‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎102r] (208/246)

The question of river craft influences the situation. At present with all
steamers working troops are being fed practically from hand to mouth and
there is no reserve of supplies at the front.
I think that if our supply arrangements can be made satisfactory we
should hold present position but “'if the Turkish troops receive, reinforcements
we should fall back to Shaikh Sa’ad. If supplies cannot he maintained there is
no point between Shaikh Sa’ad and Amarah that seems to he worth while to
hold except on account of prestige.
I proceed on 30th April with the Naval C.-in-C. to Nasiriyah and Suk-esh
Sheyuk to study the situation there and expect to arrive at Basrah about 4th
May when I should be glad to receive instructions as to my future move
ments.
Telegram No. 16092-Cipher, dated 4th May 1916.
p rom ,—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London,
To—General Gillman, Basrah.
Give me your views as to the possibility of present force in Mesopotamia
maintaining approximately the position it now nolds without further reinforce
ments on understanding that it is adequately supplied with drafts and muni
tions. Ends.
Telegram No. W. G.-7, dated 5th May 1916.
From—General Gillman.
To—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London.
Your 16092-Cipher.
The Tigris Corps has suffered considerable losses especially in experienced
officers and all ranks need rest. Weather is now very hot and much work is
required in making huts for protection against the sun.
2(
I think the Corps can maintain its position under present circumstances
but each Division should be rested in turn. Small mobile columns on the lines
of communications may also become necessary on account of Arab raids.
The 42nd Infantry Brigade will shortly reach Nasiriyah and I do not
anticipate any serious trouble there during flooded season. When floods abate
the Arabs in that direction are sure to harass the lines of communication and
may receive Turkish reinforcements. It is important that the railway from
Basrah he pushed on with speed in order to facilitate movement of troops and
supplies by rail and to avoid delays due to navigation and transhipping into
boats when floods subside.
A general reserve of 4 weak Battalions from the Tigris Corps is shortly
due at Basrah but will be of small fighting value for the present.
For strengthening the lines of communication, for resting each division
in turn, and, in order to form a strong general reserve, I think the infantry
of 1 division is required in addition to the present troops, some battalions of
which might be obtained from Indian Begiments now in Egypt and some by
reforming from drafts the battalions that were in Kut. Some regiments of
colonial horse would also be invaluable.
I leave 8th May for Egypt and tranship there for Salonika as ordered.
Telegram No. 56660, dated 29th May 1916. APPENDIX 397
(Despatched 7 f.m.) (%• No - 56660 )
From—The Chief of the General Staff,
To—The General Officer Commanding/Singapore.
No more towing of river craft] to be undertaken from Singapore /until
further orders.
Record copy to Q. M. G.
Copy to M. S, C v G, S. (M. 0. 1, M. 0. 2),