"دراسة نقدية عن الحملة في ميسوبوتاميا حتى أبريل ١٩١٧: الجزء I - تقرير" [و‎‎١‎١‎٥] (٤٢٤/٢٣٤)

CHAPTER XIV.
The Turkish defences Sirni'-Dujaiia.
Some notes on the Turkish Defences, Dujaila-Sinn Position,
(These notes were made in the hot weather of 1916, when there was
ample opportunity to examine this position at leisure, by an Officer
who had taken part in the operations in March 1916).
The Turkish problem here was to prevent any approach to Kutr
on the right bank of the Tigris.
The Turks were handicapped by shortage of transport and difficulties
of supply in so long a line. Moreover water was unobtainable except
from the river and to a small extent from wells sunk in the Dujaila
depression. Of the latter means they made little use.
Digging however was easy, so the plan adopted was to dig the whole
position—some 23,000 yards from Sinn Banks to Atab—but to hold
it very lightly by means of picquets. The large majority of the force
available being kept in reserve in a central position.
It should be noted that on the 8th March 1916 the position between
Dujaila and the Hai was incomplete, only sections of trench having been
dug at intervals.
The Turkish organization of these defences seems to have been
excellent. It ensured :—
(а) The smallest number of troops in front line.
(б) Minimum exposure to loss from artillery fire, etc.
(c) Maximum facility for re-inforcing any threatened point.
(d) Greatest comfort to troops.
(e) Ease and convenience of supply by water or road to Maqasis.
(f) Most scope for training of troops and their employment on works
required, as the majority were available and concentrated
well behind the trench line.
(g) Use of very little land transport.
(h) Avoidance of water-supply troubles on the line distant from
the river.
Full advantage was taken of the extraordinary containing power
oi even the smallest nrmber of modern rifles, especially when combined
with an invisible trench.
The plan adopted therefore seems to have been to hold the line with
small picquets at long intervals, with a nucleus of perhaps two com
panies at Sinn Abtar and rather more at Dujaila which was the only
portion where, owing to questions of space and supply, a surprise attack
was possible.
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