WWI

WORLD WAR ONE Assyrians and the Great War. main photo; General Agha Petros Giwergis Assyrian Forces 1600 Cavalry, 1957 infantry. 4 Batteries Artillery.   Turkish Forces 4 Turkish divisions no.5/6/12/33 commanded by Ali Ishan and Selah Udin Pashas of the 4rt army corps/ Kurd and Persian volunteers comanded by Madj Saltana and Simko Shikak. German Military advisors and financial aid.    When the Great War began the Assyrians found themselves solicited in turn by the two warring sides. Before Turkey joined the Central Powers in November 1914 the Turkish Governor of the province of Van had sent for the Mar Shimon [Religious and political leader of the Assyrians] and promised him preferential treatment for his Christian people the Assyrians. It was clear the Assyrians in their Hakkiari Mountains occupied a key position. The mountains of Hakkiari provided a spearhead against the Russians and here was the motive for the Turkish promises to the Mar Shimon. On the other hand the Turkish Government was openly threatening the massacre of all Christians and actual massacre of Armenians were reported from all sides.  Photo; Mar Shimon The Assyrians had no reason to put much trust in the Turkish promises and the reports of Armenian massacres were a warning. The preaching of the Jihad [A Holy war] could hardly be expected to exclude the Assyrian Christians. The Kurds, living in close proximity to the Assyrians are of the Moslem faith and answerable to the central Turkish Government. They had already attacked and sacked villages in Albaq district just north of the Hakkiari Mountains, here a large number of Assyrians as well as Armenians were killed.   The first fighting in that part of the world was around Urmia, Persia. Here was stationed a Russian consul with a strong Garrison. There were also stores of rifles which were distributed to the Assyrians, from whom it was possible to enroll two good fighting battalions. The first Turkish attacks on Urmia failed, the Turks and the Kurds withdrew and Urmia considered itself saved. The Russian officers however were uneasy, having their eye on the general position in the Caucasus [the Turkish thrust on Batum].   December 1914- The Russian Garrison at Urmia was ordered to evacuate and support the troops at Batum, this left the Assyrians at the mercy of the Turks. The Assyrian battalions were scattered and engaged in battles with the enemy, the nearest to the City was twenty miles away. Panic ruled in the City and as a result 10,000 Christians followed the Russians and fled to Russia. The Persians who outnumbered the Assyrians twenty to one and with Turkish and Kurdish accomplices subjected the remainder to the most brutal treatment. On one occasion some sixty Assyrian men were marched out of the City to the Village of Gilpashin, there they were offered life on condition of acceptance of Islam, they refused and were put to death. Other similar massacres occurred, children were forcibly removed and carried away never to be seen again.   April 1915-The Russians defeated the Turks at Batum [the battle of Sara Kamish] and also captured the city of Van and the garrison once again retired to Urmia. On their return they made further attempts to induce the Assyrians to join the War, they promised Arms and other material assistance.   May 10th 1915- The Assyrians enraged by the massacres agreed and a second front opened up, this time on the Hakkiari Mountains. The Turks re-enforced with fresh troops from Mosul commenced heavy attacks on the defending Assyrian highlanders. During the months of July and August the Assyrians fought six major engagements with Turkish troops and all were decisive victories, inflicting heavy casualties they secured the west bank of the Zab and destroyed bridges to stop the Turkish advance. The Turks, failing in their attempt to destroy the highlanders sought to bring about the Assyrian surrender in a shameful fashion. Hormiz, the brother of the Mar Shimon was a prisoner of the Turks, he was captured in Constantinople two years earlier. The Turks sent the following message, "your brother is in our hands, unless you and your nation will lay down your Arms, that brother shall die". The Mar Shimon replied, "My people are my charge and they are many, how can I give them up for the sake of one, even if that one be my own brother". Hormiz was executed, the Russians sent a force of 400 Cossacks to re-enforce the Assyrian positions, they never made it, a Kurdish warlord Agha of Omar invited the Russian commander to dine and offer him assistance, the Cossack graciously accepted. After dining the whole force was ambushed, no one survived. Facing this disaster and running low on ammunition the Assyrians found themselves in a dire situation. With no hope of being re-supplied by the Russians and the Turks in force in front of them on three fronts, they took to the high mountains.   August 1915- To cover the withdrawal the Assyrians left 400 of their best marksmen in the Assyrian town of Baz. A Turkish force 3000 strong under the command of General Haydar Pasha approached Baz and attacked in full force only to withdraw again after loosing over 400 men. A second attack was executed, this time with the use of long range Artillery. The Turks bombarded the Assyrian defenses for most of the day and into the night, the Assyrians having no defense against long range Artillery devised a simple but courageous plan to deceive the Turks. At Dawn there was no movement from the Assyrian positions, the Turks fired several volleys into the town to force activity, still no movement, the Turks were convinced the Assyrians had fled during the night and they carefully approached the town. 100 meters from the first ruined barricades there was still no movement, the Turks now confident in their victory approached in force. Upon reaching the barricades they stood petrified as 400 men climbed out of the rubble with fixed bayonets and charged them with such ferocity that over one thousand Turks died in the first few minutes, one Assyrian defender stated later "No one could have survived our attack".   