‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 15. PART II. (From 16th to 31st October 1915.)’ [‎123r] (250/306)

Telegram P. ; No. 9284-Cipher M.O.l, D.I.D., dated 28th October 1915.
(Despatched 7-50 p.m. ; received 6-15 p.m., 29th October 1915.)
From—The Secretary, War OGce, London,
To—The Commander-in* Chief in India.
We will send divisions complete with staff.
We propose to send 1st line transport only : this consists of mule drawn
limbered Gr. S. wagons, on which neither baggage nor supplies are carried
The supply personnel from the train will go; but not the train transport now
in use: this consists of 4-wheeled G. S. wagons drawn by heavy horses, which
would be of no use in Mesopotamia; also mechanical ammunition parks and
supply columns
In ambulance wagons mules will replace horses.
The sighting of rifles is for mark VII and reconversion cannot be carried
out, but up to 600 yards the difference in sighting is slight.
This is in reply to your S.-25426. The remaining points will be dealt with
later, after reference has been made to France.
Working copy to Q. M. G , D. M. S , D. G. O. (M. 0. 2),
Copy to M. S C., A. G.,G. S. (M. O. 1), D. S. D., S. D. 1.
Telegram P., No. 45-3-M.S., dated 28tb October 1915. APPENDIX 517
(Despatched 10-25 p.m., received 3 a.m., 29th October 1915.) No. 25/09)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D, Kut-al-Amarah,
To— The Chief of the General Staff,
Clear line. Confidential. During the last month cavalry appear to me to
bare missed three opportunities ; and Townshend tells me that in his skirmis
to-day two quick-firers were got away on mules by the enemy and it appears
that they should have been captured though I do not know details.
Townshend reports. Begins. The fighting value of the Indian Cavalry
Brigade would, I consider, and have considered, be trebled by the addition of a
British Cavalry regiment which would be invaluable Ends.
I agree entirely with his opinion, and therefore represent as absolutely
essential that the Secunderabad regiment to which you refer in your S -25602.
dated 28th October, and which according to the Political authorities can be
spared now, should be despatched as quickly as possible. The date of their
departure may be wired to me.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 2).
Copy to M. S. C, M. S. V., G. S. (M. O 1, M. O. 3).
Telegram No. 946-3-A., dated 28th October 1915.
(Despatched 5-15 p.m., received a.m., 29th October 1915.)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D, ” Kut-al-Amarah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
Your telegram S.-25544, dated 27th October.
Number of time-expired men will be reported by telegraph as soon as
statements A and B (1) have been received from units. But please see corres
pondence ending with my telegram, dated 13th October, 910* 14.A. {By. No.
S.-24184), and my telegram, dated 12th October 910-12-A. (By. No. S-24082),
which will show that only 138 in whole force entitled to discharge by 31st
March next.
Working copy to A. G.
Copy to Q. M. G.
244
APPENDIX 516
(Dy. No. 25708)
APPENDIX 518
(By. No. 25711)