'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎76v] (155/256)

Nixon’s demand implies intention on his part of important offensive movement. 1
presume lie elearly understands that Government will not sanction at this moment any
advance beyond present theatre of operations. We must coniine ourselves during summer to
defence of Basra Vi lay at and Oil interests in Arabist an. If after smashing enemy in Karim
direction it is possible to advance to Amara with view to establishing an outpost which will
control tribesmen between there and Karun and so contribute to security of pipe line, 1
should be prepared to accept such a proposal provided it is supported by you, hut T deprecate any
plan involving undue, extension and possible demands for reinforcements. Strategically our
present position is a sound one, and, at present toe cannot afford to take risks by unduly extending
it. Tile must play a sa fe game in Mesopotamia.
No. 126.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated, 28th April 191b.
(Telegraphic.)
Gorringe’s force marched 5 p.m. 28th from Sabeh on point on Karun right bank opposite
Farsi at.
No. 127.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 29/7/ April 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
1 1>om camp opposite Farsiat on Karun Gorringe reports at 12.30 p.m., 29th :—
“ My whole force has arrived here less Lean’s Brigade, which is still at Aliwaz. General
Lean met me here last night. Am moving forward to near Braikah to-day and reconnoitring
Shaltagh and old bed of the Kharkeh for bivouac and depot—within striking distance of the
enemy. Lean’s brigade at Ahwaz, less 4th Rajputs, is ready to join me, and bridging train is
being prepared at Ahwaz. Latest reports are to the effect that Turks have not moved from
Ilia, and Kharkeh river is in Hood, and is 300 yards broad down stream of Kut Nahtr Hashim,
but this is based on Arab information. I am arranging to get accurate information on this
point by reconnaissance.”
No. 128.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated W May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Gorringe reports at 10.15 p.m., 29th, from vicinity of Braikeh
. i. ^ Gavalry .reconnaissance at about noon to-day came across Arab camp near Imam Zada
All f in Husain, sheikh of these Arabs professed himself friendly and gave information re
position of l urks. Major Anderson, 33rd Cavalry, with two squadrons—one 33rd one 7th—
was conducting reconnaissance and taking full military precautions. After watering and
feeding horses where pointed out by Sheikh he was attacked bv considerable numbers of
Arabs, and I regret to report following casualties 33rd Cavalry: Major Anderson, Second
Lieutenant Le Mesurier, Indian Army Reserve, and five Indian ranks all missing, two Indian
ranks wounded; 7 th Lancers: Lieutenant Baily, 26th Cavalry attached, and three Indian
lan-s, missing; four Indian ranks wounded. The reconnaissance then came under the
command of Lieutenant Forbes, attached 7th Lancers, and extricated themselves from
difficult position m creditable manner and retired on this camp, inflicting considerable loss on
Arabs. Meanwhile support was sent out to them by General Officer Commanding Cavalry
Brigade. Another of the officers of the patrol located considerable numbers of hostile Arabs
in Mcmity of Bam it Ramil Wells, south-west of Imam, and was followed and fired on for
three miles.
f urther report from Gorringe at 4.30 p.m., 30th :
R I ? ivision > le ' ss Aj^az garrison, is assembled at camp on bend two miles north of
Biaikeh. Arrangements for establishment of advance.! depot near Shaltagh are processing
^mnanv 48th S p- n 7 Bl ' , ^ ade ’ 30th ^ntry Brigade, 63rd Battery and one double
company 48th I ■ oncers, will proceed early to-morrow morning to neighbourhood of Shaltagh
cbspersed ." 1 " lt VVh ° attacked ca ™ h 7 l-trol south-west of Imam hfve
No. 129.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 2nd May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Reports received 1st )lay from Gom'nge show that Anderson, 33rd Cavalry with one
TnTw • oofi a ", d 0 n 1 e T adron 33rd Cavalry reached old bed Kharkeh ueaj Imanzada
f poildZtwater TAf 0 "* TA . 150 , A "t ««* " ^ -P—d fHendfinet
.mapointeu ont water. Cavalry watered in detachments with military nrec-intione vr.„.„