After the battle, with that Turkish force effectively neutralized they followed their brothers to the mountains. At an altitude of over ten thousand feet and in winter life was not possible. Knowing this the Turks waited, they knew the snow would drive the Assyrians down to their doom. Mar Shimun himself then undertook a heroic journey; with only two guides he made his way through the enemy lines to Urmia to seek help from the Russians. The Russians however would not commit any more troops. The Mar Shimun refused an invitation to save himself and stay in Urmia he returned to his people. The Assyrians now in an extremely dangerous situation came to a desperate decision, If the Russians won't come to them they will go to the Russians. They succeeded! The Turks were stupefied; the Russians could not believe their eyes. An outstanding tactical withdrawal taking an unexpected rout they were able to cut through the enemy positions. Over 120 miles, fifty thousand men women and children avoided pursuit and made their way to Urmia, a truly remarkable feat!   Photo; The original Assyrian WWI flag- courtesy David Lazar.   As you can see on the top left corner, you will see a round seal, this is Agha's personal stamp, it has his name on it in two languages, Assyrian and Russian. On the flag itself you can clearly see the blood stains on the cross and on top of it. The flag was sown on the off- white piece of cloth by my mother after her father gave the flag to his son-in-law my Dad. I put the flag in the frame several years ago.   I was very proud to see my grandfather's picture [Pethyon Tawer of Baz] with that of Agha and Malik Khoshaba. My grandfather is the one in the second row behind Agha with his hat tipped low on his forehead...David Lazar   SEARCH AND RESCUE   [...They had deliberately, and in the face of great temptation and danger, thrown in their lot with what they believed to be right. They had seen themselves abandoned by those who had urged them to this course, and yet had stood by it, and defended themselves against tremendous odds in a very credible way...Rev W.A. Wigram [Archbishop of Canterbury's Mission.]   June 1917- The Mar Shimon lead an expedition deep into enemy held territory to attempt a rescue of Assyrians held captive by the Kurds. The force moved in two columns one under General Putros the other under the Mar Shimons brother [later RAB Khaila] David D Mar Shimon [pictured left]. Russian Officers also accompanied to observe and report on Assyrian fighting capabilities. The columns moved in an Arrowhead formation, very effective in open terrain, this formation was used by the Ancient Assyrians and is still in use today by modern Armies. On the third day Davids column encountered a strong force of Kurdish troops entrenched on mountain slopes in witch the Assyrians must pass. The Kurds opened up with all they had, luckily they misjudged the distance and their fire fell short. The Russian officers witnessing the strong barrage in front called for a retreat, the Assyrians however had other ideas. As soon as the Russians called retreat most of the Assyrian force disappeared! The Russians reported later "We looked for them and could not find them, we waited to see what was going to happen". An eerie silence fell on the battlefield, five hours passed, suddenly the Assyrians returned and commenced a frontal attack, but with only a third of their number. Unknown to the Kurds and the Russians, the Assyrians had retreated a few miles to the rear and split into three columns, one attacked from the right flank the other from the left flank and one column to draw the enemy fire with a frontal assault, by the same afternoon the fight was over. The Russian commander in absolute awe addressed the Mar Shimon, "Your Beatitude having seen the valor and courage of your men, I wish to be received not as an officer but as an ordinary soldier". The left column under General Putros encountered a stronger entrenched enemy of mixed Kurd and Turkish regulars. The General reports- "The Assyrian soldiers attacked like tigers, assailing one bulwark after another, they looked as if they were flying across the hills to attack the foe in the rear as well. Among the dead we found a number of Turkish regulars and took one Turkish officer prisoner". The Russians accompanying this column recommended eight men for the cross of Saint George, and the Assyrian Nation became known as THE SMALEST ALLY.   July 1917- the two Assyrian columns met in Gavar and joined as one force and remained there for a considerable time sending reconnaissance patrols to locate enemy positions. They also excavated the ruins of Assyrian villages to collect and bury the bones of the Assyrians who fell victim to the massacres. It was here the extent of the horrors that befell these innocents became apparent. The chief instigator of those massacres "Soto" [a Kurdish chief] was only a three day march from Gavar.   September 1917- The Mar Shimon ordered his Army to march on to the township of Oramar, there Soto had concentrated his forces and also maintained his headquarters. Oramar was a stronghold protected by inaccessible heights; the Russian officers became very skeptical of any success and advised a retreat. Soon however they were to form a new opinion. The Assyrians attacked from two fronts, one column climbed high over the township and attacked from the rear and the other column attacked from the left flank, by night fall the township was theirs, the main prize however, Soto, escaped to Nervi two days march from Oramar.   