‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 17. PART I. (From 1st to 15th December 1915.)’ [‎121v] (247/488)

WAR DIARY.
Date.
12-12*15
— contd.
Summary of events.
The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” gave his reasons for asking for the additional copies
of a certain cipher.
The General Officer Commanding, Force “D,” reported the arrival of reinforcements in H. T. “Ula.”
The “ Ula” carried part of the 12th Cavalry.
The General Officer Commanding, Force <c D,” stated that a harbourmaster was immediately required
to deal with the large number of transports which were arriving.
The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” stated that, owing to great dearth of labour, it was
necessary to import coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory. from India to ensure that the protective bunds near Basrah were
completed before March, and that, if there were no political objections, he proposed importing 2,600
coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory. immediately. pit-,
The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” reported that the present system of landing large quanti
ties of stores and supplies, and the disembarkation of troops, had not worked satisfactorily, and
requested that an engineer of the Bombay or Karachi Port Trust be sent to draw up a workable
scheme and give expert advice. ^. . , , ,, . , , . p
The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” stated that no obstacles would be placed, m the way ot
Indian troops having access to the Young Men’s Christian Association but that, in his opinion, the
time had not yet arrived for the extension of facilities to this Association and that he still adhered
to his previous conditions. . , , , ■ui.c-n
The General Officer Commanding, Force “.D, was given names of officeis ordered to embark for Force
e ‘D,” to reinforce British infantry units.
The General Officer Commanding, Egypt, reported that the “ Baroda and the “ Nuram sailed for
Basrah on 10th December, and gave details on board. . He requested that Base Commandant,
Basrah be informed. These ships conveyed the 92nd Punjabis and 125th Rifles.
The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” was asked to give his views as to whether any expansion
was required of his British and Indian Base Depot, consequent on the increase m strength of
his force.
Number.
Appendix.
30375
353
30377
354
30378
355
30380
356
30381
357
30381
358>
30391
359
30392
360
30395
361