'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' [‎13v] (26/40)

24
No. of rounds fired.
Rounds.
Burma Mounted Infantry
. . . . . .'
4,577
South Persia Rifles
..
314
Total
4,891
Enemy's Strength .—200 rifles (including 50 mounted).
Casualties.—40 killed, 40 wounded (estimated).
Booty .—Camel 134, cattle 18, ponies 3, mule 1.
During the day the column covered a distance of 30 miles, scouts about 30
miles. Weather fine, bright and cold.
27th January On arrival in camp received Colonel Orton’s message “ Congratulations on
your successful operations 24th. By all means attack the other encampment of
robber Arabs. If'you can arrest any Mishmast headmen near Arsinjan bring
them to Shiraz. Motor lorry will try to get to Qavamabad to-morrow, but the
Kinareh plain probably not passable after recent rains. Do not take any risks
into Lashani country as there are topographical difficulties near Tasht. Return to
Qavamabad as soon as possible with captured animals. You may return the
400 sheep to headman Akbarabad if satisfied that claim is genuine and take receipt
for them.”
isth January Arsinjan. — A fine morning, but during the afternoon clouded over. All the
m8, cattle that had been handed over to Deputy Governor, Arsinjan, were taken and
together with the animals taken in fight of 27th were sent into Qavamabad under
escort of South Persia Rifles.
I answered the letters received from Rais Ahmed Khan, Lashani, stating that
“ I was very glad to hear from him and that I would very shortly come ancf visit
him, being at the present time busy. Hoping his health was well and that our
meeting would be a friendly one.” The reply was sent to him by the men who
had brought in his letter to me and who had been kept in the Quarter Guard
meanwhile. /
Rested during the day. The Deputy Governor informed us that it was
reported that Saidulla Khan had been killed in the action of yesterday (27th).
March orders for the next day were, all sick and wounded men and animals
to march at 8 a.m. Baggage at 8-30 a.m. Column at 9-30 a.m. for Qavamabad.
During the march one troop, South Persia Rifles, to form the rear guard with a
screen of Burma Mounted Infantry scouts well out in front, four troops, Burma
Mounted Infantry main body, Officer Commanding with 1 main body. Suitable
, sth j~ nuary g u &rds to be told off for sick and baggage.
1918, Qavamabad.—The column marched as orders issued on 28th January. The
mor.mng was cloudy, and at 9-30 a.m. as the main body moved off it commenced
snowing and by 11-30 a.m. a blizzard was blowing and continued so until 1-30 p.m.
From then till 3 p.m. it cleared when it started raining and snowing heavily which
continued during the remainder of the day and night.
The column arrived at Qavamabad at 6 p.m. the rear guard with a few wound
ed arrived at 7 p.m. (distance 22 miles). The hardships of the march were borne
by all ranks with great cheerfulness and everything possible was done to alleviate
the suffering of the wounded, who appeared none the worse for what they had
30th Jamia-ygone through. Wounded all doing welL ^
Weather fine but cloudy, all surrounding hills covered in snow.
Rested—cleaned kit and equipment. After hearing from Captain TownW
Dehbid, I released the men I had made prisoners on 25th. " ^ ’
A spy from General Staff arrived, who interviewed me and said that he had
orders to go into the Lashani country; he required a letter of introduction to
Rahun Agha Khan. Seeing that it would defeat the purpose for which he had
been sent I refused to give it.