September 17th-1917 The Mar Shimon ordered General Petros to march his column back to Urmia whilst his forces continued on to Nervi. At Nervi Soto had constructed a castle on a summit 4000 feet high overlooking the valley below. The walls measured 300 by 1000 yards across with 100 forts, here he had organized his strongest defenses. Between Oramar and Nervi lay several villages whose inhabitants fled at the sight of the Assyrian Army leaving their Assyrian captives behind, these were liberated and later returned to Urmia. Late in September the Assyrians reached Sotos castle. At first glance it seemed an impossible barrier even for the Assyrian Highlanders. Unobserved by the Kurds, the forward guard climbed the highest peak surrounding the castle and climbed down into the fort, this took the Kurds by surprise, killing eleven men they gave the signal to the rest of the force by raising their flag over the fort, the Assyrians below seizing this opportunity rushed the gates and overpowered the occupants. Two hundred and forty Kurds were taken captive including the son of Soto, but as for the chief himself he had evaded capture once again by fleeing the battle, the whole Assyrian force then returned to Urmia.   1917- The Russian front collapses as a result of the Russian revolution, the Assyrians once again deserted by their Russian Allies were isolated. Now on their own, they managed to keep the enemy in check until 1918, they were very successful on fourteen major engagements against the 5th and 6th Turkish Divisions inflicting heavy losses.   THE BRITISH   British Army Captain Gracy arrived unexpended in Urmia and wished to address the Assyrians. The Mar Shimon called a meeting of all heads, including the American and French missions; "Dear Friends:-This is the first opportunity I have had to have the honor of being present with you. I wish now to speak to you with reference to the purpose and the plan of the Allied powers, concerning the small and oppressed nations such as yours. This great war that has now raged for so long, and is still raging at tremendous cost in blood and material, to the allies, has but one main object, and that is, the emancipation of small and oppressed nations such as yours. For centuries you have been crushed under the millstone of your enemies. You have been oppressed beyond measure. You have now come to the verge of extinction as a people and as a language, thanks to the misdeeds of the Turks, assisted by their allies, the Germans. I have come to tell you that, inasmuch as the great allied powers are making tremendous sacrifices, and are shedding streams of blood for the sake of saving you, and making you free, it is your duty also as a Christian nation to continue in the war, and fight as you have so splendidly fought in the past. Remember what you were in bygone centuries.   The mighty deeds and achievements of your empire are today the richest treasures which adorn the museums of Europe, and which still inspire the people of the western world. Let the memories of your own past inspire you to the performance of greater deeds. Let the hopes of a glorious future make you patient and persevering to the end. Remember, we are fighting for your freedom; and you must also continue to contribute toward that final goal. I have been sent by my government to declare to you, as well as to other small nations, that you are all fighting for your own freedom. I have said the same thing to the Armenians. I am just coming from Van. They are continuing in their struggle for their freedom. You must also unite under one head and do the same. And so far as the feelings of the Persian government are concerned, you leave that matter to our legation, and to the legations of the allied powers in Tehran".   This was the speech made by the representative of the British government. Its language was plain enough. It was full of hope and carried with it in unmistakable terms a guarantee of freedom to the Assyrians, provided of course the final issue of the great war was favorable to the allied nations. But in order not to leave any ground for doubt and in order to make the point of Assyrians' freedom doubly certain. The Assyrians put the question to Captain Gracy in his own language and again the Patriarch and his people were assured of their freedom and of possessing a homeland wherein they would enjoy that freedom under the protection of the allied powers.   "Furthermore," continued Captain Gracy, all the expenses of your army will be paid by the allies. It has already been arranged with the new government of Caucasia that you shall receive all guns and ammunition you need, and even military assistance, if you require any. Freedom is a very precious and costly possession. It has always been bought by sacrifice. You must also be willing to do the same, if you wish to possess your Fatherland, where honey and milk flow."   THE BATTLE FOR URMIA   Feb 9th 1918, a group of Assyrians were fired upon and killed by Persians in Urmia, it was a signal for the rest of the Moslems to take up arms and cleanse the city of the Assyrians a Jihad was called, a holy war to exterminate all Christians.   The Assyrians however were not taken by surprise, their lessons were learned the hard way. The Urmia Moslems surrounded the home of General Agha Putros and quickly commenced firing at his house. The General prepared for such an emergency returned fire from a machine gun mounted inside his home, the attackers scattered leaving their dead. The General ordered the Assyrian Batteries to open fire on the City and 150 men were ordered to hold the enemy advance while 700 men made their way behind the City gates. To do this unobserved they needed to break holes in adjoining Christian homes, crawl through and take up positions, they were successful. Now orders were issued for the 150 men to vacate their positions in a manner to deceive the enemy into thinking they were being overpowered. The men began to withdraw and the enemy overjoyed by their impending victory rushed the gate in force. Their joy was not to last, the signal was given to the 700 Assyrians whose position now fell behind the enemy. After 30 minutes of deadly fire the General ordered a cease-fire, "this is a slaughter not a battle" said the General. The enemy was estimated at 10,000. A second attempt and a new call for Jihad were heard at midnight, the enemy attacking the same gate. The 700 Assyrians had not retired from their positions, the battle did not last and the enemy withdrew.   