Chapter 224 Machine Gun Orders and Reserve Plans

Chapter 227: A crushing defeat

While the Spanish reserve forces and machine gun units were conducting large-scale training, the war in the Balkans had entered a white-hot stage.

The Russian army, which had suffered heavy losses, received support from Romania and the country, and gathered 150,000 reinforcements in a short period of time.

This also allowed Russia to re-launch the attack on the Pleven Fortress, and used thousands of artillery in the attack, with a posture of fighting to the death with the Ottoman army in the Pleven Fortress.

Although the Russian army suffered nearly 100,000 casualties in the previous attack, the casualties on the Ottoman Empire were also not low.

The Ottoman army's weapons and equipment level was better than that of Russia, but it was far inferior to Russia in the number of artillery.

This also allowed the Russian army to have enough artillery to suppress the Ottoman Empire's artillery during the attack, causing the Ottoman Empire to also suffer a large number of casualties.

Russia gathered 150,000 reinforcements in a short period of time, but where should the Ottoman Empire find 150,000 reinforcements?

At present, only a little over 200,000 of the Ottoman Empire's 280,000 troops in the Balkans remain, and these 200,000 troops are still distributed in Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro.

There are only a little over 100,000 Ottoman troops that can be mobilized on the border between Bulgaria and Romania. Facing more than 200,000 Russian troops, the Ottoman Empire can only take a defensive posture.

The Pleven Fortress is quite strong, and it is also a very important military fortress of the Ottoman Empire.

But no matter how strong the fortress is, there will always be a day when it will be conquered. The Russian army dug more than 70 kilometers of trenches and launched a long tug-of-war with the Ottoman army around the Pleven Fortress.

In the end, the Ottoman Empire was forced to retreat southward after suffering nearly 50,000 casualties.

This also caused the 30,000 Ottoman troops in the Pleven Fortress to be surrounded in an instant. After struggling for a month, the Pleven Fortress was officially conquered by Russia.

After the capture of the Pleven Fortress, the situation of the Balkan Peninsula War ushered in a great change.

The Russian army successfully broke through the mountain pass. South of the Pleven Fortress, there was basically no fortress that could stop the Russian army.

The Russian army's journey to Constantinople and the Strait of Constantinople will be very smooth, and the Ottoman Empire has lost its advantage in the number of soldiers.

In the situation in the Balkan Peninsula after the attack and defense of the Pleven Fortress, Russia has already taken advantage of the number of troops and the number of armaments.

The capture of the Pleven Fortress caused Russia to lose nearly 150,000 troops, of which more than 50,000 died directly on the battlefield, and nearly 100,000 suffered varying degrees of injuries.

But the Ottoman Empire also suffered a heavy battle. The 30,000 defenders of the Pleven Fortress were directly captured, and the previous attack and defense battle also lost nearly 70,000 people.

The Ottoman Empire had less than 180,000 troops in the Balkan Peninsula, and the Russian troops deployed in the Balkan Peninsula not only did not show a trend of reduction, but increased to nearly 350,000.

As a result, the number of Russian soldiers in the Balkan Peninsula became twice the number of Ottoman soldiers.

This is not counting the militias of Bulgaria, Serbia and other ethnic groups that supported Russia in the war. In this case, the Ottoman Empire has entered a huge disadvantage.

Tsar Alexander II would naturally not miss this good opportunity. He went to the battlefield and made decisions in person, ordering the Russian army to continue to attack south of the Balkan Mountains despite the low temperature.

After the capture of the Pleven Fortress, it was November 1877. The temperature in Bulgaria in November was still relatively low, especially near the Balkan Mountains, where the temperature was generally below 5 degrees Celsius.

But for Russian soldiers living further north, this was not even considered low temperature. The Russian army would naturally not be affected by the low temperature and launched a mighty attack south of the Balkan Mountains.

Compared with the morale of the Russian army, the morale of the Ottoman army had dropped to a low point.

What's worse is that the front-line commander not only did not allow retreat in the case of insufficient troops, but also ordered the Ottoman army to organize a defense line on the spot for defense.

Obviously, he overestimated the combat effectiveness of the Ottoman Empire's army. For such an army that has just experienced defeat and suffered heavy losses, the most important thing at present should be to evacuate to the rear to rest.

In this way, the Ottoman army was submerged in the wave of Russian offensive. The important cities of Sofia and Pernik in Bulgaria were successively occupied by the Russian army, and the Russian army also came to Plovdiv in southern Bulgaria.

In the new palace of the Ottoman Empire, Dolmabahçe Palace, a large number of high-ranking officials and military leaders of the empire have gathered.

These guys gathered in the new palace for only one purpose, that is, to discuss how to resolve this war.

The Russian army has arrived in Plovdiv, and further southeast is Edirne, the old capital of the Ottoman Empire. Edirne is not far from Constantinople. In other words, the Russians are about to hit their doorstep.

