Description:
<p>Abstract:Aim: Sakarya Pitched Battle is among turning points of Turkish National Struggle. Greekadvance was halted and ground was prepared for Turkish forward operation. The Battle hasbeen discussed in terms of military, political and human health, and many publications havebeen made on these topics. In this study, it is aimed to examine veterinary services, which is adifferent aspect of the battle.Method: Publications on subject were read, official publications were scanned and archivedocuments were examined.Results: Measures Taken Before the Battle: In addition to existing veterinary organizations,new animal hospitals and warehouses were established in Aksehir and Dinar. A newhorseshoe and toe-calk workshop in Polatli. Necessary preparations have been completed inAnkara Central Warehouse for supply of medicine.Veterinary Services in August 1921: Due to constant movement of troops, animals were tiredand could not be fed well. During battle, mobile animal hospitals were established indivisions, Ankara Range Inspectorate take command to Salmanli Farm-600 CapacitySeriously Injured Animal Front Hospital, and animal infirmary was opened in Chiefveterinarian near Maliköy Station. At end of August, 300 casualties occurred in the animalforce, consisting of 25.678 heads of various animals. This number corresponds to 4.5% of thenumber of sick and injured animals.Veterinary Services in September 1921: Number of weak and injured animals increased inbattle, which took place in form of a fierce fight and a struggle for existence for Turks.However, no contagious disease was seen in military animals, except for civil people'sanimals. As a result of the measures taken, animal force reached 37.369 heads of variousanimals. 45% of 7.089 animals under treatment recovered and 883 animals were lost.Conclusion: In Turkish National Struggle, animals were effective both in feeding and supplyactivities of army and in advancement of cavalry units like a thunderbolt. Not only healthcaresupport provided to army but also veterinary services provided to animals has been extremelyeffective in achieving victory. As a result, it is considered appropriate to increase number ofpublications describing role of animals in achieving victory and veterinary services providedto these animals.Keywords: Turkish national struggle, Sakarya Pitched Battle, veterinary services<br></p>