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85. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 2. (From 18th October to 10th November 1914 inclusive). War with Turkey Declared 31st October 1914.’
- Description:
- 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 18 October and 10 November 1914. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include telegrams and a statement of transport sailings.A summary of the contents of this volume is pasted on the leading flyleaf under the subheading ‘Move up Persian Gulf’:‘33rd Cavalry mobilized’‘16th Brigade arrived Bahrain’‘Despatch of troops made public’‘War declared with Turkey [Ottoman Empire]’‘Another brigade ordered for “D”’‘Force “D” ordered to Fao’‘Fao occupied’‘18th Brigade and Divisional Headquarters sailed’‘Remainder 6th Division ordered to Shatt-al-Arab’The volume also includes information about the preparation of supplies and equipment, as well as details of intelligence regarding the activities of Turkish forces.A summary of contents for the previous volume is pasted on the inside front cover.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 81; these numbers are printed, and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.Dimensions: 21x33cm
86. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 20. PART II. (From 16th to 31st March 1916.)’
- Description:
- 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 1916. 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 supplies for Force D, including: weapons; ammunition; river craft; land vehicles; airplanes; animals; clothing; hospitals; chemicals; and tentsStaff movements, salaries, promotions and status (e.g. sick, wounded, discharged, dead)Prisoners of warSituation in Turkey, in particular the anti-German feeling and Russian advancesUpdates from the Tigris line, especially around Kut [Al-Kut] and Hannah [Umm al Hannah] and with particular attention paid to the impact of floodingUpdates from the Euphrates lineOperations by the Russians in the Caucasus regionDetails of Turkish [Ottoman] forces, including: proposals for negotiations; distributions (ff 65-66); changes in command; and movements of troopsSupply of weapons to Bin Sa’ud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Āl Sa’ūd]Lines of communication and requests for more detailed intelligenceDiscussions about Sharif [Al-Ḥusayn bin ‘Alī al-Hāshimī, Sharīf of Mecca], including: his plans; requests he has made of Great Britain; whether his policies for Arabia and Syria should be adopted in MesopotamiaProposals for the formation of a Base Depot at Basrah [Basra]Articles published in England and in the Gulf.The volume also includes:Distributions of Force D: on 5 March (ff 10-12); 12 March (ff 101-104); 26 March (ff 149-152); as of 29 March (ff 185-191); at 19 March (ff 199-202)Appreciations [reports] by General Charles Townshend (ff 15-16) and General George Gorringe (f 22)Appreciations from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 20 March (ff 55-56) and 27 March (ff 147-149)Announcement by the Maharajah [Mahārājā] of Kolhapur in support of soldiers eating horse meat (f 161)‘Statement showing the strength of reinforcements and details for Basrah which embarked at Bombay [Mumbai] and Karachi’ (ff 211-225).The vast majority of material in the volume dates from March 1916, with the exception of quoted excerpts from a newspaper, dated 17 January 1916.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3248.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 227; 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 3-225; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
87. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 21. PART I. (From 1st of 15th April 1916.)’
- Description:
- 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 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-6. The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and supplies for Force D, including: food, materials, ammunition, river craft (especially hospital boats), hospitals, weapons, nurses, chemicals, animals, and tobaccoStaff: appointments, illnesses, salaries, and promotionsArrangements for moving the sick and wounded out of MesopotamiaPrisoners of warUpdates from the Tigris line, especially around Falahiyah [Fulayfilah] and Sannaiyat [As Sina‘yat], and particularly regarding the impact of weather and floodingUpdates from the Euphrates lineProposals to advance on Baghdad and to send a force to Bandar Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbas]Operations in the Caucasus regionStatus of German and Turkish [Ottoman] troops, particularly in Persia [Iran] and SyriaTelegraph lines and communicationsGeneral Charles Townshend’s comments on the earlier battle at Kut [Al-Kut]Discussions about deploying ‘Arab’ agents into Mesopotamia for political purposes (f 28)Information given to the press in England and IndiaActivities of Ibn Rashid of Shammar [Saʿūd bin ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Rashīd, Emir of Ha‘il]Intelligence concerning the Wali of Pusht-i-KuhDetails relating to Force D’s base at Basrah [Basra].The volume also includes:Appreciations from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 3 April (ff 24-25) and 10 April (ff 95-96)Distributions of Force D on 26 March (ff 59-63)Turkish distribution in Mesopotamia and the Turko-Persian frontier (f 108)Report by Lieutenant-Colonel Sydney Price James on the establishment of a Central Sanitary Section at Amarah, with comments by the Director, Medical Services, IEF “D” (ff 151-158)Memoranda and correspondence on delays to the River Conservancy Works in Mesopotamia (ff 159-170).The vast majority of material in the volume dates from April 1916, with the exception of a small amount of material which dates from February and March 1916.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 177; 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 8-175; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
88. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 23 PART II (From 16thto 30thJune 1916)’
- Description:
- 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 30 June 1916. 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 supplies for Force D, including: weapons; airplanes; ammunition; clothing; river and sea craft; equipment; animals; and hospital servicesStaff: appointments; recruitment; changes in command; salaries; illnesses; and leaveRe-organisation of some staff structuresProcesses for sending packages and gifts to troopsPrisoners of warUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Kut [Al-Kut, also rendered as Kut-al-Amarah in text] and Sannaiyat [As Sina‘yat]Updates from the Euphrates line, especially at Badar and NasiriyahActivities and movements of Ibn Rashid, Shaikh of Shammar Arabs [Saʿūd bin ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Rashīd, Emir of Ha‘il]Intelligence about the Turkish [Ottoman] Army: commanders; plans towards Kermanshah [also rendered in text as Kirmanshah]; possible attacks on Nasiriyah and Serdesht; distributions on the Caucasus and Persian [Iranian] fronts; status in Syria and on the Tigris lineCommunications with the French Army‘Friendly Kurds’ between Amadia [Amadiya] and NeriArrests of high-level German army officials in PersiaFunctions of the Arab BureauConstruction of railwaysProposals for a modified inspection centre at Fao [Al-Faw] to prevent enemy ships entering the Shatt-al-ArabViolence at Karbala [also rendered in text as Kerbella], including copy of a letter describing the events written by inhabitants of Karbala and addressed to the Persian Government and leaders of the Kashgai [Qashqāy] and Bakhtiari [Bakhtiyārī] (ff 85-86).The volume also includes:Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 19 June (ff 39-41) and 26 June (ff 100-101)Distribution of Force D for week commencing 25 June 1916 (ff 90-94).A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3254.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 135; 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 3-133; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
89. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 24 PART I (From 1st to 15th July 1916)’
- Description:
- 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 July 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folios 26-28. The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and supplies for Force D, including: rations, weapons, ammunition, motor vehicles, river craft, chemicals, and animalsStaff: recruitment, illnesses, leave, appointments, movements, and compensationPrisoners of warUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Sannaiyat [As Sina‘yat, also rendered as Sannayat]Updates from the Euphrates line, especially at NaisiriyahUpdates from the Karun LineDiscussions about the military and political situation in Persia [Iran] and opinions of Persian GovernmentThreats to lines of communicationFormation of new [military] companies and batteriesConstruction of railwaysRussian activities in the Caucasus, Mesopotamia, and Persia, especially at KermanshahCommunications with General Baratoff [Nikolai Nikolaevich Baratov]Defence of TehranTurkish [Ottoman] forces: movements, attacks, command, dispositions, casualties, and use of gas bombsDissemination of information (including propaganda) to press outlets and to the Cairo BureauDiscussions about the ‘Arab Revolt’ [against the Ottoman Empire]Discussions about the suggested reconciliation between Bin Rashid [Saʿūd bin ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Rashīd, Emir of Ha‘il?] and Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Āl Sa’ūd]Activities of Sheriff [Al-Ḥusayn bin ‘Alī al-Hāshimī, Sharīf of Mecca].The volume also contains:Distribution and composition of Force D, including details of: communication lines and ‘unattached’ units; units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [Al-Kut, also rendered as Kut]; and lists of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 3-25)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia in early July (ff 67-68) and on 10 July (ff 157-159)Organisational chart of the ‘Works Services’ [services relating to irrigation, engineering, water supply etc.] (f 79).The vast majority of material in the volume dates from July 1916, with the exception of a small amount of material which dates from May and June 1916.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 210; 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 3-208; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
90. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 26. PART II. (From 16th to 30th September 1916.)’
