THE SUMMER OF 1918--KULAWAND AND TUZ KERMATLI.
The season of military operations in the country to the north-east of
Baghdad, where the British and Turks now faced each other, may be said
to begin with the month of April, and in that month General Marshall’s
troops were ready to move again.
Before any movements on a large scale began, however, General Marshall
had to deal with two troublesome complications, one on his left and one
on his right.
To the left, in the Mahomedan holy cities of Nejef and Kerbela, beyond
the Euphrates, the British invasion of Mesopotamia had naturally caused
some excitement, and this had been fostered by German intrigues and
gold. The holy cities do not belong to the same branch of Islam as the
Turks, being “Shia,” not “Sunni,” or, as one might say, Protestant,
not Catholic; and having been very carefully treated by the British
they had shown a friendly spirit enough. Still they were Mahomedan,
and contained some fanatical elements. In the month of January British
troops had been attacked near Nejef, and a few weeks later the British
political officer was murdered. Some punishment had to be inflicted for
these offences, and though General Marshall would not attack the sacred
town, it was blockaded and called upon to deliver up the murderers.
Happily the well-behaved inhabitants, under the guidance of their
religious leaders, decided to accept the British terms, and the whole
affair was satisfactorily settled.
[Illustration: S.Q.-M.S. S. B. HAINES, D.C.M.]
[Illustration: R.S.-M. (late Lieutenant) M. CHURCHHOUSE]
[Illustration: Sgt. S. G. STRAWBRIDGE, D.C.M.]
[Illustration: Lieut. W. J. L. NORWOOD]
[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. J. H. LUCAS]
At the same time as this trouble arose to the westward, some Persian
tribes on the east began to respond to the incitement and gold of
German emissaries, and it was found necessary, as General Marshall
says, to “give them a lesson.” But this trouble also proved to be
short-lived. Friendly tribesmen took action against the malcontents,
and with the aid of a small British column completely defeated them.
They lost heavily, “and our aeroplanes turned their defeat into a rout.”
In the meantime, while these complications were being put straight,
General Marshall had worked out his scheme of action against the Turks,
and had decided that they should again be attacked to the north-east
of Baghdad, so as to drive them farther away and make the Persian line
of communication more secure. His intention was to expel them from the
area about Kara Tepe, Kifri, and Tuz Kermatli, which will be found
marked on the sketch-map, p. 201, and to occupy those points, thus
turning and subjugating the troublesome range of Jebel Hamrin.
It was a difficult operation if the Turks fought well, and General
Marshall’s scheme of action was carefully worked out. Several columns
were to move from different points, and it is not easy to follow in
detail the movements of each. It will suffice to say that during the
latter part of April and the earlier part of May 1918, in spite of
mountainous ground and torrents of rain, which caused heavy floods
in the rivers and washed away temporary bridges--in spite too of
some stubborn fighting on the part of the enemy--the whole area was
completely cleared and the country was occupied as far north as Kirkuk,
one hundred and thirty miles from the railhead and considerably
more than that distance from Baghdad. The British losses were very
small--only twenty-six killed and two hundred and ten wounded--while
the Turks lost heavily, over three thousand in prisoners alone.
General Marshall had good reason to be satisfied with this result.
“Owing,” he says, “to the distance covered by these operations, and
to the bad weather which prevailed throughout, the work of the troops
was very arduous, and I have nothing but admiration for the good work
put in by all arms and the excellent co-operation which was maintained
between them.” This co-operation included much continuous work done
by the Cavalry, and on at least two occasions they had the chance of
attacking the enemy as Cavalry, mounted and sword in hand.
On both these occasions the Thirteenth were well to the fore. They
were no longer with their own Brigade, but had temporarily taken the
place of their old comrades of the Fourteenth Hussars in the 6th
Brigade, then commanded by Brigadier-General Holland Pryor. General
Marshall describes the first action in the following words: “The 6th
Cavalry Brigade ... after an arduous night march overtook the Turks
who had ... taken up a defensive position at Kulawand.... Feigning
a frontal attack, whilst gradually working round the enemy’s right
flank, our Cavalry cut the enemy’s lines of retreat and then charged
right through his Infantry, killing some two hundred, including two
battalion commanders, and capturing 565 prisoners, a mountain-gun,
and considerable booty.” This was a fine performance, and brought the
Regiment much credit. It was followed up by some skilful manœuvring
which induced the Turks to hold a position at Tuz Kermatli, where a
day or two later there was another considerable action. Here again the
Cavalry did well, and the Thirteenth got another chance. This time the
actual charge was a smaller affair, confined to a couple of troops
under Lieutenant Macdonald, but it was spirited and successful, the
two troops galloping a nest of machine-guns, and taking a considerable
number of prisoners with little loss to themselves.
On the 7th of May Kirkuk was taken, and the short campaign came to an
end. “Difficulties of supply,” says General Marshall, “due to distance
and state of ground, now made it imperative to stop further pursuit,”
and a few days later most of the British troops were withdrawn to their
summer camps. The Thirteenth returned to their old camp at Chaldari,
near Baghdad, arriving on the 22nd of May, and there they remained
throughout the summer months.
