"دراسة نقدية عن الحملة في ميسوبوتاميا حتى أبريل ١٩١٧: الجزء I - تقرير" [ظ‎‎١‎٧‎٢] (٤٢٤/٣٤٩)

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The 7th Ca valry Brigade seems to have moved about two miles north
of the Dahra Barracks, and then wheeled to the left, while the 6th
'Cavalry Brigade did the same about a mile in rear. The two brigades
were therefore only just in front of our own infantry and were soon
hung up by the enemy position along Dry Channel.
This was the position Khalil had ordered to be dug at the last moment.
It was naturally strong, but it did not extend very far north, and could
easily be turned, nor was it any way properly prepared and there was no
wire.
Whether the Cavalry Division tried to turn it or not is not known.
Anyhow by 1500, four hours after passing through our infantry, both
brigades were reported to be heavily engaged in a dismounted attack
supported by " S " and " V " Batteries, Royal Horse Artillery.
The enemy had apparently been reinforced and were now some
2,500 strong with 23 guns. Although a couple of armoured cars got
close up to the position, the cavalry division was effectually held up for
the rest of the day and retired at 1800 to bivouac near the fort in 34
Its casualties this day were negligible.
On I Corps front, while the 14th Division were attacking the
Dahra Barracks—Shumran Ridge Line, the 7th Division continued its
advance against the fifth line at Sannaiyat as soon as the 21st Brigade
had relieved the 19th who had suffered many casualties the previous
days.
At 0435 on 24th the 28th and 21st Brigades moved forward and
•occupied their objective with little opposition.
At 0830 General Head Quarters told I Corps that III Corps were on
the Dahra Barracks line and consequently little opposition was to be
expected.
They were ordered to piish on vigorously to the Suwada position.
The 8th Brigade of the 3rd Division were to form a defensive flank
along the southern edge of the Suwakiya Marsh as the advance pro
gressed.
The 7th Division did not start advancing till about 1000 on 24th
:and by 1200 reached the Suwada position.
South of the river the 3rd Division were ordered to come up to the
line Guwam—Imam-Al-Mansur.
The 9th Brigade was to continue holding the line from the Old Pump
House to Atab guarding the left flank, while the gunboats came up
to Guwam.
The situation that night, 24th-25th February, was—
III Corps—
4th Division.—Dahra Barracks—Shumran Ridge. Artillery
across the river west of Shumran Bend.