'Naval Staff monographs (historical) vol 4 no 15 - Naval operations in Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf' [‎66] (83/150)

0(3
CHAPTER IX.
NAVAL FORCES AND GENERAL SITUATION IN
THE PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. IN THE SUMMER OF 1915.
Operations at Bushire and Dilwar.
Decision to advance to Kut.
49. Measures to increase the Provision of River Gunboats.—
Early in 1915 the S.N.O. had asked the Admiralty that more
shallow-draught gunboats might be provided for the operations
in Mesopotamia. 1 It was not possible, said Capt. Nunn, to take
up and arm for naval purposes any more of the river craft
belonging to local firms, as they were fully occupied in the
transport of troops between Basra and Qurna, and already the
Transport Department was badly in need of more. To have
taken any of them the} 7- would have seriously hampered the
operations. 2 The question was examined fully by the Admiralty,
and 1_? gunboats were ordered to be built. 3 Labour troubles
delayed their construction, 4 but it was expected that four would
be shipped on 1st June 5 to Basra. These gunboats were of the
"small China" type: they were constructed in England in
sections for erection at Abadan at the Anglo-Persian Oil Works,
and Messrs. Yarrow, who were building the boats, sent out an
experienced overseer 6 to put them together. The first four
were _ expected to be ready for service in October, 7 and the
remaining eight before the end of the year. 8
It was also^ arranged to have some vessels of the " large
China gunboat type strengthened and towed out from England. 9
Another contemplated addition to the flotilla consisted in one of
the Turkish motor patrol boats which had been sunk by the
Espiegle in November 1914. She was found to be lying in a
position where she could be salved, and the Anglo-Persian Oil
Company's representatives offered to attempt to do so, and to
refit her for service. This was approved by the Admiralty. 10
In the meantime, two sternwheel gunboats were offered by
the Egyptian Government. 11 The Admiralty accepted them,
1 M. 01379/15. From Admiralty Telegram, 353, to O.-in-C., E. Indies
for S.N.O., Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , 19th December 1914, it would appear as if this
request already had been made in December 1914. On 9th January 1915
the Viceroy wired to the India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. that the G.O.C. recommended the
Admiralty be asked to provide four gunboats for river work above Qurna.
2 S.N.O., Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , to Admiralty, 148, 22 December 1914.
3 Four more were ordered later (23rd December 1915).
* M. 01379/15. 8 M. 03386/15. 6 Mr. William Grant.
' The first one {Firefly) was launched on 23rd October 1915,
8 Admiralty to S.N.O., Mesopotamia, 33, 18th August 1915.
The first one, Mantis, left in November 1915, and was followed later by
the Gnat, Moth, and Tarantula.
. 10 She was successfully salved, renamed the Flycatcher, and commissioned
with a naval crew for service in Mesopotamia towards the end of 1915
11 M. 01411/15.