It proved to be an important and anxious time for the Commander of the
Army, as a force under Major-General Dunsterville was sent into Persia,
and eventually crossed the Caspian to Baku, where there was some
severe fighting. There was much work to be done also in Mesopotamia
itself, and so far as the climate permitted, military training went
on steadily, a special feature being the development of schools of
instruction. But owing to the extreme heat the summer was for the bulk
of the troops a period of inactivity, and it was found possible to
send a large number of officers and men on leave to India. They wanted
all the rest they could get, for they still had some hard marching
and fighting before them, and the Thirteenth, in their pleasant camp at
Chaldari, thoroughly enjoyed the respite.
[Illustration: AFTER THE CHARGE AT KULAWAND]
[Illustration: PRISONERS TAKEN AT KULAWAND]
The following extracts refer chiefly to their doings at Kulawand and
Tuz.
_Extracts from narratives by Captain Gowan, enclosed in a letter from
Colonel Richardson, dated 27th July 1918._
”_April 26-27, 1918._--The column moved at midnight and marched till
4.45 A.M., arriving at Tel Sharif at that time. The road was
difficult to find in many places, and in the numerous nullahs which
were crossed the going was deep. When the position had been fixed at
dawn, the column moved forward for 2 miles, and then fed at 6 a.m.
After ½ an hour halt the Regiment with advance-guard of C. and C.
moved to M. 27 Central, and halted till 9 A.M. At that time
the Regiment was ordered to move on the Kulawund position, and with
L.A.M. cars and Lewis guns and Ford vans turn it from the W. end by
enfilade fire. Some difficulty was found in locating the position,
and it was not till 11.30 that it was reached and found unoccupied.
The L.A.M. cars and Fords had been unable to get forward owing to
water-logged country and nullahs. A number of Turks with some tents
were seen to be in position on the Tuz-Kifri road, close to the hills,
and their numbers were estimated by an aeroplane at 250. By 12 noon
the G.O.C. Brigade had moved forward, and arrangements were made for a
simultaneous attack by the 3 Regiments. At about 12.20 a move forward
was made, the Brigade advancing in line of column of wings, in the
order 22nd, 21st, 13th from the right. I understand that both Indian
Cavalry Regiments advanced in line whilst we were in column of wings:
I am not sure whether the 22nd had all four squadrons or only two. The
Regiment had ‘C’ and ‘D’ Squadrons in front line under Captain Godfree,
‘B’ and half ‘A’ in the second, at about 200 yards’ distance, the
remaining troop of ‘A’ being left as guard to our left flank, dressing
station, &c., and the H.G. guns being sent to the flanks. The leading
wing on nearing the road shouldered to the right and were in a position
to co-operate with the 21st Cav. when Captain Godfree received orders
from the Brigade to take no further part in the attack, but to join
the Headquarters near Kulawund village. While he did this the 2nd
Wing, leaving a troop of ‘A’ as escort to the Regimental Aid Post,
moved to the Kifri-Tuz road and scattered along it to the left or Tuz
direction, and succeeded in collecting about 50 prisoners. Two or three
machine-guns were in action against us until we were within 300 yards
of the road, and were replied to by the H.G. troop of ‘D’ Squadron from
our left flank. A number of the enemy succeeded in getting away into
the ridge of hills E. of the road where Cavalry could not pursue, and
after despatching the prisoners to Brigade H.Q. the wing rallied and
moved to a mound at the edge of the Kulawund position. From captured
officers’ statements it was clear that this Cavalry attack took the
enemy entirely by surprise. The enemy troops engaged consisted of the
5th Regiment, which had received orders on the evening of the 26th to
withdraw from Tuz. Expecting only an Infantry attack, on the following
morning they evacuated their positions without undue haste, and after
halting several hours ... were on their way to Tuz on the 27th, when
they were overtaken.
“_April 29._--We drew back and circled to the W. behind the battery,
and were ordered to get touch with the 21st and 22nd Cav. and then
attempt to get across the Tuz-Tan road to stop the enemy’s retreat.
Moving W., it was found that the 22nd and 21st were held up by a nest
of M. guns on a small knoll. At the time of our arrival these were not
directed on us, and appeared to have left their position. Two troops of
‘B’ were accordingly pushed forward, and led off so as to leave this
knoll on their right. After a short distance they came under M.G. fire,
and 2nd Lt. MacDonald wheeled the two troops to the right, thus putting
his own troop in front and that of Sgt. Brencher in rear. He galloped
the hill and took it--the enemy, except two, escaping being sabred by
putting their hands up when the men were on them. This action opened
the way across the plain, and the three Regiments, 21st, 13th, 22nd
from the right, moved across, meeting small bodies of the enemy, and
killing or taking them prisoners.”
