With a Highland Regiment in Mesopotamia / 1916

CHAPTER IX.

On April 20th, Colonel J. Stewart took over the command of the Regiment, and Colonel A. G. Wauchope became a Brigadier.

It was a great blow to the Regiment to lose their Colonel, and very difficult for any other man coming after him; but the new Colonel proved a worthy successor to the old and the Regiment was fortunate in having two such men in succession to guard its interests and its honour. Months later when I congratulated the General on the successes of his old Regiment and on his promotion, he said, "Yes, yes, B., the Regiment was splendid, but I am not too sure that the other matter is altogether a matter for congratulation." I felt certain that had it been left to his own choice he would have preferred to remain with his Highlanders than accept any higher command.

With the capture of Samarrah it can be said that the winter campaign of 1916-1917 came to an end. We held the rail head of the Baghdad railway and had captured sixteen locomotives, 224 trucks and two barges of ammunition. Already at the end of April, the heat of the coming summer which was to prove the hottest on record could be felt, and the thermometer in that month reached 114° in the shade.

The actual fighting was for the time being practically over, and it was decided that Samarrah should be our advanced position on the Tigris. Preparations were at once commenced to make the position a strong one, and sufficient to hold up any attack which the enemy might have in view; but the summer coming on the Turks were not anxious to be aggressive and took up their most advanced positions some five or six miles further up the Tigris.

The summer was consequently passed under much more pleasant conditions than in 1916. The Turks being far distant a number of officers and men were granted a month's leave to India; tents, rations and comforts were plentiful. The Regiment was at full strength and, despite the heat, the men maintained their health throughout the summer. The main task was the digging of several lines of trenches in front of the old city of Samarrah, but training was carried on continuously so that the Regiment might be ready as always for whatever operations were to take place in the coming cold weather. The Battalion had now spent nearly two years in Mesopotamia, and of the thousand who landed not two hundred remained, and of these many had been wounded. What contrasts the two years offer. In the first period one effort succeeded another, but neither training nor valour were sufficient to redress the balance of the scales, and despite every sacrifice Kut fell. Then came the months when we held San-i-yat, when there were few men and arduous duties, intolerable heat and no comfort.

The spring of the second year was marked by a succession of victories, and achievements for all time memorable; the forcing of San-i-yat, the entry to Baghdad, the battles of Mushaidie and Istabulat; and finally the last few months of comparative peace and plenty.

Throughout the two years the indomitable spirit of the Battalion showed itself true to the finest traditions of the Regiment, and it is open to question whether memory of the hundred survivors fighting their way back from the Turkish trenches on the 21st of January, does not extort as much admiration as the memory of the three companies, after 30 hours of continuous marching and successful fighting, charging at midnight into the station at Mushaidie.

Summary of Officer Casualties
suffered by the 2nd Bn. during its service in Mesopotamia,
July 1916 to May 1917.

Killed in Action	16	Includes Captain Duncan, R.A.M.C., and 2/Lieut. A. E. Sinclair.
Died from wounds	8	...
Died from disease	1	...
Missing	2	Captain D. C. Hamilton Johnstone and 2/Lieut. H. F. Forrester. Both wounded.
Prisoners of War	1	2/Lieut. A. H. Quine.
Wounded in Action	42	Includes officers wounded more than once, each occasion being counted separately. Does not include cases where officers have subsequently died from wounds.
Invalided to India	50	As above, includes instances of invaliding more than one as separate items. Also includes all cases of officers wounded who were in consequence thereof invalided.

Details of Officer Casualties
in important battles.

	Killed in action.	Died from wounds.	Wounded.	Missing	P. of W.
7th January, 1916	3	..	16	..	..
21st January, 1916	2	..	3	1	..
22nd April, 1916	5	..	2	1	..
14th March, 1917	1	4	5	..	..
21st April, 1917	2	3	4	..	1
	——	——	——	——	——
TOTAL	13	7	30	2	1

List of Officers who served with the 2nd Battalion
in Mesopotamia, 1916-17.

Brig.-General A. G. Wauchope, C.M.G., D.S.O.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 16th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 9th May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 18th May, 1916.
To be Bt.-Lt.-Colonel, 2nd June, 1916.
Promotion to rank of Major ante-dated to 15th September 1914.
(London Gaz., dated 14th September, 1916).
To be Bt.-Colonel, 23rd December, 1916.
Assumed Command, Brigade. 20th April, 1917.
To be Bde. Commander, 11th May, 1917.

Colonel J. Stewart.
Embarked, Devonport, 26th December, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st March, 1917.
To be A.-Lt.-Col. whilst Commanding a Battn. 5th May, 1917.

Major T. G. F. Cochrane.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 16th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 27th August, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd September, 1916.
To be A/Major whilst 2nd in Command, 14th September, 1916.
Relinquishes above, 15th April, 1917.
To be A/Major on H. Q. of a Battn., 15th May, 1917.

Major D. C. Hamilton-Johnstone.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
To be Tempy. Major, 7th January, 1916.
Wounded and Missing, 21st-22nd January, 1916.

Major C. R. B. Henderson.
Embarked, Marseilles, 26th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 26th January, 1916.
Promoted Major, 8th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 14th April, 1916.
Tenure of Adjt. expired, 4th January, 1917.

Major The Rev. Andrew MacFarlane.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.

Major The Hon. R. T. C. Murray.
Embarked, Devonport, 10th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 14th March, 1916.
To India for duty with A. H. Q., 3rd April, 1916.

Captain J. Anderson.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
To be Hony. Captain, 3rd June, 1916.

Captain J. A. Barstow, M.C.
Embarked, Devonport, 11th July, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 10th August, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 21st April, 1917.

Captain A. E. Blair.
Embarked, Devonport, 10th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 14th March, 1916.

Captain H. John Blampied.
Embarked, Devonport, 7th June, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th July, 1916.
To be Asst. Censor, 28th January, 1917.
To be Censor, I.E.F. "D", 1st April, 1917.

Captain R. H. Crake (Attached).
Held command of Btn. during latter portion of January, 1916.

Captain P. G. Egerton.
Posted to the Battalion, 30th June, 1917.

Captain C. D. Gilmour, M.C.
Embarked, Devonport, 20th January, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st February, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 22nd April, 1916.
Invalided to India, 2nd May, 1916.
To England, 11th June, 1916.
Awarded the Military Cross, 22nd December, 1916.

Captain A. M. Grieve.
Embarked, Devonport, 16th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd March, 1916.
Invalided to India, 5th July, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 27th May, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th June, 1917.

