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 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: memoranda, telegrams, and letters containing instructions and reports.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-9. This summary also acts as an index.The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and supplies for Force D, including: water, materials, medical supplies, animals, river craft (especially barges), land transport, weapons, and rationsStaff: awards, appointments, discipline, and illnessesPrisoners of war and exchange of civiliansUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Kut-el-Amarah [Al-Kut]Updates from the Euphrates line, especially at Nasiriyah [also rendered in text as Nasiriyeh]Updates from the Russo-Turkish [Russo-Ottoman] front, especially at HamadanActivities of the Marine Transport Department with Force D (ff 12-17)Main objectives and responsibilities of Force D in Mesopotamia, as discussed by: the Secretary of State for India; the Chief of the General Staff; the Chief of the General Staff, India; and the Commander-in-Chief, IndiaUpdates on the situation in Persia [Iran]Proposals regarding a Power Station at Basrah [Basra]Proposals regarding the Royal Flying Corps Depot at Bombay [Mumbai]Turkish forces: status on Persian front and the Euphrates line; distribution of troops in Mesopotamia (ff 97-98); general movements; and details of re-organisationProgress on the construction of railwaysRe-organisation and defense of lines of communicationShortage of chaplains in Mesopotamia.The volume also includes:Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 1 October (ff 21-22) and 8 October (ff 69-70)Force D’s ‘Diary of Information’ for the week ending 23 September (ff 116-122), organised into sections entitled: ‘Climate and Floods’; ‘Port Administration and River Conservancy’; ‘Signals and Telegraphs’; ‘Amarah [Al ‘Amarah] Post Office’; ‘Chinese Labour’; ‘Ecclesiastical’; and ‘Prisoners of War’.The summary of papers on folio 11 includes a handwritten note regarding the insertion of two supplementary memoranda. These memoranda are in loose-leaf form and can be found in the pocket at folio 135.Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from September 1916, the bulk of the material dates from October 1916.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 3-131; 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 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 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
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
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 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 January 1918. 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 D, including proposed reorganisation of supervising personnel for labour unitsStaff appointments, promotions and trainingSupplies for Force D, including: road transport, rations, coal, weapons, ammunition, animals, and shrapnelLists of sick and wounded soldiersTurkish [Ottoman] forces: movements; intelligence from deserters; status in western Asia Minor; construction of railways; and distribution as of week ending 29 January (ff 192-193)Details of tonnage [amounts of cargo] transported on shipsRailway and port traffic reportsDemand for personnel across multiple departmentsComplaints regarding the ban on exporting datesUpdates from action around Kasri Shirin [Qasr-e Shirin, also rendered in text as Qasri Shirin and Kasrishirin], including intelligence that tribes in the vicinity are friendly towards the Turkish armyDiscussions about persuading Russian forces to defend the border at Persia [Iran] and the possibility of sending a British detachment to helpDetails of the [Major-General Lionel] Dunsterville Mission, including: updates; supply of intelligence and personnel; request that Dunsterville shares copies of reports with the Commander-in-Chief in India; and details of Dunsterville’s remit (ff 77-79)Details of the Transportation Commission led by General Henry Freeland, including: updates; discussions about future peacetime railway policy; and the sharing of information with the Commander-in-Chief in IndiaGerman troops: movements; information on Wireless Formations in Mesopotamia; status at different fronts; composition of troops; intelligence from captured aviators; and changes in commandPlans for cultivation activities in MesopotamiaPlans to build mills in MesopotamiaAffairs in Persia, including concerns about the new cabinet and a proposed agreement between His Majesty’s Government and the Persian GovernmentReports about recent events at Nejef [Najaf]Naval Commander-in-Chief’s desire to take control of wireless stationsPlans to disrupt Turkish forces’ supply and communication linesStatus of Russian forces in PersiaReaction of Percy Cox, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the High Commissioner of Egypt’s concerns over ‘growing uneasiness among Arabs’Tests of Abadan petrolCorrespondence difficulties with the French Agent at Basrah [Basra].The volume also contains:Statement showing strength of the different contingents serving with Force D as of 17 November 1917 (ff 7-16)Monthly distribution report of motor vehicles in service with Force D on 1 November 1917 (ff 27-35)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia and Persia on 20 January (ff 79-80) and 28 January (ff 180-181).