‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎100r] (204/246)

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3. Reductions are not possible in any other staffs in the force. Some may,
on the other hand, require enlarging.
Working copy to M. S. C.
Copy to M. S. V., G. S. (M. O. 2, S. D. 1).
Memo. No. 1088-3-0., dated 9th May 1916. APPENDIX 396
(Received in War Section, 29th May 1916.) (i5y. No. 56632)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force tc D, ” Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
Forwarded* in continuation of my telegram No. 1088-2-0. (Dy. No.
52940), dated 8th May 1916.
* Memorandum dated the 8th May 1916 from Brigadier General Gillman, Liaison Officer,
Force tf D, ” The Chief of the General Staff, Force “ D . >}
In accordance with the instructions contained in War Office cipher
telegram No. 13627- to the Commander-in-Chief in India, dated the 27th
February last, I enclose a copy of all the official communications, I have sent
to the War Office since my arrival in Mesopotamia.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 3).
Copy to M. S. C., M S. V., Q. M. G., G. S. (M. 0. 1).
Telegram No. I4j550-Cipher M. O., dated 19th March 1916. (Enclosure to Dy.
(Despatched 19th March 1916, received 2lst March 1916.) No. 56632)
From—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London,
To—General Gillman.
In the organization of river transp&rt service such as to get best use out of
the craft available, e.g., pooling of resources under one strong management,
co-ordination of demands for transport by a recognized authority with a view
to their being met in order of urgency, rapid loading and discharge of craft
and avoidance of detention under one load, control and improvement of landing
places, absence of interference with service by units or departments ?
Do you think they have best available man in charge of river transport
and has he suitable rank and sufficient staff and personnel ? Is there any
difficulty as regards naval and military dual control ?
Is it necessary for certain tugs to be specially ear-marked for Royal Naval
Air Service and Royal Flying Corps ? Are not such tugs under control of
Marine Transport Department r Separate indents have been received by War
Office for these tugs.
Reply.
Telegram No. W. G. 2, dated 21st March 1916.
(Despatched 9-38 p.m., 21st March 1916).
Your 14550-M.O. received. Arrived to-day. Will enquire and report
on transport arrangements as soon as possible.
Telegram No. W. G.-3., dated 25th March 1916.
From—General Gillman,
To—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London.
Reference your 14550-Cipher M. 0.
Organization of river transport is on sound basis.
Resources not all pooled as some crafts are allotted to Director of Works,
Royal Flying Corps, etc.
Demands for all river transport are met in order of urgency as directed
by Chief of the General Staff and Quarter Master General in consultation.
Order then complied with by Inspector General of Communications.
Rapid loading and unloading of craft latterly improved by employment
of civilian contractor who is at present remunerated by results.