'Despatch by Brigadier-General Sir P. M. Sykes, K.C.I.E., C.M.G., Inspector-General, South Persia Rifles and Commanding British Mission Escort in Persia on Minor Operations in Southern Persia. From 7th November 1917 to 31st March 1918' [‎8v] (16/40)

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The advance party arrived a little before daybreak on the 27th and I took up
positions surrounding the Arab tents. The fight commenced immediately, although
I only wished to hold them until the arrival of the*main body. However we were
fairly successful until the cartridges of one party of tufangchis gave out, which
permitted the Arabs to send off their women, children, and some of theii*
flocks into the hills. It then looked rather serious for us, for the men and
some women remained to carry on the fight, Ali Reza Khan thought it best to
call on Amir Quli Khan, the Kalantar of Pad ami, for assistance. Fortunately,
however, Aziz Ullah Khan and 20 Soith Persia Rifles arrived on the scene about
9 a.m. and we soon gained the upper hand. According to Ali Reza Khan’s inform
ation, 16 were killed and a large number wounded, but accurate information is not
forthcoming. Certainly the path they took into the mountains towards Darab is
easily traceable by the blood spilt.
We then looted their tents, and set fire to them afterwards, with the exception of
those containing some wounded women and girls. It must be understood that these
took up arms against us and no blame therefore attaches to our men. As regards the
looting, the tufangchis of Ali Reza Khan were naturally looting the place as soon as
we got possession. We also took a flock of 174 sheep, some of which were eaten
by the men and the remainder brought here and divided between Ali Reza Khan
and myself. I propose issuing them to the Indians as rations.
I should like you to call the attention of the Commanding Officer to the wonder
ful marching of the men. They marched a distance of nearly 50 miles in less than
24 hours. The last 10 miles or so was over marshy ground and the men sank half
way up to the calf in every step. As soon as they arrived they entered i ito a fierce
fight which lasted till between two and three o’clock.
Among these men it seems invidious to make distinctions, but Vakil Elected representative or attorney, acting in legal matters such as contracting marriage, inheritance, or business; a high-ranking legal official; could also refer to a custodian or administrator. Nasrullah,
Vakil Elected representative or attorney, acting in legal matters such as contracting marriage, inheritance, or business; a high-ranking legal official; could also refer to a custodian or administrator. Ali Jumah, Ali Murad, Ali Shaipurchi (Bugler) and AliHassan arrived with
me on the scene of action and went through the whole of the fight. Ali Hassan in
particular showed up well when the Arabs were on the point of breaking through
at one point and getting into a “ Kharabi ” from which it would have been
impossible to dislodge them, he took a village lad and the two held the position.
I wanted to get hold of this youngster for the South Persia Rifles, but he disappeared'
afterwards. Ali Hassan was formerly a Vakil Elected representative or attorney, acting in legal matters such as contracting marriage, inheritance, or business; a high-ranking legal official; could also refer to a custodian or administrator. , but was degraded for a series of
offences; I am making him a Lance Sar-i-Jugi again, and have told him that if
he behaves he will get on. However, if, as I fully expect, he gets into a scrape
again, I hope you will deal leniently with him. He should turn out alright when
he gets a little older.
’ Aspirant Aziz Ullah Khan too showed great bravery. For some time he held
a position alone which had been vacated by the Tufangchis who ran short of
cartridges, until the South Persia Rifles turned up. (It should be explained that he
galloped forward when he heard the firing, leaving his men to follow.) Two bullets
passed through his hat, which he says was on his head at the time. I hope the
Commanding Officer will see his way to making him a Naib, for he seems a good,
reliable man.
Marigi stuck to his camel which was carrying ammunition under a heavy fire
and brought it to a place of safety not too far from the men who were thus able to
get ammunition without having recourse to carrying parties which could ill be
spared. The Arabs were of the Hassani tribe, and I hear they sent a message to
some Bulhasanis living near here demanding one half of the booty we took from
them, threatening to inform me of their complicity unless they complied. It is
raining now, but as soon as the weather clears I will pay the Bulhasanis a visit.
In the fight at Padumi there were no casualties amongst the South Persia
Rifles, but one tufangchi was killed and one wounded in the arm The man
killed was Mulla Lutf Ali, Kadkhuda Madanu, who leaves a widow and two small
girls.
OPERATIONS ON THE SHIRAZ-DEHBID ROAD,
December 1917, January 1918.