'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎69v] (141/256)

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the evening of the 10th reliable news was received from the Sheikh of Mohammerah that
Sami Bey, with a strong combined force of Turks and Arabs, had an-ived from Basra at a
point opposite Mohammerah with the intentioh of attacking our camp. At 3 a.m. on the
11th the Sheikh reported that Sami Bey had started to make the attack. Troops were
turned out and outposts strengthened. The Turkish force, of whom over 300 were actually
seen, delivered a determined attack at 5.30 a.m. on an advanced post held by one double
company 117th Mahrattas, with two machine guns. They advanced to within 50 yards of
the post, but were driven off by a dashing cjunter-attack delivered by the 20th Duke of
Cambridge’s Own Infantry, with the assistance of the 23rd Peshawar Mountain Battery
1 he enemy lost heavily in their retiremenl across the desert, 19 dead were counted
14 wounded were brought in by us, and six prisoners were taken. Abandoned rifles and
equipment were found. 1 he Turks officially acknowledged the loss of 80 men. The
^ ie cam P were further strengthened and daily reconnaissances made. On the
14th November, Lieutenant-General Sir A. Barrett, with the 18th Brigade and Divisional
troops, arrived at this camp.
No. 57.
General Barrett to Secretary of State j or India, dated 18/A November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Yesterday we advanced 9 miles up right bai k. Enemy was encountered strongly posted
Zut 4 5 ^ o° n ’ hlS restin g on °ld fort, and right on village of Zain; strength
about 4,500 with guns. Enemy made dete: mined resistance; his left flank was turned
and his entrenchments carried. Enemy retired with loss of 2 guns and a number of
canturpfl 8 ' ^ 0ttl ° erS \ hlS Ca , mp ’ colltainin g reserve ammunition and animals, was
captuied. I much regret our heavy losses, due to our advance being over open, level plain
without cover, and to heavy rain which made siface impossible for rapid movement oilmen
77 , Cas f U 1 a ! ! tieS i0 0fficers klll ed, 3 ; rank and tile killed, about 35 ; officers
wounded about lo ; rank and hie wounded, about 300. Troops behaved splendidly and are
proud ot their success. Medical officers did excellent work under heavy fir e P
No. 58.
tieneral, Barrett to Secretary of State for India, dated '2.1st November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Information received from Mohammerah that Turks have evacuated Bassorah and that
Aiabs from Abdul Kasis and intervening places are friendly and are sending deputations
Report says that Ajemi faction of Arabs are looting Basra, and that British sub ects if "ot
ste^nipus ^ T/’ ^ be T 7 Dg T 1 am seildin g at once two battalions on Lynch’s
steamers, escorted by armed launches, to Basra. Odin, Espieqle and Lawrence will
accompany these if they can get through obstruction in river which Senior N^vToffiT
hopes to be able to effect. Remainder of my force marches for’ Basrah this evenW “av,„o
one battalion and one squadron herewith the remaining Field Batterv the hors^nf
are not yet disembarked. All quiet here, and reconnaissLe beyondSyoLS news
that hostile force has evacuated its late position. First time since landing camp was not tired
into last night, which is a further indication that neighbouring Arabs are no longer hostile.
No. 59.
Sir 1\ Cox to Secretary of State for Lidia, dated 21st November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Steam launch arrived Muhammerah bringing two Englishmen and deputation from
notables of Basra to report that Wahs of Basra and Baghdad and remnant of Turkish troops
ha\ e fled up 1 igris. All British prisoners safe.
No. 60.
General Barrett to Secretary of State for India, dated 23rd November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Basra, 22nd November.
Navy ships reached Basra last night and our river detachment at 9 am to-dav •
remainder of force at noon. ° ua } •
All quiet, and inhabitants well disposed and friendly Little aimarW i i
unt^rd 0 ” 810 ” H0USe ^ (? ConsuTand ^
Enemy abandoned four guns on river bank ; four more found in Arsenal here M-inv
enemy wounded are tn town. Apparently our actions on 15th and 17th had more important
results than first appeared. Block tn river channel likely to take some time to remove
No. 61.
General Barrett to Secretary of State for India, dated 24th November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
23rd November. Basra.
Troops made ceremonial march through streets of Basra this morning to central point
whore notables were assembled. TJnton Jack hoisted on roof of prominent Lldingf SalX ’