‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 32. PART II. (From 16th to 31st March 1917.)’ [‎6r] (16/294)

i
A corporal was seen searching for loose rounds and emptying the bandoliers
of dead. In the end they were reduced almost to their last clip and one bomb,
but found over 100 Turkish dead outside the redoubts when they were relieved
at daylight. Crossing on 9th-10th was entirely successful. With our cavalry
and Wo columns infantry working round on right bank, Turks were in danger
of being cut off as at Sannaiyat. Before midnight they had withdrawn their
machine guns, leaving only riflemen to dispute the passage. Crossing upstream
was a surprise. We slipped through the Turkish guard; he had picquets at both
ends of river salient, where we dropped our pontoons, but overlooked essential
points in it which offered us dead ground uncovered by posts up and down
stream ; consequently our passage here cost us no lives. The other ferry near the
bridge also crossed with slight loss owing to diversion upstream. Turks,
perceiving their flank was being turned, effected general retirement, greater
part of their garrison between the two ferries, some 250 in all, finding us
bombing down on both flanks, surrendered. Upper crossing was so unexpected
that one Turk was actually bayonetted as he lay covering opposite bank with
his rifle. By 9-30 this morning, 10th, whole brigade had crossed, soon after 11
brigade was complete, pursuit continued. Turks continued their rearguard
action afternoon ; there was fighting in palm groves of Saida and Debaiy. Turks
were cleared with bayonet after artillery had bombed the wood. Main body
was holding Teb Mohamed position miles further north a trench
line running nearly 4 miles inland from Tigris. We attacked this in front while
another column made wide turning movement on flank and enemy evacuated
it at night Morning, 11th, we entered Baghdad. Our force on right bank, after
defeating Turkish rearguard in two actions reached Suburb opposite site of
Bridge of Boats. A Brigade was ferried across in coracles. At noon they
hoisted Union Jack on Citadel. Meanwhile cavalry continued pursuit and
occupied Karamin after slight resistance. Bour damaged aeroplanes and 100
prisoners were taken, in addition to 3 captured on left bank. Gunboats still
in pursuit of enemy who are reported entrenching 16 miles north Baghdad
covering entrainment of troops. Details of booty which has fallen into our
hand will follow by later wire. Eyewitness ends.
Working copy to G. S. (Censor).
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., P. S'. V., G. S. (M. O. 1, M, O. 3).
APPENDIX 205
(%. No. 17730)
Telegram P., No. 31027-Cipher, dated 15th March 1917.
(Despatched 4-25 p m., received 8 a.m., 16th March 1917.)
From—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force “D.”
(Repeated Commander-in-Chief in India.)
Your X.-1299 (JDy. No. 17402), March 14th.
It is not my desire to press you to take any risks, in order to co-operate
with the Russians, which you consider undesirable. Until you can move on
Khanikin in adequate force and with your position at Baghdad and your supply
situation assured, it is most undesirable that you should attempt to do so, but
the advantages may be considerable if you can make such a movement. I am
quite content to leave in your hands the decision. I am keeping the Grand
Duke posted as to your situation and I will continue to send at once to you all
the information I receive of the Russian situation.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 1).
Copy to M. S*. C., G. S. (M. O. 3).
Memorandum No. Ig.-5314-1, dated 27th February 1917. APPENDIX 20@
(Received in War Section on 16th March 1917.) (Dy. No. 17749)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
(Copy forwarded to the Director, Military Intelligence, London.)
Enemy distribution and strength of 25th February 1917 (All on Tigris
Left Bank).
8-5 a.m. at Baghailah ...... 200 Infantry.
7-50 a.m. 2 miles downstream of Baghailah (halted) . 750 „
7-50 a.m. 1| miles W. of Shaikh Jaad, halted without
transport . , , . , . . 2,500 ,,
7-50 a.m. Between Imam Mahdi and Shaikh Jaad, very
scattered 1,000 „