Battle of Bulair
Bulair, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey
What happened
The Ottomans planned to attack the Bulgarians from behind on the Gallipoli Peninsula to help their besieged city of Edirne. The long preparation gave the Bulgarians time to build defences and bring up more troops. When the Ottomans advanced on 8 February, heavy fog limited their artillery, and Bulgarian counterattacks drove them back.
Why it matters
The Ottoman 27th Division could no longer attack, so the Ottoman army could not launch another large effort to relieve Edirne. Both sides then dug in along new lines.
What came next
Mustafa Kemal organised an orderly retreat to positions about half a kilometre south, and no further attacks followed.
Did you know?
Mustafa Kemal, later known as Atatürk, had argued against Enver's plan and suggested a night raid instead.
Timeline
- 17 Oct 1912The First Balkan War begins.
- 28 Oct–2 Nov 1912Battle of Lule Burgas.
- 8 Feb 1913Battle of Bulair.
- 30 May 1913Treaty of London.