"بلاد الرافدين. اللجنة" [و‎‎٧‎٧] (٢٥٦/١٥٦)

and Le Mesurier never succeeded in rejoining main body, and fell victims to misplaced
confidence in Arabs. Remainder of reconnaissance under Lieutenant Forbes took up
successive positions and fought their way back to Karun 3.30 p.m., 29th. Melliss with
6 th Cavalry Brigade, 30tb Brigade, 63rd Battery and convoy of supplies marched morning of
1st May beyond Shaltagh and recovered and buried bodies of all three missing officers.
Melliss reports that lie has found good situation for base depot for supplies in vicinity of
Shaltagh. Work of repairing oil pipe line is expected to commence within fortnight.
No. 130.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated '3rd May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
On Karun line cavalry reconnaissance on 1st May came up with hostile Arabs in act of
crossing Kharkeh four miles down stream Kut Nahr Hashim. Arabs got across but
abandoned all their effects. Gorringe is continuing to put supplies into advanced base dep 6 t
in vicinity of Shaltagh and anticipates completion on 4th instant of concentration there of his
whole force, less 4th Rajputs left to garrison Ahwaz, and commencement of crossing of
Kharkeh on same date.
No. 131.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 7th May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Gorringe reports at 12.26 a.m., 7th, from Kut Nahr Hashim:—
“ Arrived here with bridge train evening of 6 th and hope by dawn of 7th to commence
passage of river at point four miles up stream, with cavalry demonstrating against Beni Turuf,
west of Sayyid Ali. Latest information both here and from Ahwaz corroborates that all
Turks and guns are still awaiting transport, and that Beni Turuf are urging Turks to support
them in opposing our advance.”
No. 132.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated loth May 191.J.
(Telegraphic.)
On Karun line General Gorringe carried out reconnaissance m force with cavalry brigade
on 14th and found Bisaitin clear of Turks. Returning via Khafajiyah, reconnaissance
co-operated with General Melliss’ Brigade in operations against Beni Turuf who attacked our
patrols on 12th. Heat intense.
No. 133.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 16th May 1915.
General Gorringe reports from Khafajiyah at 16th, that on loth operations were continued
aoainst lieni Turnf, the tribe who behaved treacherously on 29th April and who have
attacked us on several occasions before and since. General Melhs forced passage from
right bank to left of Kharkeh river at Khajaj.yah, being opposed by about 1,000 Arabs A
similar number opposed General Lean, who with two battalions forced his way down Kharkeh
left bank and in spite of many obstacles, including Lnmachiyeh canal, which his troops swam
joined hands with Mellis on night of 15th-16tl>. During Melhs s crossing Subadar-Major of
76th Punjabis conspicuously distinguished himself Some 50 Arabs stubbornly defended a
fort from which thev were finally dislodged by 76th Punjabis, covered by a heavy fire from
guns, maxims, and rifles. The heat was intense throughout these operations.
No. 134.
General Xi.rou to Secretary af State for India, dated 17th Hay 1915.
(T A^o P Persian Oil Company have now got parties o^, repairing pi^ line under triW
escort On Karim line General Gorrmge reports from Khafajiyah, 11.30 p.m., Kith, that
operations against. Beni Tnruf were completed on 16th; small opposition was met, casualties
only 2 wounded. Knemv's losses during whole operations uncertain, 100 bodies were found
and severe! wounded. Maxim bolts and other Government equipment lost on 3rd March have
been recovered.
No, 135,
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated Ibth May 1915.
d rected General Gorringe to do what he could to make Turks think that he is advancing
on Amara, and he is consequently demonstrating against ! .saitin with a force under General
Lean and with remainder of his force is returning to Ulul, on Uth.
D 2