"مذكرات الحرب. مقر قيادة الجيش، الهند. [...] قوة المشاة الهندية «د». المجلد ٣٢. الجزء II. (من ١٦ إلى ٣١ مارس ١٩١٧)." [و‎‎٦‎٦] (٢٩٤/١٣٦)

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to this line were intercepted in transit and Egypt has them. Please make
arrangements for their transfer here and ask if Egypt could let us have
about 30 trucks. We have already found a fair quantity of spare parts and
though these locomotives are very heavy we could manage to erect them all
right. In addition to the stock from Egypt, Director of Railways is finding
out from India what they could do in the way of conversion of 5^ feet or metre
gauge stock.
Working copy to M. B.
Copy to M. S. C., Q. M, G., G. S. (M. O. 1, M. 0. 8),
Word Code telegram No. 26446-M. R.-3-5181, dated 23rd March 1917. APPENDIX 299
(Despatched 4-5 p.m,, 23rd March 1917; received 11-45 a.m., 24th March (Dy. A 0 . 19691)
1917.)
From—The Secretary, War Office, London,
To—The Commander-in-Chief in India.
Your 17411 of March 14th and your J.-8726 (Dy. No. 18726 P) of March
20th.
Number of crafts that have been despatched lately and now going
forwarded from India very gratifying and reflects credit on all concerned but
it is of utmost importance that number of barges in Mesopotamia should be
increased with least possible delay. Therefore do all possible to expedite
construction and reconstruction of such craft, and if you have not yet placed
orders for remaining 21 do so as early as possible.
Working copy to M. B.
Copy to M. S. 0., A. D. (Marine), Q. M. G„ G. S. (M. 0, 1).
Telegram P., No. I. A.-3074, dated 23rd March 1917. APPENDIX SO©
(Despatched 11-40 p.m., 23rd March 1917 ; received 9-30 a.m., 24th [Du No 19699)
March 1917.) W ' * '
From—The General Officer Commanding, Egypt,
To—-The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D, ,, Basrah.
(Repeated Director, Military Intelligence, London, Commander-in-Chief, India.)
From information absolutely reliable source states
On the evening of 22nd instant (?) Samarra reported to (?) Kasr-i-
Sbirin.
“1. The fighting forces of the (group missing) 2nd Division have
crossed on the steamer “Baghdad.” The various portions of the Army
Corps are continuing to cross.
“ 2. One Begiment of the 51st Division with one battery is on the
right bank at the Beled post and on the ship (? Mustansar). A squadron
of cavalry on left bank is on Ludhain river and at 10 a.m. vanguard of 52nd
Division is on the way from Kadisia and main force from environs of
Samaria. The division will (? Edhaim) to-morrow.
“ 3. A regiment 52nd Division instructed to remain on this bank
with the artillery. With this situation in view, it will not support (?) the
order transfer of the other (?) regiment to left bank. As Menzil
(? transmission) are still at Samarra I consider it (? dangerous) to leave
less than 2 regiments on right bank. As its food and ammunition are
dependent on Samarra it is doubtful whether supply of left bank could be
insured as far as Edhaim river. The Hit-Samarrah road has been opened—the
first caravan has already come (? with) 950 unallotted troops.
“ 4. Not only will supply depdts be closed down if Samarrah is lost,
but also troops which have crossed to left bank will have to go back in
the (? Salah) I. A. direction (amendment) of the order is left to Your
Highness,”
Note .—All queries and brackets, except the word “ sup port 5 * in
paragraph 3 are as received in the original telegram.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 3).
Copy to M. S. C, G. S, (M. O.l).