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diff --git a/old/61769-0.txt b/old/61769-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index aa0f655..0000000 --- a/old/61769-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,20107 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War, by -Henry Mortimer Durand - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War - -Author: Henry Mortimer Durand - -Release Date: April 6, 2020 [EBook #61769] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THIRTEENTH HUSSARS IN THE GREAT WAR *** - - - - -Produced by Brian Coe, Wayne Hammond and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -book was produced from images made available by the -HathiTrust Digital Library.) - - - - - - - - - -The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War - -[Illustration: - - _From a photograph by The Mendoza Galleries._ - -_Lt. Col. J. J. Richardson. D.S.O. Commanding 13^{th} Hussars from -August 1915 to the present time._] - - - - - The - - Thirteenth Hussars in the - - Great War - - BY - - THE RIGHT HON. - - SIR H. MORTIMER DURAND - - G.C.M.G., K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E. - - _WITH MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS_ - - William Blackwood and Sons - Edinburgh and London - 1921 - - _ALL RIGHTS RESERVED_ - - - - -_DEDICATION_ - -To the Unfading Memory of the - -_OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND MEN OF THE REGIMENT WHO LAID -DOWN THEIR LIVES DURING THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918_. - - - “I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, - Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; - The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, - That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; - The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, - The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.” - - --(_Ode to Duty_, by the late Sir CECIL SPRING RICE, - G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O.) - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAP. PAGE - - I. INTRODUCTORY 1 - - II. CAVALRY BEFORE THE GREAT WAR 3 - - III. EARLIER HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT 17 - - IV. 1910-1914--OUTBREAK OF THE GREAT WAR 42 - - V. THE INDIAN ARMY--BEGINNING OF WAR 55 - - VI. VOYAGE TO FRANCE 60 - - VII. 1915 IN FRANCE 67 - - VIII. 1916 89 - - IX. MESOPOTAMIA 98 - - X. SUMMER IN LOWER MESOPOTAMIA 109 - - XI. MARCH TO THE FRONT--MAUDE’S PLAN OF CAMPAIGN 124 - - XII. DECEMBER 12, 1916-FEBRUARY 24, 1917--FIGHTING ON THE - TIGRIS 140 - - XIII. THE RECAPTURE OF KUT--RETREAT OF THE TURKS 158 - - XIV. THE FIGHT AT LAJJ, 5TH MARCH 1917 173 - - XV. OCCUPATION OF BAGHDAD 200 - - XVI. OPERATIONS IMMEDIATELY AFTER CAPTURE OF BAGHDAD 216 - - XVII. THE SUMMER OF 1917 229 - - XVIII. AUTUMN OF 1917--RAMADIE, MENDALI, TEKRIT 235 - - XIX. WINTER OF 1917-18 262 - - XX. THE SUMMER OF 1918--KULAWAND AND TUZ KERMATLI 272 - - XXI. THE AUTUMN OF 1918--LAST BATTLE WITH THE TURKS--CLOSE - OF THE WAR IN MESOPOTAMIA 291 - - XXII. SCOPE AND MEANING OF THE MESOPOTAMIAN CAMPAIGN--THE - SHARE IN IT OF THE THIRTEENTH HUSSARS 319 - - XXIII. RETURN TO ENGLAND--CONCLUSION 326 - - APPENDICES 329 - - INDEX 378 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - PHOTOGRAVURE. - - Lieut.-Col. J. J. Richardson, D.S.O., Commanding Thirteenth - Hussars from August 1915 to the Present Time _Frontispiece_ - - - COLOURED PLATES. - - Officer of the 13th Light Dragoons, 1830-1836 _To face page_ 34 - - Officer of the 13th Light Dragoons (undress), 1830-1836 ” 36 - - Before the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, 25th October - 1854 ” 38 - - 13th Light Dragoons, 1853 ” 40 - - Festubert ” 68 - - Mesopotamia ” 104 - - Xmas Card sent to the Regiment, 1916 ” 142 - - “Caprice” and Foal: Born May 1920 ” 178 - - Tuz Kharmatli, 29th April 1918 ” 280 - - The Storming of Richardson’s Bluff, 29th October 1918 ” 302 - - - HALF-TONE PLATES. - - The Drum Horse--at the Durbar _To face page_ 42 - - “D” Squadron--at the Durbar ” 44 - - The Queen at Agra ” 46 - - The Escort at Agra, 1st and 3rd Troops of Squadron “D” ” 48 - - Draft of Men and Horses detailed for the 8th Hussars, September - 1914--The Band at the last Church Parade before leaving India, - November 1914 ” 52 - - Embarking at Bombay, November 1914 ” 56 - - The Departure from Bombay, 19th November 1914 ” 58 - - In the Suez Canal, December 1914 ” 60 - - In the Suez Canal, December 1914 ” 62 - - Major T. H. S. Marchant, D.S.O.--Col. A. Symons, C.M.G.--Major - W. A. Kennard, D.S.O.--Bt. Col. W. Pepys, D.S.O.--Lieut.-Col. - E. F. Twist ” 64 - - Bt. Lieut.-Col. E. J. Carter--Major R. F. Cox--Capt. Lord - Huntingfield--Capt. Norman Neill, Brig.-Major, 7th British - Cavalry Brigade--Bt. Major R. S. Hamilton-Grace, G.S.O., - 2nd Hdqrs. Cav. Corps--Capt. F. C. Covell--Bt. Major H. - Ll. Jones, D.S.O. ” 66 - - Capt. J. N. Lumley, M.C.--Capt. J. I. Chrystall, M.C.--Capt. - E. H. Stocker--Lieut. G. R. Watson-Smyth--Capt. J. H. - Hind--Capt. J. L. M. Barrett--Capt. J. A. Jeffrey, M.C. ” 70 - - 2nd January to 21st February 1915: Billets of Captains Eve and - Jackson at Enquingatte--Capt. W. H. Eve--Capt. T. K. Jackson - and Lieut. J. V. Dawson--Trenches at Enquingatte dug by “D” - Squadron--School at Enquingatte where Lieut. J. V. Dawson - was billeted ” 72 - - February and March 1915: Farriers, “D” Squadron--Officers of - “D” Squadron--Major R. F. Cox--Officers of “D” Squadron ” 74 - - In the Sandpit, March 1915 ” 76 - - In the Sandpit, March 1915 ” 78 - - Hurdle Shelters, Bois du Reveillon, 15th March 1915--Billets at - Warnes, April 1915 ” 80 - - “D” Squadron Billets, Ochtezeele, May 1915--Quarters of “D” - Squadron at Witternesse, 6th to 19th May 1915--Quarters of - “B” Squadron, Ochtezeele, May 1915--The Chateau: Quarters - of “A” Squadron at Witternesse, June 1915--“Rags” and - “Stilts,” Ochtezeele, 3rd May 1915--On Lingham Rifle-range, - June 1915 ” 82 - - “D” Squadron Quarters and Mess at Bettencourt, August and September - 1915--Captain Eve’s Dug-out at Authuille, September - 1915--Lieut. J. V. Dawson in his Dug-out at Authuille, September - 1915 ” 84 - - Lieut. J. I. Chrystall at Bemaville, October 1915--Hounds at - L’Abbaye, 31st March 1916 ” 88 - - “Caprice,” 1915--At Martainneville, March 1916 ” 90 - - At Feuquières, April 1916 ” 92 - - Lieut. Basil H. Williams, M.C.--Lieut. M. H. C. Doll--Lieut. - T. E. Lawson-Smith--Capt. J. O. Oakes--Capt. A. M. - Sassoon, O.B.E., M.C.--Lieut. W. P. Crawford-Greene--Capt. - S. V. Kennedy, M.C. ” 94 - - The _Islanda_ ” 96 - - Basra: Arab Policeman--Negro Waterman--Kurdish Water-carrier--Persian - Policeman ” 110 - - Basra: Basra Fort--A Creek--H. Robinson Bridge--Sindbad’s - Tower ” 112 - - Bridge over Ashar Creek--Huts under Construction--Ashar: Bullock - Transport--The Square, Basra _To face page_ 114 - - Makina: Sergeant G. Cook’s Grave--Breakfast on the March ” 122 - - On the Tigris ” 124 - - On the Banks of the Tigris ” 126 - - The River Front, Amara--Pontoon Bridge, Amara ” 128 - - Amara: The Bazaar--View from House-top--Maheilas ” 130 - - On the March ” 136 - - Lieut. B. E. H. Judkins--Lieut. R. Gore--Lieut R. C. Hill, - M.B.E.--Bt. Major Charles Steele--Lieut. M. C. Kennedy--Capt. - C. H. Gowan, M.C.--Lieut. J. W. Blyth, D.C.M. ” 138 - - On the Tigris--January and February 1917 ” 140 - - River Fort, Hai Town--On the Tigris ” 146 - - Lieut. D. A. Stirling--Lieut. J. A. Lord--2nd Lieut. J. F. - Munster--Sergt. W. D. Tassie, D.C.M.--S.S.