Rüsumat: The Final Voyages of a Strategic Vessel
The history of the Rüsumat is marked by daring maneuvers and strategic importance during a period of intense conflict. Tasked with transporting critical military hardware, the vessel's final missions highlight the ingenuity of its crew and the perils of navigating contested waters.
The Ninth Voyage: A Narrow Escape
On July 17, 1921, the Rüsumat embarked on its ninth voyage, transporting two British-made 88 mm guns and 354 ammunition boxes from Batumi. During this transit, the ship was spotted by two Greek warships, forcing the crew to seek immediate refuge.
The vessel managed to reach Ordu, a port that lacked formal harbor facilities at the time. In a coordinated effort, the citizens of Ordu assisted in unloading the artillery before the pursuing Greek ships could arrive. To ensure the safety of the cargo and deceive the enemy, Captain Mahmut (who later adopted the surname Gökbora) intentionally shipwrecked the Rüsumat and set fire to the vessel.
When the Greek torpedo boat Dafni arrived at Ordu, the sight of the burning ship led the pursuers to believe the vessel was destroyed, prompting their quick departure.
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Recovery and Ingenuity
Following the departure of the Greek forces, Captain Mahmut extinguished the fire and cleaned the ship. In a remarkable display of resourcefulness, he used hazelnut oil to activate the engines, allowing the ship to float and sail back to Batumi for necessary repairs.
The Tenth and Final Voyage
After completing repairs, the Rüsumat began its tenth and final mission on September 25, 1921. The vessel successfully reached the port of Samsun, completing the delivery of its cargo.
However, the return journey proved fatal. The ship was once again spotted by the Greek torpedo boat Dafni. This encounter ended in a violent engagement; the Rüsumat was shelled and hit 13 times. On October 14, 1921, the vessel sank off the coast of Eynesil in the Giresun Province.
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Key Facts
- Cargo: Two British-made 88 mm guns and 354 ammunition boxes.
- Key Figure: Captain Mahmut Gökbora.
- Adversary: The Greek torpedo boat Dafni.
- Resourcefulness: Used hazelnut oil to restart engines after a strategic fire.
- Final Fate: Sunk on October 14, 1921, after being hit 13 times.
| Voyage | Date | Key Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninth | July 17, 1921 | Pursuit by Greek warships at Ordu | Cargo saved; ship repaired using hazelnut oil |
| Tenth | Sept 25, 1921 | Delivery to Samsun and return trip | Sunk off Eynesil on Oct 14, 1921 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Rüsumat transporting during its ninth voyage?
The vessel was carrying two British-made 88 mm guns and 354 boxes of ammunition from Batumi.
How did Captain Mahmut Gökbora deceive the Greek warships?
He shipwrecked the vessel at Ordu and set it on fire, leading the Greek torpedo boat Dafni to believe the ship was destroyed.
What unusual substance was used to repair the ship's engines?
Captain Mahmut used hazelnut oil to activate the engines after the fire was extinguished and the ship was cleaned.
When and where did the Rüsumat finally sink?
The ship sank on October 14, 1921, off the coast of Eynesil in the Giresun Province after being hit 13 times by shelling from the Dafni.