"دراسة نقدية عن الحملة في ميسوبوتاميا حتى أبريل ١٩١٧: الجزء I - تقرير" [ظ‎‎١‎٨‎٧] (٤٢٤/٣٧٩)

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On March 16th a column consisting of the 8th Infantry Brigade with
attached guns, Sappers and Miners, Pioneers and Bridging Train, was
despatched via Khan Beni Saad to secure Baquba crossing.
It must be recollected that throughout this period no maps were
available.
On the 17th this column reached the neighbourhood of Baquba which
they found held. With the assistance of aeroplane reconnaissance plans
were made, a feint was arranged upstream, and during the night a
crossing was effected three miles below the town, and Baquba itself
captured soon after daybreak. The Turk detachment withdrew north
wards.
On the 19th Gen. Maude reported to the C. I. G. S. that be had
concentrated a column of 8,000 men at Baquba, that the supply situation
was excellent and that he was prepared to co-operate with the Russians.
He requested that BaratofPs movements might be expedited in order
to cut off the XIII Corps.. He also requested at this time that the
respective spheres of influence, British and Russian, might be definitely
laid down.
The British Column, known as Keary's Column, consisted of :—
7th Cav. Bde. (less British Regt.), 7th F. Troop, portion of am
munition and supply column.
4th R. F. A. Bde. (less 1 Bty.)—12 guns 18 pr.
215th R. F. A. Bde.—8 18 prs.
B 69th How. Bty.—4 4•5 ,, Hows.
18th and 20th F. Coys., S. & M.
8th Inf. Bde.
9th Inf. Bde.
34th Pioneers (less 1 Coy.).
1 Wagon W/T. Set.
31 C. F. A.
In addition 4 Light Armoured Motor Cars were sent out on the 22nd
March.
Baratoffs Cavalry Column were nearing Karind,
Gen. Keary's instructions were :—
(1) To impede the retreat of the XIII Corps, cut off any detach
ments and assist Russian pursuit.
(2) Concentrate on Baquba and push on to Shahraban.
(3) Carry out a vigorous advance from Baquba taking care not
to commit the force across river obstacles without ensuring
the possibilities of withdrawal in case of flood.
He was to be maintained from Baquba by 150 Ford Vans. As
a matter of fact large stores of grain and fodder were found in Baquba
and Shahraban.