-M. J. Brearley, - D.C.M. ” 150 - - Bussoorie: Lieut. Munster’s Grave--Graves of Lieut. Munster, - Private Killick, and a Corporal of the 14th Hussars--Private - Killick’s Grave ” 152 - - Captain Eve’s Charger “Follow Me” ” 156 - - H.M.S. _Tarantula_--Private Massey’s “Oracle,” otherwise - Coracle ” 164 - - Turkish Prisoners, February and March 1917--Aeroplane attached - to 7th Cavalry Brigade ” 168 - - Halts on the March ” 170 - - Sergt. P. Chipperfield--Sergt. H. Knapman--Capt. W. H. Eve--Pte. - A. Wallhead--Pte. Alfred Jones, D.C.M. ” 172 - - Lieut. G. R. Pedder--Lieut. E. F. Pinnington--2nd Lieut. G. - Lynch-Staunton--Lce.-Cpl. A. W. Watkins, D.C.M.--Sergt. - F. Spanton ” 174 - - Sergt.-Tptr. J. S. Styles--Sergt. G. Anderson--2nd Lieut. E. V. - Rolfe--Sergt. W. Gilbert--Sergt. A. Harrison ” 176 - - Lieut. A. M. Le Patourel--Capt. H. C. D. FitzGibbon, M.C.--Capt. - A. Vlasto, M.C., R.A.M.C.--Capt. H. G. T. Newton--Lieut. - J. H. Hirsch--Pte. J. L. Roberts, D.C.M. ” 180 - - Scene of the Fight at Lajj, 5th March 1917 ” 184 - - Scene of the Charge at Lajj, 5th March 1917--“Caprice” with - Pte. C. Hogg, who found her in May 1918, after she had been - “missing” for Fourteen Months ” 186 - - Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Men of the Thirteenth - Hussars who fell at Lajj, in Mesopotamia, on Monday, the 5th - of March 1917 ” 198 - - One of the Entrances to the Mosque at Khazimain--Ctesiphon ” 200 - - Capt. J. V. Dawson--Lieut. G. L. M. Welstead--2nd Lieut. J. - O. P. Clarkson--Lce.-Cpl. G. W. Bowie, D.C.M.--The Rev. - H. Cooke, C.F., M.C. ” 202 - - “B” Squadron on the way to the Diala--Crossing the Diala--Watering - in the Diala _To face page_ 204 - - The Grave in Baghdad Cemetery ” 206 - - Baghdad: Turkish Barracks--Army Commander’s House--British, - American, and French Consulates ” 208 - - A Typical Water-lift--A Persian Water-wheel near Baghdad ” 210 - - Turkish Cavalry Barracks outside Baghdad used as a Hospital--View - of Baghdad from Roof ” 212 - - The Regiment entering into Occupation of the Turkish Cavalry - Barracks at Baghdad, 13th March 1917 ” 214 - - Baghdad: Clock Tower in Turkish Infantry Barracks Square--A - Street in Baghdad--Framework of Hangar in Baghdad ” 216 - - Baghdad: Inside Turkish Cavalry Barracks ” 218 - - Baghdad: G.H.Q.--Hospital Ship ” 220 - - Baghdad: Storks--The North Gate from Inside--The Tramway, - Baghdad to Khazimain ” 222 - - The Diala and Khalis Canal Campaign: Departure from Baghdad--Dead - Turks--Captured Arabs awaiting Execution ” 224 - - Lieut. E. Bristol--Lieut. A. E. Annett--Lieut. C. A. F. - Wingfield--Major and Q.-M. A. Cooke--Lieut. W. Madgin--Lieut. - A. Williams--Lieut. L. A. Ormrod ” 228 - - Chaldari Camp, 1917 ” 230 - - Chaldari Summer Camp, 1917--The Regimental Mess ” 232 - - Lieut. W. G. Newman--S.S.-M. (afterwards Lieut.) C. M. - Douthwaite--Lieut. G. F. Earle--Lieut. J. W. Biggar--Lieut. - C. W. Jemmett--R.Q.-M.S. H. J. Edwards--Lieut. - A. H. Wood ” 234 - - F.S.-M. A. Bald--S.S.-M. A. Potter--R.S.-M. S. F. Seekins, - M.C.--Sergt. W. H. Tetheridge, D.C.M.--Cpl. J. Stevens, - D.C.M.--Cpl. G. Rayner, D.C.M. ” 240 - - Lieut. T. Williams-Taylor--Lieut. M. G. Hartigan, M.C.--Capt. - S. O. Robinson--S.S.-M. F. J. Tegg--Pte. F. G. Jasper ” 246 - - Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Men of Squadrons “B” and - “C” who fell in the Charge at Tekrit, Monday, 5th November - 1917 ” 248 - - The Grave at Tekrit ” 254 - - Sergt. John Gray--Lieut. D. J. E. Norton, M.C.--Capt. F. - Norman Payne--Sergt. A. S. Newman--Pte. Wm. Thomson ” 256 - - Baghdad Cemetery--Capt. F. Norman Payne’s Grave in Baghdad - Cemetery ” 260 - - 2nd Lieut. A. C. Barrington--Lieut. M. R. Farrer--Lieut. F. G. - Lawrence--Lieut. E. Goodman--Lieut. W. W. N. Davies--2nd - Lieut. E. P. Barrett--Lieut. H. G. Keswick ” 262 - - Capt. G. W. Rose, R.A.M.C.--Capt. E. Wordley, R.A.M.C.--Capt. - D. M. Methven (21st Lancers)--Lieut. A. C. J. Elkan--Lieut. - J. Hampson ” 268 - - S.Q.-M.S. S. B. Haines, D.C.M.--R.S.-M. (late Lieut.) M. - Churchhouse--Sergt. S. G. Strawbridge, D.C.M.-Lieut. - W. J. L. Norwood--2nd Lieut. J. H. Lucas _To face page_ 272 - - After the Charge at Kulawand--Prisoners taken at Kulawand ” 274 - - Capt. D. W. Godfree, M.C. (21st Lancers)--Lieut. H. Macdonald, - M.C.--Lieut. C. A. G. M‘Lagan--Capt. B. W. D. Cochrane--Sgt. - W. Matthews, M.M.--Lieut. L. Osmond ” 278 - - Lieut.-Col. J. J. Richardson, D.S.O., after a Hard Day at - Tuz--Machine-guns captured by the Regiment at Tuz ” 282 - - Guns captured at Tuz--The Bridge at Mosul and the - _Baghdad_ ” 286 - - Lieut.-Col. J. J. Richardson, D.S.O., September 1918 ” 292 - - Sergt. R. Holloway--Lce.-Sergt. Wm. Leeman--S.-Sergt. J. F. - Couch, D.C.M.--2nd Lieut. G. R. Russell--Cpl. A. Vinall, - D.C.M. ” 300 - - On the Way Home ” 326 - - A Group of Officers of the Regiment, taken in October 1920 by - Elliott & Fry ” 328 - - The Memorial Tablet in All Saints’ Garrison Church, Aldershot: - Dedicated and Unveiled 2nd August 1920 ” 372 - - - ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT. - PAGE - Map of India 34 - Germany and her Confederates 99 - The Advance from Basra 124 - Sketch-plan of a Perimeter Camp 125 - Sketch of British Position on Tigris, December 1916 137 - The Advance on Baghdad 159 - Sketch-plan of Turkish Trench System 175 - Baghdad and Field of Operations, 1917-1918 201 - Sketch of Position at Battle of Tekrit, 5th November 1917 259 - Approximate Sketch of Richardson’s Bluff Position 292 - - * * * * * - -Thanks are tendered to Messrs. Elliott & Fry, to Messrs. Gale & Polden, -and others, for permission to copy some of the portraits reproduced in -this work. - - - - -The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -INTRODUCTORY. - - -The main object of this book is to give an account of the services -rendered by the Thirteenth Hussars during the last ten years, -especially in the war which has just come to an end. - -The earlier history of the Regiment has already been written, and very -fully written. On this subject the standard authority must always be -Barrett’s valuable work, which takes up the story from the beginning -and carries it on to 1910, a period of nearly two hundred years. In -order that readers of the present narrative may start with a general -knowledge of the Regiment and its past, a chapter relating to this -period has been introduced. As will be seen, it touches upon most of -the wars waged by Great Britain since the days of Marlborough. But it -is a mere summary, chiefly drawn from Barrett, and contains little new -matter. - -In ordinary circumstances this summary would open the book, but any -account of the part played by a British Cavalry regiment in the late -war must of necessity have some bearing upon the larger question of the -part likely to be played by the mounted arm in any wars of the future; -and just now this question is of special interest, for it has been -freely asserted that recent changes in military conditions, notably -the vast increase in the size of armies and the development of the -aeroplane, have made Cavalry an obsolete and useless arm; and it is -important for us to know whether they have done so, or are likely to do -so. Therefore it has been thought desirable to give at the beginning -a brief review of the history of Cavalry before this war, and at the -close a few remarks upon the lessons of the war with regard to the -value of the arm under present conditions. - -Perhaps the services of the Thirteenth Hussars will not lose in -interest if considered to some extent from this point of view. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -CAVALRY BEFORE THE GREAT WAR. - - -For thousands of years the horse has been the companion of man in war. - -It is significant that when Job gives us his wonderful description of -the strong things of earth and sea and air, he speaks of the horse in -this connection, as rejoicing in the sound of the trumpet, and smelling -the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. -“He goeth out to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not -dismayed; neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth -against him, the flashing spear and the javelin. He swalloweth the -ground with fierceness and rage.” And in many passages of the Bible, -in poetry and in narrative, we have mention of the chariot and the -horseman. - -Representations of them are to be found in the carvings and tablets of -long-vanished dynasties and nations. To take a single instance, they -are shown in Assyrian carvings dating nearly a thousand years before -Christ, which can be seen now in the British Museum. - -Apparently the chariot came into the field earlier than the horseman -usually so called, and the first use of the horse in war was to take -up to the front in chariots warriors who got down to fight on foot, as -the Greek chiefs did in the siege of Troy. But ere long Scythians or -other nomads learned to mount the horse himself, and then began that -close conjunction and sympathy between man and horse which made the two -almost one creature, the Centaur of the fable. - -The subject has been touched by many writers. There is perhaps no -need to consider here the uses and gradual disappearance of the -war-chariot. For present purposes it is sufficient to note that long -before the historical age the armed hosts of the great Eastern Empires -were composed in part of mounted men, who marched, and often fought, -on horseback. The chariots and the people attached to them may have -been the first “Cavalry”; but the word as used in this book refers to -mounted men only--riders,--and riders who did some part at least of -their fighting from the backs of horses. - -If the use of mounted men in war began in the East, to which Western -nations owe so much, including even their religion, it soon extended -to Europe. In the first conflict between East and West on a large -scale of which we have any real knowledge, nearly five hundred years -before Christ, the Persian invaders of Greece found that the Greeks -had little Cavalry to oppose to the thousands of horsemen whom they -brought with them. The men of Athens and Sparta fought on foot at -Marathon and Thermopylæ. Even at Mount Cithæron, where Masistius in his -golden cuirass charged and died, the Greek army was an army of footmen. -Nevertheless there were some horsemen in Greece even then, especially -on the plains of Thessaly; and the frieze of the Parthenon, of not much -later date, shows helmeted Greek soldiers riding spirited horses. The -horses are small, apparently not more than thirteen or at most fourteen -hands, and are ridden barebacked, but they are evidently war horses. -Then we have Xenophon’s well-known treatise on Cavalry, a thoroughly -practical work, which must have been written in the first half of the -next century; and after that the organisation of the Greek Cavalry is -fairly well known. - -It was Alexander the Great who first showed what horsemen could do in -war if properly trained and led. Until his time Cavalry seem to have -fought mostly in loose swarms, rather as skirmishers and bowmen than -as solid squadrons using the weight of the horse itself to overthrow -and destroy bodies of footmen. He saw the value of “shock tactics,” and -taught his Cavalry to use them, so that when he invaded Persia in 334 -B.C. the famous horsemen of Persia went down again and again -before his fiery onsets. They had themselves, according to Herodotus, -some notion of charging in squadron on the battlefield, but they had -never seen Cavalry used in mass, and neither they nor the Persian foot -could stand against it. - -In the impetuous rapidity of all his movements, especially perhaps in -the closeness and vigour of his pursuits, Alexander was in fact a model -leader of horse, and his conquests were largely due to his Cavalry, -which he not only wielded with dash and power against the Cavalry of -the enemy, but kept thoroughly in hand even after a successful charge, -and threw into the scale wherever they might be most required to help -his foot soldiers. - -Ever since those days, for more than twenty centuries, the history of -war on land has been the history of a struggle for pre-eminence between -horsemen and footmen. The rivalry has been complicated by the invention -of Artillery, and of late years by the development of fighting in the -air; but it has gone on unceasingly, and can hardly be said to have -come to an end even now. In the course of it there has often been a -tendency to lose sight of the fact that combined effort for one purpose -by all arms, and not rivalry between them, is the secret of success -in war. But the long dispute and its vicissitudes form an interesting -study. - -By the Romans the effective use of Cavalry was for a long time not -well understood. Though they had their “Equites” from early days, they -got to rely more and more for serious fighting upon their wonderful -legions, and it was not until the Punic Wars that they learned their -lesson. Hannibal, like Alexander, was a born leader of horse, and when -a hundred years after Alexander’s death he invaded Italy by way of -the Alps, he at once taught Western Europe what Alexander had taught -the Greeks and Persians, that in the existing condition of military -armament, Cavalry well trained and boldly used in masses could do great -things on the battlefield. The successive victories which he gained in -Italy, with very inferior numbers, over the proud and confident troops -of Rome, were due in large measure to his skilful use of his horsemen. -At Cannæ, for example, his wild Numidian light horse, riding without -saddle or reins, and his heavier squadrons from Spain and the North, -began by driving off the weak Roman Cavalry opposed to them, and then, -wheeling inwards upon the rear of the advancing legions, enclosed them -in a circle of steel from which there was no escape. Fifty thousand -of them are said to have fallen, and for a time Rome seemed to be, -perhaps really was, at his mercy. Every one knows the story of his long -struggle against hopeless odds, and of his final defeat. When at last -he was conquered the superiority in horsemen had passed to the Romans, -and he was overwhelmed and crushed by his own methods. He had taught -his enemies to fight.