Abstract: In this note, Sir James Meston, the Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, contests the idea that Baghdad should be brought under British control in any way. Meston warns that trying to control the area, particularly any Holy Places, would likely offend the Muslim population and cause significant resentment towards the British.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 143, and terminates at f 143, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 March 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, tables, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and labour requirements of Force DSupplies for Force D, including: river craft, weapons, ammunition, rations, trains, and railway construction materialsLists of sick and wounded soldiersPrisoners of warUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Baghdad, Samarrah [Samarra], and Bakuba [Baqubah, also rendered in text as Bakubah]Updates from the Khanikin [Khanaqin] front, especially at Khanikin, Shahroban [Al Miqdadiyah], and the area around the Dialah [Diyala, also rendered in text as Dialha] riverUpdates from the Euphrates line, especially at Samawah [As Samawah] and Fallujah [Al Fallujah, also rendered in text as Felujah]Updates from the Russo-Turkish fronts in the Caucasus region and in Persia [Iran]Turkish [Ottoman] forces: movements; intelligence from deserters; reported difficulties with supplies and communication; details of commanders; re-organisation of troops; and distributions on week ending 20 March (ff 39-40) and week ending 27 March (f 120)Discussions about co-operating with Russian forces on certain operationsDiscussions about Force D’s priority being the consolidation of their position in Baghdad, including: planned communications with the population; approaches to taking over from the Turkish administration; and the completion of railway connections to the cityPossibility of advancing along Euphrates to SamawahIntelligence provided by the Caucasus Military AgencyIntelligence about German troopsReports of the Royal Flying CorpsProgress of railways constructionSituation in Persia, particularly discussions around the decision to return the Bushire [Bushehr] force to the command of the Commander-in-Chief in India.The volume also contains:Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 18 March (ff 21-24) and on 25 March (ff 76-77)Two diaries of information from 3 March (ff 83-99) and 10 March (ff 100-111), covering: climate and floods; prisoners of war; inland water transport; the Army Ordnance Corps (Basrah [Basra]); aviation; sanitary reports; tribal confederations of the Tigris; customs duties in Iraq; photographs; and railways in Mesopotamia.A summary and index to the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3272.Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from 15 January 1917 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from March 1917.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 145; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-143; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 15 March 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, reports, tables, and memoranda.An index to the contents of this volume and a summary of the contents can be found on folios 3-10. The volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military OperationsThree diaries of information from 17 February 1917, 12 August 1916, and 24 February 1917 covering: climate and floods; relaxation at the Mesopotamia base; medical concerns, including malaria and sanitary conditions, particularly at Sheikh Sa’ad [Shaykh Sa’d]; inland water transport, port administration; postal services; Suq-Al-Shuyukh Qadha [Suq Al-Shoyokh District]; aviation; prisoners of war; captions of photographs sent to the Chief of the General Staff, IndiaA report on the Shatt-el-Arab river [Shatt al-Arab]Reinforcements for Force DDiscussions about the probability of Force D being able to capture and hold BaghdadTurkish [Ottoman] retreat from Aziziyah [Al ‘Aziziyah]The ammunition supplyMovements of Turkish and Russian troopsThe possibility of employing prisoners of war in France rather than interning them in IndiaTurkish withdrawal from the Hamadan frontA discussion of measures to be taken to prevent German, Japanese, French and Russian trade competing with British trade in the Gulf after the conclusion of the warSalvage of armaments abandoned by the Turkish armyBritish entry into Baghdad and the occupation of the cityThe proclamation issued to the people of BaghdadThe possibility of the British moving up the Euphrates to occupy Samawah [As Samawah]Plans for the future administration of the Baghdad VilayetReports from the Royal Flying Corps of machines in service and pilots availableProvision and movements of river craft.The following tables appear:Distribution of Force D on folios 11-14 and 166-171Lines of communication on folios 15-19Composition of Force D on folios 20-27Units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [Al-Kut] on folio 28List of General Officers and Brigade Commanders on folio 29Weekly return of the sick and wounded on folios 39-40 and 118-119Ration strength of Force D on folios 47-48, 120-124, 160-162, and 199-204Distribution of the Turkish Army on folios 94-104 and 178-179.