'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎110v] (223/256)

k
Nixon's demand implies intention on Ids part of important offensive movement. I
presume lie clearly understands that Government will not sanction at this moment any
advance beyond present theatre of operations. \\ e must confine ourselves during 1 summer to
defence of Basra Vilayet and Oil interests in Arahistan. If after smashing enemy in Karun
direction it is possible to advance to Amara with view to establishing an outpost which will
control tribesmen between there and Karun and so contribute to security of pipe line, I
should be prepared to accept such a proposal provided it is supported by you. but 1 deprecate
any plan involving undue extension and possible demands for reinforcements. Strategical^
our present position is a sound one, and at present we cannot afford to take risks by unduly
extending it. We must play a safe game in Mesopotamia.
6) *2 '
No. Itf.
(ifn^i'nI A/.coa t<> Secretary of Stnir for ludui, dated 'I^/h Ajiril l!Mo.
(Telegraphic.)
Gorringe’s force marched •> p.m. dStli from Sabeh on point on Karun rigid bank opposite
Karsiat.
No. 12 f
(Jeueral Ni.von to Secretary of Stah' for Lidia, dated ’lAth .l/</-/7 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
From camp opposite Farsiat on Karun Gorringe reports at 12.MO p.m., 29t!i :
“My whole force has arrived here less Lean's Brigade, which is still at Ahwaz. General
Lean met me here last night. Am moving forward to near Braikeh to-dav and reconnoitring
Shaltagh and old bed of the Kharkeh for bivouac and depot within st riking distance of tin'
enemy. Leans brigade at Ahwaz, less 4th Rajputs, is ready to join me, and bridging train is
being prepared at Ahwaz. Latest reports are to the effect that Turks have not moved from
Ilia, and Kharkeh river is in flood, and is .'100 yards broad down stream of Kut Nahr Ilashim,
but this is based on Arab information. 1 am arranging to get accurate' information on this
point by reconnaissance.”
No. 12
(ieurral Xt'.von to Secretary of State for Lidia, dated Is/ May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Gorringe reports at 10.15 p.m., 29th, from vicinity of Braikeh :
“ Cavalry reconnaissance at about noon to-day came across Arab camp near Imam Zada
Ab Ibn Husain. Sheikh of these Arabs professed himself friendlv and gave information re
position of Turks. Major Anderson, 33rd Cavalry, with two squadrons one 33rd, one 7th
was conducting reconnaissance and taking full military precautions. After watering and
feeding horses where pointed out by Sheikh he was attacked by considerable numbers of
Arabs, and I regret to report following casualties: 33rd Cavalry : Major Anderson. Second
Lieutenant Le Mesurier, Indian Army Reserve, and five Indian ranks all missing, two Indian
ranks wounded; 7th Lancers: Lieutenant Baily. 2t>th Cavalry attached, and three Indian
ranks, missing; four Indian ranks wounded. The reconnaissance then came under the
command of Lieutenant Forbes, attached 7th Lancers, and extricated themselves from
difficult position in creditable manner and retired on this camp, inflicting considerable loss on
Arabs. Meanwhile support was sent out to them by General Officer Commanding Cavalry
Brigade. Another of the officers of the patrol located considerable numbers of hostile Arabs
in vicinity of Bamit Ramil AY el Is, south-west of Imam, and was followed and fired on for
three miles.”
Further report from Gorringe at 4.30 p.m., 30th :
“ 12th Division, less Ahwaz garrison, is assembled ai camp on bend two miles north of
Braikeh. Arrangements for establishment of advanced depot near Shaltagh are proo-rossnm.
General Melliss, with Cavalry Brigade, 30th Infantry Brigade. 63rd Battery and one double
company 48th Pioneers, will proceed early to-morrow morning to neighbourhood of Shaltagh.
Political report is that Arabs who attacked cavalry patrol south-west of Imam have
•dispersed.”
A
A.
No. IS*
(General JSixon to Secretary of State for India, dated'lad May 1915.
'(Telegraphic.)
Reports received 1st May from Gorringe show that Anderson, 33rd Cavalrv, with one
squadron 7th Lancers and one squadron 33rd Ca valry reached old bed Kharkeh near Imanzada
Ali Ibn Husain on 29th April about noon. 150 Arabs seen whose Sheikh expressed friendliness
and pointed out water. Cavalry watered in detachments with military precautions. More
Arabs began to collect and draw in, and Anderson sent for Sheikh and ordered main bodv to
mount and retire and remained himself to speak to Sheikh who came up and excited!v said
troops must go. Lieutenant Forbes, Indian Army Reserve of Officers, attached 7th Lancers,
was despatched to join main body, and Lieutenant Bailward, 26th Cavalry, to recall flank
patrols and Le Mesurier, Indian Army Reserve of Officers, apparently to "recall advanced
guard. Main body was soon fired on from flanks and increased its pact'.' Anderson, Bailward