favorable terrain of the Dinara Mountains to consume the Italian army, and wait until the time was right.
The Ottomans were turning from defensive to offensive.
I have to admit that this plan is very consistent with the actual situation of the Ottoman army. However, it will also lead to strategic abandonment of the Albanian coastal areas.
Considering that giving up directly like this would be detrimental to the Ottoman Empire, it became the only option to resist to a limited extent before letting go.
This is also the reason why Major General Ataturk's 21st Division chose to retreat after seeing the fierce offensive of the Italian army. Of course, this retreat did not come without paying any price. When the 21st Division retreated, in addition to the guns in their hands and
Except for a few light artillery pieces, all other equipment was lost in Durrës.
In addition, the 21st Division had more than 8,000 people when it broke out, but now there are only more than 6,000 people left? Although some of them can be returned in the future? But it would be good to have at most two to three hundred people.
You know, when the 21st Division entered Durrës, there were 13,000 people? Plus the new recruits from the local area? The highest number was 18,000 people. This loss was really huge.
Of course, the casualties of the attacking Italian army were not small. According to his estimate, it should be more than 3,000. Don’t think this is a small amount. You must know that the Italian army also has warships to help? Crush them with firepower.
This is why the Ottoman army only placed one division in Durrës.
In addition, I would like to say that the current strength of the Second Macedonian Army is more than 80,000. After receiving reinforcements from the 24th and 33rd Divisions from Central Thrace, the total strength of the Army has exceeded 100,000.
But when it comes to the 21st Division, the remaining officers and soldiers of the division, led by Major General Ataturk, have just arrived at Wola, a key town in the Burze Mountains.
The first brigade of the 16th Division was stationed in the town. After receiving them, they immediately arranged barracks and food for them, the friendly troops who had fought with Italy, to eat and rest.
As for Major General Ataturk, there is no need to worry, because he has a better place.
After swallowing the last bite of bread in his hand, Ataturk opened his mouth and thanked the commander of the 1st Brigade of the 16th Division who accompanied him. "Colonel Abuliz? On behalf of the 21st Division, I would like to express my gratitude to you for your help."
During the breakout, the officers and soldiers of the 21st Division had no rest at all. They rushed all the way from Durres to here. Naturally, they were tired and hungry. Therefore, it was very important for the 21st Division to get food and rest time at this time.
Facing the thanks from Major General Atatürk? How could Colonel Abriz accept it? He waved his hand and said, "This is just a trivial matter? I have great admiration for the 21st Division that is resisting on the front line."
Having said this, Colonel Abuliz was about to say something else when he heard a rapid knock on the door.
"Come in, what's the matter?"
Facing this knock on the door, Colonel Abuliz was a little unhappy. Didn't you see that he was entertaining Major General Ataturk? He didn't have any discernment at all.
But the words of the young officer who came in made him immediately correct his attitude. "Lieutenant General Jawad Pasha, asked Major General Atatürk to rush to Tirana, where he is waiting for the Major General."
The Lieutenant General Javad Pasha mentioned by this officer was the commander of the Second Macedonian Army and their superior.
"Lieutenant General Jawad Pasha is in Tirana?"
Not only did this come from Colonel Alibiz, but even Atatürk also asked. The reason why the two of them asked was because the news was sudden. You must know that the headquarters of the Second Army is located in Dina.
The small town of Badr in the La Mountains is nearly 60 kilometers away from Tirana.
"Yes, I heard from the messenger that he just arrived in Tirana last night."
Facing the two commanders' simultaneous questions, although the officer felt a little strange, he still answered truthfully.
After listening to the officer's words, Colonel Abriz said with a smile. "I didn't expect that Lieutenant General Javad Pasha would want to see you as soon as he arrived in Tirana."
Of course, he did not expect that the news that he sent someone to inform Tirana more than an hour ago that the 21st Division had retreated would lead to Lieutenant General Javad Pasha personally summoning the person involved.
Facing Colonel Alibiz's words, Ataturk also said helplessly. "I didn't expect it either."
But no matter what, if the lieutenant general summons him, Ataturk must rush there.
"I'll ask someone to prepare the horses. You can ride on them faster."
"Thanks."
Everyone is a soldier, and it is wartime, so everything is kept simple.
So after just a few words, Atatürk followed the arriving messenger, mounted the prepared horses, and set foot on the road to Tirana.
As for the officers and soldiers of the 21st Division staying here, there is nothing to worry about, because the division's officer system is complete, so he does not need to worry either.
