Logistics inspectorate system in IV.Ottoman Army at World War I

Before World War I, an alliance agreement—a partnership in destiny so to say—was signed between Ottoman Empire and Germany respectively to eliminate the threats to her existence and to realize her world politics. For Germany to reach her objectives, England's deployment of troops to European Front had to be prevented by closing the Suez Canal; however there was no action of the Ottoman Army planned for the area in the operation plans made in 1914 by the Ottoman General Staff. Following the declaration of mobilisation, an operation was planned for the Suez Canal under the command of Cemal Pasha, Minister of Navy and Commander of 4th Army located in Syria and Palestine-Sinai area, just with political reasons without taking tactical, operative and strategic factors into account. In February 1915 and August 1916, 4th Army assulted the Canal area but failed to take the control of the Canal. Starting from 1917, gradual retreats began against the British troops, and reached the borders of National Pact (Oath) in the southhern front by October 1918. A 4th Army Logistics Inspectorate was established under Logistics General Inspectorate to ensure proper execution of the logistical operations of 4th Army located in the southern front during World War I. This establishment tried to deliver the human resources needed and all kinds of supplies that increase the combat power to the trenches in the desired time, quantity and quality; likewise it also delivered back home the sick/ wounded personnel or animal that could slown down the tempo of the operation, and broken or recyclable munitions such as empty cartridges. Organisation, cadre, duties and logistical operations of 4th Army Logistics Inspectorate and Logistics General Inspectorate were studied in detail in this thesis. Furthermore, a comparison of logistical operations of Logistics Inspectorates during World War I and of Army today was made.