'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎86v] (175/256)

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No. 206.
Secretary of Stair for India to Viceroy, dated 23rd October 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Nixon may march on Baghdad if he is satisfied fliat force he has available is sufficient for
the operation. Reinforcements will take time owing to relief and transport arrangements,
but two Divisions will be sent as soon as possible. I will telegraph probable date later.
No. 207.
Chief of General Staff, India, to War Office, dated 25th October 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of 22nd October. We have to be prepared to meet the Turks in superior
numbers, and this being the case. Baghdad, the best position at which to meet them, should
be immediately occupied, and a reinforcement of two Divisions should reach the Tigris within
two months. Baghdad in Turkish hands becomes the base for Turkish operations by both
the Tigris and Euphrates lines, and for the coei’cion of Persia; whilst politically the failure
to seize what appears to be within our grasp would be interpreted throughout Asia, Persia,
Afghanistan, and the East as weakness.
No. 208.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 28th October 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. Townshend by night march 27th-28th surprised detathment of 400 camel
corps, 1,000 horse, two quick-firing guns, four machine guns and one battalion at El Kutunie
early morning of 28th. Enemy finding themselves outflanked retired rapidly in disorder, but
carried off their two quick-firing guns on mules. Our rear-guard burnt enemy’s camp and
blew up fort. As far as known, our casualties, nil. Cavalry report as to enemy’s casualties
not yet received.
No. 209.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 1st November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. One brigade from Townshend’s force went out 1st November and destroyed
two Arab encampments near Fraser's post, where tribesmen have been molesting our shipping
between Kut and Aziziyah. Brigade returned after carrying out this operation.
No. 210.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 6th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. Our cavalry and horse artillery from Aziziyah were sent on 6 th November to
disperse Arab horsemen 40C strong whose object tvas to raid our shipping on right bank of
Tigris seven miles south of Fraser’s post. Enemy was driven off with loss of five killed and
several riderless horses. Our casualties, one horse wounded.
No. 211.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated \3th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. General headquarters arrived at Aziziyah, 13th November. Elkutunie was
occupied without opposition 11th November by Cavalry Brigade and 18th Infantry Brigade.
Reconnaissance towards Zeur was made 13th November by above force.
No. 212.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated \6th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. General headquarters reached Elkutunie, 15th November, at which place the
Cavalry Brigade, 6 th Division (less 17th Brigade and Heavy Artillery) are now concentrated.
Four floating mines were detected and destroyed on 15th in the neighbourhood of Elkutunie.
No. 213.
IFar Office to General Nixon, dated \6th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Reliable and authentic information has been received that a Turkish expedition is on its
way to Baghdad.