Any Information On Ottoman WWI Divisional Assualt Battalions?
Ottoman Army Effectiveness in World War I - Edward J Erickson has a good section on the Turkish Armies changes to its Divisional structure. After the Balkan Wars the Rifle Battalions (& the Corps Rifle Regiment) were abolished as they had not been used appropriately. Apparently the specialist Rifle units were supposed to be for close recconisance but were often used an elite assault troops.
The divisions did receive / constitute a Divisional Assault Battalion. Unfortunately he gives no information on its organisation, equipment etc. The other noted change is the practice of attaching the district Gendarme Battalion when operation in Ottoman Territory (indicates that this was to provide local knowledge etc).
There are very limited other references to the Divisional Assault Battalion outside Erickson's major work "Ordered to Die - A history of the Ottoman Army" which is rather beyond my budget at present as I would cost almost $300NZ for me to obtain.
The divisions did receive / constitute a Divisional Assault Battalion. Unfortunately he gives no information on its organisation, equipment etc. The other noted change is the practice of attaching the district Gendarme Battalion when operation in Ottoman Territory (indicates that this was to provide local knowledge etc).
There are very limited other references to the Divisional Assault Battalion outside Erickson's major work "Ordered to Die - A history of the Ottoman Army" which is rather beyond my budget at present as I would cost almost $300NZ for me to obtain.