Captain J. B. S. Haldane.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd December, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 22nd February, 1917.
Invalided to India, 19th March, 1917.

Captain J. N. Inglis.
Embarked, Devonport, 20th January, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st February, 1916.
Killed in Action, 22nd April, 1916.

Captain R. MacFarlane, M.C.
Embarked, Bombay, 11th April, 1916.
Disembarked Basrah, 17th April, 1916.
(Date of Embarkation in U. K. is not known).
Wounded in Action, 10th June, 1916.
Camp Area Comdt., Ma'gil, 14th July, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 14th March, 1917.
Awarded the Military Cross, 31st March, 1917.
Killed in Action, 21st April, 1917.

Captain M. E. Park, D.S.O.
Embarked, Marseilles, 25th November, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 28th December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 10th April, 1916.
Awarded the Silver Medal for Valour by H. M. the King of Italy.

Captain R. M. Purvis.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 20th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 17th March, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 24th March, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 10th April, 1916.
Invalided to India, 27th April, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 20th January, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 28th January, 1917.
Died from wounds, 14th March, 1917.
Promoted Captain, from 8th March, 1916.
(London Gaz., dated 23rd August, 1916.)

Captain R. D. Robertson.
Posted, December, 1917.

Captain N. M. Ritchie, D.S.O.
Embarked, Devonport, 20th January, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st February, 1916.
To be Adjutant, vice Major C. R. B. Henderson, 5th January, 1917.
Invalided to India, 12th June, 1917.
Awarded the D.S.O., 1917.

Captain K. W. L. Simonet (Attached).
Posted for temporary duty, 16th January, 1916.
Killed in Action, 21st January, 1916.

Captain J. Todd.
Embarked, Marseilles, 10th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th January, 1916.
Apptd. Transport Officer, 22nd July, 1916.

Captain L. H. Willett.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd December, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 21st April, 1917.
Invalided to India, 8th May, 1917.

Captain W. A. Young, M.C.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 20th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 17th March, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 24th March, 1916.
To be T/Lieut., Supmy., 8th July, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 22nd February, 1917.
Awarded the Military Cross.

Captain the Rev. A. Silver.
Posted to the Regiment, 30th April, 1917.

Captain A. W. Duncan, R.A.M.C.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Was killed in Action whilst M. O. with another Regiment, 9th March, 1916.

Captain G. F. Gunlette, R.A.M.C.
For duty as M. O., 24th March, 1917.
Relieved, 28th March, 1917.

Captain J. Macqueen, R.A.M.C.
Joined Bn. as M. O., 18th July, 1916.
Struck off, tour expired, 25th March, 1917.

Captain W. Moore Cameron, R.A.M.C.
Posted as M. O., 28th March, 1917.

Captain T. W. Stewart.
Embarked, Devonport, 24th May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th June, 1916.
Invalided to India, 31st January, 1917.

Lieutenants.

H. Bowie.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 16th January, 1916.
Relinquishes Tempy. rank of Lieutenant, 7th January, 1916.

W. Coutts Hunter.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 20th January, 1916.
To England from Egypt, 19th March, 1916.

C. V. S. Cooks.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 16th January, 1916.
Invalided to England, 7th April, 1916.

G. Curdie.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 21st January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 4th February, 1916.
Promoted T/Capt., 23rd November, 1915.
Relinquishes Tempy. rank, 19th January, 1916.
Invalided to England, from Egypt, 7th April, 1916.

A. B. Cumming.
Embarked, Marseilles, 25th November, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 28th December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 20th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 25th March, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 1st April, 1916.
Killed in Action, 22nd April, 1916.

J. F. C. Dixon, M.C.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 21st January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 30th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 9th June, 1916.
Disembarked Basrah, 16th June, 1916.
To be Lieutenant, 18th July, 1916.
Invalided to India, 23rd November, 1916.
Awarded the Military Cross, 22nd December 1916.

R. H. Dundas.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 21st January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 7th March, 1916.

F. J. Fell.
Posted to Battalion, 9th December, 1917.

J. O. Hutchinson.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Killed in Action, 7th January, 1916.

R. W. Macfarlane Grieve.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 20th January 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 6th April, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th April, 1916.
Invalided to India, 26th November, 1916.

C. J. McConaghey.
Embarked, Devonport, 16th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd March, 1916.
Killed in Action, 22nd April, 1916.

W. W. McEwan, M.C.
Embarked, Marseilles, 12th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st January, 1916.
To Regiment, 1st March, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 22nd April, 1916.
Invalided to India, 2nd May, 1916.
Re-embarked, Karachi, 14th August, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 20th August, 1916.
Invalided to India, 30th October, 1916.
Awarded the Military Cross, 22nd December, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 17th May, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd May, 1917.

H. A. T. Plunkett.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Killed in Action, 7th January, 1916.

G. G. B. Miller Stirling.
Embarked, Suez, 21st June, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th July, 1916.
Died from Wounds, 14th March, 1917.

D. C. Stewart Smith.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Apptd. Transport Officer, 10th January, 1916.
Commanding Battn., 22nd to 23rd January, 1916.
Acting Adjutant, 24th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 29th March, 1916.
Re-embarked, Karachi, 13th July, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 16th July, 1916.
Invalided to India, 26th August, 1916.
Invalided to U. K., 4th October, 1916.

M. M. Thorburn, M.C.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 21st January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 4th February, 1916.
Awarded the Military Cross, January 1916.
Invalided to England from Egypt, 25th April, 1916.

Withey, R. W.
Posted to the Battalion, 6th December, 1917.

2nd Lieutenants.

D. H. Anderson.
Embarked, Devonport, 16th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd March, 1916.
Killed in Action, 22nd April, 1916.

G. J. Anderson.
Embarked, Devonport, 16th February, 1910.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd March, 1916.
Killed in Action, 22nd April, 1916.

C. St. G. Alexander.
Embarked, Devonport, 16th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd March, 1916.
Invalided to India, 4th May, 1916.
(Wounded in Action, 22nd April, 1916).
To England from Egypt.

D. S. Gordon Brown.
Embarked, Bombay, 11th April, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 17th April, 1916.
Accidentally wounded, 28th June, 1916.
Invalided to India, 5th August, 1916.

H. W. Bruce.
Embarked, Devonport, 16th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd March, 1916.
Invalided to India, 30th May, 1916.
Embarked, Karachi, 27th August, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd September, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 6th November, 1916.
Killed in Action, 17th February, 1917.

