Battle of Gorni Dubnik

Battle of Gorni Dubnik
Part of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)
Date 24 October, 1877 Location near Pleven, Bulgaria Result Russian victory
Belligerents
Russian Empire	Ottoman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Joseph Gourko	Achmet Hefzi Pasha
Strength
8,000	3,750-4,000
Casualties and losses
3,300	1,500 killed & wounded 2,250 prisoners

In an effort to reduce the fortress of Pleven quicker, Russian forces began targeting garrisons along the Turkish supply and communications route. A significant garrison had been reduced at the Battle of Lovcha in September. General Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko was called up from the Shipka Pass area to deal with more of the garrisons protecting Pleven.

On October 24 Gourko attacked the fortress of Gorni-Dubnik. The Russian attack met heavy resistance but two other Russian columns were able to easily push back the Turkish lines. The Finnish Guard sharpshooter battalion participated on the battle and stormed the fortress walls. Gourko continued the attacks and the garrison commander Achmet Hefzi Pasha surrendered. Within the month several more Turkish garrisons were to fall including Orchanie. By October 24 the Russian army had completely surrounded Pleven which capitulated December 10.

The battle is commemorated in the Finnish Guard Regiment March. October 24 is the honorary day of the descendant of the Finnish Guard sharpshooter battalion, the Finnish Guard Jaeger Regiment.

See also

• Battles of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)

Sources

• http://www.russianwarrior.com/STMMain.htm?1877_militaryhist.htm&1
• Compton's Home Library: Battles of the World CD-ROM