'Report from Gen Sir John Eccles Nixon, Commanding I.E.F. 'D', on the Operations on the Euphrates 26th June-25th July 1915 (including the battle of Nasiriyah)' [‎39] (56/108)

39
1*3!
The enemy made little further resistance except at 2 Towers about one
mile up the Sadanawiyah Creek. On the gunboats and " Mejidieh " reaching
the nnuth of the Sadanawiyah, this position was evacuated, the enemy retiring
in disorder northwards across the marshes.
The Norfolks were landed on the left bank at the mouth of the Sadana
wiyah. The 12th Brigade were halted for the night at the Sadanawiyah to the
east of the Norfolks. The 30th Brigade were halted on the left bank near "R."
Four guns were captured at the Sadanawiyah position.
The " Shushan " moved on to Nasiriyah and found white flags hoisted. A
few shots were fired from the barracks, which were shelled. One of the enemy's
Thorneycrofts was engaged and sunk opposite Nasiriyah ; the other was sunk
by the enemy.
Arrangements were made for the removal of the wounded and for sending
them back to Asani Camp, but owing to shortage of steamers it was not possible
to move ail down to hospital before dark and the remainder could not be brought
in from the dressing stations till next day.
The 18th Brigade were ordered to take over the line Asani to Sadanawiyah
and arrange for collecting arms and ammunition, etc., large quantities of which
were found in the enemy's trenches, which it was very essential to prevent falling
into Arab hands.
On the 2sth instant Nasiriyah was occupied without opposition by the 12th
and 30th Brigades. An advanced party of 2-7th Gurkhas under the personal
direction of Major General Melliss was moved up in gunboats and took posses
sion of the Turkish Government property which the Arabs had already begun
to loot.
2. I attach a report by the Senior Naval Officer.*
3. In conclusion, I desire to place on record the untiring devotion to duty
and loyal assistance which 1 have received from the whole of my staff through
out these operations ; the loyal co-operation, the splendid endurance and gallan
try in action of the Royal Navy and of all the troops under my command, and
the help which has been afforded to them by the Royal Indian Marine and the
personnel of the steamers and tugs allotted to this force, who have done their
utmost under the most trying conditions in an exhausting climate.
I desire especially to bring to your notice the names of the following
officers, sailors and soldiers, whose gallantry in action and good service is deserv
ing of reward.
For Conspicuous Gallantry in Action.
Lieutenant J, L. Hill, I. A R., 90th Punjabis, for conspicuous gallantry and
good leading on the 24th July, when he led half a Company into a trench held
by the Turks. He killed two with his sword and with his party killed or captured
all the remainder. His action materially assisted towards the capture of this
portion of the enemy's Maiyadiyah position.
No. 8739 Private G. Howe, 2nd Royal West Kent Regiment, for con
spicuous gallantry on the 24th July, when he went to the assistance of Lieutenant
A. L. Hill, when this officer was wounded and was engaging the enemy witb his
sword. Private Howe bayonetted four of the enemy and shot one.
No, 1492 Corporal R. Snow, i-4th Hants Regiment, for conspicuous bravery
and coolness in action on the 24th July, when he continued to fire his maxim with
absolute steadiness during a period of three hours under heavy shell and rifle fire,
his gun being apparently singled out as a target by the hostile artillery. 1 hough
wounded by shrapnel at the end of tr.e second hour, he for another hour con
tinued to work his gun until a shell put it out of action.
Captain N. Wilson, 2-7th Gurkha Rifles, for great gallantry in leading
the assaulting party of his regiment on the 24th July, when he with 60 men
• Vido page 80.