Feb 10th 1918- Urmia, the enemy rallied for another attempt, this time from both in and outside of the City. Karadagh, a Persian cavalry fort stood 500 meters from the western gate of the City, at the gate 200 Assyrians were stationed and commanded by Malik Khoshaba. On the morning of the 10th a cavalry unit from this fort attacked an Assyrian supply section with disastrous results. The cavalry withdrew to the fort, the Assyrians trained their Artillery on the fort and attacked with a frontal assault. The Fort fell within hours and among the dead was the General Commanding. Malik Khoshaba then concentrated his men on the enemy within the city, the Moslem force fell back into the east side of the City. General Putros ordered his troops to halt their advance and ordered the artillery to fire on the remaining enemy to bring about their surrender. Late afternoon of the 10th The Persians raised a white flag; their unconditional surrender was accepted. Photo; General Petros standing center accepting the surrender.   THE ASSASSINATION OF MAR SHIMON   March 3rd 1918 Simco Shikak [pictured] Leader of the Shekak Kurds, invited the Mar Shimun to a friendly meeting to discuss the current situation and Peace between his people and the Assyrians. The Mar Shimun was warned by his followers not to go but he disregarded the warnings and agreed to the meeting, reasoning that Simco had once been an Ally and it is his duty to provide peace for his people whenever possible. The Mar Shimon arrived with a bodyguard of 150 men. Unknown to the Assyrian leader, Simco had planted 1000 Kurds in and around his castle waiting for the signal to open fire, on arrival Mar Shimun was escorted inside with two of his bodyguards, the rest remained outside. During the meeting one of his bodyguards through an open window noticed a large number of armed Kurds hiding on rooftops. The bodyguard said to his leader in Assyrian- "My Lord our end is certain, permit me to kill this dog [Simco] just to avenge the blood that will surely be shed". The Patriarch with a smile bade his bodyguard to be calm. After the meeting Simco led the Mar Shimon to the door and kissed his hand, this was the signal to his men on rooftops, as soon as the Patriarch entered his coach the ambush was executed and only six men survived, wounded they rode back to Urmia. After the ambush the Kurdish tribesmen dragged his body through the streets and foul act were done to the body, later that afternoon the local Armenians recovered his body and gave him a Christian burial. The Assyrians did not take the murder of their leader lying down. General Agha Putros now in command devised a plan of revenge, they are to attack Simco's castle at Chara. Halfway to the Kurdish strong hold however the pass was blocked by Persian troops sent from Azerbaijan to intercept the Assyrians. General Putros left a small force to engage the Persians while he took a different route with the main column, the small force was successful in defeating the Persians and the main column reached their objective on Thursday 15th March 1918 after eight days of marching through snow-covered mountains.   The next morning the battle had began, for twenty-four hours both sides exchanged heavy fire, the Kurdish defenders behind high walls and the attacking Assyrians on the snow covered ground, the Assyrians lusting for revenge were closing in, by midmorning on Saturday 17th The Assyrians rushed the ramparts and the castle fell to them soon after. Simco had escaped through a subterranean passage only to be killed himself by Persians in 1930 in a manner identical to Mar Shimon. At the castle they also found a letter from the Persian Governor at Tabriz, in which it was suggested that the Mar Shimun should be murdered, they also carried out a series of attacks against Kurdish positions, still lusting for revenge they inflicted heavy casualties.   photo; Simko's Castle today.  Photo; Simko killed by Persians in the same manner as he killed Mar Shimon [1930].      THE TURKISH INVASION   [...In fourteen distinct engagements, they [Assyrians] defeated every Moslem force that was brought against them...Brigadier General H.H.Austin]   Salamas, a City three days march from Urmia had a large number of Assyrians and also stationed there was an Assyrian Army commanded by the brother of the Late Mar Shimon "David Effendi". News had arrived to Urmia that a large number of Azerbaijan troops were regrouping in Khoi and around Urmia, to avoid a repeat of the incident at Urmia, David Effendi ordered the Salamas Moslem population to disarm and a large number of guns and ammunition were collected, this however did not deter the Azerbaijan troops. The Assyrians learned that Tabriz authorities had informed the commander of the Azerbaijan troops that in support a large strong Turkish force were approaching Urmia from the South West and also a large number of Persian volunteers have already taken up positions around Urmia.   The Azerbaijan Troops commenced their attack on two fronts, one column advanced from the state road running between a long chain of hills on the one side and Lake Urmia on the other, while a second larger column came from the direction of Khoi. The second column initiated the hostilities by attacking an Assyrian forward position outside Salamas the Assyrians fell back to draw the second column close to the City.   