File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎348r] (343/1080)

Appendix I.
BOLSHEVIK GARRISONS.
According to an intelligent ex-militiaman from Merv, the organization of
“ field ” regiments approximates generally to that described in Intelligence
Summary 4 6 for Frontier commands. He states that the composition—on
paper—of a regiment is 3 battalions. Each battalion consists of 3 infantry
companies, 1 machine gun command, 1 squadron, a proportion of non-com
batants, and one battery, which latter, though included in the organization of
the regiment, enjoys an independent r61e.
The totalistrength of the reaiment is intended to be 1,800 but actually
does not exceed 5a0. The witness doubted if there is any regiment possessing
3 battalions.
In addition to the above field formations there are the frontier units as
previously outlined. Each town has, in addition, “ stepnaya ” and “ gorod-
skaya ” militia for patrol work in the district and in the town respectively.
Krasnovodsk. —8th December 19zl.
The 1st Orenburg Regiment proceeded to Tashkent about the 8th Decem
ber and was relieved by the 2nd Tashkent which at that time was 582 strong.
Of these 230 arrived in Krasnovodsk. (By deserter from 1st Orenburg).
Kizil Arvat. —8th December 1921.
400, majority Muslims and including 100 mounted, all of 7th Tashkent.
150 of these are in Qara Qala where also is a detachment of 4th Simbirsk.
(By man discharged from 7th Tashkent).
Russian Sarakhs. —15th December 1921.
The following are the garrisons of Sarakhs and subsidiary posts : Ghan-
gali, 25 Sarakhs Post, 30. Daulatabad, 16. Naorozabad, 23. Sher Tappe,
14. Pul-i-Khatun, 32. Aku, Chashmai, Ak Robat, and Russian Sarakhs,
250. Garrisons of posts are composed of Sarts and Russians under Russian
commanders. They are composed of half infantry and half cavalry.
Chinaz. —6th December 1921.
Horses are so poor that they are unable to walk level wi'k a pedestrian.
(By Jemadar Mohabullak). 7 versts N. E. of bridge over Sar Darya, Central
Asian Railway. G irrison 300 composed of a company each of 6th Tashkent
and 8th Chernyaevo Regiments including 25 mounted men. Garrison on the
bridge, 50, 1 gun, 2 machine guns. (By ex-watchman on the bridge).
Karshi. —8th December 1921.
900, composed of 400 Bokharan troops including 100 mounted, and 500
Bolshevik troops including 150 mounted. Majority Muslims. 3 guns, 1 pro
jector at railway station, 1 motor lorry, 20 carts.
Tashkent. —4th December 1921.
4,000, mostly Qirqiz and Tatars. Units : A Semiriechian regiment.
Another battalion (confused title 1 Geokh Tappe battalion. 1 regiment of
Orenburg Cossacks. 1 Communist battalion. 2 aeroplanes. 12 guns seen.
Much derelict rolling stock. (By an agent).
Samara. —16th November 1921.
According to an escaped prisoner of Samara gaol the _ garrison consists of
1 labour battalion and one cavalry “ division ” only, which is probable in view
of famine conditions in this area.
Orenburg. —26th November 1921.
1,500, majority Russians, and including 50 cavalry. 3 heavy and 2 field
guns. 2 aeroplanes. 2 motor lorries.
Katta Kurghan. —6th December 1921.
550, mostly Russians, including 100 horsemen. A detachment of 16th
Tashkent left and was replaced at end of November by a detachment of oth
Simbirsk. 2 guns, 3 machine guns, 3 aeroplanes, 1 armoured car and 1
projector were taken away by relieved detachment.