If it were not for the navy to block the Marmara Strait with the help of the British, I am afraid that the Ottomans at this time should be discussing how to make peace with Russia to avoid the collapse of the empire.

The Ottoman Empire had a vast territory, but was divided into two parts by the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Aegean Sea, namely the European part and the Asian part.

Both the European and Asian parts were important to the Ottoman Empire, and both could be said to be indispensable.

But the terrible thing is that the Ottoman Empire must pass through the Sea of ​​Marmara to transport troops to the Balkans. Whoever can control the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Aegean Sea can directly divide the Ottoman Empire into two.

What the Ottoman Empire feared the most was that the Russians would fight all the way to Constantinople and drive the Ottoman Empire directly out of the Balkans.

However, the current Russians have already shown this trend. If they cannot stop the Russian attack, the Ottoman Empire may only be left with the Asia Minor Peninsula.

"Everyone, what else can you do? The empire has reached a moment of life and death. If we cannot repel the Russian attack, perhaps the Ottoman Empire will cease to exist." The new Sultan Abdulhamid II of the Ottoman Empire He said with a sad look on his face.

Originally, the throne of the Ottoman Empire was inherited by Murad V, the elder brother of Abdulhamid II. But Murad V was too close to France, and instead disliked Russia, which was very close to the Balkans.

This allowed Murad V to be dethroned on the grounds of mental illness after only 93 days on the throne, and Murad V's younger brother Abdulhamid II succeeded to the throne.

Abdulhamid II had not been groomed as a successor before, and he was only a 35-year-old young king. Facing the critical moment for the survival of the empire, he could only think of panic and could only look at his ministers.

The commander-in-chief of the frontline army, Muhammad Ali Pasha, shook his head helplessly and said to the expectant Sultan Abdulhamid II: "Our frontline troops are no longer able to resist unless we are willing to abandon Plovdiv north. All the land, otherwise it would have to rely on British support.”

The Ottoman Empire's own financial situation was very bad. Even if it wanted to organize reinforcements to support the Balkans, it would have to wait until British assistance arrived.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Ottoman Empire relied on the assistance of the British to persist until now. As long as the British aid is interrupted, the Ottoman Empire will immediately fall into a financial crisis, and this war will not need to be fought.

Hearing this, Abdulhamid II looked at his Foreign Minister again and asked: "Are the British willing to help us win this war? If we lose this war, Istanbul But it belongs to the Russians.”

The Ottoman Empire certainly understood the reason for Britain's support, which was to prevent the Russians from gaining control of Istanbul and the Straits.

It's just that although the British repeatedly promised to support the Ottoman Empire, apart from financial and material support, no British soldiers were seen on the battlefield.

The Ottoman Empire's own military strength alone is currently unable to stop Russia's attack. If the British were not ready to support them, the Ottoman Empire would have no choice but to sue for peace.

"Half a month has passed since we last contacted the British. The British were not willing to join this war last time, but they were willing to provide more financial and food support." The Foreign Minister of the Ottoman Empire was helpless He shook his head and replied.

Britain is obviously not ready for a war with Russia, and their support is more in the form of weapons, equipment, funds, and food.

This assistance was indeed very useful to the Ottoman Empire, but it did not change the situation on the frontline battlefield at all.

"Contact the British again. I need to know their specific attitude." Abdulhamid II ordered: "Tell the British that if they are unwilling to support us in this war, out of the desire to preserve the empire, Thinking about it, I will start peace negotiations with the Russians in a month.”

One month was exactly the time limit given by Abdelhamideo to the British. If the British did not take any action within a month, the Ottoman Empire would be forced to surrender to Russia.

This also reminds and threatens the British that if they cannot provide stronger support, Constantinople and the Strait will belong to the Russians.

The Ottoman foreign minister nodded, indicating that he understood.

Immediately, Abdulhamid II looked at the commander-in-chief of the front line, Muhammad Ali Pasha, and ordered: "General Muhammad, I hope that within this month, the army can stop the Russians in the North of Plovdiv.

If we can receive reinforcements from the British in a month, it will be our chance to regain Sofia and Pleven Fortress.

But if the British are unwilling to join this war, we can ensure that the capital Istanbul will not be captured by the Russians, and we will still have a way out. "

As long as Istanbul remains, the Ottoman Empire can still mobilize a steady stream of troops and supplies from the Asia Minor Peninsula to the Balkans.

But if Istanbul is captured, the Ottoman government will be forced to retreat to Asia Minor, and the empire will completely lose control of the Balkans.

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It is easy to leave the Balkans, but it is not so easy to return to the Balkans.

Once the Ottoman Empire lost control of the Balkan Peninsula, countries like Serbia and Bulgaria would definitely become independent with the support of Russia and divide their respective occupations of the Balkan Peninsula.