E. Bruce.
Embarked, Devonport, 16th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd March, 1916.
Invalided to India, 11th May, 1916.
Embarked, Karachi, 14th August, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 20th August, 1916.
Died from Disease (Paratyphoid-A), 17th November, 1916.

A. E. Bairstow.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd December, 1916.

J. C. W. Broad.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 16th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 22nd May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 30th May, 1916.
Invalided to India, 15th June, 1916.

K. Buchanan.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 20th January, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 8th May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 16th May, 1916.
Invalided to India, 26th August, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 25th February, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th March, 1917.
P. A. to Dir. of Port Admin. and Conservancy, 6th May, 1917.

J. C. R. Buchanan.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th February, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 22nd May, 1917.

C. J. R. Brown.
Embarked, Karachi, 19th March, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 26th March, 1917.
Wounded in Action, 21st April, 1917.
Died from Wounds, 21st May, 1917.

J. A. Byron.
Embarked, Karachi, 19th March, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 26th March, 1917.

T. M. Cowie.
Embarked, Devonport, 15th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st November, 1916.
Unofficially reported Pris. of War, 17th February, 1917.
Recaptured, 1st March, 1917.
(Wounded 17th February 1917).
Invalided to India, 15th March, 1917.

A. Crombie.
Embarked, Devonport, 26th April, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st May, 1916.

J. H. Cotterell.
Embarked, Devonport, 10th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 14th March, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 22nd April, 1916.
Invalided to India, 27th April, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 27th November, 1916.
Died from wounds, 15th March, 1917.

A. T. Downie.
Embarked, Bombay, 17th April, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd May, 1917.

J. Dawson.
Embarked, Devonport, 7th June, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th July, 1916.
Invalided to India, 6th November, 1916.
Returned to England and died.

A. Douglas.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 13th January, 1916.
Reported dangerously ill, 18th January, 1916.
Died from Wounds, 9th February, 1916.

H. F. Forrester.
Embarked, Devonport, 10th February, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 14th March, 1916.
Wounded and Missing, 22nd April, 1916.

T. Gant.
Promoted from C.S.M., 6th February, 1917.
Wounded in Action, 14th March, 1917.
To be A. Qr. Master., 12th May, 1917.

T. Gillespie.
Embarked, Devonport, 21st October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st November, 1916.
Killed in Action, 14th March, 1917.

J. F. Gillies.
Embarked, Devonport, 24th May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th June, 1916.
Invalided to India, 28th June, 1916.
To England, from Egypt, 30th September, 1916.

A. Gilroy.
Embarked, Devonport, 10th September, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 10th October, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 21st April, 1917.
To be Lieutenant, 1st January, 1917.
Invalided to India, 18th May, 1917.

J. T. Grassie, D.S.O.
Embarked, Devonport, 20th January, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st February, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 6th April, 1916.
Invalided to India, 10th April, 1916.
Invalided to U. K. from Egypt, 7th May, 1916.
Awarded the D.S.O., 22nd December, 1916.

K. Graham Scott.
Embarked, Devonport, 25th December, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 9th March, 1917.

W. G. Grierson.
Embarked, Devonport, 5th January, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 22nd March, 1917.

C. E. Gerrard.
Embarked, Karachi, 19th March, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 26th March, 1917.

T. A. Henderson, M.C.
Embarked, Marseilles, 25th November, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 28th December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Awarded the Military Cross, 22nd December, 1916.
Awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Col., with Swords,
(London Gaz., 5th July, 1917).
Invalided to India, 23rd May, 1917.

2nd Lieutenants.

S. L. Hunter.
Embarked, Bombay, 27th July, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 1st August, 1916.
Joined 3rd Echelon, as Record Officer, 22nd March, 1917.

B. S. Houston, M.C.
Promoted from C.S.M., 16th February, 1917.
Awarded the Military Cross, 31st March, 1917.

C. V. Hendry.
Embarked, Devonport, 7th June, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th July, 1916.
Invalided to India, 6th November, 1916.

P. J. Haye.
Embarked, Devonport, 5th January, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 22nd March, 1917.

D. Haig.
Embarked, Devonport, 15th January, 1917,
Disembarked, Basrah, 21st March, 1917.
Invalided to India, 16th June, 1917.

M. Jamieson.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd December, 1916.

A. L. Jackson.
Posted to the Battalion, 28th August, 1917.

J. Jeff.
Embarked, Devonport, 24th May, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th June, 1916.

A. S. Johnston.
Embarked, Bombay, 24th March, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 28th March, 1917.

T. Kinnear.
Promoted from C.S.M., 6th February, 1917.
Wounded in Action, 22nd February, 1917.
Apptd. Transport Officer, 3rd May, 1917.

B. H. Lunn.
Embarked, Devonport, 24th May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th June, 1916.
Invalided to India, 8th December, 1916.
Has since been invalided to England.

T. Loudon.
Embarked, Devonport, 5th January, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 22nd March, 1917.

J. MacGregor.
Posted to the Battalion, 13th September, 1917.

G. M. Mackenzie.
Embarked, Devonport, 24th May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th June, 1916.
Transferred to M. Gun Corps, 26th October, 1916.

Mann, J. A.
Posted to the Battalion, 6th December, 1917.

D. Murray Stewart.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd December, 1916.

R. S. Morrison.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Killed in Action, 7th January, 1916.

W. D. Montgomerie.
Embarked, Bombay, 17th May, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 23rd May, 1917.

A. Muir.
Promoted from C.S.M., 29th May, 1917.

D. McArthur.
Embarked, Devonport, 5th January, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 22nd March, 1917.
Died from Wounds, 21st April, 1917.

T. Peel.
Embarked, Devonport, 5th January, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 22nd March, 1917.
Died from Wounds, 21st April, 1917.

J. C. Paterson.
Embarked, Marseilles, 5th December, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st December, 1915.
Wounded in Action, 7th January, 1916.
Invalided to India, 16th January, 1916.
To England, from Egypt, 19th March, 1916.

W. Porter.
Posted to the Battalion, 21st November, 1917.

B. H. Quine.
Embarked, Devonport, 7th June, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th July, 1916.
To be F. T. C. O., Dvn., 1st August, 1916.
Relieved from above, 26th August, 1916.
Invalided to India, 3rd September, 1916.

A. H. Quine.
Embarked, Karachi, 19th March, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 26th March, 1917.
Reported Missing, 21st April, 1917.
Reported Pris. of War, 21st April, 1917.

