Under the Red Crescent

Under the Red Crescent offers a compelling and historically significant first-hand account of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) from the unique perspective of a young Australian surgeon serving within the Ottoman ranks. Written by Charles S. Ryan in collaboration with John Sandes, the narrative captures the brutal reality of the legendary Siege of Plevna and the defense of Erzeroum. Published twenty years after the events, the book bridges the gap between raw battlefield experience and reflective military history, providing a "plain, straightforward account" of some of the last great battles fought in 19th-century Europe.

The work is particularly notable for its portrayal of the high-level access Ryan enjoyed due to his close ties with the Ottoman military elite. Through his friendship with Prince Czetwertinski and the personal confidence of Osman Pasha, Ryan was granted an unusual degree of autonomy on the battlefield. This allowed him to document not only the medical challenges of the era but also the tactical maneuvers and the extraordinary "military virtues" of the Ottoman troops. At a time when the "Eastern Question" once again threatens the regional balance, this open-access edition serves as an essential primary source for understanding Ottoman resilience, the horrors of late-19th-century warfare, and the personal bonds formed amidst the smoke of the redoubts.