- Description:
- 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 30 September 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and supplies for Force D, including: river craft, animals, weapons, land transport, rations, ammunition, and petrolStaff: training, appointments, illnesses, movements, and awardsPrisoners of warUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Sannaiyat [As Sina‘yat, also rendered as Sannayat]Updates from the Euphrates line, especially at NaisiriyahPotential British advance to Baghdad and withdrawal to Ahwaz-Amara [Ahvaz-Al ‘Amarah] frontSituation at HamadanSituation in Persia [Iran], including: keeping commitments in south-west Persia minimal; debates over responsibility of Force D for Persia; issues between the Russians and the Bakhtiari [Bakhtiyārī]Status of Russian troops in the CaucasusTurkish [Ottoman] forces: dispositions, distributions, and movementsDiscussions about the activities of Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Āl Sa’ūd]Construction of railways, tramways, and roadsImpact of inland water transport on the delivery of suppliesDetails concerning the ‘Mechanical Transport’ [unit relating to land vehicles] employed with Force D.The volume also includes:Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 18 September (ff 16-17) and 25 September (ff 75-76)Distribution of Force D for week commencing 10 September (ff 60-62)Distribution and composition of Force D as of 29 September, including units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [Al-Kut, also rendered as Kut] and lists of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 103-116).A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3260.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 118; 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 3-116; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
91. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 30. PART I. (From 1st to 15th January 1917.)’
- Description:
- 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 January 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, tables, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-9 and a summary of the contents can be found at folio 10. The volume mostly concerns:Reinforcements and supplies for Force D, including: river craft, weapons, rations, and animalsAppointments of staffLists of sick and wounded soldiersPrisoners of warUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Kut [Al-Kut, also rendered in text as Kut-al-Amarah] and near the Hai [Nahr al Gharraf, river]Updates from the Euphrates line, especially at HillahUpdates from the Caucasus regionTurkish [Ottoman] forces: movements; re-organisations of troops; reports of supply problems; intelligence from deserters; estimations of strength and composition; distributions for week ending 2 January (ff 58-67) and for week ending 9 January (ff 128-137)Intelligence provided by General Headquarters, Egyptian Expeditionary ForceDiscussions regarding the placement of certain departments under control of the Director, Inland Water TransportSituation in Persia [Iran]: Sir Percy Sykes’s activity at Shiraz; status of operations at Bushire [Bushehr]; movements of German and Turkish forces at Kermanshah and Hamadan; planned Russian attack on Daulatabad [Dowlatabad]; necessity of securing control in southern PersiaActivities of Ismail Bey [Ismā‘īl Beg], son of Ibrahim Pasha [Ibrāhīm Pāshā]Discussions about how to handle rupture between Ibn Rashid and his brother-in-law, Saud Ibn Saleh Al Subhan [Sa‘ūd bin Ṣāliḥ al-Sabhān, also referred to in text simply as Al Subhan]Status of railways constructionImpact of weather conditionsProposals regarding Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Āl Sa’ūd], Al Subhan, and the Shammar [tribal federation]Discussions about whether Force D’s operations should be offensive or defensive in nature.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 11-29)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 7 January (ff 115-116) and on 14 January (ff 176-177)Three diaries of information from 16 December 1916 (ff 38-52), 23 December 1916 (ff 76-85), and 30 December 1916 (ff 153-160), covering: climate and floods; military accounts; aviation; a bomb raid against Shumran [Ash Shumrani] Aerodrome; medical affairs and statistics; port administration and river conservancy; prisoners of war; photographs; inland water transport; ‘Arab Labour’; nursing staff in Mesopotamia; lines of communication; the Anglo-Persian Oil Company; and stone in MesopotamiaArticle on ‘British Hospitals in Basrah [Basra]’, author unknown (ff 90-95).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from October 1916 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from January 1917.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 182; 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 3-180; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
92. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 33. PART II. (From 16th to 30th April 1917.)’
