'Report from Lieut-General Sir P. H. N. Lake K.C.B., K.C.M.G. Commanding I.E.F. "D" on the Defence of Kut-Al-Amarah under Major-General C. V. F. Townshend, C.B., D.S.O., 3 December 1915-29 April 1916' [‎21r] (41/44)

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work in this way. During the retreat I placed him in charge of all the transport
preceding the column and here again he was of the greatest value to me.
I have already recommended him for the Assistant Quartermaster-Generalship
tor this Division, a post for which he is well qualified.
I have again to signal the excellent work and ability of Colonel A. S. R.
Annesley, my Assistant Director of Supplies. I have served with many officers
on service of the Army Service Corps and the Supply and Transport t orps and
i can say I never met one before who had greater grasp in managing the food
supply of a corps in the field. I look on his assistance as most valuable.
Major E. Forbes, my Assistant Director of Transport, has worked with
unceasing energy. No difficulty was too great for him. When, in order to have
gram, it became necessary to destroy a great number of animals, he suggested
trying the experiment of taking 800 mules off the ration list and seeing if they
could be kepi alive on mule flesh and grass. He has been of greatest assistance
to me throughout the operations and since leaving Amarah last year.
I have again to recommend the unflagging energies of Captain B. G. Peel
my General Staff Officer (2), throughout the siege.
I have also to recommend the able service of Captain VV. E. T. Morland,
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, my General Staff Officer (3)
throughout the siege. He has done most strenuous and able work throughout
the operations of last year; very able and possessed of great energy, I recom
mend him for promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel in the interest of the service.
Captain H. S. Cardew, 39th Gharwal Rifles, Commanding No. 34 Divisional
Signal Company, has done good work as usual and I recommend him for promo
tion.
Sub-Lieutenant Tudway, R.N., Commanding detachment of Royal Navy.
An excellent and zealous young officer. He has already been decorated for the
Ctesiphon operations and he has my entire confidence as an able and gallant
officer. I strongly recommend him for advancement.
I beg to mention to your favourable notice the services of my Aide-de-Camp,
Lieutenant H. A. Clifton, 8th Battalion, Kast Surrey Regiment, who has been
with me throughout the retirement from Ctesiphon and defence of Kut and who
is a particularly hardworking and promising young officer.
Services of the following Commanding Officers during the defence of Kut
Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. E. Lethbridge. D SO., Commanding 1st Battalion,
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.—Has rendered conspicuous
good service throughout the defence as he has done in the previous Ctesiphon
operations, and under his able guidance this distinguished battalion have
nobly maintained the glorious traditions of their regiment.
Majo^ F. E. C. Lodge, Commanding 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment
Has well commanded his fine and admirably disciplined battalion throughout.
Under his command the Norfolks have been true to their traditions for cheerinesa
and efficiency.
Major G. M. Herbert, D.S O., Commanding 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire
Regiment. Under his firm and judicious command his battalion has done
admirably throughout the siege.
Major J. VV. Nelson, Commanding Wing, 2nd Battalion, Royal West Kent
Regiment.—A first rate soldier and Commanding Officer. His half battalion has
gallantly maintained the traditions of the old half hundred.'*
Major F. L. Footner, i-4th Battalion Hampshire Regiment (T.F.).—A good
Commanding Officer and good soldier.
Brevet Colonel A. J. N. Harward, Commanding 48th Pioneers.—Has com
manded his battalion throughout the defence of Kut to my entire satisfaction as
he has done throughout our operations north of Amarah and under his command
the 48th Pioneers have received their baptism of fire and have done very fine
service, not only in the battle of Ctesiphon, but in the defence of Kut.