_Letter from Colonel Richardson to Sir R. S. Baden-Powell._
“7TH CAVALRY BRIGADE, M.E.F.,
IN THE FIELD, _1st May 1918_.
”MY DEAR GENERAL,--Your note with enclosures regarding
Regimental Monuments and Gravestones reached me only a few days ago,
when we were already on the trek of our present stunt....
“I am sorry to say I quite forget the contents of my letter to Symons
to which you refer, but I imagine it dealt with our part in the battle
of Tekrit; since that time we have been almost continuously in one
camp, on the Tigris, about 40 miles above Baghdad, and although for
more than four months we did not have a shot fired in anger we were
far from idle--_i.e._, when the wet weather made it possible to be
otherwise. Not only were we able to put in a lot of much-needed--on
account of the numerous officers and other reinforcements during the
past six months--instruction in equitation and elementary and secondary
drill and training, but we were able to have games and sports--both
mounted and dismounted--for the men, and polo for the officers; we also
had the opportunity of getting fitter than at any time since we have
been in this country, and I doubt very much whether men or horses have
ever been fitter physically than when we started out, ten days ago, for
this stunt. Only one Brigade of Cavalry is being utilised, and it is
not the one to which we properly belong, but we are taking the place
of the 14th, who are scattered about on an independent mission. Our
march to the rendezvous was not propitious, as we were dogged by heavy
rain and thunder, which made life on operation scale, without tents, a
delusion and a snare for four days, but we got through with only one
case of pneumonia. Once we got started on this stunt--the object of
which has been to clear the whole of our northeasterly front of the
enemy--we began to get into a country of magnificent crops and glorious
grazing, in which the horses have been revelling, and growing visibly
bigger. The operations themselves have partaken more of the nature of
South African drives, and Johnny Turk was, I think, caught napping
by the largeness of the scale of the operations, and he has been so
badly fed lately that he could not travel sufficiently quickly to
escape us; however, he put up, as he always does, a jolly good fight
when cornered, and as we were unable to close the fourth side to the
square--_i.e._, on the north, where a steep ledge of rock, backed by
hilly country, discounted our mobility--a good few got away. However,
we have accounted for nearly 2000 prisoners, ten large and very many
machine guns, and our casualties have been less than 250 (in the whole
force), so I suppose we may reckon the operations as having been fairly
successful. Of course, from the nature of things, the principal rôle
fell to the Cavalry, and even the Pan-Infantry men were fain to admit
that we have done it well. On the first day we came into touch with
the enemy--mostly troops retiring from outside positions, from which
they had been driven by the Infantry; but, covered by the garrison and
guns of the aforesaid rocky ledge, the three Regiments of the Brigade
galloped in two lines of wings over about 1½ miles of country towards
the ledge, and swung right-handed along the foot of it, the net result
being about 600 prisoners and several machine-guns. The next day there
was a pause, as the main position, which was pretty well served by big
guns, still remained, and we could not hope to take it without the help
of the Infantry; but next morning the latter came through our outposts,
and we concentrated on the left flank and began the advance, which I
may fairly claim the Regiment initiated, which put the finishing touch
to the operations. A good few of the enemy no doubt escaped through the
hill country, and perhaps he got a gun or two away, but certainly a
thousand prisoners and ten guns fell into our hands.
[Illustration: Capt. D. W. GODFREE, M.C.
(21st Lancers)]
[Illustration: Lieut. H. MACDONALD, M.C.
(_Murdered 14th July 1919 at Amadia by Kurdish gendarmes_)]
[Illustration: Lieut. C. A. G. MCLAGAN
(_Wounded at Tus Kermatli, 21st April 1918_)]
[Illustration: Capt. B. W. D. COCHRANE]
[Illustration: Sergt. W. MATTHEWS, M.M.
(_Killed at Tus Kermatli, 28th April 1918_)]
[Illustration: Lieut. L. OSMOND]
“When I claim that the Regiment initiated the final advance, I must
explain the situation in more detail: over night 2 squadrons were
on outpost duty on the left bank of the river, and two troops of a
third squadron were away with the first batch of 500 prisoners; the
balance of the Regiment with which I was, was on the right of the
Cavalry Brigade, advancing up the right bank of the river; we were
held up at dusk by the enemy in an entrenched position, and remained
where we stood all night; soon after daybreak the Infantry took over
our line, and the Brigadier sent me off to the left flank to try
and get across the path of the retiring enemy. I found that the two
Regiments of Indian Cavalry had been trying to advance with the
same object for a couple of hours, but were held up by small parties
of enemy entrenched on knolls and well supplied with machine-guns. I
determined to advance, and put one of my few remaining sabre troops
into the scouting line under MacDonald, a lad who only joined us 6 or
8 months ago. When we got about 800 yards from the nearest knoll he
met very heavy machine-gun fire, but as it was apparently directed
against his left flank, he at once gathered his troops to the right,
and following a circular path he galloped the hill, taking the gunners
in flank and reverse, and in less than five minutes had the whole
party of Turks killed or marching as prisoners to the rear, and 4
machine-guns captured. He had only one man badly wounded. It was, I
think, without exception the quickest and prettiest--not to say the
most successful--small piece of work it has been my fortune to witness.
