By the middle of March, a column of 500 nationalist troops was organized and sent to recapture Biga and the surrounding area.[9] Anzavur led the defense against these troops. Those who followed him, largely Circassians and Pomaks, were mostly armed with sticks and axes.[9] After this defeat, Nationalist officers and soldiers began to desert their posts. Anzavur used this victory to recruit more fighters from the Gönen area.[9] On April 4, troops led by Anzavur and Gavur Imam entered Gönen executing and pillaging with little resistance.