"بلاد الرافدين. اللجنة" [ظ‎‎١‎٢‎٣] (٢٥٦/٢٤٩)

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(ie)io,a1 Xi.cni) to I!’(//• Ollier, (luted 2('/// Xorrmber 1915.
(Telegraph ic.)
I have received from my own agents similar news regarding a large force under Von der
Goltz over a fortnight ago, hut at present 1 do not accept their reports as conclusive for
various reasons. 4’Wse »tate the h-mwue trf ^o«r informatiuiw
- —
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated '1 1 d Xovnnber 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Private. In view of confirmation of news of impending arrival of Turkish reinforcements
in Bagdad area, I think it is very important that the Divisions should start from France
without delay, and that we should know how soon they can arrive at Basra. Could vou
kindly ascertain this for me !'
II ar Office to Oeneral \i.rov. dated '2'lud \ nrendice 1915.
(Telegraphic .)
Ihe sources ol our information are secret service in the Near Fast. AVe had made various
enquiries, and received corroborative evidence before sending you the information. As to
aircraft we have no information, but there is no doubt that the Germans are sending six
wireless stations for the expedition to Bagdad.
No.
Orneral X ixou to Secretary of State for India, dated 'I'.bid Xoveinber 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Townshend after night march 21st 22nd November attacked enemy's position at
Ctesiphon on 22nd November. A severe figlit lasted throughout the dav. resulting in the
capture of the enemy’s position. Owing to failing light it has not been possible to complete
the fight. General Headquarters and Townshend’s force bivouac night of 22nd 23rd November
in the captured position. Our casualties are heavy; no details vet received. Knemv’s
casualties believed heavy. AVe have captured eight guns and some six hundred prisoners as
far as reported at present.
No. ^8^
(ieneral Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated '1'drd Xocember 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Dust storm blowing all the morning of the 23rd delayed reorganisation of Townshend’s
force. Lnenn s guns appear to have been drawn back quickly, but his second line of trenches,
echeloned two miles in rear of left flank of position captured yesterday, are still held bv
infantry. Some cavalry and infantry detachments pushed forward bv enemy to reconnoitre
have been driven in, but enemy’s guns on right bank still bar passage of our ships to
Ctesa^hon. Left flank of Townshend’s force will to night, 23rd 24th. attack on river, 2:', miles
south of Ctesiphon, in order to cover establishment of boat bridge and evacuation of wounded
by steamer. Casualties not yet fully reported, but expected to exceed 2,000. Two Martin-
sydes are missing with pilots, Major Reilly and Lieutenant Fulton. Enemv's dead are verv
numerous, and large quantities of arms and equipment have been captured. Tin* eight guns
mentioned in my telegram of 22nd were captured and re-captured three times, and had to be
abandoned by our troops at nightfall as they were not strong enough to maintain themselves
in the forward position to which they had penetrated. The enemv has removed his bridge
below Qu’saivah, and shows no offensive tendency at present.
No.
tieneral Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 'lith Xoronber 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Heavy Turkish counter-attacks have been repulsed during the night of the 23rd-24th
Reduction of our effectives and want of water necessitate retirement towards Lajj.
No. >8?.
<ieneral Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 'l\th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
In continuation of my telegram of 24th November, the situation is as follows :—0winir to
depleted state of bth Division, and with a still superior force of the enemv in prepared trenches
m front of me, I cannot call upon the troops, who have fought magnificentlv, for a further
effort. I Avas on the point of asking for immediate reinforcements. I want more guns, as
enemy’s guns are becoming more in number than mine.
\
No.
Chief of General Staff, India, to War Office, dated 24/7, November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Nixon reports that the force opposed to our troops af Ctesiphon on 22nd November
consisted of 4 divisions with 38 guns.