This little episode put great heart into the Indians, and thereafter it
was almost a race for the foot-hills; all opposition went like a house
of cards, and it was only a question of mopping up. I, on behalf of the
Regiment and MacDonald, have received congratulations on all sides,
and the Brigade and Divisional Commanders have promised to support my
recommendation for immediate rewards, so I hope MacDonald and his troop
may get the honours they have earned so well.
“With the exception of Twist and of my Adjutant Gowan, I have no other
officers with pre-war training and experience, but we have been most
exceptionally lucky in our temporary officers; for this, I think,
I have to thank Ronnie Brook chiefly, and he would, I am sure, be
interested to see the account of the operations, should you have it
copied.--With all good wishes, yours sincerely,
(Signed)
J. J. RICHARDSON.
“_P.S._--The following coincidence of special interest has come
to light. Among material captured by MacDonald on the knoll was a
signaller’s telescope, which he gave to his signaller, Sgt. Burgess.
The latter at once recognised it as the one he himself lost at Lajj on
March 5th last year, when his horse was shot and he had to abandon his
gun.”
_Letter from Colonel Richardson, dated 7th Cavalry Brigade, M.E.F., 3rd
May 1918._
“For the last fortnight we have been operating with the other Brigade
in place of Col. Bridge’s Regiment, which is engaged on an independent
mission....
“The Regiment has seen some smart fighting, including two charges, in
the past week, and the outstanding feature of the operations, which
has been very successful, and of which I am sending an account to B.P.
[Sir Robert Baden-Powell], has been a gallant and brilliant charge by a
troop of the 13th under MacDonald, a Scotch lad who joined us about 6
months ago.
“It is a matter of greatest pride, mingled with pleasant surprise to
me, how they continue to roll up with these first-rate performances,
once the opportunity presents itself, and I only hope I may never let
them down.”
_Extract from letter from Colonel Richardson, dated 7th Cavalry
Brigade, M.E.F., 25th May 1918._
“After writing to you on the third of this month we continued our drive
northwards for a matter of about 60 miles, the Turks pursuing their
usual tactics--_i.e._, holding us up at strong positions with their
big guns until dark enabled them to get away their valuable papers and
other important stuff. In this way we made them evacuate the country as
far north as Altum Kupri.
“I do not hesitate to give names now, as I see Reuter has published the
message from Candler, the correspondent, in almost the identical words
that I gave him--he was messing with us during that period--which is
within striking distance, not more than 70 miles, of Mosul, the big
Turkish base.
“Owing to the difficulties of transport we had been on half rations,
but we got most glorious grazing for the horses in most places, so they
did not suffer much until we struck the Jebel Hamrin with its brackish
water and no grazing. Right up there the climate was really good, and
we could work all day, though, of course, it was hottish, and on one or
two nights we got wet through, for, of course, we had no tents. But in
this case also, as soon as we struck the Jebel Hamrin on our return,
the sun became very powerful and the sand-flies very bad.
[Illustration: TUZ KHARMATLI, 29TH APRIL 1918]
“However, the operations were very interesting, although the Regiment
had no opportunity of doing more than ordinary work, because Johnny
Turk declined to come to grips; but as the Brigade put it: ‘You did
just what I wanted you to, I could not ask you to do more,’ I don’t
think we had any cause to grumble....
“When I wrote you from Mendali, in October, that we were short of
food, I referred only to mess stores and extras; rations have always
been good, especially when we were within measurable distance of the
railway, when we got most excellent frozen beef. Indeed, I expect we
are being much better fed than you poor people.”
_Extract from Lance-Corporal Bowie’s Diary._
[Illustration: LT.-COL. J. J. RICHARDSON, D.S.O., AFTER A HARD DAY AT
TUZ]
[Illustration: MACHINE GUNS CAPTURED BY THE REGIMENT AT TUZ]
“Fate decreed that we were not to finish this tournament, as on the
following morning we were ordered out to take part in operations
again. This was the 18th of April, and we had to leave camp some few
hours later than ordered; owing to the extremely bad weather and the
high floods having broken the pontoon bridge over the river, it was
impossible to cross the Tigris till midday. Heavy rain continued to
fall throughout the day, which made the going very difficult, and we
finally arrived at Baqubah at about 8 P.M., where we picketed
down for the night. Our transport arrived in at 9.15 P.M.
Every one being so thoroughly wet through, and the weather being so
bitterly cold, a rum issue was ordered, after which we were fortunately
able to obtain shelter for the night in a rest-camp near by. Owing
to the heavy rains which had fallen the column did not march for
Abu-Jisrah until 10.30 A.M. the following morning, and after
some very heavy going we made that place at about 3.30 P.M.