[1] - -As time went on they forgot in a measure the lesson they had learnt -from him, and they suffered some heavy reverses in consequence--for -example, in their wars with the Parthians which stopped their expansion -eastward; but happily such enemies were rare, and gradually the legions -won for Rome the empire of the Western world. It lasted as long as -the spirit and discipline of their incomparable Infantry remained -unimpaired. - -In the closing centuries of Imperial Rome the bulk of her enemies -marched against her on horseback, and her own armies came to be -composed more and more of Cavalry. Her last great battle was against -Attila the Hun, whose people lived on their horses. It was a victory; -but it was a Cavalry victory, and won by the help of the Goths. Her -Infantry had long since failed her, and the Imperial City had been -herself in the hands of the Barbarians. Her fall had been due to the -woeful corruption and degeneration of the legions, not to any inherent -superiority of the horseman over the footman; but the fact remains that -at this time Cavalry was everywhere regarded as the more important arm -of the two. - -There followed a long period during which the predominance of the -horseman grew more and more undisputed. With the collapse of Rome -scientific warfare on a large scale became a lost art, and in the -disorderly welter of the Dark Ages the fighting power of the footman, -which depends so much upon organisation and discipline, sank lower -and lower. To deal it a final blow came, a thousand years or so after -Christ, the institution of Chivalry, which to a considerable extent -undermined national feeling and exalted in its place the individual -prowess of the Knight. Having its origin in a praiseworthy attempt to -set up a higher standard of right and wrong, to resist cruelty and -injustice, to honour woman as she should be honoured, and to make -courage and courtesy the aim of men, it did much good, and has left -to succeeding ages some noble aspirations and examples. Even now -there is surely no better thing one can say of a man than that he is -chivalrous--_chevaleresque_--like a knight of old. The horseman had -given his name to a new social order and a splendid ideal. In practice -Chivalry was not always what it should have been, but the glamour of -it lies upon all our poetry and literature. Even the free-lance or the -moss-trooper, unprincipled ruffian as he often was, remains to our eyes -a picturesque figure. There is still a gleam on his helmet and spear -that time cannot take away. The war-horse and his rider had reached in -those days the climax of their power and reputation. - -Then, very gradually, came a change in the opposite direction. The -knights and their retainers had been practically the only fighting men -who counted, and were accustomed to ride down with ease and contempt -any footmen who ventured to stand against them. Bows and arrows and -axes and knives seemed of little avail against the spearman with -his almost impenetrable armour and his thundering steed. As Colonel -Maude puts it, “the knight in full armour had borne about the same -relation to the infantry as an ironclad nowadays bears to a fleet of -Chinese junks.” But little by little it began to be recognised, first -it is said in the Crusades, when the knights had to take or defend -fortresses and otherwise fight on foot, that there were operations -in war for which the heavily armoured horseman was not well fitted. -Bodies of footmen began to be raised again for such purposes, and even -to be brought into the open field as archers or cross-bowmen for use -in broken ground. They often suffered horribly, but now and then they -gained some successes, and as time went on they developed greater skill -and confidence. Eventually, at Crécy and Poictiers and Agincourt, the -English archers, with their cloth-yard shafts and their bristling -defence of pointed stakes, won astonishing victories over the Chivalry -of France, and proved to Europe that the horseman was no longer -invincible on the battlefield. The lesson had very nearly been taught -by the English three hundred years earlier, on the field of Hastings; -but the time had not then come. Lured from their stockades, the footmen -had been cut to pieces, and the French Cavalry had conquered England. -At Crécy the English footmen turned the tables. And elsewhere, about -the same period, the Swiss Infantry won almost equal honour. - -The Cavalry of Europe nevertheless fought hard for their old -pre-eminence, and it was long before they could be brought to see that -they would never again be the undisputed masters in battle. But it was -a lesson they had to learn. As time went on they found their charges -repelled by serried squares of pikemen, from which came showers of -arrows and cross-bolts; and later the invention of firearms weighted -the scale still further against them. The only offensive weapons of the -horsemen were the weight of their horses and the lance or sword; and if -the horses failed to break the rows of eighteen-foot pikes, the _arme -blanche_ could do nothing. At last, after many attempts by the Cavalry -to meet these new conditions, by using firearms themselves and other -devices, it came to be generally recognised that against confident and -steady infantry armed with the pike, deliberate frontal assault by -horsemen was practically hopeless, and that for the future Cavalry must -depend to some extent upon surprise and stratagem to give them victory. -The defence had in some measure triumphed over the attack, and the -essentially offensive arm had lost its pride of place. - -This is not to say that for the future Cavalry was to be useless on -the battlefield--far from it. The range of the unwieldy arquebus, or -of the smooth-bore musket which followed it, was not so great as to -keep Cavalry out of striking distance; and their speed, if they were -led with decision and dash, would yet give them many opportunities -of riding down the footmen. They could no longer do so whenever they -pleased, but they were still a formidable part of the fighting line. - -This was shown very clearly in our own Civil War. The armies of both -King and Parliament were largely composed of horsemen, and in fight -after fight it was they who were most conspicuous. Finally, the -emergence of a great leader of Cavalry turned the scale in favour of -the Roundheads. Cromwell’s Ironsides, thoroughly trained, and used as -in old days the Cavalry of Alexander and Hannibal had been used, not -only with dash but with coolness and self-control, proved too strong -for the Royalists, cavaliers though they were. Unlike Prince Rupert, -Cromwell kept his horsemen firmly in hand, throwing them into the fight -wherever they were most required, and the result was to make him master -of England. - -On the Continent too Cavalry was still largely used in battle. The -Turkish horsemen were numerous and formidable. Before our civil -conflicts, in the Thirty Years’ War, Gustavus Adolphus had wielded -Cavalry with much effect, and while Cromwell was fighting in England -the great Condé had sprung into fame by the achievement of his horsemen -at Rocroy. Under him and other commanders the French Cavalry gained an -enduring reputation, and the same may be said for the Germans under -Pappenheim and Montecuculi. The Infantry was now perhaps the leading -arm in battle, and it was growing stronger as its firearm improved, -while the rise of a more or less effective Artillery was adding to the -difficulties of the Cavalry attack; but at the close of the seventeenth -century the horseman was still a power in the field. - -Throughout the first half of the eighteenth century this state of -things continued. In Marlborough’s wars Cavalry was used in large -numbers, and with great effect. At Blenheim, and other notable fights, -his horsemen practically decided the issue between him and the French -Marshals. How important the arm was considered may be judged from the -fact that at Ramilies the forces on both sides were little stronger -in foot than in horse. Between them the opposing armies numbered only -75,000 Infantry to 64,000 Cavalry. - -About the same time Charles XII. of Sweden was also using Cavalry -in large numbers; and when, under Peter the Great, Russia began to -make her mark among the military powers of the world, not the least -formidable part of her army was the Cavalry, which, including the -afterwards famous Cossacks, amounted at one time to more than 80,000 -men. - -Then came the crowning period for Cavalry in modern war. In spite of -their recognised place on