'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎87v] (177/256)

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No. 221.
General X iron to War Office, dated 20///. Xovrmber 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
I have received from my own agents similar news regarding a large force under Y r on der
Goltz over a fortnight ago, but at present I do not accept their reports as conclusive for
various reasons. Please state the source of your information.
No. 222.
War Office to General Xixon, dated 22nd November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
The sources of our information are secret service in the Near East. We had made various
enquiries, and received corroborative evidence before sending you the information. As to
aircraft we have no information, but there is no doubt that the Germans are sending six
wireless stations for the expedition to Baghdad.
No. 223.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 22nd, November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Townshend after night march 21st-22nd November attacked enemy's position at
Ctesiphon on 22nd November. A severe fight lasted throughout the day. resulting in the
capture of the enemy’s position. Owing to failing light it has not been possible to complete
the fight. General Headquarters and Townshend s force bivouac night of 22nd-23rd November
in the captured position. Our casualties are heavy ; no details yet received. Enemy’s
casualties believed heavy. We have captured eight guns and some six hundred prisoners as
far as reported at present.
No. 224.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 2ord November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Dust storm blowing all the morning of the 23rd delayed reorganisation of Townshend’s
force. Enemy’s guns appear to have been drawn back quickly, but his second line of trenches,
echeloned two miles in rear of left flank of position captured yesterday, are still held by
infantry. Some cavalry and infantry detachments pushed forward by enemy to reconnoitre
have been driven in, but enemy’s guns on right bank still bar passage of our ships to
Ctesiphon. Left flank of Townshend’s force will to night, 23rd--24th, attack on river, 2| miles
south of Ctesiphon, in order to cover establishment of boat bridge and evacuation of wounded
by steamer. Casualties not yet fully reported, but expected to exceed 2,000. Two Martin-
sydes are missing with pilots, Major Reilly and Lieutenant Fulton. Enemy’s dead are very
numerous, and large quantities of arms and equipment have been captured. The eight guns
mentioned in my telegram of 22 nd were captured and re-captured three times, and had to be
abandoned by our troops at nightfall as they were not strong enough to maintain themselves
in the forward position to which they had penetrated. The enemy has removed his bridge
below Qu’saivah, and shows no offensive tendency at pi-esent.
No. 225.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 24//i November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Heavy Turkish counter-attacks have been repulsed during the nightj of the 23rd-24th.
Reduction of Pur effectives and want of water necessitate retirement towards La j j.
No. 226.
General Xixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 24/// November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
In continuation of my telegram of 24th November, the situation is as follows :—Owing to
depleted state of 6 th Division, and with a still superior force of the enemy in prepared trenches
in front of me, I cannot call upon the troops, who have fought magnificently, for a further
effort. I was on the point of asking for immediate reinforcements. I want more guns, as
enemy’s guns are becoming more in number than mine.
No. 227.
Chief of General Staff. India, to War Office, dated 24/// November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Nixon reports that the force opposed to our troops at Ctesiphon on 22nd November
consisted of 4 divisions with 38 guns.