'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎520r] (1050/1386)

MifttaTT^Stecret.
129/3J 2/0. Tigris line, 21st January. Following is summary of
operations 21st January:—Aylmer’s force disposition, cavalry, less two
squadrons ; five brigades infantry, and 32 guns on left bank. Two squadrons
cavalry, one brigade infantry, and 14 guns on right bank. During night of
20 th- 21 st advance was made to within 200 yards of enemy’s front line.
Morning of 21st, after artillery bombardment, attack was launched supported
by artillery 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 reinforcements.
Three battalions of reserve brigade were sent to reinforce right. Later
report 12.30 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
movement extremely difficult. Our casualties have been heavy, but enemy’s
have been equally so. Air reconnaissance impossible.
Townshend reports tiiat owing to great rise in river Turks are evacuating
their first line trenches, and he may have to do the same.
129/313/0. 22nd January. Tigris line (?). Further reports from
Aylmer as follows :—First report 1.15 a.m. 22nd states that owing to flooded
nature of country and disorganisation of troops after attack of afternoon of
21st impossible to renew assault 22nd as intended. Our first line withdrawn
to position 1,300 yards from enemy’*, 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 floods
increasing. Aylmer adds he is submitting his proposals for future 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 situation,^- Qu+ui. t/u™.
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