There is no doubt that these nations hate the Ottoman Empire. After they occupy these lands, the Ottoman Empire will have to fight them one by one if it wants to return to the Balkan Peninsula.

For the weak Ottoman Empire at present, this is almost impossible to accomplish. Therefore, Abdulhamid II's order is already very clear. He does not want the Ottoman army to lose the Plovdiv Fortress, because this means that Edirne and Istanbul will be exposed to the Russians.

"I understand." Muhammad Ali Pasha nodded.

He is a German who converted to Islam. His military literacy is quite good, which is why he became the commander-in-chief of the Ottoman Empire's front-line army.

However, the combat effectiveness of the Ottoman Empire's army is uneven. Except for a small number of new troops trained in imitation of European countries, the combat effectiveness of other armies is a mess.

This also makes it difficult for Muhammad Ali Pasha to exert his command ability. After all, the execution of the grassroots army determines the effectiveness of an order.

Even if the order itself is quite good, the effect of the order is only unsatisfactory if the grassroots army lacks execution.

After arranging all this, Abdulhamid II finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The Ottoman army held out for several months in the Pleven Fortress, and it should be easy to hold out for a month in the Plovdiv Fortress.

As long as the British reinforcements can be received within this month, the Ottoman Empire still has hope of winning the war.

Of course, if the British reinforcements are delayed, the Ottoman Empire can only make the worst plan.

"Great Sultan, perhaps we can also use the help of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to ease our pressure in the Balkans." The Foreign Minister then put forward a new opinion, which made Abdulhamid II, who was already relieved, even brighter.

"Tell me in detail." Abdulhamid II motioned the Foreign Minister to continue.

"In addition to the British not wanting Russia to control the situation in the Balkans, the Austro-Hungarian Empire also does not want the Balkans to fall under the control of Russia.

Although there will be great problems in relying on the Austro-Hungarian Empire to expel Russia, it may be our only hope besides the UK.

No other European power will be willing to fight Russia for us. Even if Britain is unwilling to join the war to help us, as long as the Austro-Hungarian Empire can join the war, we can still stabilize the situation in the Balkans.

Russia has many more troops than us. As long as we can hold on for a long enough time, Russia's finances will definitely be overwhelmed.

On the contrary, we have the help of the British, and finances are not a problem in the short term. As long as either Britain or the Austro-Hungarian Empire is willing to help us, even if it consumes, it can kill the giant Russia." The Foreign Minister said with a smile.

As the Foreign Minister of the Ottoman Empire, he is relatively clear about the situation in Europe. Especially around the Balkan Peninsula, which powers are concerned about the Balkan Peninsula, the Foreign Minister can be said to be very clear.

At present, in addition to relying on British aid, the only one the Ottoman Empire can rely on may be the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The main reason why Austria-Hungary remained neutral in this war was that Russia promised to let Austria-Hungary obtain Bosnia and Serbia after the war.

But would Russia really be willing to give such a large piece of land to Austria-Hungary? Wouldn't this cultivate a stronger competitor for itself in the Balkans?

"Sultan, what the Foreign Minister said makes sense, maybe we can give it a try." Before Abdulhamid II gave his opinion, the commander-in-chief of the front-line army, Muhammad Ali Pasha, took the lead and expressed his approval.

As a German who converted to Islam, he was relatively clear about the situation in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After all, the Austrians are also Germans, but because Prussia unified the German region, the Austrians were excluded from Germany.

"Since General Muhammad also believes that the Austro-Hungarian Empire may help us, let's contact the diplomatic department together." Abdulhamid II nodded repeatedly, and there was no panic on his face.

"Whoever can persuade Austria-Hungary and Britain to join this war will be the greatest contributor to the empire. After the war is over, I will reward you according to your merits and commend your contributions one by one." Abdulhamid II, who had a solution, was very happy and promised generous rewards to his ministers.

With Abdulhamid's promise, many ministers were more motivated and began to act for the future of the Ottoman Empire.

While the Ottoman Empire was discussing the terrible war situation, Britain and Austria-Hungary were also discussing it.

Although the British were reluctant to interfere in this war, their attention to this war was unprecedented.

As early as when the Pleven Fortress was captured, the British government held an emergency meeting to discuss whether to increase support for the Ottoman Empire.

But what people didn't expect was that in just two and a half weeks after the capture of the Pleven Fortress, the Ottoman Empire was defeated, and even important towns such as Sofia and Pernik had been captured by the Russian army.

Before the British government could even discuss whether to increase aid to the Ottoman Empire, the Ottoman Empire was on the verge of losing the war.

This also changed the British government's discussion from whether to increase aid to whether to join the war. After all, if the Ottoman Empire failed, Russia's expansion in the Balkans would be unstoppable.

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