the battlefield, and their many successes, -the horsemen of the European armies had not until the middle of the -eighteenth century attained to a full comprehension of their possible -influence. Awed to some extent by the reputation which the Infantry had -gained at their expense in the course of the last three centuries, -the Cavalry had become a less swift and dashing arm. They had learnt -to rely in large measure upon their fire, and even to fight dismounted -as dragoons. “In fact,” according to their historian Denison, “the -cavalry of all European States had degenerated into unwieldy masses -of horsemen, who, unable to move at speed, charged at a slow trot and -fought only with pistol and carbine.” Even so they were more mobile -than Infantry, and had great achievements to their credit; but they had -failed to see that a recent change in armaments had thrown the game -into their hands. The Infantry, growing over-confident, had discarded -the long pike for the bayonet--a very poor substitute--and the Cavalry -had once more a chance of riding down their enemy in fair fight by the -speed and weight of their horses. Their power was now to be taught them -by a keen-sighted soldier, Frederick the Great of Prussia. - -When he came to the throne in 1740, and began the career of -unscrupulous aggression which was to make Prussia one of the leading -nations of Europe, he soon saw that his Cavalry was not all it should -have been. “They were,” says Denison, “large men mounted upon powerful -horses, and carefully trained to fire in line both on foot and on -horseback,” but they were quite incapable of rapid movement, and -never attacked Infantry by the ancient method. “His first change was -to prohibit absolutely the use of firearms mounted, and to rely upon -the charge at full speed, sword in hand.” Marlborough had shown the -advantage of using great bodies of Cavalry in mass, and Marshal Saxe -had advocated their being taught to move at speed for a mile or more -in good order. Frederick now took over both ideas, and by careful and -incessant training evolved a Cavalry which was capable of manœuvring -in thousands together at full pace, even over rough ground, without -disorder or loss of control. Such a force, led by men like Seidlitz -and Ziethen, proved to be almost irresistible. Against Austrians and -Russians and Frenchmen alike, it had astonishing success. “Out of -twenty-two great battles fought by Frederick, his Cavalry won at least -fifteen of them. Cavalry at this time reached its zenith.” - -Frederick’s system was copied by all the great military nations of -Europe, and at the close of the eighteenth century the influence of -horsemen in the field was greater than it had ever been since the -battle of Crécy. - -Then came Napoleon, and though the Cavalry had not such a pre-eminent -place in his armies as in those of Frederick the Great, for it was -not as efficient, yet it was used in vast numbers and at times with -tremendous effect. Murat was perhaps the most conspicuous figure among -all Napoleon’s Marshals, and other Cavalry leaders made great names for -themselves. At Marengo, at Austerlitz, and in many more of Napoleon’s -famous battles, the French horsemen won undying renown; and if at last -his Cuirassiers had to recoil before the fire of the British squares at -Waterloo, every one knows with what magnificent courage and devotion -they strove again and again to cut their way to victory. - -Among Napoleon’s enemies too, Prussian and Austrian, Russian and -British, the Cavalry did much fine work throughout; and it is not -perhaps too much to say that the Russian horsemen, especially the -Cossacks, by destroying his famous squadrons in the great retreat, -were among the most notable causes of his downfall. This much is -certain, that when he fell the Cavalry of Europe held a high place in -the battlefield. Infantry had become the backbone of most armies, and -the power of Artillery had vastly increased, but Cavalry was still a -powerful and necessary arm. - -Then came another marked change in the conditions of war. A generation -after the Conqueror’s death the rifle took the place of the smooth-bore -musket in the hands of the Infantry, and the same principle was applied -to cannon. The result was that the power of firearms was greatly -increased in range and accuracy, and that the value of Cavalry in -battle was proportionately lowered. Soon afterwards the introduction -of breech-loading gave the rifled weapons a vastly greater rapidity -of fire, which also told heavily against the mounted arm. It was one -thing for Cavalry to remain out of range, a few hundred yards away, and -then to charge against the slow and inaccurate fire of a smooth-bore -musket. It was a very different thing for them to advance from a much -greater distance, against a rifle which not only carried three times -as far as the musket, but shot straight, and could be loaded in a -quarter of the time. From the middle of the nineteenth century it began -to be held, at all events in France and England, that the chance of a -successful attack by Cavalry armed only with the sword or lance upon -Infantry in the battlefield, except under very unusual circumstances, -was practically at an end. It seemed a fatal blow to the system of -Frederick, and to the hope of the horseman in his long rivalry with the -foot soldier. - -That conclusion was not shaken by the wars waged by European nations -during the remainder of the century. Some successes were gained by -Cavalry in various parts of the world outside Europe. For example, the -British Cavalry did fine work against the Sikhs in 1846 and 1849; a -Persian square was broken and destroyed by a charge of British Indian -Cavalry in 1856; and British Cavalry were very useful in the Mutiny -soon afterwards, and against the Chinese; but neither in the Crimea, -nor in the war between France and Austria in 1859, nor in the war -between Prussia and Austria in 1866, nor in the Franco-German War of -1870, nor in the Russian War against Turkey a few years later, could -the Cavalry claim to have struck such blows in battle as they had -been used to strike in the days of Napoleon. Colonel Henderson in -that fascinating book, ‘The Science of War,’ writing of the “shock -tactics” lately prevailing, reviews the achievements of Cavalry under -that system. “Such is the record,” he says: “one great tactical -success gained at Custozza; a retreating army saved from annihilation -at Königgratz; and five minor successes, which may or may not have -influenced the ultimate issue--not one single instance of an effective -and sustained pursuit; not one single instance, except Custozza, and -there the Infantry was armed with muzzle-loaders, of a charge decisive -of the battle; not one single instance of Infantry being scattered and -cut down in panic-flight; not one single instance of a force larger -than a brigade intervening at a critical moment. And how many failures! -How often were the Cavalry dashed vainly in reckless gallantry against -the hail of a thin line of rifles! How often were great masses held -back inactive, without drawing a sabre or firing a shot, while the -battle was decided by the infantry and the guns!” - -Truly, the day of Cavalry seemed to be over, and this was the opinion -frequently expressed at the end of the century. Their day was not over. - -It will probably have been noticed that so far we have been dealing -only or mainly with the question of Cavalry on the battlefield. But -their work lies not only on the battlefield--indeed, it may be doubted -whether their work there, however