Our transport experienced great difficulty in getting along, and did
not arrive until some two hours later. The heavy rains continued
throughout the night. The following morning, April 20th, it was found
impossible to move in consequence of the exceedingly heavy rains,
which continued till 2 P.M., and made the ground a perfect
quagmire, and absolutely impossible for wheels, the men during these
two days having a most uncomfortable time owing to the impossibility
of erecting any sort of shelter. An incident worthy of note here
was an impromptu football match, played amid a perfect sea of mud,
in which the ball not infrequently became imbedded, whilst the rain
poured down in torrents. All this, however, did not deter the players,
who, after a most strenuous game, did obtain some little warmth from
this exercise. At 11.30 A.M. on the morning of the 21st
instant we continued our march to Sharaban, where we arrived about 4
P.M. Here we joined up with the 6th Cavalry Brigade, who were
in bivouac there. During the next two days we remained in bivouac,
whilst we endeavoured to free ourselves of some of the mud with which
every one was plastered, grazing our horses meanwhile. Here also our
squadrons were arranged to conform with the formation of the 6th
Brigade; each squadron was to consist of three sabre troops and one
Hotchkiss-gun troop. On the morning of April 24th the Regiment paraded
at 9.30 A.M., but owing to heavy rain falling again we did
not move off until 11 A.M., when we marched at the head of
the Brigade crossing the Cutthroat and Auction Bridges; we halted
at Ruz for a short time, and marching on again we crossed the Table
Mountain Bridge over the Diala river at 1.30 P.M. Here we
watered and fed our horses, afterwards moving off again with the 22nd
Native Cavalry, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Young. We marched on to
Abu-Haiar, arriving there about 5.30 P.M., and bivouacking
for the night. The following morning at 11 A.M. we marched
to Ain-Lailah, which we reached at 3.30 P.M. We bivouacked
that night about 1½ miles south of the Pass. The Column commenced
marching through the Pass at 3 A.M. the following morning,
but the Regiment being Rear Guard did not march through till 7.30
A.M., and then proceeding on to the Nahrin river, where we
watered and fed our horses. Resuming our march till 11 A.M.,
we joined the remainder of the Column, who were in bivouac at 12.15
P.M. Here one troop proceeded to reconnoitre the road over
which we were to make a night march the same night, after which they
returned to bivouac at dusk. Marching again at midnight, the Column
proceeded to Tel-Sharia, arriving at about 4.45 A.M. The road
was very difficult to find in many places, and the nullahs which we
had to cross were very deep, many being almost full of water, owing
to the recent heavy rains. After our patrols had located the enemy
at dawn the Column moved forward some 2 miles and halted till 6.30
A.M., when the Regiment was ordered to advance another mile
and halt. At 9 A.M. we received the order to advance on to
the Kulawand position: accompanied by our armoured cars and some Lewis
guns mounted on Ford cars, we proceeded to attack it at the west end.
We experienced great difficulty in gaining the position, not through an
enemy resistance, which strangely enough was not offered, but through
the water-logged condition of the country and the very deep nullahs,
and owing to this our armoured cars and Ford cars were unable to
continue the advance. On us eventually gaining the position we found
it to be unoccupied. The enemy, having retired during the night, were
located by our airmen a little later, who reported them to be holding
a position on the Tuz-Kifri road, close up to the foot of the hills.
Although we had no support within 20 miles of us, it was decided to
attack them at once. Having worked our way up to some large Moards [?
mounds] some 1¾ miles from their main position, we took cover here to
give [? save] our horses. Some few minutes later we drew our swords
and trotted into the plain where the 10 squadrons were formed into an
extended line in the formation of a scythe. As we rode on at this pace
parties of the Turks started running down the road, while other groups
took up positions in the rough ground and water-cuts, or kneeling in
the high corn opened fire on us. Here the Turks showed some of their
old spirit in the stand they made, but the sudden flash of our swords
in the sun which made a wide arc of light seemed to take the heart out
of them, and their fire was wild and high, and our casualties few. Our
artillery kept up a creeping barrage on the village as we attacked,
and our line maintaining this pace until within some 500 yards of the
enemy, when we lowered our swords and charged into them. Our aeroplanes
which took part in the action flew very low and increased the enemy’s
confusion with bombs and machine-gun fire. Over 150 Turks were killed
and 538 prisoners were taken, also 2 mountain-guns, very few of them
escaping in the hills. Meanwhile Kifri-ain-Faris and Chanan-Keurri
had been occupied by our other columns without opposition, and our
movements were so rapid that 2 battalions of the enemy had to take
to the hills in order to escape the net we were spreading for them.
We afterwards heard that this force had been robbed and disarmed by
the Kurds, who never lose an opportunity of revenging themselves
on the Turk, and even those who escaped us in the Kulawand charge
returned and surrendered to us rather than face these tribesmen.
