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

Content

The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 May 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, tables, and memoranda.

A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3252. The volume concerns:

• Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military Operations
• Considerations of supplies needed, including food and clothing for winter 1916
• Reports of future arrivals of German and Austrian troops
• The movement of Turkish [Ottoman] troops
• Requests for aeroplanes, pilots, and anti-aircraft guns
• Movements of Russian troops under General Baratoff [Nikolai Nikolaevich Baratov], including the occupation of Kasr-i-Shirin [Qasr-e Shirin] and action at Hamrala
• The construction of railways, including the Qurneh-Amarah [al-Qurnah to al-Kut] Railway
• The provision of river craft
• Awards and medals given to British and Russian soldiers
• Outbreaks of cholera and distribution of a cholera vaccine
• Complaints of shortcomings in accounting leading to delays in soldiers being paid.

The following tables appear:

• The distribution of Turkish forces in Mesopotamia on folio 54
• The strength of Force D on 23 April 1916 on folios 29-30 and on 15 May 1916 on folios 57-59
• Changes in the distribution of the troops in Force D from the list of 14 May 1916 on folios 93-94.

Extent and format

1 volume (119 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.

Physical characteristics

The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 121; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-119; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Dimensions: 21 x 33cm

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3253

Former external reference(s)

Volume 22. PART II.

History of this record

Date(s)

16 May 1916-30 May 1916 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

CholeraMilitary medalsMilitary suppliesRailway construction

Places

Kasr-i-ShirinMesopotamia

People & organisations

Mesopotamia Expeditionary ForceWar Office, Director of Military IntelligenceCommander-in-ChiefChief of the General Staff, India

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Cite this record in your research

‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3253, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/node/9554> [accessed 14 July 2026]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100000000112.0x0001eb

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