'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎26r] (54/256)

Military Secret,
140
\
V
From Viceroy, Army Department, 2Qth April 191(3.
H. 3216. Our telegram of the 12th instant, IT. 2790. Vincent’s Coin-
mission. Following telegram has been received from \ incent, dated 23rd
April :—
“ Following information should be obtained from General Sir John Nixon,
Generals Barrett, Aylmer, and Fry, now in England :—
“ ‘ 1. Whether in his opinion medical stall and equipment, including
hospitals and hospital steamers (both ocean and river), in Vlesopotamia during
his period of service there was adequate. Whether Senior Medical Officer
represented deficiences and need for water transport reserved specially for
medical purposes and whether India refused, delayed, or failed fully to
comply with demands made for additional personnel and equipment.
“ ‘ 2. Casualties anticipated at important actions during period of service,
with particular reference to battles of Ctesiphon, Sheikh Saad, near Orah on
13th January 1916. Above Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. 21st January 1916 and Es Sinn on the
8th March 1916 Whether medical organisation was adequate, reasons for
any inadequacy and for engaging enemy if medical organisation was in
sufficient. Detailed information as to defects observed or complaints made
regarding collection, treatment and evacuation of sick and wounded in
operations referred to, particular defects (a) in amount and suitable character
of transport for sick and wounded by land or water and of hospital accom
modation, (b) medical personnel and equipment for dressing wound and for
supply of comfort, (c) arrangements for protecting sick and wounded from
inclement weather and providing them with sufficient covering, (d) arrange
ments for supply, preparation, and distribution of food and drink, (e) sanitary
arrangements.
“ ‘ 3. Causes of defects found, and particularly whether due wholly or
partially to inadequate personnel and equipment in Mesopotamia of
organisation, or failure to utilise available resources, or want of energy,
industry, or resource in officers on the spot, or to any other cause.
“ ‘ 4. Other observations which having regard to the terms of reference
he may wish to make for assisting Commission.’ ”
Please direct Generals Nixon, Barrett, and Fry to furnish the information
desired, which should be sent direct to Vincent. We are taking action in
regard to Aylmer.