After sending back our prisoners we moved forward to reconnoitre
Tuz, and we soon came under some very heavy accurate gun-fire until
about 4 P.M., when orders were received to withdraw. We then
moved back some ten miles and bivouacked behind our line of outposts
for the night. At 6 A.M. the following morning ‘A’ and ‘D’
Squadrons were sent to reconnoitre Tuz, the Brigade following some
half an hour later, while the 21st Cavalry were despatched to find a
ford over the river Aqsu at Khasradalah. ‘A’ and ‘D’ Squadrons soon
came under fire from Tuz and suffered some casualties. Meanwhile the
remainder moved on to Khasradalah in an endeavour to surround Tuz,
but were held up by enemy machine-guns in position on the banks of
the Aqsu river; and the armoured cars being unable to advance along
the Kifri-Tuz road, no farther advance was possible. We halted here
for the night after having crossed the river, while ‘C’ Squadron and
a section of the Machine-Gun Squadron were thrown forward on each
side of the track; ‘B’ Squadron, having all the horses, were some
1500 yards in rear down by the river. Intermittent firing was carried
on throughout the night. At 4.30 A.M. we stood to arms and
saddled up, receiving word that our 2 Infantry columns would advance
at dawn, one column advancing up the right bank of the river, and
the other up the left bank, the latter with the object of taking the
Heights of the Naffdach, east of Tuz. The enemy had been reinforced
during the night by a battalion from Tauq, and was holding a front of
7 miles, stretching from Yanhah-Buyuk to Tuz-Khurmatli, and at Tuz
they held a position covering the road and extending over the hills.
At daybreak the Hotchkiss-gun troop of ‘C’ Squadron opened fire from
the trenches on the right bank of the river, and soon came under some
pretty accurate shell-fire. Shortly after this B Battery, of the 66th
Brigade R.F.A., galloped up beside them and opened up a heavy fire on
the enemy’s position at about 6 A.M., the Infantry having
deployed for the 2 main attacks on Tanijah from the south-west, and on
Tuz from the south. We were ordered to withdraw and make a detour to
the west. We circled behind the battery to join up with the 21st and
22nd Cavalry and get across the Tuz-Tauq road to cut off the Turks,
who were already falling back before our Infantry, who were advancing
with steadiness under machine-gun and artillery fire, right up to the
guns which were in action until they were within two hundred yards of
them. Meanwhile we were held up for a time by a nest of machine-guns
some 1200 yards away on a small knoll. Two troops of the ‘B’ Squadron,
under Lt. MacDonald, were ordered out as a scout line. They led off to
the left of the knoll, and having got in line with it, wheeled sharply
to the right and charged the position in the rear and the flank, all
the enemy except two throwing up their hands to escape being cut down.
The taking of this knoll opened the way across the plain, and we
continued to advance, charging bodies of Turks here and there, either
killing them or taking them prisoners. The largest body we found was
between the Tauq road and the hills, and these put up some resistance
for a time until charged from two sides by us and the 22nd Cavalry,
the 21st Cavalry having wheeled towards Tuz to deal with other bodies,
who at that time were shelling ‘A’ and ‘D’ Squadrons, commanded by
Captain Godfree. A number of the enemy made their way over the hills
and were harassed by our fire. Soon after this the fire of the enemy
died away, and by 9.30 A.M. all opposition had collapsed, the
whole position having fallen to us inside 4 hours with a very slight
loss. 1200 prisoners were taken, 25 machine-guns, and 12 field-guns
that were in the position. The action having passed, we rested for some
time where we were, and on ‘A’ and ‘D’ Squadrons rejoining us in the
afternoon we went into bivouac opposite Tuz at about 3 P.M.
We remained in bivouac here for five days, during which we rested and
grazed our horses. Whilst here, our Brigade Commander received the
following wire from General Egerton: ‘Many congratulations to troops.
Please convey my thanks to General Caley and General Hollen-Prior for
their good work, and that of their officers and men. Cavalry charge
must have been magnificent. Please accept my repeated appreciation of
the performances of all ranks under your command.’ On the 5th May we
moved off at the head of the Brigade at 8 A.M., and after
crossing the bridge of the Tauq-Chai at about 5 P.M., we
bivouacked for the night some 2 miles north-west of it. We moved off
again at 8.30 A.M. the following morning in the direction of
Taza, when shortly after our aeroplanes reported that the enemy had
evacuated their position there. On receiving this information we were
ordered to advance to catch the retreating enemy at the village of
Taza-Kharatli. On arriving here at 11.30 A.M., after crossing
the Oazah Chia on the Kirkuk road, we found the village unoccupied.
Making a short halt here we moved off again at 1.45 P.M.,
marching on to Kirkuk. The armoured cars, after having been towed
through the river, had preceded us along the Kirkuk road. At about 3.39
P.M., nearing Balban, we came under some shell-fire at long
range, this we avoided by making a detour to the east. After sending
out patrols, who were met by a very heavy fire, we galloped forward
and dismounted for action against the enemy holding the trenches just
outside Kirkuk. Finding the enemy so strongly entrenched, we were
unable to advance, but hotly engaged them until dusk, when we were
ordered to withdraw and form an outpost line about 3 miles from the
town. This we did about 7 P.M., when a heavy storm broke
out and very heavy rains continued to fall throughout the night,
which, combined with the intense cold, made rest for us that night an
impossibility. (The following names appeared on the Order for the day
for gallantry in action: Capt. J. A. Jeffrey, Capt. A. M. Sassoon, Lt.