Agha Prtos in the mean time set out to meet the first column; he engaged that force at Tassui thirty miles outside Salamas, this force was crushed to a point that it can no longer function effectively, among the spoils the Assyrians captured a long range Artillery piece. The Second column unaware what befell the first column continued the advance towards Salamas. Here David Effendi and the Assyrian defenders of sprung their trap, the enemy suddenly found themselves ensnared with no where to run, several machineguns spat their deadly fire from the enemy’s left flank, from an estimate of 8000 strong no more than 300 escaped the ambush.   The Persian Government in Azerbaijan were stupefied, not only their entire force was eliminated but the reports from the Salamas Moslems confirmed that the Assyrian casualties numbered no more than a dozen. April 8th 1918,The Turks having being defeated on several occasions by the Assyrians and the fact that the Russians were no longer a threat had rallied a large number of their regulars including Artillery battalions backed by Kurdish tribesmen and Persian Cavalry. This large and well-equipped force moved on two fronts, the main column moving in from the north and a smaller column [several thousand] from the south. The southern force engaged the Assyrians first, after a battle that lasted six days this force was effectively neutralized, now the Assyrian General concentrated his efforts on the main column approaching from the North. The General aware of the overwhelming numbers of the enemy knew that he must not allow this force to reach Urmia. Together with his two subordinates [Malik Khoshaba and Malik Ismail] decided to take the initiative and make the first strike. First however they must make certain of the exact position of the Turks. General Petros decided on a plan of action. He wrote to the Turkish General commanding the enemy column Khairi Beg, “We are not a kingdom or a government that you should fight against us. And why should we be compelled to defend ourselves when most of us by right belong to Turkey? An Assyrian who set out on horseback to find the Turkish general delivered this. The Turkish General replied “Deliver to us all your Arms, we will take Urmia, and we will protect you there”. Now the Assyrians new the exact location of the enemy, but they still needed to know how long it would take them to reach Urmia. To ascertain at what speed the enemy column was moving, the Assyrian general wrote a second letter “We are willing to surrender our Arms, but we do so on two conditions; first we desire a written assurance that you will annex the province of Azerbaijan to Turkey, and second, that you will give us food and provisions to last three months till we have returned to our homes and settled in our own lands” Khariri Beg replied “There is one condition only, all Christians must surrender unconditionally”.   Comparing the first position with the second the Assyrians new where the column would be at any given time and in witch direction and speed it was moving. A plan of attack was put into action, they knew the Turks were advancing through a valley parallel to the Barandooz River, which zigzags its way to Lake Urmia. They set up an ambush of mostly machine guns on the left and right slopes of the valley. They also sent a small force in front of the enemy to draw them deeper into the valley and towards the ambush, General Putros lead a small column and planted his troops around and at the rear of the enemy, the ambush was set. The Turks engaged the Assyrians to their front, the Assyrians slowly began to withdraw, unaware of the intentions of their foe the Turks continued their assault and allowed themselves to be drawn deeper into the valley, at a predetermined location the Assyrians in front suddenly stopped and returned fire, this was the signal for the machineguns on the slopes to commence their assault, a retreat was attempted by the Turks but was cut short by General Putros in the rear. The whole spectacle did not last more than several hours, by the end of the day the entire Turkish force was either captured or killed. The Turks had intentionally exaggerate their number by sending word to the Urmia Moslems that their strength was over 16000 knowing this news will reach the Assyrians. This somewhat helped in their demise, if they had combined their forces and attacked simultaneously from the north and south perhaps the results would have been different. As it were, the main column numbered only 6000, many of which surrendered including the commanding General Khairi Beg, they were taken prisoner by the Assyrians whose number did not exceed 1200.The Persians and the Kurds not knowing the outcome of the battle had grouped together in Askarabad Fort near the Persian border with the intention of attacking Assyrian villages. General Putros sent three companies under Malik Khoshaba to deal with the situation, they found the Fort heavily fortified, the Assyrians sent a message for the Moslems to surrender, they refused, unsuccessful efforts were also made by the Moslem civil population to the Fort authorities to induce the gunmen to surrender. The Assyrians were ordered to take the fort by force but consideration must be given to the civil population. The Assyrians commenced the attack with an Artillery piece against one of the main gates, also ladders were used to scale the high walls. Heavy fighting followed, the Assyrians taking care not to inflict casualties among the civilians had succeeded in disarming the gunmen but had suffered thirty casualties in the process.   