"بلاد الرافدين. اللجنة" [ظ‎‎٩‎٩] (٢٥٦/٢٠١)

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tlie eveninir of the 10th reliable news \v;is received from the Sheikh of Moliammerah that
Sami Bev, with a strong combined force of Turks and Arabs, had arrived from Basra at a
point opposite Mohammerah with the intention of attacking our camp. At 3 a.m. on the
11th the Sheikh reported that Sami Bey had started to make the attack. Troops were
turned out and outposts strengthened. The Turkish force, of whom over 300 were actually
seen, delivered a determined attack at 5.30 a.m. on an advanced post held by one double
company 117th Mahrattas, with two machine guns. They advanced to within 50 yards of
the post, but were driven off by a dashing counter-attack delivered by the 30th Duke of
Cambridge’s Own Infantry, with the assistance of the 23rd Peshawar Mountain Battery.
The enemy lost heavily in their retirement across the desert, 13 dead were counted,
14 wounded were brought in by us, and six prisoners were taken. Abandoned rides and
equipment were found. The Turks officially acknowledged the loss of HO men. The
defences of the camp were further strengthened and daily reconnaissances made. On the
14th November, Lieutenant-deneral Sir A. Barrett, with the 18th Brigade and Divisional
Troops, arrived at this camp.
denernl Uurrett to Secretory of Stofe for hoh'ii, itoted 18/// Sorember 1314.
{Telegraphic.)
Yesterday we advanced 3 miles up right bank. Enemy was encountered strongly posted
in entrenched position, his left resting on old fort, and right on village of /ain ; strength
about 4,500. with 12 guns. Enemy made determined resistance; his left flank was turned,
and his entrenchments carried. Enemy retired with loss of 2 guns and a number of
prisoners, including 3 officers ; his camp, containing reserve ammunition and animals, was
captured. 1 much regret our heavy losses, due to our advance being over open, level plain
without cover, and to heavy rain which made surface impossible for rapid movement of men
or horses. Casualties as follows :—Officers killed, 3 : rank and file killed, about 35 ; officers
wounded, about 15 ; rank and file wounded, about 300. Troops behaved splendidly and are
proud of their success. Medical officers did excellent work under heavy fire.
General Horrett to Secretary of State for India, dated -1st November 1314.
Information received from IMohammerah that I urks have evacuated Basra, and that
Arabs from Abdul Kasis and intervening places are friendly and are sending deputations.
Report says that Ajaimi faction of Arabs are looting Basra, and that British subjects, if not
removed by Turks, may be in danger. I am sending at once two battalions on Lynch’s
steamers, escorted by armed launches, to Basra. Odin, K spicy I e and Lawrence will
accompany these if they can get through obstruction in river, which Senior Naval Officer
hopes to be able to effect. Remainder of my force marches for Basra this evening, leaving
one battalion and one squadron here with the remaining Field Battery, the horses of which
are not yet disembarked. All quiet here, and reconnaissance beyond Balayoneh confirms news
that hostile force has evacuated its late position. First time since landing camp was not fired
' ; nto i as t night, which is a further indication that neighbouring Arabs are no longer hostile.
Sir It <’o.r to Secretary of State for India, dated 21s/ November 1314.
(Telegraphic.) ^ ,
Steam launch arrived Mohammerah bringing two Englishmen and deputation from
notables of Basra to report that Walls of Basra and Baghdad and remnant of Turkish troops
have fled up Tigris. All British prisoners safe.
General Barrett to Secretary of State for India, dated ’2*b*i'*i<n einher 1314.
(Telegraphic.)
Basra, 22nd November.
Navv ships reached Basra last night and our river detachment at 3 a.m. to-day :
remainder of force at noon.
All quiet, and inhabitants well disposed and friendly. Little apparent damage done by
looters, but Custom House partly (? burned). Herman Consul and live Herman subjects are
under guard.
Enemy abandoned four guns on river bank ; four more found in Arsenal here. Many
enemy wounded are in town. Apparently our actions on 15th and 17th had more important
resulls than first appeared. Block in river channel likely to take some time to remove.
No.X,
Genera! Barrett to Secretary of State for India, daled 24/// A oremher 1314.
(Telegraphic.)
23rd November. Basra.
Troops made ceremonial march through streets ot Basra this morning to central point,
where notables were assembled. Union .lack hoisted on roof of prominent buildings. Salutes
tired by Navv. Arms presented and three cheers given for His Majesty the King. Procla
mation prepared bv Cox read in Arabic announcing that the British flag bad now replaced