Hejaz Expeditionary Force

The Hejaz Expeditionary Force (Turkish: Hicaz Kuvve-i Seferiyesi) of the Ottoman Empire was one of the expeditionary forces of the military of the Ottoman Empire. Its commander had the authority of an army commander. It was formed during World War I for the defense of Medina (located in the region known as the Hejaz).

Hejaz Expeditionary Force Hicaz Kuvve-i Seferiyesi
Ottoman camel riders of the 1st Hecinsüvar Regiment, which took part in First Suez Offensive before the establishing of the Hejaz Expeditionary Force
Active	1916 – 9 January 1919[1]
Country	Ottoman Empire
Branch	Ottoman Army
Type	Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQ	Medina
Patron	Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
Engagements	Arab Revolt (World War I) Siege of Medina
Commanders
Notable commanders	Ferik Fakhri Pasha

Fahreddin Pasha was appointed to the commander of the Hejaz Expeditionary Force on 17 July 1916.[2] The principal unit of this force, the Medina garrison itself. And the Hejaz Expeditionary Force consisted of 14,000 men by the fall of 1916.[3]

Order of battle

In 1916, the Hejaz Expeditionary Force was structured as follows:[4]

• Hejaz Expeditionary Force HQ (Medina, Commander: Ferik Fahreddin Pasha)
  • 1st Camel Regiment (1 nci Hecinsüvar Alayı)
  • 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (1 nci Akıncı Alayı)
  • Field artillery batteries x 3
  • Signal companies x 2
  • Medical and logistical support elements

Sources

1. David Murphy, (Illustrated by Peter Dennis), The Arab Revolt 1916-18: Lawrence Sets Arabia Ablaze, Osprey Publishing, 2008, p. 81.
2. İhsanoğlu, Ekmeleddin (2004). History of military art and science literature during the Ottoman period. İslam Tarih, Sanat ve Kültür Araştırma Merkezi (IRCICA). p. 611. ISBN 978-92-9063-133-0.
3. Tucker, Spencer; Roberts, Priscilla Mary (2005). World War I: Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 773. ISBN 978-1-85109-420-2.
4. David Murphy, (Illustrated by Peter Dennis), The Arab Revolt 1916-18: Lawrence Sets Arabia Ablaze, Osprey Publishing, 2008, p. 27.