'Mesopotamia Commission. Report of the Commission Appointed by Act of Parliament to Enquire into the Operations of War in Mesopotamia, together with a Special Report by Commander J Wedgwood, DSO, MP, and Appendices. London: HMSO, 1917.' [‎86r] (171/248)

APPENDIX II.
MEMORANDUM ON THE REPORT OF THE “ VINCENT-BINGLEY ”
COMMISSION.
By General SIR BEAUCHAMP DUFF, G.C.B., G.C.S.I., K.C.V.O., C.I.E.
Origin and Object of Commission. —Late in 1915 rumours
became current in England and India that the medical
arrangements in Mesopotamia were unsatisfactory, par
ticularly in regard to the reception, treatment, and
evacuation of the wounded.
Early in January, 1916, arrangements were in train
for the appointment of a Commission to investigate the
question, but circumstances beyond my control ca.used
delay. Eventually, however, on March 2nd, I appointed
the Commission, whose report has now been received, and
gave them the following terms of reference ; viz :—
(i) The object of the Commission is to investigate
and record the arrangements made for the collec
tion, treatment and removal of the wounded and
sick during the operations on the Tigris during
and subsequent to January, 1916.
(ii) Throughout your proceedings the strategical
situation in Mesopotamia during the month of
January, 1916, and the tactical obligations
arising therefrom will be borne in mind.
(iii) You will distinguish clearly between the following
phases :—
(а) From the battlefield to the line of communica
tion.
(б) Down the line of communication to Basra.
(c) At Basra.
(d) From Basra overseas.
(iv) In each phase the forecast of the preparations
considered necessary, the preparations actually
made, and the equipment, vehicles, stores and
personnel actually available at the localities, and
on the vessels, during the operations, will be
investigated.
(v) The amount of river transport allotted for
Medical services will be examined with regard
to the total amount available and the para
mount military requirements for transportation
of troops, supplies and ammunition.
(vi) You will ascertain and record the relative order
of arrival of the combatant and medical units
coming with reinforcements from oversea, in
order to fix the responsibility for any deficiencies
in personnel, equipment, and stores, which could
be attributed to the order of embarkation for
Mesopotamia.
(vii) Having reviewed the foregoing considerations,
your opinion is required on the following points:—
(a) As to whether the wounded and sick underwent
any avoidable suffering and hardships during
any of the phases defined in paragraph (iii)
above. If so, you will state the phase.
(5) As to whether any avoidable shortage in the
personnel, equipment, vehicles and stores
occurred during any of the four phases defined
in paragraph (iii) above. If so, you will
state the phase, the shortage, and the reasons
for it.
(c) As to whether any shortages which may have
existed have now been made good.
I empowered them to suggest extension of these terms
if they thought necessary, and they were to report to the
(C 48-176)
Chief of the General Staff, for my information as Com-
mander-in-Chief.
2. Under orders of His Excellency the Viceroy, Mr.
Ridsdale joined the Commission at Basra about April
16th, and on March 29th the terms of reference, which
had already been slightly expanded at the request of the
Commission, were further extended by the Secretary of
State to their final form ; viz. :—
Terms of Reference.
(1) . The Commission is appointed with the .object of
inquiring into and recording the arrangements made for
the collection, treatment, and removal of the sick and
wounded during the operations in Mesopotamia to the
date of your departure from Mesopotamia.
(2) The strategical situation in Mesopotamia during the
above period and the tactical obligations arising therefrom
will be borne in mind throughout your proceedings.
(3) You will distinguish clearly between the following
phases:—
(i) From the battlefields to the line of communica
tion ;
(ii) Down the line of communication to Basra;
(iii) At Basra;
(iv) From Basra overseas.
(4) In each phase, the forecast of the preparations
considered necessary, the preparations actually made, and
the equipment, vehicles, stores and personnel actually
available at the localities, and on the vessels, during the
operations, will be investigated.
(5) The amount of river transport allotted for the medi
cal services will be examined with regard to the total
amount available and the paramount military require
ments for transportation of troops, supplies and ammu
nition.
(6) You will ascertain and record the relative order of
arrival of the combatant and medical units coming with
reinforcements from overseas, in order to fix the responsi
bility for any deficiencies in personnel, equipment, and
stores which could be attributed to the order of embarka
tion for Mesopotamia.
(7) . Having reviewed the foregoing considerations, your
opinion is required on the following points :—
(i) As to whether the wounded and sick under
went any avoidable suffering and hardships
during any of the phases defined in paragraph
(3) above. If so, you will state the phase and will
ascertain and assign the responsibility, showing
whether individuals or the system were to blame,
(ii) As to whether any avoidable shortage in the
personnel, equipment, vehicles and stores occurred
during any of the four phases defined in para
graph (3) above. If so, you will state the phase,
the shortage, and the reasons for it, ascertaining
and assigning the responsibility as in (i).
(iii) As to whether any shortages which may have
existed have now been made good.
At the same time the Commissioners were, under mv
direction, ordered to render their it port to the Secretary,
Y