'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎425r] (860/1386)

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Force on right bank when transfer completed—three and a half battalions, one field
battery, four mountain and two horse artillery guns, and one squadron of cavalry.
Aylmer hop>es to continue oifensive on 20th.
No. 54.
Tclctjram from General, Force “ /),” to Chief of General Staff, India,
dated liHh January 1916.
129/310/0. 19th. t TigHs line, 19th dan nary. Aylmer reports'19th that two
Brigades, 19th and 35th, were pushed forward during night of 18th-19th, and
advanced to about 800 yards from enemy’s position left bank. Weather Has moderated,
ahd transfer of troops to right bank continues. Guns will be placed in position on
right bank night of 19th-20th. Townshend reports 19th that fully 3,000 infantry
w ith transport moved past Kut by left bank from direction of Essinn. Enemy’s camp
on right bank near Sinn position has disappeared.
No. 55.
Tclcarom from General Lalce to Chief of Gcncrvl Staff, India,
dated 22 d January 1916.
129/312/0. Tigris line, 21st January. Following is summary of operations
21st January Aylmer’s force disposition, cavalry, less, two squadrons; live brigades
infantry, and 32 guns on left bank. Two squadrons cavalry, one brigade infantry,
and M^guns on right bank. During night of 20th-21st advance was made to within
200 yards of enemy’s front line. Morning of 21st, after artillery bombardment, attack
was launched supported by artilleiy fire from both banks. Main attack directed
against enemy’s right. Aylmer wiring 10.45 a.m. reported our left was progressing
favourably, but that our right was held up, due to enemy reinforcemenis. Three
battalions of reserve brigade were sent to reinforce right. Later report, 12.3 ) p.m.,
stated that Black Watch had succeeded in occupying portion of enemy’s first line,
but were subsequently dislodged. Remainder of troops were held up between 100
and 200 yards from enemy’s front line. Assault to be renewed in afternoon preceded
by further bombardment. Later report, 5.25 p.m., stated that assault of afternoon
failed. Troops ordered to maintain present positions at all costs. Assault will be
renewed 22 nd with intensive artillery bombardment.
The weather throughout day has been atrocious. Pouring rain rendering move
ment extremely difficult. Our casualties have been heavy, but enemy’s have been
equally so. Air reconnaissance impossible.
Townshend reports that owing to great rise in river Turks are evacuating their
first line trenches, and he may have to do the same.
No. 56.
Telegram from General Tahe to Secretary of Stale for India,
dated 22nd January 1916^§
129/313/0. 22nd January. Tigris line (?) Further reports from Aylmer as
followsFirst report, 1.15 a.m. 22nd, states that owing to Hooded nature of country
and disorganisation of troops after attack of afternoon of 21 st impossible io renew
assault 22nd as intended. Our first line withdrawn to position 1,300 yards from
enemy’s position. Second report, 10.30 a.m., states that we have suffered severe
reverse in spite of gallantry of troops and that our losses very heavy. Aylmer has
requested Turks for six hours’ armistice to bury dead and bring away wounded.
For the present he is holding line 1,300 yards from enemy’s position with reserve
line behind. Condition of troops renders further advance impossible at present.
Weather during night worst possible, incessant rain, intensely cold, and Hoods
increasing. Aylmer adds he is submitting his proposals foi futuie action.
In view of fact that the enemy must be in worse plight than he is as regards
supplies and munitions of war I have ordered Aylmer to hold on to the utmost, as
crisis asks for supreme effort. Townshend wires that he can hold out for another
27 days on half rations. Every effort being made to push up reinforcements to
Aylmer. I have, speaking generally, sufficient reinforcements to relieve Aylmer’s
MS 2G2--1 C .
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