‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎41r] (86/246)

APPENDIX 301
{Dy. No. 55223}
Telegram P., No. 317-246-0., dated 21st May 1916.
(Despatched 1-15 p.m., received 0-45 a.m., 22nd May 1916.)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
A wire from. G. O. 0., Bushire. Begins O’Connor has now written that
he and his fellow prisoners could practically at any time seize the fort where
they are imprisoned and asks in the event of this being done how soon I could
arrive to their assistance.
In one day my cavalry could push through to Ahram and the infantry
could reach there on the second day. I have however no guns which could be
taken with me. I should march from here with two battalions, hut a company
might have to be left on far side of Mashila at the point which could he reached
by the motor transport.
I have found out that during the frequent absences of Zair Edar very few
men are usually left at Ahram and as I should be w 7 ell supplied with machine
guns, my part of the operation should be quite feasible even without guns.
My personal opinion is that the attempt could be made without undue
risk and that little resistance would be met with if no more effective operations
are to be carried out.
Until the question is decided, if you approve and refer the matter to
India, may the 96th Infantry be retained here. Ends telegram from G. O. 0.,
Bushire.
I have already given my views in my 317-242-0. of 14th March (May ?)
(By. No. 54116) that as a preliminary to operations based on Bushire at this
time of the year it is necessary to make adequate arrangements for the carriage
and supply of water.
Any force, I consider, ’which is to carry out an operation such as General
Douglas proposes should have mountain guns with it.
I do not propose therefore to allow him to undertake this operation at the
present time, though I am naturally unwilling to allow our prisoners to remain
in the hands of the enemy. I am giving orders for him to send the 96th
Infantry to Basrah as originally directed.
Addressed 0. G. S., Simla, repeated Chief, London.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 1).
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. 0. 2, M. 0. 3).
Telegram No. 6882, dated 21st May 1916. APPENDIX 302
(Despatched 5 p.m., received 2-15 a.m., 22nd May 1916.) (Dy. No. 55225)
From—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London,
To—The Commander-in-Chief in India.
Following has been communicated to Press. Begins. Sir P. Lake reports
that May 19th enemy vacated Beit Aiessa advanced position on right bank
of Tigris. Sir G. Gorringe following enemy up attacked and carried Dujailah
redoubt ; enemy still holding Sannaiyat position on left bank. Force of
Bussian Cavalry has joined General Gorringe after bold and adventurous
ride. Ends.
Working copy to G. S. (M. 0. 3)
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. O. 1, D. C. C).
Telegram P., No., I-G.-2854, dated 2lst May 1916. APPENDIX 303
(Despatched 10-30 p.m., received 6-30 a.m., 22nd May 1916.) (Py. No. 55233)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
Please communicate following to Baratoff. Begins. There are indications
that the vacation of the Kut area is the probable intention of the Turkish,