"تاريخ الحرب الكبرى استنادًا إلى وثائق رسمية. الحملة في بلاد الرافدين ١٩١٤-١٩١٨. مجلد I" [ظ‎‎١‎٣‎٧] (٤٥٤/٢٧٩)

250 HISTORY OF THE WAR : MESOPOTAMIA
explained, th^t more troops should have been detailed for the
attack, General Nixon felt that his presence on the spot might
be helpful. If it became clear that more troops would be
required, he could expedite their despatch.
On the 28th, General Townshend issued the following opera
tion order for the attack :—
1. (a) No pronounced change in the enemy’s dispositions
astride of the Tigris north of Qurna. His main
positions are briefly the localities of Abu Aran, Ruta,
Muzaibila, Sakrikiya; advanced posts to the Ruta
position on the sandhills and to the Abu Aran position
at Norfolk Hill, One Tree Hill, One Tower Hill
Gun Hill;
(b) The advanced posts One Tower Hill, Gun Hill,
One Tree Hill, are supported at under 5,000 yards
range from Abu Aran (One Tree Hill at under 6,000
yards).
The Abu Aran position is supported by artillery
fire from Ruta and Muzaibila ; and Sakrikiya is 4,500
yards from Muzaibila.
(c) It is probable that mines are placed in the
Tigris channel north of the boom at Fort Snipe.
(d) According to our intelligence reports the Turkish
force comprises some 5 battalions, 10 guns and about
600 Mujahidin* the Marmariss river steamerf and
some 1,200 Arab riflemen with one of the guns
mentioned above in the marshes on the west flank
of Norfolk Hill and Gun Hill, possibly to counter
attack our infantry advance along the west side of
the Tigris.
The positions of the guns are reported to be as
follows :—
One gun at Rumla (in marshes to west).
Two guns on Gun Hill.
One gun on One Tower Hill.
One gun at Abu Aran (at Eastern Tower).
One gun at Ruta.
Four guns, newly arrived and not yet located,
but thought to be one at Ruta and three
at Abu Aran.
(e) The flooded state of the country renders the
above a position of strength, and demands an operation
methodically undertaken in successive phases as in
siege warfare, every effort being made to obtain
concentric fire action by the force on the west side
of the Tigris, the naval flotilla and the force on the
east side of the river.
2. The enemy will be attacked on May 31st by combined
frontal and turning attacks :—
(i) Frontal Attack. A frontal decisive attack,
supported by the artillery and the naval flotilla,
will move against the enemy’s position on the west
side of the Tigris, assisted by a turning attack on the
east side of the Tigris.
* Volunteer irregulars fighting under the influence of Jahad.
f The Turkish gunboat.