‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎22r] (48/246)

Addressed Chief, London, repeated General, Basrah.
Record copy to G. S. (M. 0. 1).
Copy to M. S. C, M. S. V., Q. M. G., Railway Board.
Telegram P. } No. 129-435-0., dated ISth May 1916. APPENDIX 265
(Despatched 11 p.m , received 3 p.m., 19th May 1916.) (Dy. No. MS43)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Fc're “ D,” Nasiriyah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
Situation Tigris and Euphrates Line on May 18th is quiet
I leave here for Basrah to-morrow 19th.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 3).
Copy to M. S. C, M. S. V., G. S. (M. O. 1, M. 0. 2).
Telegram P., No. 54868, dated 19th May 1916. APPENDIX 266
(Despatched 7-15 p.m.) {Dy. No. 54868)
From—The Commander-in-Chief in India,
To—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London.
Reference my telegram 38316 of 11th February.
The urgent demands of Force “ D ” for the replacement of 32 worn guns
have had to he partly met by diverting to Force “ D ” 18 of the 48 guns so far
received tow r ards the rearmament of the Territorial batteries. The other 30 guns
are required for immediate issue, or have been issued, to Territorial batteries;
until you supply me with more complete guns I cannot meet fully the
demands of Force “D,”or proceed with the rearmament of Territorial bat
teries.
Reference telegram 13337-Cipher-A.-2, February 15th (Dy. No. 89025)
from Secretary, War Office. Can you expedite supply of balance of equipment
referred to therein to Bombay please, especially as regards guns complete, and
can you arrange to supply to Bombay, in replacement of those which have
been or will be issued to Force “ D,” 32 additional complete guns. I propose
to send to Deputy Director of Ordnance Supply, Woolwich, for repair those
guns which cannot be dealt with within a reasonable time in India, as India
has very limited facilities for repairing worn guns.
Are you in agreement with this please ?
Record copy to D. G. 0.
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. 0. 1, M. 0. 2).
Telegram P., No. 54869, dated 19th May 1916. APPENDIX 267
(Despatched 7-15 p. m.) [Dy. No. 54869)
From—The Chief of the General Staff,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah.
Your 3262-Ord. of 15th May (Dy. No. 54446), We will ship at once 15
of the 20 guns demanded. War Office has been asked to expedite further
supplies and immediately on receipt of these the balance of 5 will be despatch
ed. Demands previously made by you have been shipped or are in course of
shipment. All replaced guns are to be returned immediately.
Record copy to D. G. 0.
Copy to M. S. G, M. S. V., G. S. (M. O. 1, M> 0. 2).