"دراسة نقدية عن الحملة في ميسوبوتاميا حتى أبريل ١٩١٧: الجزء I - تقرير" [و‎‎١‎٦‎٥] (٤٢٤/٣٣٤)

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The plan was as follows :—
On the 7th and 8th January, general artillery activity was to take
place on the whole front while against the Abdul Hassan position
iDombardment was to be specially heavy and wire was to be cut.
On the 9th, the 3rd Division were to carry out the assault. To divert
the enemy's attention from the point of attack, the 7th Division were to
shell and raid the Sannaiyat position. The III Corps were to demonstrate
against the Hai bridgeheads ystem and send a force to the Shumran bend.
'The Cavalry Division were to carry out a raid on Bughaila.
In accordance with the above, on the 7th and 8th the enemy were
bombarded though heavy mists interfered with observation.
On the 9th heavy mist covered the ground. The Cavalry who had
moved to Besouia irom Arab Village were unable to carry out their raid,
while the force which was to move to Shumran was obliged to return.
The 7th Division and III Corps carried on their demonstration against
the Sannaiyat and Hai positions.
i ^ Meanwhile the attack of the 3rd Division was launched,
i The artillery (36-18 prs. 6-4*5 Hows., 4-60 prs.) supported by the fire
of three batteries from the 13th Division opened a slow bombardment
from 0730-0830. After a pause of 15 minutes an intense bombardment
was put down on the enemy trenches from 0845-0900 at which hour
it lifted from the front line.
At zero hour the infantry of the 3rd Division were disposed as follows—
The 7th Brigade held the river front to the east of the scene of opera
tions with one battalion in divisional reserve at the Pentagon.
The 8th Brigade held from the river to ilf in E. Mounds (|" map),
two battalions holding the line, one battalion assembled for the attack
with one battalion in support.
The 9th Brigade held from the left of the 8th Brigade to the river.
Three battalions were assembled for the assault with one in reserve.
The first objective was the southern half of the enemy front system,
viz., the northern end of Kut East Mound and the trench bend about
36 central. The length of the front to be assaulted was about 800 yards.
This objective was taken with little loss at 0900. Consolidation was
commenced and the troops tried to extend their gains to the north and
east. Obstinate fighting with bomb and bayonet took place in the heavy
mist which covered the ground.
At 1000 a sudden fierce local counter-attack was delivered on both
Hanks ; against the left on the river bank and against the right about 36
a 9-3. After bitter hand-to-hand fighting this was stopped. These
counter-attacks, particularly the one on the right were magnificently led
and were executed with the greatest vigour.
During the night the ground gained was consolidated.