'Naval Staff monographs (historical) vol 4 no 15 - Naval operations in Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf' [‎55] (70/150)

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confirmed by the aircraft, and the flotilla of ships and river
craft carrying troops anchored off Bahran at 10.40 a.m.
Examination of the obstruction, which consisted of four
sunken lighters nearly covered by the high water in the river
at this time of year, established that there was a practicable
passage for the sloops near the western bank. The Shaitan
and Sumana were at once sent through to chase the enemy's
shipping, whose smoke could be seen in the distance. The
passage was buoyed, and shortly after 3 p.m. the Espiegle,
followed by the Odin and Clio, succeeded in negotiating it.
Navigation was rendered extremely difficult by the bends and
twists in the river, of which the ships had only a rough map ;
and owing to the extensive floods on each side it was very
difficult in places to make out the river channel.
The Marmariss and river craft towing mahelas were soon
made out ahead in flight up the river, and at about 5.50 p.m.
the Shaitan, who was leading, commenced firing at long range
with her 12-pr. gun, and did considerable damage to the enemy
ships. The Espiegle opened fire with her 4-i]ich guns at
6.43 p .m. at the Turkish river steamer Mosul, shifting target
at 7 p.m. to the Marmariss which had come within range. The
Clio and Odin shortly joined in the action, which continued
until it became too dark for firing or navigation. The heat was
intense, the thermometer registering 100° F. at 4 p.m., and
dropping only very little with the falling of twilight ; and the
men suffered much from the flies and mosquitoes in these
marshes. A number of lighters and mahelas full of troops,
guns, mines, stores, and ammunition, in tow of the Marmariss,
were abandoned by her in order to facilitate her escape, and
they fell into our hands, 1 the Odin being detailed to seize them.
The ships anchored at 8.5 p.m. to await the rising of the
moon. The searchlight disclosed another Turkish steamer, the
Bulhnl, half submerged in the shallow river, sunk by the
Shaitan s 12-pounder, with a lighter full of troops and stores
which fell into our hands.
At 2 a.m. on 2nd June, the moon having risen, the Espiegle
and Clio weighed and proceeded in company with the Miner,
Shaitan, Sumana. and the Comet (which had been recalled from
Shaib Creek). The river was getting more and more shallow,
and the ships had great difficulty in proceeding. As day
broke the Marmariss was discerned, apparently ashore, near
Garbi, 2 about 6 miles above Ezra's Tomb. 3 Rapid fire was
opened on her, but receiving no reply the ships ceased, and
the S.N.O. proceeded with an armed party to fake possession of
her. She was found to be aground and on fire, showing signs
of many hits by 4-inch shells. Her officers and most of her
1 For detailed list of captures, see S.N.O.'s Report, dated lOth June
1915.
2 31° 23' 5" N.; 47° 27' E 3 See Plan 1.