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from November 1917 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from January 1918.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 216; 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 3-214; 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 January 1918. 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 3-14 and a synopsis can be found at folio 15. The volume mostly relates to:Reinforcements and labour requirements of Force DStaff recruitments, appointments, and defined responsibilities of certain positionsSupplies for Force D, including: rations, weapons, ammunition, blankets, animals, and vansLists of sick and wounded soldiersInformation about prisoners of warTurkish [Ottoman] forces: information about deserters; information supplied by deserters; and distributions for week ending 1 January (f 35), weekend ending 8 January (ff 129-131), and week ending 15 January (ff 224-225)Details of tonnage [amounts of cargo] transported on shipsPetrol supply at AbadanRailway and port traffic reportsInformation regarding the Russian-Turkish [Ottoman] armisticeAffairs in Persia [Iran], including: status of Russian troops at Kermanshah; British goal of preventing Turkish and German legations reaching Teheran [Tehran]; desire of Anglo-Persian Oil Company to acquire land on Abadan island; and discussions regarding the proposed despatch of British detachment into north-western PersiaStatus and remit of the Transportation Commission to Mesopotamia, headed by General Henry Francis Edward Freeland, and its relationship to the War Office MissionRailways construction progress, as well as materials required and transported for railway constructionGerman forces: status in Palestine; intelligence on reconnaissance airplanes; and information about commandersProposals regarding work on surveys and hydraulic systems in MesopotamiaDemand for personnel across multiple departmentsDiscussions about sharing intelligence and personnel with the Dunsterville MissionProposed propaganda approach for the Caucasus regionDifficulties with the transportation of suppliesStatus of Russian troops in the Caucasus regionStatus of British and Russian forces near the Dialha [Diyala, river]Shortages of tin metal.The volume also contains:Distribution of Force D, including details of: Tigris and Euphrates defences and Lines of Communication units; and names of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 16-29)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia and Persia on 6 January (ff 102-103) and 13 January (ff 187-188)Distribution of troops on 9 December 1917 (ff 149-154)Statement showing strength of the different contingents serving with Force D as of 10 November 1917 (ff 205-217).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from November 1917 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from January 1918.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
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 1918. 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 and synopsis of the contents of this volume can be found at IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3297. The volume covers many topics and events, but mostly relates to:Intelligence from the Caucasus Military Agency regarding the situation in the Caucasus regionDiscussions regarding an agricultural development scheme for Mesopotamia and a proposed Agricultural DirectorateDetails of personnel and supplies, including requirements, across multiple departmentsTurkish [Ottoman] forces: movements; proposed advance into Persia [Iran]; dispatched missions; locations; plans for Azirbaijan [Azerbaijan]; and distributions for the week ending 16 April (ff 36-38), week ending 23 April (ff 115-116), and week ending 30 April (ff 241-243)Discussions regarding the reorganisation of multiple units and directorates within Force DInformation from the Persian Government regarding the Vice-Consul at Resht [Rasht]Matters relating to the Dunsterforce, including: relations with Colonel Lazar Bicharakov’s [Bicherakov] forces; activities; movements; intelligence and reportsMatters relating to ports and railways traffic and constructionExchange and transport of personnel and supplies between Mesopotamia, India, and EgyptLists of sick and woundedInformation from the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf regarding the situation in NajafDetails of tonnage [amounts of cargo] transported on railways and shipsDaily operations reports from the General Officer Commanding, Force DDiscussions regarding aid and money to be offered to third parties across Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Caucasus regionMatters relating to prisoners of warRoyal Air Force reportsIntelligence and opinions from His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Teheran [Tehran], regarding: situation in the Caucasus region; movements of Turkish troops; the Dunsterforce; British