THE BATTLE OF SALAMAS   New threats, a large number of Turkish troops were seen in the vicinity of Salamas. General Putros having made prior arrangements with the Armenian Army under General Andranik [pictured] had engaged the enemy with a frontal assault. The large Armenian population of Salamas was to hold their positions and assist the Assyrians until Andranek surrounded the Turks from the North. Things did not go to plan, Andranek was delayed having encountered a large Turkish column, this forced the Assyrians to brake up their forces into four columns to surround the Turks, two columns held the Turkish advance in check and one column made a successful attack on the enemies right flank and one column with Agha Putros commanding made their way to the rear of the enemy. The maneuver was successful, however astonishing news arrived from Salamas that the Armenian population had deserted their positions and were escaping to the Safety of Urmia. This left a wide gap in the lines and added worry to the Salamas Assyrian population who were now left unguarded, The General asked for reinforcements from Urmia to compensate for the loss, but instead of the desired reinforcements he received news that another large Turkish force was in the vicinity of Urmia.  Photo; Armenian General Andranik Agha Putros decided to break contact with the Turks at Salamas and make his way to Urmia, but not before the Salamas Christian population were safe, he ordered an evacuation of all christians. For three days his troops escorted the civilians to safety repelling all Turkish attacks. At Urmia the general was informed of the situation, the Turks had almost surrounded the City with field Artillery and battalions of infantry and the Assyrian forces were low on ammunition. Agha Putros exasperated asked where the British promise of help was. His men have not slept for three days, they have been in constant battle for six weeks yet no man complained, they carried their rifles and their meager amount of ammunition and went to battle. A miracle was needed, and it came in the name of Azaria Khan an Assyrian Colonel. The Turks and Assyrians were still exchanging Artillery fire when Colonel Azaria with five snipers and a two-man machinegun team ascended the hills surrounding Urmia, unobserved they positioned themselves behind the Turkish infantry battalions. The colonel waited until there was an exchange of small arms fire between the Turkish infantry and the Assyrians below, he then ordered the machinegun team and the snipers to open fire into the infantry, he was not expecting to cause much damage but it had the desired effect, the Turks were confused they had not expected an attack from the rear, not knowing the enemy strength behind them they had assumed the worst. The lines began to waver and began to withdraw, the Assyrians bellow were ready for this eventuality and took full advantage of it. They attacked and as a result the enemy was driven 40 miles to the rear. Agha Putros and his men were exhausted, that night they slept under the stars thirty miles from Urmia.   THE HEROES OF SHARAFKANEH   The ammunition left by the Russians was nearly exhausted and the British promise of supplies had not eventuated. Volunteers were called for a dangerous mission, the Russians had left a large quantity of supplies on the other side of Lake Urmia in a storehouse in the port of Sharafkaneh but the area was in enemy hands, desperate situations called for desperate actions, 160 men volunteered to cross the Lake as much as a ferry would hold. At the Lake a Russian ferry was moored and its captain also a Russian seemed eager to help, though it was not known at the time he was Bolshevik and he was to betray the plan to the enemy. The boat loaded with 160 men made its way towards the port unaware they were observed by the Turks on the other side. The men landed and made their way towards the storehouse when suddenly they found themselves surrounded by a large number of the enemy, they fought their way back to reach the boat but found it far from shore. The Assyrians were captured and their bodies mutilated, the fragments of their bodies were later gathered through the permission secured by the American Consul in Tabriz and were taken to that city and given a Christian burial.   The Turkish forces of Salamas have now regrouped and started their advance on Urmia. It was known to the Assyrians that in order to reach the city they must pass a natural fortification with Lake Urmia on one side and a promontory on the other, which would fall on the approaching Armies right flank and force them to march in close formation. A company of Assyrians was ordered to scale the promontory and a larger force was to remain on ground level, as the enemy entered the area they were forced to close ranks. The order to attack was given and the Assyrian ground troops engaged the enemy with a bayonet charge whilst the company on the promontory fired from fixed positions. Due to their forced close formations the effect on the enemy was devastating, the Kurdish element of the enemy force deserted their positions as soon as the hostilities began and the Turks were forced to retreat and were later regrouped and re-enforced, the Assyrians had no choice on many occasions such as this, they did not pursue the enemy for lack of ammunition allowing the Turks time to re-group.    