‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎112r] (228/246)

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2-10th Gurkhas from Egypt posted to 41st Brigade. 97th Infantry from Tigris
Oorps tor garrison duty. °
Bushire. —Arrivals. From Egypt 14th Sikhs.
Addressed India ; repeated London.
Working copy to G. S. (M. 0. 1).
q. t “m: °w. 5 K: G - s - (M * «• “■ °- n. ^ «.a o.
Telegram P tJ No 56841, dated 30th May 1916. APPENDIX 409
(Despatched 10-30 r.M.) ^ ^ 5mi)
From—The Chief of the General Stag,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah.
My 45414 of 25th March. On 19th instant despatched on “ Braunfels,”
hve armoured motor cycles with side cars. On 24th instant, left per “ Ellenga ”
lo drivers for above. Another car will follow shortly.
Please acknowledge receipt of the side cars. Pending arrival of remaining
side cars, surplus men may be employed as motor drivers, in any capacity most
required. j j
Record copy to D. G. M. W.
Telegram P., No. 1119-24-0., dated 29th May 1916. APPENDIX 410
(Despatched 1-30 p.m., received 4-30 p.m., 30th May 1916.) (Dy. Ao. 56859)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah,
/To—The Chief of the General Staff.
Very Secret.
My 1119-28-0. {By. No. 56708) of 28th instant continues.
General Gorringe reports that, unless he risks suffering very heavy losses,
he cannot get a force across at Magasis and force his way through the defile
between Saddle Back Hill (degree sheet D 2 9 8) and Madug (degree sheet
2HD2 8 8).
Paragraph 2 .—It will he possible for him to take a limited offensive across
the Hai, as soon as the floods between right or west bank of Hai and right bank
of Tigris subside ; and as soon as supplies and transport permit, he proposes to
do so. At present an extended offensive is not possible owing to insufficiency
of river transport.
Paragraph 3 .—To maintain a line of supply across the Hai will be difficult
for Gorringe, so long as enemy hold the left bank of Sannaiyat, thus prevent
ing supply ships getting up. But bis transport will he freed for onward move
ment when a light railway is constructed from his advanced dep6t at Sheikh
Sa’ad to Sinn right bank ; some miles of this railway are now en route to him.
Paragraph 4 .—If the young and unseasoned soldiers, who now form the
bulk of the British units, are to be kept in good health, it is essential on
account of the intense heat which now prevails, that tents he provided every
where except in the front lines. Of course transport requirements are increased
thereby, and also by the various appliances for ensuring a supply of pure drink
ing water, which the outbreak of cholera has rendered absolutely essential.
Addressed C. G. S., Simla ; repeated to C. I. G. S., London.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 1).
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. 0. 3).
Telegram No. 56868, dated 30tb May 1916. APPENDIX 411.
(Despatched 10-30 p.m.) (I)y. No. 56868)
-p f (1) The Commander-in-Chief in India,
m—( 2 ) & (3) The Chief of the General Staff,
H) The General Officer Commanding, Forces in East Africa, Nairobi.
(2) The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah.
(3) The General Officer Commanding, Aden.
Military Service Act, Section 2, having now become law no soldier of
Regular Army of Territorial Force will he allowed during continuance of
To—|
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