File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎263v] (535/834)

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objective from Kubri, the point of departure, in fourteen days,
travelling via the Mitla Pass-Nakhl-Akaba-Rumm. In addition
to the damage already recorded, over two thousand yards of rail
to the south of the station were completely destroyed. Prisoners
were used in the demolitions. The assaulting infantry were
supported by a Talbot car and aeroplanes, which effectually
bombed redoubts.
Recently a mobile force of Turks, in two columns, left Jurf
and Hasa with the object of occupying Tafila, Shobek and
Tuwana, when, if successful, they doubtless intended to attack
the Arab bases on the Maan plateau from the north and west,
probably in conjunction with an attack from Maan itself directed
against Semna and Uheida. Tafila and Tuwana were occupied
without fighting, as was Shobek for a short time ; a further
advance, however, was prevented by a small force of Arab
regulars supported by Beduins, who, on September 18, repulsed
the Turks at Dosek, killing and wounding forty men, and
compelling them to abandon rifles, horses, and mules. The
morale of these forces appears to be at a low ebb, and the latest
report indicates the abandonment of the more ambitious part of
the enterprise. They will probably endeavour to withdraw to
the railway—a movement which, owing to the hostile attitude of
the Beduins and their shortage of transport, will be fraught with
danger and difficulty. Between September 11 and 15 the Turks
in Maan made five attacks on Semna, all of which were repulsed.
The prompt and effective measures taken by Emir Zeicl, together
with the loyal co-operation of the Beduins, have thus restored
the situation.
Emir Feisal left Abu Lisal for the north on September 10.
He has been been joined by the Rowalla under Nuri Shaalan
and fifteen hundred Druses. The tribal situation justifies the
belief that results of far-reaching importance may be attained in
the near future.
Emir Zeid wires to his father, under date September 19 :
“ Pilot Murphy shot down a German aeroplane between Azrak
and Deraa, the two aviators being killed. He is the first pilot of
your victorious northern army to fell an aeroplane, and his
accomplishment deserves reward.”
Southern Area.
It is reported from Yambo, under date September 2, that
the Turks seized thirty camels from the Beduins. In revenge,
the latter attacked a Turkish patrol near Hafira, killing eight,
and capturing two. A later report from Wejh states that the
Beduins hold two Turkish officers and thirty men who were
captured at Bedai. Hammud Mongara reports that he killed six
Turks at Bedai, and captured two hundred and fifty sheep. An
enemy patrol was put to flight by the Arabs who captured four
hundred and twenty sheep, five hundred pounds in gold and the
baggage of the Turkish officer in command. A deserter from