'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎123r] (248/256)

No.4K4.
II nr (to (Aoni-eral A ixon, da ted \ith November 15115.
/
III
('I'elegraphic.)
We have reliable information that Von der Goltz left for Bagdad on 10th November.
Halil Bey, the uncle of Knver Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , iu marching - from h'r/.eroum with .dO.OOO men to Irak.
Marsh should confirm this.
No.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 17 tk November l !*15.
('I’elegraphic.)
I igris line. Latest air reconnaissance and Agent's reports indicate enemy's cavalry and
camelry, combined strength 1,000, with 1,200 infantry and four guns holding advanced position
at Zeur. Enemy's main position is astride the Tigris at Ctesiphon and his reserve is at
Quwinbah. Near latter place he has established a boat bridge across Tigris. This bridge
has lately been removed from its peace time location to Kadhimain close to Bagdad. Our
17th Infantry Brigade plus heavy artillery and the bulk of our shipping concentrated at
Elkutunie on 17th November. I he first two B.E. aeroplanes flew from Knt-al-Amara to
A/.iziyah, 17th Novembei - .
No.>8t
From- General XUim to Secretary of State for India, dated IHth November UM.j.
< 'Pelegraphic.)
1'igris line. Aeroplane reconnaissance on afternoon of 18th NovemW has ascertained and
veiified that enemy in force is advancing on both banks from Ctesiphon on/jeur. Enemv mav
attack on early morning of 19th November, but in any case General TVAynshend will
forward morning of 19th Novembei - to attack them.
nemy may
move
No.
I'hief of General Staff. India, to War Office, dated 18th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Nixon has sent the following telegram :
" Reference War Office telegram, dated November 16th. 1 would point out that the move
of troops up the river to the front from Basra is a long business. Therefore in view of this
latest news I urge that the arrival in Mesopotamia of the two Divisions promised me as
reinforcements may be expedited."
I he matter is regarded as being extremely urgent.
No.
< luef of Genera! Staff, India, to War (Iffice, dated \8th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
V ith reference to your telegram of 17th November, it is presumed that Von der Goltz started
tiom Constantinople on 10th November. From a telegram of Marsh’s we gather that he
, information about Halil Bey’s force, which he reports as having left Bitlis about
Kith October for Bagdad.
No.^SSk.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 19th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
1 igris line. General Townshend’s marching column advanced from Elkutunie during
forenoon, Kith, and occupied Zeur with slight opposition. The enemy retired towards
( tesiphon. Colonel Thornton, 16th Cavalry, wounded, and there are about half-a-dozen other
casualties. After occupation of Zeur our shipping was ordered up from Elkutunie.
No.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 20th November 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
1 igris line. General Townshend s advance was continued 20th November to Lajj, which is
within sight of Ctesiphon arch. Enemy’s mounted troops were driven in by our cavalry,
supported by infantry. V e had no casualties reported. Townshend’s force and General
Headquarters are bivouacked on Tigris left bank at Lajj for night of 20th-21st. Arabs on
right bank have raised white flags, and have not fired on 20th. Formed bodies of enemv on
right bank have been seen retiring. Weather very good, and troops in good health and
spirits.