The mistakes of July 31 had been again repeated.

The number of assailants was too small for an attack on so great an extent of fortified positions defended with quick-firing rifles.

Had the Russians, while making feints at other points to hold the Turks there, concentrated their efforts either on the two Grivitza redoubts, or on those about the Kavanlik work, they would almost certainly have succeeded.

As it was, they hurled troops in close order against lines, the strength of which was not well known; and none of their commanders but Skobeleff employed tactics that made the most of their forces[149].

The depression at the Russian headquarters was now extreme[150].