'Critical Study of the Campaign in Mesopotamia up to April 1917: Part I - Report' [‎171v] (347/424)

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r slacken and the enemy tried to counter-attack down the centre of the
peninsula but were broken up by our artillery which gave excellent
cross covering fire and most effective support throughout the day.
The last battalion of the 37th Brigade started crossing at 1400 and
the 36th followed by the 35th Brigade was brought up in readiness.
The bridge had been begun at 0720. The 36th and 35th Brigades
crossed that night, while the 38th Brigade came up to the bridge to be
ready in emergency.
Not only were the difficulties of bridge construction very great in the
strong current of the flooded river, but all day the Turkish Artillery
endeavoured to destroy it by shell fire, and special precautions had to be
taken against floating mines. By 1630 however, in spite of all diffi
culties, the bridge (over 1,000' long) was complete.
On I Corps Front while the crossing was going on the 7th Division
were expected to push on and occupy the third and fourth lines at San-
naiyat.
The 19th and 28th Brigades advanced as before, the latter without
much trouble, but the 19th were held up by strong opposition. It was
not till 1730 that they gained their objective and linked up with the
:28th Brigade.
The Army Commander intended the 7th Division to push on vigor
ously to prevent the Turks weakening Sannaiyat so as to give III Corps
a better chance of cutting off the enemy. Obviously it was essential
for the 7th Division to maintain pressure and push on as early as
possible.
However no move was made till 1330. There is no doubt that
considerable numbers of Turks withdrew in the interval. In fact a large
column of 4 to 6 battalions were seen moving west from Kut towards the
Dahra Barracks in the afternoon.
Why the 7th Division did not push on further when there was only
one line left to capture is also hard to explain.
Orders for next day's operations were for vigorous action on the
part of all to bring about decisive results.
The 14th Division were across the river. The 37th Brigade on the
left and the 36th on the right, some 1,000 yards south of the enemy's
forward position.
The 7th Division preparing to attack the fifth and last line at San
naiyat (the 21st having relieved the 19th Brigade) lightly equipped.
The Cavalry Division leaving their bivouacs at Besouia were to
^rendezvous south of the Shamran Bridge at 0600.
At 0615, preceded by an intense bombardment, the 14th Division
-commenced its attack on the Dahra Barracks—Dahra Eidges Position.
The Dahra Eidges make a position of some strength, the banks of
.ian ancient canal giving good cover and about 20' of height for observa-