G. Ryrie.
Embarked, Devonport, 11th July, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 10th August, 1916.
Invalided to India, 28th November, 1916.
Re-embarked, Bombay, 27th May, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 4th June, 1917.

J. C. Ritchie, M. C.
Embarked, Devonport, 5th January, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 22nd March, 1917.
Awarded the Military Cross, 22nd May, 1917.
Apptd. A. Adjt., 27th May, 1917.

A. Scobie.
Posted to the Battalion, 13th September, 1917.

A. E. Sinclair.
Embarked Devonport, 24th May, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th June, 1916.
Transferred to M. Gun Corps, 26th October, 1916.
Killed in Action, 5th December, 1916.

P. J. Scotland.
Posted to the Battalion, 9th December, 1917.

G. V. Stewart.
Embarked, Bombay, 11th April, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 17th April, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 14th March, 1917.

G. B. Smart.
Embarked, Suez, 16th September, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 26th September, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 14th March, 1917.

F. H. Soutar
Embarked, Marseilles, 25th November, 1915.
Disembarked, Basrah, 28th December, 1915.
Killed in Action, 21st January, 1916.

T. L. Smith.
Posted to the Battalion, 13th September, 1917.

P. E. Symthe.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 2nd December, 1916.
Confirmed in rank of 2nd Lieutenant, 18th October 1916.
Wounded in Action, 21st April, 1917.
Invalided to India, 12th June, 1917.

R. M. Smythe.
Embarked, Devonport, 9th October, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 14th December, 1916.
Wounded in Action, 14th March, 1917.
Confirmed in rank of 2nd Lieut., 18th October, 1916.

A. G. Woyka.
Embarked, Devonport, 26th April, 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 31st May, 1916.
Invalided to India, 15th January, 1917.

R. Walker.
Embarked, Karachi, 19th March, 1917.
Disembarked, Basrah, 26th March, 1917.
Killed in Action, 21st April, 1917.

A. A. Young.
Embarked, Devonport, 24th May 1916.
Disembarked, Basrah, 13th June, 1916.
Cypher Officer, G. H. Q. Base, 28th June, 1916.
Joined Bn. in the Fd., 25th November, 1916.
Died from Wounds, 14th March, 1917.

Nominal roll of W.Os., N.C.Os., and men, 2nd Bn., numerically arranged, who have been killed in action, died of wounds, disease, etc., during service in Mesopotamia, from 1st January 1916 to 15th June 1917.

A/Cpl. J. Dougal

21-1-16

Probably Hannah battlefield (G.R.C).

S/9207

Pte. J. Orr

7-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad battlefield (G.R.C).

S/9231

Pte. T. Reid

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C).

S/9339

Pte. T. Williamson

20-4-17

...

9383

Sergt. D. Murdoch

21-4-17

Dujail battlefield, point 40-22 T.C. 97. Sq. G-7, Istabulat.

9437

C.-S.-M. G. Davidson

7-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad (G.R.C).

9451

Pte. P. Davie

7-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad (G.R.C).

S/9504

Pte. C. Low

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C).

S/9544

Segt. T. McCutcheon

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C).

S/9563

Pte. C. Thomson

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C).

S/9643

Pte. H. Fraser

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C).

S/9952

Pte. C. Turner

14-3-17

...

S/10006

Pte. J. Ross

7-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad (G.R.C).

S/10028

Pte. J. Barnes

21-4-17

Point 40-22, T.C. 97, Sq. G-7, Istabulat.

SRA/10113

Pte. T. Belcher

13-2-16

Orah battlefield, Map L-2, Rev. Irwin.

S/10170

Pte. E. Holmes

21-1-18

Probably Hannah battlefield (G.R.C).

10240

L/C. A. Gibson

21-4-17

Point 40-22, T.C. 97, Sq. G-7, Istabulat.

SRA/10278

Pte. B. Wilson

7-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad (G.R.C.).

SRA/10299

Pte. E. Kenny

14-3-17

...

S/10340

Pte. J. Dick

7-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad (G.R.C.).

S/10374

Pte. P. Paul

7-1-16

"""

SRA/10429

L-Cpl. A. Robertson

7-1-16

"""

S/10469

Pte. R. Barrie

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C.).

S/10477

Pte. A. Graham

21-4-17

Point 40-22, T.C. 97, Sq. G-7, Istabulat.

S/10480

Pte. W. Ballingall

13-1-16

Orah battlefield, Map L-2, Rev. Irwin.

S/10482

Pte. D. McFarlane

7-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad (G.R.C).

10489

Pte. J. Sims

7-1-16

"""

S/10537

L/Cpl. W. Malcolm

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C).

S/10539

L/Cpl. P. Hardie

22-4-16

"""

S/10545

Pte. T. Baillie

5-12-16

Jullundur St. Cemetery, Sann-i-yat (G.R.C.).

S/10564

Pte. J. Dalton

21-1-17

Dujail battlefield, T.C. 97, Sq. G-7, Istabulat.

S/10566

Pte. D. McLean

14-3-17

...

S/10567

Pte. J. Dawson

22-4-16

Probably Sann-i-yat battlefield (G.R.C).

S/10574

Pte. K. O'Donnell

22-4-16

"""

S/10586

Pte. M. Paul

22-4-16

"""

S/10592

Pte. E. Smith

22-4-16

"""

S/10598

L/Cpl. J. McKay

22-4-16

"""

S/10621

Pte. W. Lang

22-4-16

"""

S/10633

Pte. W. Watson

5-11-16

Jullundur St. Cemetery, Sann-i-yat (G.R.C.).

S/10634

L/Cpl. P. Reilly"

14-3-17

The Field.

...

S/7730

Pte. J. Stewart

22-6-16

...

8175

Sergt. J. Lugton

15-3-17

Motor Convoy. 128 I.F.A.

5 miles N. of Tagi Rly. Stn. and 40 E. of railway line.

S/8183

Pte. F. Scott

22-4-16

The Field.

...

S/8266

Pte. W. Stewart

8-1-16

Probably Sheikh-Saad (G.R.C).

S/8356

Pte. A. Trory

7-9-16

...

S/8709

Pte. J. Ferguson

14-1-16

2 B.G.H., Amara.

...

S/8856

Pte. J. Elliott

22-4-16

The Field.

...

S/9159

Pte. C. Wilson

24-4-16

...

S/9728

L/Cpl. E. Thomson

15-3-17

128 I.F.A.

...

RA/10072

Pte. J. Davy

24-4-16

The Field.

...

S/10155

Pte. P. Welsh

8-1-16

...

