'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' [‎11r] (21/40)

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Daalitabad (D.-4). The half squadron, on arrival at Sivand, waited for the bag
gage with remainder of squadron and thence marched to Qavamabad. (March via
Shahsharbun pass, 16 miles).
Captain Hill, South Persia Rifles, met the column at Sivand. From Sivand
scouts were sent over the hills north-east along pathways which led to Qavama
bad. This precaution was taken owing to a report that 50 of the enemy were on
the hills near Qavamabad.
On arrival at camp the following information regarding the enemy was given
me by Captain Hill, that 200 Arabs, Mishmast and Lashani, headed by Rahim Agha
Lashani and Said Ulla Khan Arab, were lying in the low hills, 2 miles north-east
of the Tang-i-Kamin (D. S. 17-F.-B.-4) from 18th January 1918 and had been
joined by another 100 of their fighting men on 20th January 1918.
On receipt of this information I decided on the following plan :—
“ B ” Squadron, B.M.I., and 1st Line transport under Lieutenant Thacker
would march from Qavamabad at 2 A. m., on the 22nd via Saadatabad
and the Tang-i-Kamin to Kaleh-i-Jalk (D.-S.-17-F.-B.-4), to arrive
there by 5-30 a. m. Two troops, South Persia Rifles, under Captain
Hill to leave Qavamabad at 4 a. m. arriving at the east mouth of the
Tang-i-Kamin by 7 a. m. to take up a position along the two hills east
of the road running north to Qavamabad. Baggage to march at
7 A. m. under Sergeant Goodwill to Saadatabad where it was to park
and await further orders.
Special Idea .—“ B ” Squadron, Burma Mounted Infantry, was ordered on
arrival at Kaleh-i-Jalk to send out patrols and to watch the following passes (D.-S.-
17-F.-B.-4) Arsinjan Pass south over the Tang-i-Bulagi Hills, the Chah Daraz Pass
south-east the Tang-i-Falak, north over the Mian Mullah Hills. The remainder of
the squadron thence to proceed to the Kaleh Haji Mohomed Shaft. From here the
squadron to extend in column of half squadrons and proceed due north over the
hills for six miles. Thence turning west and driving in extended order in the same
formation towards the Tang-i-Kamin and if enemy as reported met in hills to be
vigorously attacked and driven in the direction of the w r est mouth of the Tang-i-
Kamin where the South Persia Rifles would attack them on their approach and
thus regain their morale which they had lost on the 18th by being attacked by over
whelming odds.
Saadatabad .—The column moved as orders issued on 21st January. Officer
Commanding marched with advanced guard of Burma Mounted Infantry Squadron.
The operations were carried out as described in special idea of 2lst January.
During the day this squadron covered 30 to 35 miles scouts and patrols 35 to 40 miles
and no signs of the imported enemy were seen or heard of. The column returned
to camp at Saadatabad at 4 p. m., an extremely cold and cloudy day.
On arrival in camp the following [information was received from the Naib
Tufangchi Beyzat Khan of Saadatabad, that the enemy which was reported over
the country we had reconnoitred during the day had left the day before in the direc
tion of Gumun (D.-S.-17-G.-B.-1) via Arsinjan and Chah Daraz Passes. On this
information I decided to move with the column next day (23rd) to Arsinjan which
is situated in the centre of the Sinjan Valley. (B.-l).
The column to march at 9 a. m. in the following formation. All Burma Mounted
Rifles scouts 2 miles in front, South Persia Rifles under Captain Hill, advance
guard, “ B ” Squadron, Burma Mounted Infantry, in line'of troop column. Main
body minus one troop rear guard-baggage to follow immediately in rear of main
body. 1st fine transport proceeding. Officer Comanding to march with advance
guard.
Arsinjan .—The column marched as ordered on 22nd January 1918 from
Saadatabad at 9 a. m., arriving Arsinjan 2 p. m. (12 miles), weather cloudy and cold;
appearance of snow arriving.
On arrival in camp I called on the Deputy Governor, Sarang Hamza Khan of the C.-1.
Arsinjan District, who supplied the following information regarding the enemy. 24th January
There were several Arab encampments in the vicinity of Gumun (17-G.-B.-1),
who were under their chief Saidulla Khan.
22nd
1918.
January
Sketch map.
A.
23rd January
1918.
D. S.-17, D.A
and 17 B. G. 1,
1918.