THE TURKISH PRISONERS   The proposal of the Turkish prisoners. The Assyrians have been aware for some time of the change in attitude in the Turkish prisoners numbering 27 officers and 347 other ranks, contrary to what they have been told by their leaders that if captured [The Assyrian would place you on the fire then devour you]. They have witnessed the compassion in which they treated the Turkish wounded and the respect they have shown the Turkish officers and the generosity of providing ample food and comfort to their captives. They had developed a sincere sympathy for these Highlanders and It was at this time the Turkish officers held captives requested an audience with Agha Putros and his Generals. [My grand father Dadisho Giwargis of Khardalanus only 17 at the time still remembered this day many years later and often spoke of it].The ranking Turkish officer addressed the Assyrian high command; "You are absolutely the bravest people on the face of the earth, your courage is most unique and your valor incomparable, you are truly a Christian people. We have seen this in your conduct not only towards us but also toward all your enemies, you are lions in war and lambs in victory, unfortunately however you are a small nation, you cannot replace your slain and you cannot continue to fight millions of your foes. Turkey will eventually bring a mighty Army that will flood and overwhelm you, and you have no ammunition and no factories to manufacture the same. We are telling you this honestly, you have been deserted by your allies, were are the guns promised you? Where is the British Army? You have been left alone to fight the battle of your Allies. You have seen all this yourselves, come now make peace with Turkey. We know you feel you cannot rely upon her word, we know you feel you will be betrayed, but we will take up the cause for you, leave it to us and while we are still your captives we will negotiate those terms for you. We will arrange to secure for you the most satisfactory guarantees you need, nor do we want you to take the initiative in the matter by which you might give an impression of weakness on your part, we will take up the negotiations, we will suggest the proposition for the mutual benefit of both sides. It will pay you to make an alliance with the Turks, no matter what the final issues of the war may be you will not be called to take up Arms against your former friends, Russia is no longer active in this war and the British are remote, you will have no occasion to face them in hostilities. Look after and seek your own destiny, consider your own future and think of yourselves first and last. You just say the word and leave the matter to us, we have learnt to appreciate you and love you, we honestly desire you the best good".   The Turkish proposal was genuine. The Assyrians warmed by the proposal of their captives had spoken to them affectionately. "You have said that you have learnt to appreciate us and love us, for that we thank you, but now we ask you to understand us. We are an honorable people, we have given our word to the British and to the last man we will fight to honor that word even if we all perish, no man can then say the Assyrian was not a man of honor, no man can say the Assyrian deserted his Allies in time of need". The Assyrians decided to remain loyal and hold the front allotted to them at all costs. All Turkish prisoners were later released for their own safety.   THE RAF IN URMIA   8th June 1918, with their ammunition rapidly dwindling, the Assyrians dug-in and concentrated their forces on defense only. News of the Assyrian success had reached the British in Baghdad. General Dunsterville [Dunsterforce] desired to protect his left flank as much as possible. The most obvious means of doing that was to make contact with the Assyrians in Urmia. So it was on the 8th of June The Assyrian defenders spotted a plane circling the city thinking it was Turkish they fired at it but realised the ocupant was British on landing, RAF Captain Pennington made a daring flight from Miana and landed close to the city of Urmia, with cheers and embraces the Assyrians escorted him to General Headquarters. He delivered this letter and laid out a plan of campaign as directed by General Dunsterville. The Assyrians at this time were being attacked from two sides, the North and the South West, it was arranged that the northern front should be held firmly by the Urmia battalion whilst General Putros takes his battalion and attacks the Turks at Saujbulak to the southwest. He should then make contact with the British detachment at Sain Kala. A second letter was sent confirming alliance.  photo; General Dunsterville At first all went well the northern front held tight, in the southwest Putros's battalion defeated the Turks. After carefully mapping out his route and drafting his plans he decided that he would move south in three columns, each separated by some miles of rough country. It was then decided to attack during the night and force the enemy to fall back on his base and into the hands of his mounted force. The whole plan worked without a hitch, the column moving without mishap got into touch with the Turks and formed a line and in the dead of night the whole line moved forward to the accompaniment of intense rifle fire and shouts of victory, the Turks were confused at this unexpected attack at such an unexpected time, their stand was feeble and they were forced to retire in a disordered state to Suldaz only to find waiting for them the mounted Assyrian force in such positions that the Turks were completely annihilated. This action however delayed his battalion, on the 23rd the appointed date, the British detachment reached Sain Kala. This party which started from Bijar on July 19th was under captain Savige but was escorted by the Royal 14th Hussars under colonel Bridges. The party carried 45,600 pounds in Persian silver, twelve Lewis Guns, and 100,000 rounds of ammunition to supply the Assyrians. This detachment was ordered to halt 100 miles south of Urmia at Sain Kala as planed. At Sain Karla there was no word of the Assyrians, two days later still no word, Colonel Bridges complaining that his horses were running low on grain decided to withdraw. To Captain Savage's party, this decision caused intense disappointment and it's officer's mostly Anzacs [Australian and New Zealanders], volunteered to the last man to get through to lake Urmia and meet the Assyrians.   Savige [pictured] later wrote, "I thought we were not giving them a chance".   