SRA/10285

Pte. A. Harker

8-1-16

...

S/10432

Pte. T. Wilson

15-3-17

128 I.F.A.

5 miles N. of Tagi Station and 40 E. of Railway.

RA/10439

Pte. W. Hallam

14-4-17

32 B.G.H., Amara.

Amara Cemetery, Grave No. II, A, 14.

S/10639

Pte. J. Walker

27-4-16

3a B.G.H., Basra.

...

S/10652

L/Cpl. A. Kay

24-5-17

32 B.G.H., Amara.

...

S/10654

L/Cpl. C. Williams

24-4-16

The Field.

...

S/11259

Pte. P. Hiley

29-4-16

3a B.G.H., Amara.

...

S/11535

Pte. D. Smith

22-4-16

The Field.

...

S/11769

Pte. J. Nicol

1-6-16

Cemetery at 20 B.F.A.

S/12162

Pte. W. Cannell

24-4-17

130 I.F.A.

...

S/12321

L/Cpl. L. Latto

23-4-17

No. 7 B.F.A.

T.C. 96, 6-E, 3-1.

S/12512

Pte. A. Swanston

24-2-17

The Field.

...

S/13103

Pte. W. Benson

22-4-17

No. 19 B.F.A.

S.-E. of Ry. culvert about 4-3/4 miles
S.-E. of Istabulat Station, T.C. 97, K-9, 5-6.

13186

L/Cpl. W. Campbell

15-3-17

128 I.F.A.

...

S/13260

Pte. W. Nelson

14-3-17

The Field.

...

S/13325

Pte. T. Simpson

14-3-17

...

S/14626

Pte. T. Hanvey

23-4-17

130 I.F.A.

...

S/16060

Pte. C. Ogilvie

25-4-17

16 C.C.S.

Grave No. A-22 (Cemetery unknown).

S/16041

Pte. C. Gray

26-4-17

32 B.G.H.

Amara Cemetery, Grave VIII, Block B-1.

S/16082

Pte. P. Glen

9-5-17

2 B.G.H.

...

S/16323

Pte. A. Thompson

20-5-17

32 B.G.H.

...

19445

Pte. D. Porter

21-4-17

19 B.F.A.

...

1062

Sgt. W. Hanton

Enteric.

6-7-16

3 B.G.H.

...

513

L/Cpl. G. Robertson

Suffocation.

24-1-16

The Field.

...

1549

Pte. J. Bennett

Dysentery.

21-9-16

Sheikh-Saad.

Sheikh-Saad Cemetery, Grave No. F-59.

3/2008

Pte. D. Mathieson

Gastritis.

18-6-17

Falaheyeh.

Cemetery at 26 B.F.A.

3/2475

A/Sgt. W. Chrystal

Sun-stroke.

19-6-16

Kurna.

Christian burial ground, Kurna, Row B, Grave 11.

2750

Dmr. J. Watt

Para-typh.

10-7-16

Sheikh-Saad.

Sheikh-Saad Cemetery, Grave No. 105.

3/3572

Pte. G. Billington

Nominal Roll of W.Os., N.C.Os., and men of the 2nd Battalion reported 'Missing' or 'Wounded and missing' during the service of that Unit in I.E.F. "D".
(up to 31st July 1917).

Regimenta No.	Rank and Name.	Coy.

