Author(s): Figen ATABEY
In this study, Samsun Naval Detachment Command that had great importance as first naval unit in the Blacksea coasts and its activities in the National Struggle Period will be given. The Black Sea was the sole source of supply of the Turkish army fighting against Greeks in the Western Front during the National Struggle Period. During the National Struggle, along with Samsun, Trabzon and ?nebolu, undertook important duties as the entrance and exit centers of all kinds of assistance sent from Istanbul and Soviet Russia to Anatolia. In order to maintain the naval affairs, the first unit established by the Turkish Grand National Assembly after Directorate of Naval Affairs was the Samsun Naval Detachment Command. Forming on 21th July 1920 by the order of Directorate of Naval Affairs, Samsun Naval Detachment Command was tasked to defend the storage of weapons and material warehouses; to fight against PontusGreek gangs in the city and in the countryside; It was also established in order to provide education to all the sea organizations and ships that are being established in Anatolia. The Samsun Naval Detachment which was also a great asset as a combat force, provided training for 1026 soldier between August 1920 and October 1922, and sent it to the ships/units it would serve. The command personnel have achieved great success in the struggle against the Greek gangs operating in the sea and the land. On June 7, 1922, during the bombardment of Samsun by the Greek fleet, this command achieved to take the necessary defense measures to prevent the Greek troops from taking offshore. In this study, the activities of the mentioned command and its contribution to the National Struggle is going to be revealed by using the archival documents as well as the sources and memoirs related to the subject.
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