'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎87r] (176/256)

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No. 214.
War Office to General Nixon, dated With November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
We have reliable information that Yon der Goltz left for Baghdad on 10th November.
Halil Bey, the uncle of Enver Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , i,°. marching from Erzeroum with 30,000 men to Irak.
Marsh should confirm this.
No. 215.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated lith November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. Latest air reconnaissance and Agent’s reports indicate enemy’s cavalry and
camelry, combined strength 1 , 000 , with 1,200 infantry and four guns holding advanced position
at Zeur. Enemy's main position is astride the Tigris at Ctesiphon and his reserve is at
Quwinbah. Near latter place he has established a boat bridge across Tigris. This bridge
has lately been removed from its peace time location to Kadhimain close to Baghdad. Our
17th Infantry Brigade phis heavy artillery and the bulk of our shipping concentrated at
Elkutunie on 17th November. The first two B.E. aeroplanes flew from Kut-al-Amarah to
Aziziyah, 17th November.
No. 216.
From General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated \Sth November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. Aeroplane reconnaissance on afternoon of 18th November has ascertained and
verified that enemy in force is advancing on both banks from Ctesiphon on Zeur. Enemy may
attack on early morning of 19th November, but in any case General Townshend will move
forward morning of 19th November to attack them.
No. 217.
Chief of General Staff, India, to War Office, dated 18/5 November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Nixon has sent the following: telesfram :—
O O
“Reference War Office telegram, dated November 16th. I would point out that the move
of troops up the river to the front from Basra is a long business. Therefore in view of this
latest news I urge that the arrival in Mesopotamia of the two Divisions promised me as
reinforcements may be expedited.’’
The matter is regarded as being extremely urgent.
No. 218.
Chief of General Staff, India, to War Office, dated 18/5 November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
With reference to your telegram of 17th November, it is presumed that Yon der Goltz started
from Constantinople on 10th November. From a telegram of Marsh’s, dated 17th November,
we gather that he confirms the information about Halil Bey’s force, which he reports as having
left Bitlis about 16th October for Baghdad.
No. 219.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 19/5 November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. General Townshend’s marching column advanced from El Kutunie during
forenoon, 19th, and occupied Zeur with slight opposition. The enemy retired towards
Ctesiphon. Colonel Thornton, 16th Cavalry, wounded, and there are about half-a-dozen other
casualties. After occupation of Zeur our shipping was ordered up from El Kutunie.
No. 220.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 20/5 November 1915.
(Telegraphic.) _ ......
Tigris line. General Townshend’s advance was continued 20th November to Lajj, which is
within sight of Ctesiphon arch. Enemy’s mounted troops were driven in by our cavalry,
supported” by infantry. We had no casualties reported. Townshend’s force and General
Headquarters are bivouacked on Tigris left bank at Lajj for night of 20th-21st. Arabs on
right bank have raised white flags, and have not fired on 20 th. 1 ormed bodies of enemy on
right bank have been seen retiring. Weather very good, and troops m good health and
spirits.