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 207; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-205; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 15 April 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, tables, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-10 and a summary of the contents can be found at folio 11. The volume mostly concerns:Reinforcements and labour requirements of Force DSupplies for Force D, including: land transport, railway construction materials, rations, animals, river craft, weapons, and ammunitionArrangements for staff leaveLists of sick and wounded soldiersUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Samarra and Deltawa [Khalis]Updates from the Khanikin [Khanaqin] front, especially at Kasr-i-Shirin [Qasr-e Shirin, also rendered in text as Qasr-i-Shirin], Kizil Robat [Qizil Rabat], and KifriUpdates from the Euphrates lineUpdates from the Russo-Turkish fronts in the Caucasus region and in Persia [Iran]Turkish [Ottoman] forces: locations; movements; weapons; information from deserters; details of commanders; and distributions for week ending 3 April (f 59) and week ending 10 April (ff 146-147)Russian operations at Mosul and Kasr-i-ShirinDiscussions about co-operating with Russian forces on certain operations and across the Tigris and Euphrates linesOccupation of Deli Abbas [Al Mansuriyah]Discussions about the administration of Baghdad, including the availability of food and forage and information on the population’s attitudes towards the BritishProgress of railways constructionIntelligence from the Caucasus Military Agency and from the General Officer Commanding, EgyptDiscussions about the future administration and political control of Mesopotamia and Arabia, including comments from the Committee of the War Cabinet [also known as the Mesopotamian Administration Committee] and the Political Resident in the Persian GulfDiscussions about Force D’s requirements and the benefits of continued reinforcement of Force D’s position with regards to the protection of IndiaVisit to Mesopotamia of press representatives from India and potential sensitivities around thisInformation and reports from the Director, Inland Water TransportUse of telephone and telegraph lines.The volume also contains:Distribution and composition of Force D, including details of: lines of communication; general organisation; units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [Al-Kut]; and names of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 12-31)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 1 April (ff 39-41), on 8 April (ff 117-11), and 15 April (ff 222-224)Table showing current strength of troops in the field on 3 February (ff 88-102)‘Report on lines of communication, Sheikh Saad [Shaykh Sa‘d] to Basrah [Basra]’ by the Medical Advisory Committee (comprising members of the Royal Army Medical Corps), dated 16 December 1916, which reports generally on sanitation matters in the area noted in the title (ff 186-210).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from November 1916 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from April 1917.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 226; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-224; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 May 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, reports, tables, and memoranda.An index to the contents of this volume and a summary of the contents can be found at IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3276. The volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military OperationsTwo diaries of information from 20 April 1917 and 21 April 1917 covering: floods; inland water transport; Red Cross launches; the convalescent depot at Amarah [al-Amarah]; aviation; medical affairs; war gifts to Mesopotamia; and judicial administration in the Occupied Territories of IraqA description of the events leading up to the capture of SamarraReinforcements for Force DThe ammunition supplyMovements of Turkish [Ottoman] and Russian troopsPlan for the administration of Baghdad and Basrah [Basra]Reports from the Royal Flying Corps of machines in service and pilots availableProvision and movements of river craftProgress reports on railway constructionsLists of sick and woundedReplacement of Egyptian labourers in Mesopotamia by Indian Labour Corps divisions or Prisoners of WarPunitive measures against tribesmen near SamarraThe strength of the YazidisInformation concerning relations between Turks and Russians, including information that an armistice was arrangedThe health of drafts sent to India for despatch to Mesopotamia.The following tables appear:Troops and tonnage carried up and down the Tigris and arrival and discharge of vessels at Basrah on folios 7-9 and 96-97Ration strength of Force D on folios 41-44, 57-59, and 107-110Distribution of the Turkish Army on folios 88-89 and 151-152Strength of Force D on folios 116-130.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 171; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-169; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 30 September 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, reports, tables, and memoranda. An index to the contents of this volume and a summary of the contents can be found at IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3282. The volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military Operations dated 2 September 1917 (ff 59-61); 9 September (ff 159-161); 16 September (ff 253-254); 23 September (ff 339-341); 30 September (ff 494-496)Two diaries of information dated 18 August (ff 181-182) and 15 August (ff 219-220) covering climate and floodsReinforcements for Force D, including supplies of medical officers, horses, mules, Chinese artisans, and remountsMovements of Turkish [Ottoman] and Russian troopsReports from the Royal Flying Corps of machines in service and pilots availableStaff appointments for Force D, particularly in command of heavy artilleryRailway construction and managementSurrender of a Turkish detachment at Diwaniyah [Ad Diwaniyah]The administration of MesopotamiaViews on a combined British and Russian offensiveA proposed