S/7159	L/C. Beattie, L.	4	Missing, 7-1-16.
3/5192	Pte. Black, W.	3	W. and M., 7-1-16.
S/5198	Pte. Dixon, J.	2	Do.
S/10496	L/C. Haig, W.	1	Do.
3/2483	Pte. Hutchison, G.	3	Do.
9661	Pte. McConville, T.	4	Do.
S/7753	Pte. Menelaws, G.	1	Missing, 7-1-16.
S/10323	Pte. Miller, J.	3	W. and M., 7-1-16.
S/8005	Pte. Nicholson, T.	2	Missing, 7-1-16.
3/2901	Pte. Smith, C.	1	Do.
S/7159	Pte. Wilson, G.	4	Do.
S/7056	L/C. Carmichael, B.	1	Missing, 8-1-16.
8408	C.Q.M.S. Jessop, A.	2	Do.
2718	Pte. McKnight, J.	2	Do.
1110	Pte. Duncan, D.	2	Do.Died a Prisoner of War at Mosul, 1-3-16.
S/8257	Pte. Campbell, H.	2	W. and M., 13-1-16.
1891	Pte. Kerwin, J.	1	Missing, 13-1-16.
S/8730	Pte. Rodger, A.	2	W. and M., 13-1-16.
S/8319	Pte. Armstrong, G.	3	W. and M., 21-1-16.
3/3389	Pte. Bain, J.	2	Missing, 21-1-16.
S/9034	Pte. Barnes, C.	1	Do.
1166	Pte. Baxter, F.	1	Do.
1862	L/C. Birse, A.	3	W. and M., 21-1-16.
S/8750	Pte. Bradie, J.	2	Missing, 21-1-16.
S/8496	Pte. Cairns, W.	2	Do.
S/8912	Pte. Chapman, A.	4	Do.
S/8417	Pte. Crerar, J.	2	Do.
S/7104	Pte. Dalziell, G.	2	Do.
1234	Pte. Docherty, N.	1	Do.
3/2872	Pte. Dunleavy, A.	2	Do.
S/8874	Pte. Fairfull, J.	1	Do.
166	A/C. Gair, M.	1	Do.
3/2282	Pte. Garland, P.	4	Do.
10475	Pte. Grey, J.	1	Do.
S/8452	Pte. Hamilton, D.	1	Do.
9260	Sgt. Humm, T.	2	W. and M., 21-1-16.
10338	Pte. Ireland, G.	3	Missing, 21-1-16.
S/10161	Pte. James, G.	4	W. and M., 21-1-16.
S/10147	Pte. Law, S.	1	Missing, 21-1-16.
S/10337	Pte. Leach, R.	1	Do.
1084	Pte. McBride. G.	1	Do.
S/3984	Pte. McComb, A.	1	Do.
SRA/10442	Pte. McKenzie, J.	4	Do.
S/7574	Pte. Matheson, P.	1	Do.
S/2941	L/C. Menzies, J.	4	Do.
S/7936	Pte. Mitchell, J.	1	Do.
S/8688	Pte. Mitchell, W.	3	Do.
1921	A/C. Murray, R.	1	Do.
S/10207	A/S. Newton, R.	3	W. and M., 21-1-16.
S/8494	Pte. Ormiston, T.	3	Do.
887	C.S.M. Oswald, W.	1	Missing, 21-1-16.
1802	Pte. Paton, J.	1	Do.
10501	Pte. Pollock, D.	1	Do.
S/7120	Pte. Rennie, S.	2	Do.
659	Pte. Robertson, N.	1	Do.
1605	A/C. Shand, D.	2	Do.
634	Pte. Shaw, J.	3	W. and M., 21-1-16.
3/3970	Pte. Sim, D.	1	Missing, 21-1-16.
S/7658	L/C. Spriggs, W.	3	W. and M., 21-1-16.
8/3854	L/C. Swan, T.	4	Missing, 21-1-16.
S/8880	Pte. Thomson, P.	3	Do.
S/7621	Pte. Vanbeick, A.	2	Do.
S/8744	Pte. Weatherspoon, R.	2	Do.
10242	Pte. Westrop, W.	1	Do.
S/8932	Pte. Whyte D.	3	W. and M., 21-1-16.
S/6733	Pte. Wilkins, E.	1	Missing, 21-1-16.
1989	Pte. Wilson, R.	3	Do.
S/7902	Pte. Worthington, H.	1	W. and M., 21-1-16.
S/10029	Pte. Irving, R.	1	Missing, 28-1-16.
S/7032	Cpl. Cumming, G.	3	W. and M., 6-4-16.
S/10576	Pte. Barbour, W.	2	Missing, 22-4-16.
8/11800	Pte. Beattie, G.	3	Do.
898	Pte. Beveridge, J.	2	Do.
S/10641	Pte. Buchan, J.	2	Do.
S/10579	Pte. Campbell, J.	3	Do.
682	Pte. Carr, A.	4	Do.
S/9850	Pte. Churchard, R.	3	W. and M., 22-4-16.
S/10563	Pte. Clark, T.	2	Missing, 22-4-16.
S/4235	Pte. Cranson, J.	1	Missing, 22-4-16.
S/9562	Pte. Currie, W.	2	Do.
S/8638	Pte. Fleming, W.	2	Missing, 22-4-16. Officially reported killed in action, 22/4.
S/10581	Pte. Ford, W.	3	Missing, 22-4-16.
S/10560	Pte. Gouge, F.	2	Do.
3/8960	Cpl. Green, H.	2	Do.
S/8594	Pte. Hamilton, J.	3	Do.
S/10671	Pte. Hamilton, D.	2	Do.
S/10644	Pte. Henderson, W.	4	W. and M., 22-4-16.
S/11758	Pte. Kirkham, W.	2	Missing, 22-4-16.
S/9501	Pte. Lauchlan, W.	2	Do.
S/10568	Pte. Low, W.	2	Do.
S/11966	Pte. McCarthy, A.	2	Do.
S/10135	Pte. McGlennon, J.	2	Do.
3/4223	Pte. McGregor, A.	4	Do.
S/10662	Pte. McLaren, J.	2	Do.
1889	Pte. McLean, R.	3	Do.
2635	Pte. Marshall, D.	1	Do.
S/4379	Pte. Marshall, G.	3	Do.
S/7697	Pte. Montgomery, H.	1	Do.
S/11286	Pte. Morgan, G.	4	W. and M., 22-4-16.
S/3346	Pte. Morrison, D.	1	Missing, 22-4-16.
8166	Pte. Morrison, S.	1	Do.
S/10536	L/C. Ramsay, J.	2	Do.
S/11751	Pte. Russell, J.	2	Do.
S/11557	Pte. Smith, A.	2	Do.
S/11753	Pte. Smith, E.	2	Do.
S/3708	Pte. Sinclair, J.	1	Do.
S/11390	Pte. Stewart, J.	1	Do.
S/11607	Pte. Styles, S.	1	Do.
1459	L/C. Torrance, G.	3	Do.
S/4076	Pte. Walker, J.	1	W. and M., 22-4-16.
7908	C.S.M. Wilkie, A.	1	Missing, 22-4-16.
2772	Pte. Whyte, R.	4	Missing, 22-4-16. Officially accepted as having died between 22-4-16 and 2-2-17.
S/4239	Pte. Wilson, R.	1	Missing, 22-4-16.
S/10674	Pte. Wilson, J.	2	Missing, 22-4-17. Officially reported killed in action, 22-4-16.
S/10668	Pte. Wilson, J.	2	Missing, 22-4-16.
S/10540	L/C. Wood, C.	1	Missing, 22-4-16. Officially reported killed in action, 22-4-16.
S/15657	Pte. Carlyle, W.	1	Missing, 14-3-17.
15613	Pte. Cook, J.	1	W. and M. 14-3-17.
3/10222	Pte. Harris, A.	2	Do.
S/11776	Pte. Hewitt, G.	1	Do.
S/11307	L/C. Hutchison, J.	1	Do.
S/15892	Pte. Jennings, R.	1	Do.
S/15080	Pte. Watt, J.	4	Do.
S/13905	Pte. Batchelor, C.	3	Missing, 21-4-17.
S/11835	Pte. Burnett, W.	3	Do.
S/3569	Pte. Campbell, J.	4	Do.
17494	Pte. Gilfillan, T.	2	Do.
		——
	TOTAL	125	Of whom 4 have now been officially reported as died or killed in action.

Total Missing, battle of 7th Jan. 1916			11
Do.	do.	13th January 1916	3
Do.	do.	21st January 1916	50
Do.	do.	22nd April 1916	44
Do.	do.	14th March 1917	7
Do.	do.	21st April 1917	4
Missing, various dates			6

Prisoners of War.

Regimental No.	Rank and Name	Coy.

SRA/10254	Pte. Cottle, T.	1	Pris. of War, Mosul. Captured, 7-1-16.
S/11543	Pte. McDonald, G.	..	Pris. of War, Afion Kara Hissar, Captured 22-4-16.
SRA/10062	Pte. Debnam, J.	4	Captured, 21-1-16. Released in September 1916 and invalided to India.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 53.

