Abstract: The file contains correspondence regarding military policy and strategy in Egypt and Mesopotamia [Iraq] during the First World War in response to recommendations made by General Jan Christiaan Smuts, Defence Minister of South Africa and a member of the Imperial War Cabinet.Topics covered in the correspondence include: a proposed policy of defence in Mesopotamia to allow troops and equipment to be transferred to Palestine; construction of railways in and between Palestine and Egypt; and the transfer of troops and artillery from Palestine to France and Salonika [Thessaloniki].The primary correspondents are: the Commander-in-Chief, India; the Commander-in-Chief, Egypt; and the War Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 24; 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 written in blue crayon.
Abstract: The memorandum outlines the size and composition of the Persian Army; this includes a list of the regiments currently in service. It also outlines the remuneration provided to both officers — of various ranks — and private soldiers. In addition, the armaments in use by both the infantry and the artillery are also detailed.It is briefly explained how the commanders of regiments are appointed and how those appointed are able to make money from the position. The memorandum also includes a British perspective on the quality of both Persian officers and the solders that serve under them. Other subjects touched on are leave arrangements and the provision of uniforms.The recent activities of Austrian and Russian officers within the Persian Army are also noted; this includes a list of pay and allowances for Austrian officers — of various ranks — in service with the Persian Army.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 95 and terminates at f 97, as the description 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.Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-15 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 1 October 1844. The enclosures are dated 16 July-27 September 1844.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to the pay, deployment and appointment of military and naval personnel in British India, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, including:A decision that the detachment that protected Hyderabad during the Battle of Dubba [also known as the Battle of Dubbo or the Battle of Hyderabad] on 24 March 1843 should be eligible for the same six-months’ worth of batta [allowance or expenses] granted to detachments actively involved in the battleThe arrival at Trincomalee of Commodore Henry Ducie Chads to take command of ‘the Squadron in the Indian Seas’A recommendation that artillery serving on the steam vessels on the Euphrates and Tigris rivers should be withdrawnThe appointment of a new Superintendent of Canals and Forests in Sinde [Sindh].The primary correspondents are: Commodore Chads; the Governor of Sinde; the Native Agent, Muscat; the Naval Commander-in-Chief, East Indies; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Quartermaster-General, Bombay; and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (29 folios)