'Report by Brigadier W. S. Delamain, C.B., D.S.O., on the operations of the Indian Expeditionary Force "D" up to 14th November 1914' [‎2v] (4/8)

2
6. While the troops who had landed were being re-embarked on the 7th
November, the General Officer Commanding with remaining transports proceeded
up the river till within sight of the Oil Refinery on Abadan Island. On
the 8th November the river was reconnoitred for a suitable landing place.
A firm high bank with deep water close up to it was found at Saniyeh ; the
transports were called up and troops began to disembark. The disembarka
tion continued during 9th and 10th November being practically complete by
evening of latter date.
7. It was proposed to advance from this camp and attack the Turks at
Shamshumiya by land, but the reported advance of Turkish troops from
Basrah and the necessity of safeguarding the Oil Works combined with the
absence of news from India* regarding the
*Tour telegram dated loth November inform- arrival of reinforcements decided me to
ing me on this point was received by post on loth Saniyeh. With the intention
November after the arrival of Sir A. Barrett. i £ j ^ 4-
of an early forward movement, as little
baggage and supplies as possible were landed at this camp. Reconnaissances
bo3i up and down stream on the 9th and 10th failed to discover any enemy.
8. On the evening of the 10th reliable news was received from the Sheikh
of Mohammerah that Sami Bey with a strong combined force of Turks and
Arabs had arrived from Basrah at a point opposite Mohammerah with the
intention of attacking our camp. At 3 a.m . on the 11th the Sheikh reported
that Sami Bey had started to make the attack. Troops were turned out and
outposts strengthened. The Turkish force, of whom over 300 were actually
seen, delivered a determined attack at 5-30 a.m . on an advanced post held by
one double company 117th Mahrattas with 2 machine guns.^ They advanced to
within 50 yards of the post but were driven off by a dashing counter-attack
delivered by the 20th Duke of Cambridge's Own Infantry, with the assistance
of the 23rd Peshawar Mountain Battery. The enemy lost heavily in their
retirement across the desert, 19 dead were counted, 14 wounded were brought
in by us and 6 prisoners were taken. Abandoned rifles and equipment were
found. The Turks officially acknowledged a loss of 80 men.
9. The defences of the camp were further strengthened and daily recon
naissances made. On the 14th November, Lieutenant-General Sir A. Barrett
with the 18th Brigade and Divisional Troops arrived at this camp.
10. I would invite attention to the difficulties of communication in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. during the period covered by this report. Constant thunderstorms
interrupted the wireless system. -The installation on R. 1. M. S. " DalhousiCj" is
apparently of poor quality and the operators not very experienced. This ship
had to be stationed at Bushire to connect with the cable there. The wireless
station at Jask was frequently.in communication with H. M. S. " Ocean " in the
sense that the station would answer the call of the warship but it would not
take in any message for transmission. No night watch is kept at Jask.
11. Several points to which I would earnestly invite attention are men
tioned in the "Notes" made at intervals in the "War Diary" which is
forwarded by the same mail as this report.
12. I would mention that the stay of the Porce at Bahrain was of
advantage as it enabled me to have British and Indian Corps instructed in
rowing and handling of boats and to rehearse the operation of a landing in
force.
13. All ranks have performed their duties in a most ^zealous and credit
able manner.
14. I would bring to notice the great assistance given me by the following
officers in planning and carrying out the operations for the occupation of Pao
and the landing at this camp :—
Captain Hayes-Sadler, R.N., Senior Naval Officer, H. M. S. Ocean".
Commander Hamilton, Royal Indian Marine, Principal Marine Trans
port Officer.