'Despatch by Major-General J. M. Stewart, C.B. on the operations of the Aden Field Force 1st April to 31st August 1918' [‎2v] (4/6)

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6. During'May the road and railway north of Robat were completed to dis
tances of 1 } «00—2,700 yards respectively beyond our outpost line and this is, I con
sider, as far as they can be pushed at present in anticipation of an advance. The
only opposition offered by the enemy to this work was by shelling the working
parties fairly rcg ilarly, to which our artillery replied effectively, usually silencing
their gans.
7. There has been no change in the attitude of the enemy, who still persists
in a steady defensive, and it is increasingly difficult to draw him from his entrench
ments.
On three occasions in June, he brought down guns to the scrub east of Assela
to shell our camp at Sheikh Othman, but little damage was done. To prevent this
manoeuvre, a strong piquet has been placed at Sq. P.-56-8-8 and since this was
established no further attempt has been made.
There have been, occasional periods of patrol activity on his part notably in
April and again quite recently, but no inclination is evidenced to risk any serious
engagement. At the same time his morale seems unimpaired, his piquet line is
still strongly and determinedly held and there is no' sign of any exhaustion of his
ammunition, as he is ready to open heavy fire with both rifles and guns when occa
sion demands.
He appears to have been able to maintain his numbers by means of drafts
from the Yemen and recent information is to the effect that he has concluded an
agreement with the Imam which should release more men, and reports of reinforce
ments by the Imam’s levies are also current. The Idrissi movement referred to in
my last despatch has not yet succeeded in altering the. situation here in any way;
indeed during June the Turks re-occupied most of the territory taken by the
Idrissian forces in the spring. Fresh attacks by the latter are, however, promised
in the near future.
8. The lull in operations has been taken advantage of to carry out some
systematic training, which was especially needed in the case of a large number of
young Indian soldiers. Several special classes of instruction for officers and
others have also been held.
9. Generally the health and spirit of the troops has been well maintained
through the monotony of the hot weather. There has been a slight attack of beri
beri among the British troops and a considerable epidemic of influenza among the
Indians. This latter is, however, now abating.
10. The administrative services have continued to work smoothly and well
in carrying out normal duties and effecting improvements for the benefit of the
troops.
11. In conclusion I submit for consideration a list of officers and men whose
services during the period under consideration are deserving in my opinion, of
recognition, by mention in despatches, as well as a list of those I recommend for
specific reward.
Copy to the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, War Office, London.
G. M. Press, Simla, No. C. 240 G.S.B.—16-10-18—70—A.G.
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