'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎76r] (154/256)

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No. 120.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated Wth April 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Kellis reports from Shaiba, 10.30 a.m., 15th
, ® asia ’ ^ 0 * je ' r ’ aiu ^ Barjisiyah are clear of enemy. His abandoned camp, 500 yards
south ot high watch tower flanking, his position of 14th, contains tents, 700,000 rounds small
arm ammunition, and 453 cases gun ammunition, large quantity kit and munitions of war,
and food cooked and uncooked. Am making arrangements for removal or destruction. Large
co umns of dust seen this afternoon about and beyond Honlah (?) point to enemy's retirement
being continued advertently north-west. I propose reconnoitring for site for camp and
e ensue position suitable for a brigade in neighbourhood of Zobeir to-morrow, and will
leport result. I am sending cavalry to ascertain whether Shwebda is entirely vacated.”
Shwebda is seven miles west of Zobeir. 1 placed Staff of 6 th Division at General Mellis’s
disposal w hen I sent General Mellis to reinforce Shaiba and take command there after General
Baiiett s departure. General Mellis reports in high terms of assistance he has received from
Divisional Staff, and I propose to submit recommendations about them later.
No. 121.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 19th April 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
I lease communicate the following to Xixon:—“ I congratulate all ranks on their brilliant
victory, due to valour and discipline of the troops as well as to able leadership. The fame of
the Indian Army is enhanced by the defeat inflicted by them on such superior numbers in
this notable hand-to-hand engagement. I deplore the heavy casualty roll but the losses are
not in vain. Please report arrival of all wounded at Basra.”
No, 122,
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 19th April 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Admiralty most anxious for early repair pipe line as oil question becoming serious.
Recent victory having averted danger from west, Government would welcome immediate
move against enemy on Karun side if supply and transport render operating feasible. Moral
effect of Shaiba followed up by successful attack from Ahwaz will probably terminate Arab
disaffection and ensure future security of pipe line. Early expulsion of Turks from Persian
Arabistan politically very desirable.
No. 123.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 'lord April 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Receipt of your message of the 19th has been delayed by interruptions and mutilation of
text. On behalf of the Second Indian Army Corps I offer our grateful thanks and appre
ciations for the very generous terms in which you convey your congratulations on the victory
the troops of this Force have achieved. All our wounded arrived in Basra by the evening of
the 21st. In addition about ISO Turkish wounded.
No. 124.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 23rd April 1915.
Following telegram has been received from General, Force “ D,” dated 19th April:—
“ The Cavalry Brigade now with this Force cannot meet demands which will shortly be
made on that arm. Despatch of another Cavalry Brigade which should include a British
Cavalry Regiment is requested.
“ It is very necessary that we should have British unit. In view of heavy work which
obstructions in river and other works will cause, I also beg for the despatch of a battalion of
Pioneers.”
Following reply has been sent to above this day :
“ Regret we are unable to supply any more Cavalry. We are so short of Pioneers that
we are unable to send more, but we could raise a Coolie A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory. Corps for you or send Indus boatmen,
if these would be useful.”
No. 125.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 'lUh April 1915.
(Telegraphic.) ,
Your telegram of 23rd April. With reference to Nixon s request for a Cavalry Brigade 1
concur in your decision as, apart from impossibility of complying, the approach of hot season
renders despatch of more troops, especially British, unad\isable.
S 300 B