local cultivation schemeThe removal of certain vessels from the list of hospital shipsTrade between India and BaghdadThe possibility of finding a new ‘Eyewitness’ reporter to replace Edmund CandlerA proposed re-organisation of the Directorate of Port Administration and ConservancyA discussion of timing shipping from India to avoid congestionThe search for a suitable officer to act as irrigation adviser for Sir Percy CoxChanges in the staffing of the Turkish armyThe unsuitability of the Chinese artisans and their return to IndiaThe provision of Ford vans in place of mulesInformation concerning General Erich von Falkenhayn’s army.The following tables appear:Distribution and composition of Force D, including details of: lines of communication; general organisation; and names of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 19-30)Enemy material captured from 1 April to 30 June 1917 (ff 43-48)Weekly return of the sick and wounded dated 11 August 1917 (ff 68-69), 18 August (ff 77-78), 25 August (ff 132-133), 8 September (ff 412-413), 1 September (ff 418-419)Ration strength of Force D on 4 August 1917 (ff 81-87), 18 August (ff 116-120), 25 August (ff 211-215, 437-443), 11 August (ff 234-241), 1 September (ff 288-291, 459-465), 18 September (ff 376-383), 8 September (ff 419-423)State of supplies on 1 September 1917 (ff 87-89, 109-110), 8 September (ff 186-189), 15 September (ff 270-272), 22 September (ff 362-365), 2 September (ff 409-410)Distribution of the Turkish army on 4 September 1917 (ff 94-96), 11 September (ff 191-194, 202-204), 18 September (ff 278-281), 25 September (ff 367-370)Distribution of Force D on 19 August 1917 (ff 101-108)Monthly distribution report of motor vehicles 1 August 1917 (ff 399-405)Strength return for Force D 28 July 1917 (ff 466-485).Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 498; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-496; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 15 October 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, tables, and memoranda, containing instructions and reports.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-8. The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and labour requirements of Force DStaff recruitment and appointmentsSupplies for Force D, including: ammunition, rations, animals, weapons, petrol, and ambulancesLists of sick and wounded soldiersInformation about prisoners of warTurkish [Ottoman] forces: intelligence from prisoners and deserters; movements; commanders; plans; estimated strength and distribution on 30 September (ff 74-75); and distribution for week ending 2 October (ff 56-58) and week ending 9 October (ff 201-203)Intelligence on German troops’ movements and plansInformation regarding the construction of Turkish railways in MesopotamiaReports on the recent action at Ramadie [Ramadi]Questions about the use of sailing craft to convey military stores to MesopotamiaDiscussions concerning ‘false’ and ‘exaggerated’ Turkish and German communiquésInformation on freight transported by shipsDiscussions about strategic planning and development of railways and ports in Mesopotamia, including establishment of a Transportation CommissionHigh demand for personnel across multiple departmentsProblems concerning soldiers not returning from leaveReports and discussions about Force D’s air forcesContinued employment of Edmund Candler as Official EyewitnessFinancial administration of Force DCommunications regarding changes to the order of battleRe-organisation of troops and creation of new troopsTransport provisions for the movements of troopsPort at Basrah [Basra] traffic reports and details of improvement worksPossible establishment of dairies in Mesopotamia and a woollen mill at BaghdadDiscussions about destruction and/or loss of animals [referred to as ‘wastage’]Potential transfer of Russian divisions to Force D and discussions about Russian plans in Persia [Iran].The volume also contains:Distribution of Force D, including details of the lines of communication units and names of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 9-22)Distribution of troops for Force D on 9 September (ff 138-146), 16 September (ff 176-185), and 23 September (ff 293-302)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia and Persia on 7 October (ff 154-156) and 14 October (ff 285-287).There is a discrepancy between the content of the appendices 261-263 as described in the summary at folio 225, and the content of the actual appendices 261-263 as they appear at folios 229-230.Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from September 1917 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from October 1917.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 308; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Additional mixed foliation/pagination sequences are also present in parallel between ff 3-306; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 October 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, tables, and memoranda, containing instructions and reports.The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and labour requirements of Force DStaff recruitment and appointmentsSupplies for Force D, including: rations, weapons, animals, ammunition, and land vehicles (especially cars, motorcycles, and ambulances)Information about deserters and prisoners of warLists of sick and wounded soldiersTurkish [Ottoman] forces: movements and locations of regiments; movements of commanders; planned offensives; and distributions for week ending 19 October (ff 16-19), week ending 23 October (ff 150-152), and week ending 30 October (ff 266-268)Railways construction progress, as well as materials required and transported for railway constructionDemand for personnel