- Description:
- 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 30 April 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.The volume mostly relates to:Supplies for Force D, including: weapons, ammunition, road transport, and rationsPlans for moving reinforcements between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and FranceConstruction and transportation of rivercraft from India to MesopotamiaProposals to store ammunition locally rather than in IndiaDetails of tonnage [amounts of cargo] transported on railways and riversMatters relating to railways constructionTurkish [Ottoman] troops: movements; status at various lines in Mesopotamia; weapon supplies; plans to retire to Mosul; and extracts of distribution for week ending 17 April (ff 30-31) and week ending 24 April (ff 96-97)Discussions about Force D providing food and grain to the Russian forces under General Pavloff [Pavlov]Cordial attitude of the Mujtahids of Kerbela [Karbala] and Nejef [An-Najaf] towards touring British political officersIssues relating to staffingIntelligence from the Caucasus Military AgencyIntelligence from the General Officer Commanding, Egypt, especially in relation to the Turkish 18th Army CorpsUpdates from the Tigris line, especially around Samarra [Samarra’] and Istabulat [Istablat], including a resumé of operations on the Tigris since the arrival of the RussiansStatus of the Russian force at Kasr-i-Shirin [Qasr-e Shirin]Alleged misconduct of the 3rd Brahmans and subsequent military court proceedingsDetails of the present telegraph systemCommunications with the Russian force in Persia [Iran]Information on ships in various Indian ports and at Basrah [Basra]Updates on action at HitTransport required to evacuate sick and wounded soldiersDiscussions about the Press representatives' tour of Mesopotamia and where they should be permitted to visitRoyal Flying Corps reportsDiscussions about consolidating British influence in the Baghdad Vilayet [province under the Ottoman Empire]Impact of Russian inactivity and unavailability on British operationsGovernment of India's response to the War Cabinet's decision regarding future administration and control of Mesopotamia and Arabia.The volume also contains:Distribution of troops on 24 March (ff 20-25)'Detailed statement of ration strength' of Force D on 25 March (ff 58-61) and on 1 April (ff 121-123)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia and Persia on 22 April (ff 74-75) and on 29 April (ff 131-133)Field return for Force D showing number of personnel, animals, weapons, and transport vehicles (ff 139-153).A summary and index to the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3274.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 158; 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 3-156; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
93. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 36 PART I. (From 1st to 15th July 1917.)’
- Description:
- 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 July 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 3-13 and a summary of the contents can be found at folio 14. The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and labour requirements of Force DSupplies for Force D, including: coal, animals, river craft, fodder, land transport, rations, weapons, ammunition, and timberLists of sick and wounded soldiersStaff appointments and recruitment processesUpdates from the Euphrates line, especially at Sinn-al-Zibban [Qaryat Sinn adh Dhibban]Plans to cut Turkish [Ottoman] telegraph linesTurkish forces: movements; intelligence from deserters; potential financial difficulties; and distributions for week ending 12 July (ff 146-147)Russo-Turkish operations near Bistan [Bestane], Penjvin [Baynjiwayn] and in the Caucasus regionDiscussions about the suitability of locomotive engines supplied by the Federate Malay StatesReports on railway and river traffic, as well as on railway constructionDiscussions about the responsibility and functions of the Financial Adviser to the General Officer Commanding, Force D, and about financial administration of Force D in generalReports from the Royal Flying CorpsDiscussions about the establishment of a Civil Administration in Mesopotamia, especially at Baghdad, and how that body would work with Her Majesty’s Government and the General Officer Commanding, Force DDiscussions about reinforcements required for Force D to hold their position in the Baghdad Vilayet and the implications of this regarding other troops potentially being sent to EgyptIntelligence regarding a conference at Aleppo, attended by high-level German and Turkish military commanders, concerning a potential offensive on the Syrian and Mesopotamian frontsPotential for Russian troops to withdraw from Northern Persia [Iran]Intelligence about the status and plans of Turkish and German troops in Baalbek, Syria, Palestine, and Mesopotamia.The volume also contains:Distribution and composition of Force D, including details of: lines of communication units; general organisation; units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [Al-Kut]; and names of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 15-34)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 1 July (ff 40-41), 8 July (ff 118-119), and 15 July (ff 217-220)Distribution of troops for Force D on 3 June (f 50) and 17 June (ff 135-139)Two diaries of information from 9 June (ff 70-78) and 16 June (ff 181-192) covering: climate and floods; aviation; inland water transport; local produce; medical affairs; and river conservancy mattersJoint report (ff 198-201) by Messrs Keatinge, Langer and Angell, regarding outstanding indents [official orders for goods], in response to a note by the Chief Store-keeper, Mesopotamian Railway. The report is forwarded with comments by Thomas Ryan, Secretary, Indian Munitions Board (ff 196-198).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from April 1917 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from July 1917.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 222; 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 3-220; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
94. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 36. PART II. (From 16th to 31st July 1917.)’
