File 4684/1913 'Pt 1 Muscat rebellion' [‎66v] (141/332)

Sub-Undo sure.
Bombardment of Barka—11th April 1914.
H.M.S. “Fox”,
No. 37—14. 11th April 1914.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that, in compliance with your orders, H.M.S.
“Fox”, after embarking Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , left Maskat at 6-30 p.m. on 10th
April, anchoring off Barka close to the Sultan’s yacht “ Nur-ul-Bahr ” at
11 p.m. that evening.
It was evident that fighting was in progress on shore ; repeated flashes were
seen whilst the sounds of the firing accompanied by much shouting and many
weird noises were distinctly audible.
The Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. at once boarded the “ Nur-ul-Bahr ” and interviewed
His Highness the Sultan who was very anxious that the bombardment of
Barka’s Western, but it is believed “ gunless ”, Fort held by the rebels, as also
of the Imam’s encampment half a mile further inland, should commence at
daybreak before the Imam and his troops should have taken fright and
decamped.
As to prevent “ Target ” mistakes, it was necessary that the Sultan should
be on board the firing ship. His Highness at 11-30 p.m. accompanied the
Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. on his return to “ Fox ” which ship weighed at 4-45 A.M., on
11th April, and anchored as close inshore as possible.
Some considerable delay occurred owing to the Sultan not having received
assurance from shore that his subjects had been made aware of the nature
and objective of “Fox’s ” bombardment; it was in fact not until 9-0 a.m. that
the necessary assurances having been received fire was opened by H.M.S.
“ Fox ” with 6" on the fort (about 1,000 yards inland) in question, at a range
of 3,500 yards.
Special attention was paid to the left hand tower and to the rebel flag
still o’er flying it.
After the 10th round (5 common, 5 lyddite), the flag flew no longer and
the tower was in ruins.
At His Highness’s special request, 5 rounds of 6" lyddite were then fired
towards a spot (distant 4,300 yards) in the date groves at which some of the
Imam’s followers were believed to be still encamped.
Out of the total of fifteen 6" shell fired all burst, whilst so far as could be
made out 6 or 7 out of the 10 lyddite shell detonated.
As regards caswaftees, no estimate can be given ; two men, who were stand
ing in a large opening (? entry port) at almost the exact spot •where the first
shell struck, must have perished. Other men were seen at various places on
the walls, but most of these disappeared after the first round.
Much smoke evidently from camp-fires was seen inland during the morn
ing pointing to the probability of a more or less general decampment during
the night.
The Sultan was obviously impressed with the results of the bombardment
and freely expressed his thanks for the assistance rendered to him in his hour
of need. I am sure that from the political point of view his presence as also
that of his cousin and attendants on board the firing ship was most fortunate.
His Highness and suite left to rejoin the “ Nur-ul-Bahr ” at 11-30 A.M.
(on 11th) when H.M.S. “ Fox ” weighed and proceeded to Maskat.
I have, &c.,
F. W. Catjlfeiid.