'Critical Study of the Campaign in Mesopotamia up to April 1917: Part I - Report' [‎23r] (50/424)

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Barbukh creek. In front of this again was another island called Nor
folk Hill, 1,800 yards from our position. On the left bank was One
Tree Hill. The capture of this latter hill would enable enfilade fire
to be brought to bear across the river upon Norfolk Hill. There was an
obstruction in the river at Euta, just above Abu Aran. The Turkish
force appears to have amounted to 5,200 with 10 guns. 2,000 Mujtahir
were also reported to have been present. The only possible way of
getting at the Turkish position was in boats—the local bellum. 10
men could be put in one bellum. 16 boats were allowed per company.
Machine guns were mounted on rafts, as were the mountain guns.
A considerable amount of practice was required to make a propor
tion of men per battalion reasonably proficient in punting the bellums.
One quarter of each battalion's bellums were armoured. This proved
to be a mistake. The water was not clear and the armoured bellums
could liot be propelled through the reeds.
The attack was arranged for the 31st May. About the same time
General Gorringe was to demonstrate to Bisaitin, as if he was going
to advance thence on Amara by land. On the 29th May, General
Gorringe was at Bisaitin, and his Cavalry reconnoitred to Umm Chir,
about 50 miles from Amara.
General Townshend's plan was to capture the Turks' positions metho
dically, by stages.
On the first day the 17th Brigade (less one Battalion) was to capture
the advanced position on the right bank up to the line of the Barbukh
creek. The remaining battalion (22nd Punjabis) was to capture One
Tree Hill on the left bank.
The second day, the main positions at Abu Aran was to be
captured, the 22nd Punjabis joining the remainder of their brigade on
the right bank.
The third stage was the pursuit on ships.
The 16th Brigade was to remain on board ship, till it was necessary
to use it. It was hoped that it would not have to be landed before the
main position at Abu Aran was attacked.
The principal artillery support would be from the naval guns with
the assistance of the land artillery located within our position at Qurna.
For the second phase, some of the land artillery would be placed
in the Turkish covering position : but the main support would again
be afforded by the Naval guns.
The attack began at 0500 31st May. One Tree Hill was seized
without difficulty : Norfolk Hill was smothered by our artillery fire
and easily captured. Fire was now concentrated on Tower Hill and Gun
Hill. The Turks made very little resistance. The enemy at Gun Hill
put up white flags half an hour before the attacking battalion could
reach the place. Tower Hill was captured at 1130 and Gun Hill