'Formation of XVII Divnfor service in Mesopotamia' [‎49r] (99/106)

but this cannot be said definitely till the War Establishments
are known. We cannot provide the horsed cable section and motor
airline section. Three machine-gun companies are being formed
and should be trained by the middle of September but Vickers
gun equipments for these have not yet been received and the
equipment mules will not be up to machine-gun standard. One
sanitary section can be provided.. First line transport could
not be provided before the end of October. Tents can be made
available. Cannot spare a suitable divisional commander.
The further communication promised is awaited as regards
staffs.
It should be noted that the provision of the above would
use up the whole of the artillery of the two divisions and most
of the divisional troops of one division. The two divisions
will now be reduced to 16 Indian battalions, 6 field companies,
2 divisional and one Army Corps Signal Company, 3 machine-gun
companies and administrative units of one division only. Also
that there will be only four territorial battalions available
for Egypt. As the 55th and 127th and one territorial battalion
sail in less than a week’.s time, early decision is necessary.
C .1 .G .S ,
D .C .1 .G .S
D . M . 0 .
IvhO.l.
M.0.2.
M«0.2 . a .
M. 0.3 .
D .M. I.
M.I.2.
D.S .D.
S .D.2.
S.D.2.b.
1 . 0 .
Refers to the utilisation of trench mortars for internal
security for frontier and mobile brigades if called out in
aid of Civil power.