The proposal was not approved and they were ordered to withdraw, Col Bridges content with leaving the Assyrians to their fate. Captain Savige it seems was of a different caliber, he was determined to reach them. “We were prepared to do the job if need be on dry rice and water. This was considered to be impracticable and being soldiers we had to obey orders and leave next day with hearts full of disappointment. The idea of still being able to reach the Christians had not by any means left us”...Captain Savige    After several attempts he secured permission to halt his unit fifty miles to the rear at Takan Tepe with the intention of raising a local force and riding to Urmia. General Putros in the meantime arrived to meet the British detachment at Sain Kala only to find they had retired, knowing he could not return to Urmia empty handed he continued to Taken Tepe and arrived there on the 3rd of August.   “Of all the sights that one was privileged to see, these horsemen winding along the valley was one never to be forgotten. They came along in an orderly, soldierly fashion, split up into groups of about equal size to our own troop of cavalry. Ahead of each group rode the leader, and behind him, came his standard bearer, who carried a large red flag across which was worked a white cross, the flag of Agha Putros, the Commander in Chief, being the gaudiest of all. It was made of silk, fringed with gold with the usual white cross in the centre, over which was worked the Assyrian words, "Trust God and Follow the Cross!' The horsemen, on nearing the camp, swung off alternately to the right and left, and in a remarkably short space of time had picketed their horses and were preparing their evening meal...Captain Savige   The Assyrians at Urmia on the northern front were holding the Turks in check. Then an unfortunate and unexpected incident occurred!    Captain Savige explains; Dr. Shed, the American Missionary, had been left behind to conduct affairs in the absence of Agha Putros. He noticed that the Armenians were evacuating their line north of the city. When questioned as to the reason of their strange behavior, they stated they were simply moving from their camp to a more healthy position. This did not seem at all feasible to Dr. Shed, who told them that he thought they were lying and that their intentions were to desert the Assyrians. They assured him that this was not the case, and after his asking them if they contemplated such an act, to remain for at least four days, he rode back to the city, on their giving him their promises. They apparently waited till nightfall and then continued their march southwards, The Turks very soon received intelligence of the fact that the northern portion of the line, held by the Armenians, was unoccupied, and, together with the Kurds, moved down on the city. Small parties of Assyrians moved out to intercept them and delay their advance until the inhabitants had sufficient time to escape.   The Turks seizing this opportunity attacked in force and the front collapsed. The Assyrians began a retreat southwest towards the British lines, they retreated with all their families and livestock. The heat in late summer was unbearable, the procession had barely started when they were attacked from all sides with a combined force of Turks, Persians and Kurds.   General Agha Putros on his return from Sain Kala with Captain Savige and his party met the retreating Assyrians near Takan Tepe, “Oh my Lord, these are my people” he said. The once proud highland warriors reduced to a pathetic caravan of starving refugees. General Putros deployed his men to protect the procession. Captain Savige and his party with fifty Assyrians rode fifteen miles to the rear of the sad spectacle and remained there acting as rear guard until the remaining refugees reached Bijar.   [.There has been many dire retreats in military history, but this must take place as the most tragic...Lt Col R.S.Strafford].  photo; Assyrian refugees   The Assyrians lost over twenty five thousand men women and children on this march alone. Over 500 miles of hostile territory, many fell by the side of the road, too ill to continue, only to be slaughtered by the relentless Moslem Hordes. They died of hunger, murder and disease. The trail was marked with the dead, over seventy five thousand started on this trek to safety and fewer than forty thousand reached British lines at Hamadan. 6000 Assyrian men women and children who were living in the northern end of the City did not manage to join the caravan of refugees, they had taken shelter in the American and French missions The latter was run by a French Bishop. Of all the 6000 only 59 survived the hideous tortures by escaping. Mothers and their infants were not spared the horrendous abuse. The French bishop was also tortured and his body abused in a manner too foul to mention here.   Between 1915 and 1918 The Assyrians lost two thirds of their number to massacres, an estimated 500,000 souls. The remnant was then gradually transported to Baqubah near Baghdad and here began the recruitment of Assyrians in the British service. A regiment was formed and employed at this time in a mountain campaign near Amadia, commanded by Brigadier General H.H. Austin against their old enemy the Kurds. With the memory of the massacre on their minds and revenge in their hearts, their WAR CRY was heard throughout Kurdistan. After the campaign an Assyrian officer wrote, “Now you would not say that there ever had been a house there”. Their British commander reported very highly of them, both as campaigners and as fighting men declaring that they did fully as well as the Indian regular troops with whom they were brigaded. The legendary Ghurkas admitted that they found an equal in the Assyrian.   1921- Gradual enlistment into the Levies began.   After the war, the Assyrians were not returned to their homes. This, with the help of their Allies could have been easily achieved. The Armistice was signed. The Germans and the Turks were defeated, the Allies were victorious... Not so it seems, for the "SMALLEST ALLY". first contact