refugees at Baku; and the Russians and North PersiaGerman troops: movements; possible secret German-Persian arrangement; and plans for PersiaSending of armoured cars to PersiaStaff appointmentsInformation from enemy prisoners and deserters regarding negotiations with the South Caucasus Committee, and plans for North Persia and the CaucasusBritish capture of Kifri on 28 April.The volume also contains:Monthly distribution report of motor vehicles in service with Force D on 1 February (ff 5-30) and 1 March (ff 203-231)Report by T R J Ward, Inspector General of Irrigation, India, and G T Henderson, 14 March, on local resources (ff 56-61)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia and Persia on 21 April (ff 91-92) and 28 April (ff 186-187)Distribution of troops on 23 March (ff 126-135) and on 30 March (ff 155-165).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from February 1918 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from April 1918.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 245; 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 3-243; 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 1918. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, tables, and letters, containing instructions and reports.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-7. The volume mostly relates to:Ration and ammunition supplies for Force DTurkish [Ottoman] forces: movements; intelligence from deserters and intelligence agents; possible advance on Teheran [Tehran]; possible conclusion of peace; changes in command; reported massacre of Armenians at Baku; possible plans to form a ‘Mahommedan [Islamic] state’ in Caucasus regionDiscussions about armistices and possible conclusions of peace with TurkeyContent of a protocol signed by Germany and TurkeyIntentions of the Azarbaijan [Azerbaijan] GovernmentProposals and reports concerning Georgia, as well as the wider Caspian and Caucasus regionsRailway and port traffic reportsLenkoran MissionLack of shipping facilities at Abaden [Abadan]Reports on the situation in Persia [Iran] by the General Officer Commanding, Force D, and the Special Commissioner, TeheranOperations along the TigrisMatters relating to the port at Basrah [Basra]Proposals for a Musketry school at BaghdadMatters relating to the DunsterforceDiscussions about propaganda in Mesopotamia, as well as Persia and the Persian GulfDiscussions about the administration of MesopotamiaRailways construction progressReturns of personnel strength across numerous departmentsConcerns regarding Colonel Lazar Bicharakov [Bicherakov, also rendered in text as Bicharakoff]Suggestions and reports made by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf on numerous matters, including: the Jewish community in Mesopotamia; Mr Roux, French Consul at Basrah; and a proposed Commercial MissionIntelligence provided by Harry St John Philby regarding: the arms traffic from the Hedjaz [Al-Hijaz]; relations with Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Āl Sa’ūd] and Ibn Rashid [Saʿūd bin ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Rashīd, Emir of Ha‘il]; and a recent attack on KhormaUpdates from the Mianeh areaLists of sick and wounded soldiersInformation regarding German troops at Elezabotopol [Elisabethpol, former governorate under the Russian Empire].Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from April 1918 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from October 1918.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 102; 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 3-100; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: A printed confidential memorandum for the use of the Foreign Office. The memorandum addresses the Turkish [Ottoman] increase of custom dues and proposals of a Tigris Valley Railway and a Baghdad-Mediterranean Railway. It also contains updates on negotiations with Germany, Russia and France in 1909. The report quotes fragments from a letter in French, from the Turkish [Ottoman] Ambassador in London. A report of the Mesopotamian Railways Committee is contained in the file's annex.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f.139, and terminates at f.155, 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 bottom right-hand corner of the recto of each folio. These numbers are written in pencil, but are not circled.Pagination: This section of the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This printed memorandum was compiled by diplomat Major-General Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, and discusses various subjects relating to the state of affairs in Persia including:the perceived nature of the Persian people;the perceived character of the current Shah of Teheran [Tehran] and concerns over the future succession;the style of governance in Persia;English-Russian relations and the involvement of both countries in Persia;the views of Sir Henry Wolff on reforms in Persia and the appropriate action for the English to take;the proposed building of railways in Persia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 9, and terminates at f 10, 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.