great, has not always been of less -value than the services they have been able to render in other ways. - -The operations of war are generally treated by military writers as -consisting of two distinct branches--those leading up to battle, and -those of battle itself. The former are of great variety and scope, -involving all the preparations and manœuvres which will result in -bringing upon the battlefield an army with “every possible advantage -of numbers, ground, supplies, and _moral_” over the army of the enemy. -These operations are the province of “strategy.” The operations of the -battle itself, when the opposed armies have actually come into touch, -are the province of “tactics.” The latter are the more picturesque, and -naturally appeal to the fighting spirit of the soldier; but the former -are often, if not usually, of the greater importance to the issue of a -war. “Strategy,” says Henderson, “is at least one half, and the more -important half, of the art of war”; and he says elsewhere: “An army may -even be almost uniformly victorious in battle, and yet ultimately be -compelled to yield.” - -Now it may safely be asserted that with regard to strategical -operations there has never been any serious question as to the great -value of Cavalry in any war confined to the land. To quote Colonel -Denison, in “their fitness for scouting, reconnoitring, raiding, -&c., Cavalry have always been the foremost arm and without rival. In -covering an advance, in pursuing a retreating foe, their capacity -has always been unequalled.” Henderson, himself an Infantry officer, -states that “the Cavalry is _par excellence_ the strategical arm,” -that “it depends on the Cavalry, and on the Cavalry alone, whether the -Commander of an army marches blindfold through the ‘fog of war,’ or -whether it is the opposing General who is reduced to that disastrous -plight.” And Von Bernhardi, discussing the future of Cavalry, says, “It -is in the strategical handling of the Cavalry that by far the greatest -possibilities lie.” He admits that on the battlefield and in retreat -their rôle can only be a subordinate one. “But for reconnaissance and -screening, for operations against the enemy’s communications, for -the pursuit of a beaten enemy, and all similar operations of warfare, -the Cavalry is, and remains, the principal arm.” These passages were -written before the aeroplane was used in war, but they show clearly -that until then--that is, throughout the nineteenth century--Cavalry -was still as necessary as ever for the proper working of a campaign. - -And further, it may be pointed out that even with regard to the -battlefield, horsemen armed and trained in a different way might -conceivably be of greater use than horsemen depending solely or mainly -upon shock and the _arme blanche_. - -This was proved, though the majority of Continental soldiers would -never open their eyes to the fact, by the fighting in the American -Civil War. Henderson, with clearer vision, writes of this great -conflict: “So brilliant were the achievements of the Cavalry, Federal -and Confederate, that in the minds of military students they have -tended in a certain measure to obscure the work of the other arms.” -No doubt many of these achievements were rather of a strategical than -a tactical nature, but many were not. The American Cavalry was from -first to last constantly used for actual fighting, and in numberless -instances its value as a battle arm was amply demonstrated. It -would be impossible to enumerate them here, but Henderson expressly -declares, for example, that “there is no finer instance ... of -effective intervention (by Cavalry) on the field of battle than -Sheridan’s handling of his divisions, an incident most unaccountably -overlooked by European tacticians, when Early’s army was broken into -fragments, principally by the vigour of the Cavalry, in the valley of -the Shenandoah.” The fact was that, adapting themselves to the new -conditions brought about by rifled firearms, the Americans had created -a mounted service which could fight both on foot and on horseback, -with the rifle or the sword or the pistol; “they used fire and _l’arme -blanche_ in the closest and most effective combination, against both -Cavalry and Infantry.” Assuredly Cavalry was not yet a negligible arm -in battle. - -The closing years of the century saw the beginning of another war in -which the horse and his rider were again very prominent. The Boers, who -made so gallant and protracted a fight against the vast resources of -England, were all mounted men, and it was not until the British forces -opposed to them also consisted in a large measure of mounted men that -their resistance was broken down. They differed in many respects from -the American Cavalry. The latter were trained to fight on foot if -necessary, but preferred fighting on horseback whenever they could, -though they fought with the pistol rather than the sword. The Boers -fought mainly, almost entirely, on foot. Their arms and training were -inconsistent with fighting from the saddle. They were in fact rather -mobile riflemen than anything else. Nevertheless the fact remains -that they were mounted men, and that a large part of their value -lay in their being so. For many of the essential duties of Cavalry, -for scouting and collecting information, for raids on their enemy’s -communications, for the capture of his trains and guns, for covering -a retirement, they were exceptionally well fitted. Henderson, writing -of the duties of Cavalry, says: “But most important perhaps of all -its functions are the manœuvres which so threaten the enemy’s line of -retreat that he is compelled to evacuate his position, and those which -cut off his last avenue of escape. A Cavalry skilfully handled, as at -Appomattox or Paardeberg, may bring about the crowning triumph of grand -tactics--viz., the hemming in of a force so closely that it has either -to attack at a disadvantage or surrender.” The example of Paardeberg -is one in which the triumph was due to the British Cavalry, but the -Boers had some triumphs of the same kind, for instance at Nicholson’s -Nek, and they were very near to gaining one which might have shaken the -Empire. If Ladysmith had fallen, with its garrison of 12,000 men, as -at one time seemed probable, the disaster would undoubtedly have been -due in the main to the mobility of the Boers, whose rapid movements -on horseback enabled them not only to drive in and besiege White’s -troops, but afterwards to hold up for months, with inferior numbers, -Buller’s relieving force, while still maintaining their grip on the -starving garrison. In fact it may be said that even on the actual -field of battle they fought partly as Cavalry--Von Bernhardi goes -so far as to say “exclusively as Cavalry,”--for though they almost -invariably dismounted to use their rifles, yet it was by the speed of -their horses that they were able to extend their flanks, and, galloping -out to any threatened point, form a fresh front against any turning -movement. Our slow-moving Infantry had no chance of getting round and -enveloping them, but was forced time after time to undertake desperate -frontal attacks upon the lines, often more or less entrenched, which -their rapidity of manœuvre had made it possible for them to take up. -Altogether, the fighting value of the 50,000 Burghers with whom Paul -Kruger set out to defy Great Britain, was doubled or trebled by the -fact that they were mounted men. It made them in their own country, and -perhaps would have made them anywhere, a formidable fighting force. - -This