The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-09-11
GREEK OFFENSIVE
SKATERS TURKS
Terrific TO- Day Fight in Asia Minor
May Rank as One of Worlds
Decisive Battles.

ESH -SHEFTR, Asia Minor. Sept.
i0.-The battle Of Eski-shehir probably
will remain an epic in modern Greek
history. It was here that the Hellenic
army crowned its smashing To-day Of
fensive against the Turks by van
gushing II divisions of Mustapha Ke-
NAL and scattering his legionnaires in
disorder toward Angora. Some regard
it as one of the most decisive battles in
all Of Greece's long line of struggles.
Seven Greek divisions shared in the
honor Of the victory. The Third army
corps, commanded by General George
Polymanakos, covered itself with espe-
cial distinction. The same army corps
was the first to occupy Kemal's other
great stronghold Kutahia.
The Turks had sought to lay a trap
for the Greeks. They retired from Es-
ki-shehir on the afternoon of July 10,
and took up positions in the hills just
outside the town. It was their inten-
ton to return to the city in a few days
when the Greek forces should be well
within the town.
At noon on July 81, believing that
most of the Greek troops would be
caught unaware within the city, Ke-
NAL, with all his available troops,
launched a spirited attack from point
eight kilometers to the north of the
town.
The Turks descended from the crest
Of the long range of hills which encir-
Gle Eski -Shehir like wolves bearing
down upon a sheepfold. Eski-Shehir
was too great a prize to be given up
fChfl ynf n.1xy so 4I,a 4rxu 1YV trfu
fortified, but it is an important rail-
road head and links Constantinople
with Angora. The town lay peacefully
upon the broad wheat covered plain,
the surrounding mountains combining
TO form vast amphitheatre around It's
environs. It was perfect setting for a
battle The weather was ideal Within .
the city the population was preparing
quietly for luncheon, with no thought
that a struggle was about to ensue.
Only the hum Of Greek airplanes over
head disturbed the repose of the
lethargic Turkish town.
The Greeks had taken up positions
on the outskirts of the city. They,
themselves had planned an offensive
that afternoon. So the Turks found
their adversaries more than prepared.
Long lines OF Kemalist troops could
be seen crawling down frofa the sum-
mits of the mountains in serpentine
fashion. The Greeks hprried to their
positions and awaited the order to fire.
The Greeks steeled themselves for the
onslaught.
The Turkish guns soon were roar
ing out fierce yolley. Their aim was
accurate and deadly. Scores of Greeks
could be seen falling. BY degrees the
Kemalists advanced until they were
within five kilometers of the city.
Their artillery fire was especially ef-
Elective. The Greek troops then got into
action and answered the murderous
, cannon and rifle fire that met them.
Their work was described by neutral
military observers as superb.
In spite OF the sustained rifle and
machine gun fire Of the Greek infan-
try, however, the Turks were getting
nearer and nearer to the city. Their
shells were breaking within the streets.
The poulation became panic stricken.
Some fled in terror to the cellars of
their horaes. Groups of them sur
rounded the Associated Press CORE
spondent and sought some word of
encoura cement from him. Would the
Turks retake the city," That was the
question that worried them. For a
time the situation looked dark.
But the Greek reserve divisions had
not been heard from. They had been
cleverly deployed around the city at
the most advantageous and strategical
points. They were hurriedly brought
up to the first lines. where their rifles
and machine guns did deadly work.
The Turks, then within three kilome-
tiers of the city, fell back.
Are they coming back?" the dis
tressed Christian population kept re-
peating. Only the Greek troops could
answer.
Three Greek divisions of infantry
were now pouring O merciless stream
of fire into the Turkish ranks. They
soon were joined by the cavalry.
Slowly the Kemalists began to yield
their ground. BY this time they were
outnumbered two to one by the Greeks
and the odds were becoming greater.
Mortals could not stand such relent-
less barrage of bullets Renal put up
8 brave and determined fight. but it