'Critical Study of the Campaign in Mesopotamia up to April 1917: Part I - Report' [‎95v] (195/424)

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As no further news had reached the headquarters of the Corps, mean
while, General Aylmer sent a message at 2035 to Younghusband,
which was received half an hour later, to the effect that if the orders
issued by the 7th Division had been carried out the troops must, for the
night, remain in the positions to which they had withdrawn. If the
orders had not been carried out the troops were to hold fast to the ground
that had been gained. A report was forthwith to be made as to the action
that had been taken. To this telegram Younghusband replied that to
withdraw had seemed to be the only practicable course in view of the
condition of the troops and the state of the weather. The brigades had,
he said, been ordered to communicate with the headquarters of the divi
sion, and to reorganise in positions that were as far forward as possible.
He continued : " Am now in communication with 9th, 19th and 28th
Brigades and hope shortly to relocate 35th Brigade Country is now
a swamp and all movement exceedingly slow. Casualties not yet as
certained but believed to be heavy especially in officers, troops much
scattered and mixed owing to repeated attacks. Collection and reorga
nisation at night and this weather correspondingly difficult. We are
doing our best."
At about 2200 General Younghusband sent one of his few remain
ing staff officers—the others were still on their rounds with his earlier
orders—to ascertain the dispositions, strengths and condition of the
battalions. Although the distances to be covered were not great this
officer did not return until 0300 when he reported the morale of the men
was good, but the brigadiers were unanimous that a further offensive on
the 22nd by the troops that had been closely engaged on the 21st was
out of the question.
There was very little firing during the night for the torrential rain
had put an end to the battle. Covered by the Seaforths, 53rd, 107th
and Connaught Rangers, the British therefore were able to withdraw
and reorganise at leisure, and many wounded and much equipment
were collected and brought in. It was, however, a miserable experience
and when not on the move officers and men stood, sat or lay down in
water, while rain or sleet driven on by an icy wind pelted down without
ceasing. Yet by daylight the 7th Division had to some extent already
been reorganised.
Early on the 22nd January the 19th Composite Brigade had in the
front line from right to left the Seaforths, 28th and 92nd, and the 9th
Bhopals and the 102nd were in support; the 28th Brigade, with which
were the 128th Pioneers, was standing in rear of the 19th. Of the 9th
Infantry Brigade, which was on the left of the 19th, the 107th and
Connaught Rangers were in the first line, then came the l/4:th Hamp-
shires and the 62nd were with the 28th Brigade behind the
Hampshires. The 35th Composite Brigade, however, was still being