J. J. Crystall, and R.S.M. Seekins, all being awarded the M.C.) Our
outpost line was formed near Balban, on a track running east and west.
The night was fairly quiet, except for several loud explosions which
occurred in and near Kirkuk. The morning found the ground more or less
a quagmire, and at 6.30 A.M. we received orders to advance on
the town. ‘A’ Squadron moved off at 8 A.M., followed by the
Regiment and the 21st Cavalry some half an hour later. No resistance
was encountered, and at 10.30 A.M. the Regiment entered the
town, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Squadrons, under Capt. Godfree, moving on to the
high ground covering the north of the town. Several large hospitals
were found here, one containing 358 patients, the population being
in a starved condition. There were also several corpses of Turkish
soldiers horribly mutilated. This was said to have been done by Arabs
to avenge the raping of their women-folk. The whole place was in a
filthy condition. At 3 P.M. the Column moved out of Kirkuk and
bivouacked near Taziyan, some 3 miles down the Taza road, a heavy storm
breaking over us just as we were pegging down our horses. Meanwhile ‘C’
and ‘D’ Squadrons were sent forward to some hills some 4 miles north of
the town to harass the retreating enemy, and to protect our own main
body from attack. These two squadrons, after successfully hastening the
enemy’s retreat, reconnoitred the road to Yarvali, rejoining the Column
in bivouac about 5 P.M., bringing with them 2 prisoners.
The Column remained in bivouac the following day, and at 12.30
A.M. we received orders to send 2 squadrons to reconnoitre the
northern road to Alton-Kupri as far as Sakizli, ‘B’ and ‘D’ Squadrons
doing this commanded by Capt. Godfree. They were also accompanied by a
Company of the R.E.’s for the purpose of destroying enemy shell-dumps
which were known to be in the vicinity. Two such dumps were located
and destroyed near the village of Daraman, and at Sakizli 7 large
motor-lorries with engines destroyed were found. These contained 2
mountain-guns, 2 machine-guns, and a large quantity of shell ammunition
of various sizes. At 5 P.M. orders were received by heliograph
to proceed to Yarvali and search it for any documents the enemy may
have left. Arriving there about 8 P.M., we discovered a number
of documents, and also several aeroplane engines and drums of petrol,
and a quantity of shell ammunition. It being necessary to destroy this
material, the wing returned and bivouacked at 11 P.M. The
Column rested, and we grazed our horses all the following day, and at
6 A.M. on the 10th May we marched on Alton-Kupri with the
intention of driving the enemy over the Lesser Zab river and destroying
the bridge there. We were preceded by 2 of our armoured cars, who
at about 11.15 A.M. were held up by the enemy, who were in
position on Guk-Tappah Hill, while the road was shelled by the enemy’s
batteries in Alton-Kupri. The armoured cars succeeded in driving the
enemy from Guk-Tappah, but were quite unable to advance farther owing
to a deep canal which cut the road at this point. After observations
had been made from Guk-Tappah, the Regiment received orders to make
an encircling movement to the right, whilst the 21st Cavalry did the
same to the left. The 22nd Cavalry advancing in the centre succeeded,
by covered approaches, in getting within 2 miles of the village
which was on the farther side of the river. The Regiment experienced
considerable difficulty in advancing, owing to a considerable number of
very deep nullahs, which were full of water at the time. The village
was hidden from view by the high ground on this side of the river.
We advanced by wings ‘A’ and ‘B’ leading in extended order. After
advancing about 1 mile we were heavily shelled by mountain-guns, 14
pounders and 4.53, and considerable rifle and machine-gun fire was
opened on us by enemy Infantry who were holding a series of trenches
and rifle-pits on this side of the river. The Regiment immediately
dismounted for action. The Hotchkiss-gun troop of ‘A’ Squadron moving
forward opened a very effective fire which was well supported by our
batteries. This proved too much for the enemy, who retired to their
second line of defence. On this side the Hotchkiss-gun troop of ‘D’
Squadron advanced about 1000 yards with ‘C’ Hotchkiss-gun troop in
support. Meanwhile ‘B’ Squadron were endeavouring to get down to the
river bank, but were unsuccessful owing to the heavy rains and accurate
firing of the enemy’s batteries who were dug in on the opposite bank.