across multiple departmentsArrangements for converting vessels to run on oil instead of coal, or coal instead of oilArrangements for supplies between India and MesopotamiaDetails of tonnage [amounts of cargo] transported on shipsSupplies and arrangements for cultivation and agriculture schemes in MesopotamiaDiscussions about woollen mills at BaghdadRemit and personnel of the newly established Transport CommissionGerman forces: weapons; location of regiments; planned offensives; and movements of General Oskar von Niedermayer [also rendered in text as Neidermeyer] in Persia [Iran]Status of Force D in the vicinity of Jebel Hamrin [Silsilat Jibal Hamrin?] and the Dialha [Diyala, river]Discussions about places of worship for Sikhs in Basrah [Basra]Traffic reports for railway and river transportationDiscussions about oil rights in Bahrein [Bahrain], Koweit [Kuwait], and Mesopotamia.The volume also contains:Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia and Persia on 21 October (ff 99-101) and 28 October (ff 219-220)Distribution of troops for Force D on 30 September (ff 170-174).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from September 1917 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from October 1917.The volume number originally printed on the front cover of the volume was ‘41’, but this has been crossed out and ‘39’ has been written in blue pencil. ‘P[a]r[t] II’ has also been added in red pencil.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 284; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-282; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The Memoir, written by Surgeon-Major James McAdam Hyslop, commences by describing the location, physical geography and conditions of Mohamreh [Khorramshahr] and Busreh [Basra] before going on to describe the climate; fevers that might be suffered there; and known outbreaks of cholera. Also included are excerpts from medical reports that discuss various fevers suffered by regiments in Mohamreh and Bushire:Extract from a 'Medical History of the Bombay Fusiliers', by the late Doctor Francis Shortt ArnottExtracts from the Annual Report of the 29th Regiment, Bombay Native Light Infantry, for the year ending 31 March 1858, by Surgeon John Robert MillerExtract from the Annual Report of the 26th Regiment, Native Infantry, for the year 1857-1858, by Surgeon James Ebenezer BathoThe memoir continues by describing places nearby to Mohamreh and Busreh where the climate is more favourable and people less prone to suffering fever and other illnesses: Subleh, Zobeir [Zubayr], Koorna [Kūnah?], Koot-al-amarah [Kut Al-Amarah]; Sook-esh-Shiukj [Sūq ash Shuyūkh], Hillah, Baghdad. Each place has a brief description of its location and general climate. Also described are the availability of water from the rivers Karoun [Karun], Tigris and Euphrates. A detailed description of the climate of Baghdad is then given, followed by information under the following headings: Bedsteads; Water; Ice; Clothing; Snakes and Scorpions; Date mark, a disease consisting of boils on the hands and feet of adults which afflicts many who visit and live in Baghdad, and which is known in Busreh and Aleppo too.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 51, and terminates at folio 55, since it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in the top right-hand corner of the recto of each folio. These numbers are written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: A memorandum with a cover note, in which the Political Resident and Consul General at Baghdad, Trevor John Chichele Plowden, writes to the Political Secretary, India Office, Sir Owen Tudor Burne, suggesting that clarification be sought from the Turkish Porte regarding their permission for the British to replace the
Cometat Baghdad with a new steamer; consideration should also be given to the new ship's armament and to the composition of the crew. The author also mentions the expediency of giving the Resident in Turkish Arabia an assistant.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at folio 47, and terminates at folio 49, as it is part of a larger volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 5-152; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The file consists of a printed volume regarding the field notes on Mesopotamia. The volume was prepared on behalf of the General Staff, India and printed by the Superintendent Government Printing, India.The volume is divided into the following chapters:I. History.II. Geography.III. Population.IV. Resources.V. Notes on the Turkish Army.VI. Maritime.VII. Administration.VIII Communications; Routes in Mesopotamia.The volume also contains a number of appendices: A. Important personages; B. Table of Distances (in miles); C. Weights, Measures, Currency, Chronology; D. Some notes for officers proceeding to Mesopotamia; Glossary of Terms.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 169; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence and telegrams between the Government of India, the British Embassy at Baghdad, California Arabian Standard Oil Company (CASOC), Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and the Political Resident at Bahrain, regarding the monthly meetings of the Petroleum Advisory Committee held in Baghdad, then in Basra and in Tehran between 1942-1944. The correspondence mainly contains requests to the Political Agent at Bahrain to arrange air passages and hotel bookings for the oil companies' delegates.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 107; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional mixed foliation/pagination sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-103; these numbers are written in ink and pencil, but are not circled.