After a period of severe and strenuous fighting extending with only short pauses over a period of two months, I wish to express to the Navy, to Lieut.-Generals Marshall and Cobb, to the Divisional and Brigade Commanders, to the staffs including my own and to all ranks of the fighting troops, my warmest thanks for their splendid work and my congratulations on their brilliant successes. To the Regimental Officers, N.C.Os. and men, a special word is due for their matchless heroism and fighting spirit, and for their grit and determination so fully in accord with the best traditions of British and Indian Regiments. Whilst regretting deeply the casualties necessarily incurred in the attainment of our object, the series of stinging blows dealt to the enemy, his severe losses which are out of all proportion to the size of his force and his obviously faltering spirit afford ample proof to all ranks that their sacrifices have not been made in vain. My thanks too are due to Major-General MacMunn, to the Director and their assistants and to all ranks of the Administrative Services and Departments, both in the field and on the lines of communication who in face of unexampled difficulties have by sterling work and energy risen superior to them and regularly met the needs of the fighting troops with ample supplies, stores and munitions without which the loss of lives would have been considerably increased and success rendered impossible, and have been the means of providing every comfort, attainable for the sick and wounded. To each and every member of the Navy and Army and to those who, though not belonging to either of the services have helped to bring about the results achieved I tender my earnest thanks for their wholehearted and magnificent efforts. The end is not yet; but with such absolute co-operation and vigour animating all continuance of our success is assured.

(Sd.) F. S. Maude, Lieut.-Gent.,
Commanding I.E.F. "D."

15th February 1917.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 64.

I have received the following message from His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor:—

"March 11th.—It is with greatest satisfaction that I have received the good news that you have occupied Baghdad. I heartily congratulate you and your troops on the success achieved under so many difficulties.
—George R.I."

I have sent the following reply:—

"March 12th.—Your Imperial Majesty's gracious message has been communicated to all ranks of the forces serving in Mesopotamia by whom it has been received with feelings of intense gratitude, loyalty and devotion. The difficulties by which we have been confronted have only increased our determination to surmount them."

The following are some of the other messages received and replies sent:—

From His Excellency the Viceroy of India:—

"March 13th.—My most hearty congratulations to yourself and the troops under your command on the capture of Baghdad which has been achieved by their gallantry and devotion to duty."

"March 14th.—Your Excellency's kind message has been received with sincere gratitude by all ranks of the forces in Mesopotamia. Nothing could have exceeded the valour and endurance of the troops both British and Indian under trying conditions."

From The Grand Duke Nicholas:—

"March 10th.—I and the Caucasus Army send heartiest congratulations on the new success won by the glorious troops under your command. The Caucasus Army will do all in their power to further your developments and successes."

"March 12th.—On behalf of the troops serving in Mesopotamia I beg to thank your Imperial Highness very warmly for kind message which is much appreciated by us all. Our Russian comrades in Caucasus may rest assured that we shall continue to do our utmost to assist their operations already so successfully commenced."

From the Right Hon'ble the Secretary of State for War:—

"March 13th.—His Majesty's Government desire me to convey to you and all ranks under your command their cordial congratulations on the noble feat of arms which has led to your occupation of Baghdad. They fully recognise the difficulties which you have faced and overcome and wish to express their high appreciation of the skilful plan of operations, the careful co-ordination of the administrative work and the courage and endurance of the troops."

"March 14th.—Your message conveying approbation of His Majesty's Government with respect to our efforts has been received with widespread pleasure by all ranks of the forces in Mesopotamia. The difficulties by which we were met were soon swept aside by the dauntless valour and endurance of the troops ably seconded by the thorough and smooth working of the administrative services."

From His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief in India:—

"March 12th.—To you and your gallant troops I desire to convey my own and the warmest congratulations of all ranks in India on your splendid achievements. The valour, devotion to duty and determination which have defeated a stubborn enemy and culminated in the capture of Baghdad evoke our highest admiration."

"March 14th.—All ranks of the forces in Mesopotamia thank Your Excellency most warmly for your most kind message. It is a particular source of satisfaction to us to feel that our efforts are appreciated so thoroughly by our comrades in India. British and Indian troops have vied with each other in valour and endurance and difficulties met with have only stimulated our determination to surmount them."

From Admiral Sir David Beatty, G.C.B., K.C.V.O., D.S.O.:—

"March 12th.—Please accept, on behalf of the Grand Fleet and myself, our admiration and congratulations upon the magnificent achievement in capturing Baghdad by the gallant forces under your command."

"March 14th.—Your message has been received with widespread pleasure by all ranks of the forces in Mesopotamia. During operations the Navy has, as usual, played its part nobly. We are particularly proud at receiving congratulations from the Grand Fleet, which has itself done much superb work consistently during past two and a half years."

From Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E., Commander-in-Chief Armies in France:—

"March 16th.—Your brilliant achievements and continued successes are a great delight and a great encouragement to all ranks under my command."

"March 16th.—Most grateful for kind message—much valued."

From Vice-Admiral Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss, K.C.B., C.M.G., M.V.O., Naval Commander-in-Chief, British East Indies:—

"March 14th.—Please accept hearty congratulations of self and whole of Indian Squadron on your splendid success. I am proud to think that the Royal Navy has been able to co-operate with your troops."

"March 16th.—Most grateful to you and East Indies Squadron for kind message. Royal Navy here have co-operated with our operations brilliantly."

From General Sir Archibald Murray, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., C.V.O., D.S.O., Commander-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary force:—

"Your splendid series of successes are being watched with the profoundest delight and gratification by all ranks of the Egyptian Force. Bridging operations must have been grandly carried out. Once more our heartiest congratulations."

"Most grateful for kind message. All ranks appreciate it, especially coming as it does from a Commander and troops who have themselves done so brilliantly. Our troops here have been quite magnificent."

From Lieut.-General G. F. Milne, C.B., D.S.O., Commander-in-Chief British Forces at Salonika:—

"March 12th.—Hearty congratulations to you and your Army from all ranks of the Salonika Force."

"March 13th.—We all thank you very warmly for kind message."

From Major-General A. R. Hoskins, C.M.G., D.S.O., Commanding East African Force:—

"March 13th.—Hearty congratulations from all ranks East African Force to Mesopotamian Force on brilliant achievements."

"March 16th.—Most grateful for kind message much appreciated by us all."

From the Right Hon'ble the Lord Mayor of London:—

"March 13th.—The City of London sends hearty congratulations on the capture of the historic City of Baghdad."

"March 14th.—Your Lordship's kind message conveying congratulations of the City of London is very warmly appreciated by all ranks of the forces in Mesopotamia. Qualities of courage and endurance displayed by troops throughout operations have been superb."

F. S. MAUDE, Lieut.-General,
Commanding Indian Expeditionary Force "D."

30th March 1917.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 66.

In pursuance of the authority delegated to me by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, I make the following awards for gallantry and distinguished service in the field:—

Awarded the Military Cross.

