SERIF ALI ARSLAN - Can-MalliVillage

I was born in 1893. I am eighty-five years old. I did my military service for eight years. When I returned from the Balkans, the government introduced mobilisation. I was sent to Canakkale. I was wounded but it was not serious. After the Canakkale front, I went to Rumania. I was wounded there and I have stayed in hospital for three months.

I have recruited to the National Forces against the Greek occupied our country. I had my military service done in Istanbul, Academy of War.
We have fought against the Bulgarians in Catalca. We have stayed there for nine months. I was a infantry private in 7th Division, 21st Regiment, 1st Battalion, 1st Squadron, 1st Squad. We chased the Bulgarians through Kirklareli. They opened fire and I have lost my four friends there. I stayed in Bulgarian frontier for three months, then I took my discharge papers and returned home.
I was in my village, when I have heard the mobilisation. It was Ramadan, and very hot. It was a Friday. The harvest time was very near; we were working in the field. Chief of the village came and told you have recruited to Kepez, 9th Division, 25th Regiment, set out quickly, otherwise I will get in trouble.
At first, the enemy landed on Kumkale with marines. In Kumkale, there was 64th Battalion. We were in Geyikli. We have received a telephone, saying, �come, quick.� We immediately moved to Kumkale, but when we have arrived, we saw that 64th Battalion has already defeated the enemy. Until the morning, we have combated with the ones remained in the village. Later, we have returned to Geyikli, then we have been sent to Uvecik, where we positioned on the shore.
The enemy came from the Imbros (island) with 32 battleships and torpedoes. Their brass bands were playing marches. The French battleships were in front, the British were following them. Our forts began to fire but, they could not reach the ships, they were only fuming. At last, one of our gunners has reached one of the ships.