- Description:
- 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 July 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, tables, and memoranda.An index to the contents of this volume and a summary of the contents can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3280.The volume concerns:Military personnel issues, including pay increases and recruitmentReinforcements for Force DThe supply of food, vehicles, animals, construction materials, weapons, ammunition, and other items to Force DDiscussions of a possible British advance beyond Baghdad, including logistical issues and the need for a coordinated Anglo-Russian offensive in MesopotamiaDiscussions of the unreliability of Russian military supportRailway construction in MesopotamiaIntelligence on the location of Turkish [Ottoman] and German units and commandersIntelligence regarding the movement of airplane engines and pilots to MosulRiver and railway traffic in MesopotamiaArrivals to and departures from the port of BasraProblems with the unloading of ships at Basra and proposals for the construction of a new port near the cityFighting between Turkish and Russian forces near Penjevin [Baynjiwayn], and the Russian withdrawal from the areaDiscussion of the creation of a French Consulate at BaghdadRussian plans for an offensive towards Mosul, under the command of General BaratovDiscussion of a pan-Turanic organization’s pamphlet found in Medina, including a proposal by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to use this publication for ‘propaganda purposes’.The volume also contains:Ration strength of Force D on 16 June 1917 (ff 13-16), 30 June 1917 (ff 49-50), and 7 July 1917 (ff 108-110)Distribution and composition of Force D including details of lines of communication, 24 June 1917 (ff 18-22), 1 July 1917 (ff 123-128), and 8 July 1917 (ff 194-198)Artillery rounds held and used by Force D, 15 July 1917 (f 26) and 22 July 1917 (f 121)Distribution of the Turkish Army, 17 July 1917 (ff 30-31), 24 July 1917 (ff 115-117), and 31 July 1917 (ff 202-203)Report of number of pilots and aircraft available for service in Mesopotamia, 19 July 1917 (f 66) and 26 July 1917 (f 152)Weekly return of sick and wounded for the week ending 30 June 1917 (ff 68-69) and 7 July 1917 (ff 176-177)Detailed statement of ration strength of Force D on 23 June 1917 (ff 73-76)Personnel received by the Director of Railways in June 1917 (ff 154-157)Two diaries of information from 23 June 1917 (ff 34-46) and 30 June 1917 (ff 80-89) covering: the climate of Mesopotamia; medical issues affecting Force D; a malarial survey of Baghdad; local produce purchased by Force D; river conditions in occupied Mesopotamia; activities of aircraft; and descriptions of Shia beliefs, history, and pilgrimages.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 205; 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 3-203; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
95. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 37. PART I. (From 1st to 15th August 1917.)’
- Description:
- 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 August 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, memoranda, letters, and tables.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-15 and a summary of the contents can be found at folio 16. The volume concerns:The supply of food, animals, construction materials, weapons, and other items to Force DRiver and railway traffic in MesopotamiaRailway construction in MesopotamiaArrivals to and departures from the port of BasraProblems with the unloading of ships at BasraProposal for the transfer of men from the Disciplinary Labour Corps into a free Labour CorpsDiscussion of British strategy in Mesopotamia, including current policy of securing control of the Baghdad Vilayet, and inability to take offensive action without Russian supportRecruitment of Arab prisoners of war in India ‘to serve the Sheriff [Sharīf] of Mecca’Intelligence concerning movements of Turkish [Ottoman], German, and Austrian unitsIntelligence concerning German construction of a railway ‘towards Mosul’Discussion of the creation of a French Consulate at BaghdadFinancial administration of Force D and the territory occupied by the British in MesopotamiaProposal for forming a new division of Force DIntelligence concerning Russian movements in the Caucasus and mutiny within the Russian armyIntelligence concerning Kurdish movements and attacks on Russian troopsShortage of medical officers.The volume also contains:Distribution and composition of Force D including details of lines of communication, commanding officers, and units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [Al-Kut] (ff 3-36)Distribution of Force D including details of lines of communication, 15 July 1917 (ff 123-127), 22 July 1917 (ff 216-220)Distribution of the Turkish Army, 7 August 1917 (ff 147-148), 14 August 1917 (ff 226-227)Detailed statement of ration strength of Force D on 30 June 1917 (ff 39-42), 7 July 1917 (ff 175-178)Ammunition held and used by Force D, 29 July 1917 (ff 42-43), 4 August 1917 (ff 123-124)Strength return of Force D dated 2 June 1917 (ff 45-61)Ration strength of Force D on 14 July 1917 (ff 67-69), 21 July 1917 (ff 152-154), 28 July 1917 (ff 234-236)Report of number of pilots and aircraft available for service in Mesopotamia, 2 August 1917 (ff 81-82), 9 August 1917 (f 179)Two diaries of information from 7 July 1917 (ff 90-107) and 21 July 1917 (ff 193-194) covering: climate and floods; local produce; Inland Water Transport; medical affairs; military government; the Directorate of Works; the YMCA in Baghdad; and the crash of a German planeWeekly return of sick and wounded for the week ending 14 July 1917 (f 114) and 21 July 1917 (ff 187-188).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 242; 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 3-240; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
96. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 39. (From 1st to 15th October 1917.)’
- Description:
- 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