was not clearly understood on the Continent of Europe, but it -was understood in England. It had a great effect upon the views of -our leading soldiers with regard to the future of Cavalry, and the -subsequent Russo-Japanese War did not in any way contradict the lessons -drawn from the campaigns in America and South Africa. - -To sum up this chapter, it may be said with confidence that when the -Great War broke out the value of Cavalry, both as a strategical arm -and on the field of battle, had been demonstrated by the experience of -three thousand years. During that time it had fluctuated, especially -with regard to the battlefield, but it had always been great. For some -centuries, especially since the development of efficient firearms, the -tendency had been for the Infantry to oust the horsemen from their -pride of place in the actual shock of armies, and by the end of the -nineteenth century the supremacy of the Infantry in this respect had -been generally acknowledged. But even so it had not been shown that -Cavalry, properly armed and trained, were incapable of joining with -effect in the decision of battles, and the American and South African -Wars had given reason to believe that it certainly could do so. Its -great strategical value was not disputed. Clearly, therefore, Cavalry -was still a necessary and important part of any efficient army--one of -the most important. Whether for strategical duties or for full victory -in battle, the other arms could not do without the horsemen. - -No doubt the value of Cavalry might be altered in the future, as it had -been in the past, by new developments in the art of war, but such was -the position at that time. - -We may now turn to the Thirteenth Hussars. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -EARLIER HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT. - - -Before the war of 1914 the Regiment now known as the Thirteenth Hussars -had, like most Regiments of the British Army, served in various parts -of the world. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it -had borne a part in nine wars of one kind or another, and had made -acquaintance not only with the Continent of Europe, but with Asia, -America, and Africa. - -The Regiment was raised in the year 1715. The Duke of Marlborough was -then still living, but his long series of victories had been brought to -a close by the Treaty of Utrecht two years before, and thirty thousand -of the veterans who had won them for him had been ruthlessly disbanded. - -After the accession of George I., in 1714, it was seen that this step -had been a hasty and dangerous one, for the Jacobite party was strong, -and the reduction of the small British Army had given them fresh hopes. -It soon became evident that the exiled Stuarts meant to take advantage -of their opportunity, and the British Government was obliged to raise -fresh troops in place of those so recently thrown away. Among the new -Regiments were to be several of Dragoons, and in July 1715 the raising -of one of these was entrusted to Brigadier Richard Munden, an officer -on half-pay who had served with some distinction under Marlborough. - -It appears that Munden had no difficulty in finding recruits, for -within three months the Regiment had been raised, and was assembled -at Northampton. There it received orders to march to Leeds, and soon -afterwards Brigadier Munden was informed that his Regiment, with -others, was to be under the orders of Major-General Wills, whom -His Majesty had appointed “to command several of his forces on an -expedition.” - -At this time a Dragoon Regiment in the British Army consisted of -6 troops, and its strength was between 200 and 300, including 19 -“Commission” officers. It was not a Regiment of “Horse,” though it was -mounted, and regarded as Cavalry. The men were armed with the same -firearm as the Infantry, or practically the same, and were expected to -fight on foot as well as on horseback. This, it will be remembered, was -the period when European Cavalry depended largely on their fire, and -had not been trained to the system of Frederick the Great, the charge -at speed with the _arme blanche_. The officers of Munden’s Dragoons, -including Munden himself, had almost all served in Regiments of Foot. - -The Regiment was “officially declared to be a disciplined force -belonging to the regular army on 31st October 1715.” It had not to wait -long before seeing service, for early in November General Wills learned -that the Jacobite “rebels” were over the Scottish border, and marching -on Lancaster. He at once drew together his forces at Manchester, and -marched thence to Wigan. On the 12th November Munden’s Dragoons were in -presence of their first enemy, who had advanced as far as Preston, and -was in occupation of the town. - -It is significant that when General Wills left Wigan with his force to -attack the rebels, the order of march was as follows: The advance-guard -consisted of fifty musketeers and fifty dismounted dragoons. After the -advance-guard came a Regiment of Foot, then three Brigades of Cavalry -consisting of one Regiment of “Horse” and five of Dragoons. Evidently -Cavalry was not regarded as the eyes of an army. - -The action which followed was at first indecisive. The enemy, superior -in numbers, and aided by some guns and barricades, repulsed one or two -attacks made by Infantry and dismounted Dragoons. But on the following -day General Carpenter having come up with three more Regiments of -Dragoons, the rebels gave in and surrendered. Their assailants had -lost in all one hundred and thirty killed and wounded, so the fighting -had not been very severe. Nevertheless Preston was an affair of some -importance, for with the indecisive battle of Sheriffmuir, fought -the same day by other troops, it sufficed to put an end to the First -Jacobite Rebellion and to establish the House of Hanover on the British -throne. Munden’s Dragoons had only four wounded during the fight, but -they seem to have behaved well. Munden himself is said to have led a -storming party, and to have been thanked for his gallant conduct. After -the fight, the Regiment seems to have been employed in escorting to -jail the unfortunate prisoners, whose fate was a sad one. - -It may be noted that among the troops who served at Preston was -Dormer’s Regiment of Dragoons, afterwards the Fourteenth Hussars. Thus -began a comradeship between the two Regiments which was afterwards very -close. - -Then followed for Munden’s Dragoons, who about this time became known -as the Thirteenth Dragoons, a long period of peace service. In 1718 -there was again a reduction of the Army, and some Regiments having been -disbanded in Ireland, the Thirteenth were sent over to take the place -of one of them. The Irish military establishment was then separate -from the British. The pay of the troops was somewhat less, and their -circumstances in other respects were very unsatisfactory. It was -forbidden to enlist any native of the country, so that men were hard -to get, and the barrack accommodation was so scanty that the troops -were scattered about in small detachments, to the woeful detriment of -their discipline and efficiency. It apparently became the custom for -officers to overstay their leave, or absent themselves without leave, -and everything got slack in proportion. It was possibly not the fault -of the Regiments that their arms were in most cases insufficient and -bad; but in every way their condition was deplorable. The Thirteenth -Dragoons seem to have suffered like the rest, and probably when their -Colonel, Munden, was transferred to another Regiment in 1722, they were -not in a very efficient condition. - -Munden was one of the officers who followed the body of the great Duke -of Marlborough when he was borne to his grave in Westminster Abbey. He -died himself, a Major-General, three years later, and Colonel William -Stanhope became Colonel of the Thirteenth. This officer, afterwards the -Earl of Harrington, was appointed a Secretary of State in 1730. - -The stay of the Regiment in Ireland came to an end in 1742, when it was -transferred to Great Britain, and in the following year the command of -it was bestowed upon Lieut.