We continued to engage the enemy until about 6 P.M., when
orders were received to withdraw to Daraman. During our retirement the
enemy shelled us with increased violence, and we sustained several
casualties, but luckily the number was small in comparison with the
terrific fire we were subjected to. One troop of ‘A’ Squadron was
left near Guk-Tappah as escort to our casualties, whilst we continued
our march back till 10.45 P.M., when we bivouacked for the
night. Orders were received the next morning to return to Kirkuk. We
did not move off until 2 P.M., and arrived at our previous
bivouac near Kirkuk at about 6 P.M. The following morning a
strong patrol left bivouac at 7 A.M. to reconnoitre a vast
stretch of unexplored country between Taza and Telabw-Shahanah, whilst
the remainder of the Regiment, moving off some half an hour later
marched to Taza, some 9 miles distant, where they went into bivouac.
It was whilst here that a small, but nevertheless fierce, caste riot
broke out among the Indians who had the handling of our transport.
This necessitated the whole of the Regiment having to turn out fully
armed before it could be quelled. At 5.30 A.M. the following
morning, 13th May, the Regiment commenced to march to Cemetery, where
we were to join the 7th Cavalry Brigade again. To reach the above place
we now had to cross some hitherto unexplored country, and so far not
having received any reports from our patrol which had left us the
previous day to reconnoitre this part of the country, we had to proceed
with caution. Halting at about 10 A.M. to water and feed
our horses, we moved off again at 11.30 A.M. Meanwhile our
patrols had completed their reconnaissance, and got into communication
with us by helio, sending us a message to the effect that an enemy
column were rapidly disappearing into the hills. The Regiment not
being strong enough to intercept them, the patrol was recalled and we
continued our march, arriving at Cemetery, and joined the 7th Cavalry
Brigade at 8 P.M., after marching some 50 miles. Resting till
4 P.M. the following afternoon, we moved through the Pass to
Ain Nakhailah, some 4 miles distant, bivouacking about 1 mile south of
the salt springs there. The following morning we continued our march
on to Daur, which was some 20 miles over a waterless desert. This
proved a very trying time for us, the little water which we were able
to obtain before leaving the springs being very brackish and salty,
which, combined with the intense [heat?], produced a thirst which was
well-nigh unendurable. These arduous marches, coming on the top of our
very recent hard fighting, tested our endurance to the utmost, several
of our men falling out of their saddles from sheer weakness from want
of food and rest. The sight of the river Tigris had a noticeable and
stimulating effect on both man and horse, and on reaching the river
both were jostling each other in their frantic efforts to quench their
burning thirst. On bivouacking here many of us took the opportunity
of having a much-needed dip in the river. Our way now lay alongside
the river, and owing to the condition of both men and horses, it was
decided to finish our march by easy stages. Accordingly, at 4.30
A.M. the following morning we trekked to Samarah, a distance
of 12 miles, and bivouacked some 2 miles north of the town. Moving off
at the same time the following morning to avoid the intense noonday
heat, we marched a farther 13 miles and bivouacked at Khan Mifraji at
10.30 A.M. We trekked on to Akab, a distance of 15 miles, the
following morning, crossing the pontoon bridge over the river Adhaim,
and bivouacked about a mile distant on the other side. The morning
after this, commencing at 5 A.M., we did another 17 miles on
to Ktuwair, and went into bivouac there at about 12 noon. From here we
moved off at 4.30 A.M. and marched to Baqubah, another 16
miles distant, where we arrived at about 11.30 A.M. Trekking a
farther 12 miles the following day, we bivouacked at Conningham’s Post
at 10.30 A.M.; the following day, the 22nd May, we again moved
off at 4.30 A.M., and covered the remaining 16 miles to our
summer camp at Chaldari, where we arrived at about 11 A.M.,
our strength on marching in being 19 officers, 315 other ranks, and
445 horses. On the morrow the following was published in Regimental
Orders: ‘The Commanding Officer wishes to take the opportunity of
expressing his keen appreciation of the conduct of all ranks during the
recent operations on the north-eastern front which have so successfully
attained their object. During the course of these operations the
Regiment has encountered, apart from the enemy, many hardships and
difficulties, and it is the cheery spirit in which these hardships have
been met, and the constant courage with which these difficulties have
been overcome, that have elicited once more the Commanding Officer’s
admiration and pride.’
[Illustration: GUNS CAPTURED AT TUZ]
[Illustration: THE BRIDGE AT MOSUL AND “THE BAGHDAD”]
“The same day the General ordered that our horses were to have
three weeks’ rest. On the 25th May the following extract from a
letter to our Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. J. J. Richardson, from
our Colonel-in-Chief, Lt.-General Sir R. S. S. Baden-Powell: ‘I was
delighted to see so many of the Regiment mentioned in despatches
the other day, and I want to offer my best congratulations and good
wishes to Twist, Steele, Barrett, Gowan, and Williams, and also to the
N.C.O.’s and men who gained distinction. It is a great delight to us
all at home to know that the Regiment has done so well.’
“The following extract also appeared in the same orders. Extract from
Order of the Day, No. 105, dated 18/5/18: ‘Awarded the M.C. Lt. H.
MacDonald. Awarded the M.M. Sgt. J. Cunningham, L.-Cpl. Kitcher, and
Pte. Owen.’ Two days later after this we received the news that Pte.
Owen had died from his wounds.”