'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎557r] (1124/1386)

V oice on right bank when transfer completed—three and a half battalions, one held
battery, four mountain and two horse artillery guns, and one squadron ol cavalry.
Aylmer hopes to continue offensive on 20th.
No. 54.
Tele'jram from General, Force “ /),’ to Chief of General Staff, India,
dated VMh January 1916.
129/310/0. 19th. Tigris line, 19th January. Aylmer reports 19th that two
Britrades, 19th and 35th, were pushed forward during night of Jbth-TJth^ ant
advanced to about 800 yards from enemy’s position left bank. W eather has moderatec,
and transfer of troops to right bank continues. G , un *'J* 1 'P\ ac ,f6‘ n ^
i hdit bank night of 10th-2.0th. 'I’ownshend reports 19th that fully .j.OU J mfanti v
wUl, transport moved past Kut by left bank from direction of hssmn. Enemy s camp-
on right bank near Sinn position has disappeared.
■ ^
N
O. 00.
Telecimm from General Lake to Chief of Gcncml Staff, India
22nd January 19 Hk
dated
129/512/0. Tigris line, 21st January. Following is summary of operations
Msl Januarv - —Aimer’s force disposition, cavalry, less two squadrons ; five^ngaows
luf mtrv and 32 guns on left bank. Two squadrons cavalry, one ^rigade infantry,
ul 14 ^ms on right bank. During night of 20th-21st advance was made to within
2()0 yards of eneniy’s front line. Morning of 21st, after artillery bombardment, aAaciv
w is launched supported by artillery fire from both banks. Main attack dnociod
umiinst enemy’s rf|ht. Aylmer wiring 10.45 a.m. reported our left was progressing
fvvourablv, but that our right was held up, due to enemy remforcemghts.^ m c
battalions of reserve brigade were sent to reinforce right, hater report, 1.y) p.m„
stated that Black Watch had succeeded in occupying portion of enemy s hrst line,
but were subsequently dislodged. Remainder of troops were held up between 1U
e, I 200 yards from enemy’s front line. Assault to be renewed in afternoon preceded
by further bombardment. Later report, 5.25 p.m„ stated that assault, of afternoon
failed. Troops ordered to maintain present positions at all costs. .Assault will )
renewed 22nd with intensive artillery bombardment. . . a .
The weather throughout day has been atrocious, louring rain rendering mover
meat extremely difficult. Our casualties have been heavy, but enemy s have been
wmallv so. Air reconnaissance impossible. _ . . , • , i •
Townshend reports that owing to great rise in river lurks are evacuating then
first line trenches, and he may have to do the same.
F'o- "
Teleqram from General Lake, to Sccrctanj of Stale, for India, dated
22nd January 1916.
129'SIT'D 22nd Jaauarv. Tigris line (?) Further reports from Aylmer as
follows:—First report, 1.15 a.m. 22nd, states that owing to flooded nature of country
and disorganisation of troops after attack of afternoon of .1st impossible to ren u
assault 22nd as intended. Our first line withdrawn to position 1,300 v ards from
enemy’s position. Second report, 10.30 a.m., states that we have suff/red severe
reverse/in spite of gallantry oi troops and that our losses very heavy. Ajlmei :a,
reuuesfed Turks for six hours’ armistice to bury dead and bring away wounded.
Vox the present lie is holding line 1,300 yards from enemy s position with reserve
line behind. Condition of troops renders further advance impossible at present.
Weather during night worst possible, incessant ram, intensely cold, and ooos
increasing. Aylmer adds he is submitting his proposals for future action
T n viev r of fact that the enemy must be m worse plight than lie as as regank
supplies and munitions of war I have ordered Aylmer to hold on to the utmost as
•crisis asks for supreme effort, Townshend wires that he can hold out for anothei
27 days on half rations. Every effort being made to push up reinfoi cements to
Aylmer. I have, sneaking generally, sufficient reinforcements to relie\e I- ylmei s
MS 262-1 / C