Part 4/12:
The Fall of Baku and the Battle for Control
Despite efforts, Bicherakov's attempt to secure the Kura Bridge was thwarted when Bolshevik Red forces abandoned their positions without firing a shot. Bicherakov retreated to Derbend, a decision that proved costly; had he waited a few days, British forces under Dunsterforce could have potentially saved Baku from falling into enemy hands.
As Baku fell on July 26, 1918, the Bolsheviks established a new government—the Centro-Caspian dictatorship—and requested help from Dunsterforce. The British quickly responded by establishing control over key ships in Enzeli and Baku, including the large transport vessel President Kruger, which was used as headquarters.