Captain Robert Macfarlane—For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although wounded early in the action he continued to lead his Company with great determination until the evening, when the position was finally taken by a bayonet charge. With great courage and skill he led his Company up to a position from which he was able to enfilade the enemy at close range, thereby greatly assisting the charge.

Second-lieutenant Benjamin Smith Houston,—For conspicuous gallantry and ability in leading the second line of his battalion with excellent judgment under heavy fire. After reinforcing the first line he took command of the left portion of it including some 60 men of an Indian Infantry regiment who were without an officer and led them on during the charge and subsequent advance on the railway station. He had recently done fine work when in command of a patrol.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

No. 1081, Sergeant James Strachan—For conspicuous gallantry and ability in action. When all four of his Company Officers had been wounded, he took command of the left flank of the battalion. He ably directed their fire and later led forward what remained of his company across the open and drove the enemy out of his position taking some prisoners.

No. 19438, Lance-corporal George McGabe,—For conspicuous gallantry and resource during operations. Seeing that a gap existed between an Indian Regiment and his own, and that the former in this locality had lost all their officers, he took charge of their Lewis guns and filled the gap. Later, he was conspicuous for his gallantry in leading the Indian Infantrymen in the charge across the open.

Awarded the Military Medal.

No. 2262, Sergeant Frank Connel.

F. S. MAUDE, Lieut.-General,
Commanding I.E.F. "D".

31st March 1917.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 76.

His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, has conveyed the following message to me:—

"May 8th.—The series of successes achieved in defeating the Turkish Forces brought against you since your capture of Baghdad reflect the very highest credit upon you and all ranks under your command. Your progress is all the more appreciated by your fellow countrymen in that they are conscious of the trying conditions under which your troops have fought.—George R.I."

The following reply has been sent by me:—

"May 9th.—Your Imperial Majesty's gracious message expressing approbation of our recent successes has filled all ranks of the Navy and Army in Mesopotamia with loyal enthusiasm. The valour and devotion to duty of the troops conscious of their superiority over the enemy have been superb, whilst in spite of great heat recently experienced their health remains most satisfactory."

From the Right Hon'ble the Secretary of State for War:—

"May 8th.—War Cabinet desire me to convey their high appreciation of your recent operations which have resulted in the defeat of the enemy's forces and the successful occupation of the greater part of the Baghdad Vilayat. The splendid spirit and gallantry displayed by the troops under trying climatic conditions and the skill shown by your subordinate commanders merit high commendation and are a proof of the efficiency and devotion to duty of all ranks of the force under your command."

"May 9th.—Your telegram conveying approval of War Cabinet at success of our recent operations is greatly appreciated by all ranks in Mesopotamia. Fighting spirit and endurance of troops have been admirable throughout in spite of great heat recently."

F. S. MAUDE, Lieut.-General,
Commanding Indian Expeditionary Force "D."

11th May 1917.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 82.

In pursuance of the authority delegated to me by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, I make the following award for gallantry and distinguished service in the field:—

Awarded a Bar to Distinguished Conduct Medal.

No. 1543, Sergeant Charles Easton.—For conspicuous gallantry in action. Seeing that an officer had been hit some 80 yards in front of his post and was unable to move owing to continuous sniping, he ran forward, dressed his wounds, and got him back to the river bank. As sniping still continued, he swam the river, supporting the wounded Officer, and gained the other bank. Had the Officer not been moved, he must again have been hit by the enemy's snipers who were within 300 yards.

F. S. MAUDE, Lieut.-General,
Commanding Indian Expeditionary Force "D."

17th June 1917.

General Head Quarters.
MESOPOTAMIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 96.

In pursuance of the authority delegated to me by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, I make the following awards for gallantry and distinguished service in connection with operations in the field covering the period April 1st to September 30th, 1917, inclusive.

Awarded Second Bar to Distinguished Conduct Medal.

No. 2702, Sergeant William Logan.—For conspicuous gallantry and ability. At a critical moment he led forward a party of bombers under heavy fire and controlled them with great skill until wounded. By his courage and coolness he materially assisted in repelling a counter-attack and in re-taking a redoubt, [Awarded D.C.M., London Gazette, 20th October, 1916, Bar to D.C.M., London Gazette, 29th August, 1917].

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

No. 3-2377, Private George Beveridge.—For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. He repeatedly carried messages back from the firing line under heavy fire and, at a critical moment, rallied his comrades after a counter-attack and led them to the final capture of the position. His courage and dash were most marked.

No. 2334, Private Joseph Clark.—For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great resource and initiative in re-organising both British and Indian troops after a counter-attack, in time to meet successfully a second one. His bravery and coolness throughout the day greatly encouraged his men. He has done fine work on other occasions.

General Head Quarters.
MESOPOTAMIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
ORDER OF THE DAY. No. 102.

The following extract from the London Gazette is published for general information:—

His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men:—

WAR OFFICE,
26th November 1917.

No. 871, Private Charles Melvin, Highlander Regiment (Kirriemuir).—For most conspicuous bravery, coolness and resource in action. Pte. Melvin's Company had advanced to within fifty yards of the front-line trench of a redoubt, where, owing to the intensity of the enemy's fire, the men were obliged to lie down and wait for reinforcements. Pte. Melvin, however, rushed on by himself, over ground swept from end to end by rifle and machine gun fire. On reaching the enemy trench, he halted and fired two or three shots into it, killing one or two enemy, but as the others in the trench continued to fire at him, he jumped into it, and attacked them with his bayonet in his hand, as owing to his rifle being damaged, it was not "fixed." On being attacked in this resolute manner most of the enemy fled to their second line, but not before Pte. Melvin had killed two more and succeeded in disarming eight unwounded and one wounded. Pte. Melvin bound up the wounds of the wounded man, and then driving his eight unwounded prisoners before him, and supporting the wounded one he hustled them out of the trench, marched them in and delivered them over to an officer. He then provided himself with a load of ammunition and returned to the firing line where he reported himself to his platoon sergeant. All this was done, not only under intense rifle and machine gun fire, but the whole way back Pte. Melvin and his party were exposed to a very heavy artillery barrage fire. Throughout the day Pte. Melvin greatly inspired those near him with confidence and courage.

W. R. MARSHALL, Lieut.-General,
Commanding-in-Chief,
Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force.

General Headquarters,
6th March 1918.

Printed and published by E. G. Pearson at the Times Press, Bombay—2519'18

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General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 53.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 64.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 66.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 76.

General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 82.

General Head Quarters.
MESOPOTAMIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 96.

General Head Quarters.
MESOPOTAMIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
ORDER OF THE DAY. No. 102.