‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎53r] (110/246)

Telegram V., No. 101-13-M. S., dated 23rd May 1916. APPENDIX 319
(Despatched 3 p.m., received 9 p.m., 23rd May 1916.) No. 55560)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D/ J Basrah,
To—-The Chief of the General Staff, Simla.
Because a havildar Custodian; police sergeant; jail or prison guard. and four sepoys Term used in English to refer to an Indian infantryman. Carries some derogatory connotations as sometimes used as a means of othering and emphasising race, colour, origins, or rank. of 11th Bajputs protected his house
when it was fired into by a raiding party in August 1915 French Vice-Consul
here is anxious to present medals, granted by the President of the French
Republic, to them. May I accept these medals ?
Working copy to A. G-.
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. 0.1, M. 0. 2, M, O. 3).
Telegram P., No. 4796-F., dated 23rd May 1916. APPENDIX 320
(Despatched 12 noon, received 8 p.m., 23rd May 1916.) (Dy. Ao. 55578)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force (C D,” Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla.
Your 16743-Cipher of 17th May (Dy. No, 54610).
I earnestly request that, unless the Martinsydes you propose sending me
out as fighting machines are of a model greatly superior to those which, in
Mesopotamia have proved such a failure, fighting .machines of some more efficient
type may be supplied to me. My suggestion is either J)e Haviland. or
F. E. 8, and 120 h. p. Beardmore water-cooled engine to he fitted . Marauding
Arabs invariably murder aviators who may be forced to land at a distance from
our own lines except in positions actually occupied by Turkish regular troops.;
and in view of this fact, a safe machine with an engine which, will not fail in
trying conditions of the hot weather in Mesopotamia is essential, ihe lurks
have been able to bring some first class modern machines down.to Kut, and in
view of my urgent need for machines which will enable my aircraft service to
compete on equal terms with these enemy machines I suggest that perhaps
Egypt can make available four machines of the type asked for above.
N. B.— There is no note in telegram saying that it is addressed War
Office.
Working copy to G. S. (S. D. 3).
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. 0. 1, M. 0. 2, M. 0. 3).
Telegram P , No. C.-45, dated 23rd May 1916. APPENDIX 321
(Despatched 4-40jP.M., received 11-55 p.m., 23rd May 1916.) {By. No. 55586)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D/ ; Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
Your 55427 my 129-449 (439 ?)-0. of 21st repeated is as follows:—
May 21st, Tigris line. It is reported by Gorringe 9 p.m that 3rd Division
is still holding line Dujailah Redoubt, Magasis. Other troops and Corps (?)
Artillery are being moved up in support.
It is reported that enemy still hold the left bank strongly at Sannaiyafc
and Nakhailat also below Rut crossing over the Hai.
Addressed India, repeated London.
(In the original it may mean the enemy are holding the crossing or are
crossing over the Hai.)
Working copy to G. S (M. O 1).
Copy to M. S. C., M. S/V., G, S. (M. 0. 2, M. 0. 3).