‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎5r] (14/246)

Addressed Director of Military Intelligence, London; repeated Chief Gen-
staff, Simla; and General Headquarters, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Cairo.
Working copy to G. S. (M. 0. 3).
Copy to M. S. C, M. S„ V., G. S. (M. 0. 1, M. 0. 2).
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Telegram P., No. 16657-Cipher, dated 15th May 1916. APPENDIX 229
(Despatched 9-30 p.m., received 11-45 a.m., 16th May 1916.) \J)y. No. 54268)
From—1’he Director of Military Intelligence, London,
To—The Commander-in-Chief in India.
Marsh telegraphed the following information. On 11th, the heights 16
miles S. E. of Baiburt were retaken by Russians, but on 12th a strong Turkish
force dislodged them again. In addition to other heavy casualties, the Turks
on the 11th lost, in prisoners alone, 30 officers and 365 other ranks of 90th and
96th regiments. On 12th Russian casualties were at least 1,000. On 12th
Neri with 3 guns and Turkish Commander’s office were captured by Russian
right column, which consists of 4 guns, 1,800 sabres, 2,500 rifles and 2 machine
guns. On 14th left column was advancing towards Serdesht and Bane from
Shakiz and central column reached the L of Dergala.
On 13th Baratoff reported that the triple position of the Turks is very for
midable and is at Khaniqin.
Addressed Basrah, repeated Cairo and India.
Working copy to G. S. (M. 0. 3).
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. 0. 1, M. 0. 2).
Telegram P., No. I.G.-2827, dated 15th May 1916. APPENDIX 230
(Despatched 11-lU p.m., received 11-30 a.m., 16th May 1916.) (Ity. i\To. 54269)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
The following, addressed Director of Military Intelligence, has been repeated
to C. G. S, India.
The following is for Baratoff. Fairly reliable information which I have
received indicates that about May 9th the Turkish 2nd Infantry Division con
sisting of 10 battalions and 12 guns with Turkish Cavalry Brigade of 1,700
sabres and 4 guns left Kut for the Persian Frontier.
It is reported that they moved via Jessan, which is S. E. of Zarbatiyah and
about 16 miles from the latter.
Have received no news of their movement after this.
They may have moved either towards Kirmanshah via Dehbala or towards
Khaniqin via Mendali.
The latter appears to be the most probable route as supplies would be
obtained and wheeled transport could accompany them, neither of which condi
tions would hold on the former route.
Regarding this movement I am making every endeavour to obtain further
information.
Telegram P., No. 54333, dated 16th May 1916. APPENDIX 231
(Despatched 7-45 p.m ) [By. No. 54333)
From—The Chief of the General Staff,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah.
From—The Commander-in-Chief in India,
To—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London.
Reference your 317-242-0. of 14th May (Dy No. 54116).