-Colonel James Gardiner of the Inniskilling -Dragoons, then serving in Germany. Thus when the Second Jacobite -Rebellion took place, in 1745, the Thirteenth, under this well-known -officer, was among the Regiments at the immediate disposal of the -Government, and was fortunate, or unfortunate, enough to find itself -engaged once more on active service. - -When Bonnie Prince Charlie unfurled his standard at Glenfinnan, Sir -John Cope, the British General commanding in Scotland, was very weak in -the number and quality of his troops. He had no gunners to man his few -guns, and the force at his disposal to meet the advancing rebel army, -after providing some small garrisons, amounted to about twenty-five -companies of foot and two Regiments of Dragoons. One of these two was -the Thirteenth. Provisions and transport were very scarce. - -It is a curious coincidence that the Regiment came to blows with its -second enemy at another Preston, this time in Scotland. Close to it -was the house of their Colonel, Gardiner. The Thirteenth had had some -trying work during the preceding weeks, when Cope withdrew his small -force from Inverness to Dunbar, abandoning Edinburgh to the rebels; -and the Regiment was not in good condition, many men and horses being -physically unfit for duty. - -The result of the battle is well known. The enemy, chiefly Highlanders, -attacked on the early morning of 18th September. Cope having no -gunners, a Lieut.-Colonel Whiteford and an old Master Gunner of the -name of Griffiths fired a few rounds from the guns and cohorns, “none -of whose shells would burst,” and then the guns were rushed by the -Highlanders. It was a fine chance for the Cavalry, as the rebels were -in confusion, but the chance was not taken. To tell the simple truth, -neither of the two Dragoon Regiments, Hamilton’s or Gardiner’s, which -seem to have numbered six hundred men between them, could be induced to -charge, and their only inclination was to gallop off the field. By the -exertions of their officers and other gentlemen, about three-quarters -of them were stopped, and brought into Berwick next day; but it must -be admitted that their behaviour was anything but creditable, and -the battle ended in the total defeat of the King’s force. This much -is to be said in favour of the Regiments, that their officers fought -gallantly. The ill-fated Gardiner, who was seriously ill, was wounded -at the beginning of the engagement; and later, when his men refused -to charge, he received several other wounds, from which he died. His -Lieutenant-Colonel, Whitney, was also wounded in trying to rally the -men. But the fight of “Prestonpans” was certainly what Brigadier Fowke -called it, “an unhappy affair.” - -After Gardiner’s death the command of the Thirteenth was given to -Colonel Ligonier, a brave officer who had served under Marlborough, and -in the following January it took part in another battle and another -defeat at Falkirk Muir. The same two Regiments of Dragoons which had -been engaged at Prestonpans, and another, Cobham’s, formed at Falkirk -a Brigade of Cavalry under Ligonier’s orders. This affair was not -so discreditable as the former. The Cavalry, very gallantly led by -Ligonier, did charge the enemy, and it is said penetrated their first -line. But they failed to break the second line, and the charge ended -in a confused retreat. Lieut.-Colonel Whitney, wounded at Prestonpans, -was killed, and the gallant Ligonier also paid for his courage with -his life. Suffering from an attack of pleurisy, he insisted on getting -out of bed to command his Brigade in the battle, which was fought in -a storm of wind and rain. His exertions in rallying the Dragoons and -covering the retreat during the following night were too much for him, -and a week later he died. - -The Thirteenth saw no further fighting. When the Duke of Cumberland -broke the Highland clans at Culloden and put an end to the rebellion, -the Regiment was not present. It had been left in Edinburgh to patrol -the roads, and intercept any communications between the English and -Scottish Jacobites. Its share in the campaign, therefore, had not been -a very satisfactory one. Perhaps it was not to be blamed for the second -defeat at Falkirk, but certainly it had not won much distinction on the -battlefield. - -All that can be said is that no troops are likely to do well in the -great ordeal of war unless their discipline and general condition have -been steadily maintained in peace. History abounds in such lessons. The -Regiment was to do great things later under more favourable conditions, -and win a fine name for itself as a fighting corps. Its time was not -yet come. - -In 1748 the Thirteenth was once more transferred to Ireland, and there -it remained for a second score of years. A Dragoon Regiment at this -time seems to have been very weak in numbers, considerably under two -hundred all told, officers and men, with one hundred and fifty horses. -The prohibition against Irishmen had apparently been withdrawn, and -by 1767 the men were almost all Irish. But none were Roman Catholics, -the enlistment of these being still absolutely forbidden. The men -were fine, most of them from five foot nine to five foot eleven, -and “tolerably well appointed.” The officers too were mostly Irish. -The barrack accommodation was still very poor, and the Regiment was -scattered in detachments as before. The arms were very bad at times. - -About 1777 the Thirteenth were converted into Light Dragoons, and much -smaller men were enlisted. The example of Frederick the Great was now -being followed on the Continent, and Cavalry was being trained for -greater speed and hand-to-hand fighting. The Infantry firearm of the -Thirteenth gave place to a short carbine, and some changes were made -in the uniform, the old three-cornered hat making way for a Cavalry -helmet. Bayonets were still carried, but evidently there was some idea -of making the Dragoon more of a horseman and less of a foot soldier. - -Nevertheless the state of the British Cavalry at that time as to -equipment and drill was very antiquated. “The military value of their -training,” says Barrett, “was practically _nil_.” And, to add to their -disadvantages, they were now cursed with the system of “proprietary -Colonels.” How this system came about is not clear, but towards the -end of the eighteenth century it was in full force. In Munden’s day -the Colonel had been “the active officer in command, and always -present, unless on leave, whether at home or in the field.” Sixty years -later, when the old traditions of Marlborough’s time had been lost, -the Regiment was really commanded by the Lieutenant-Colonel, while -the Colonel had become an absentee, seeing the Regiment perhaps once -or twice a year. Yet it was in a sense looked upon as his private -property. “The system,” says Barrett, “was a bad one. To bad Colonels -were due the crying abuses of the pay system as well as those of the -clothing system--the systematic robbery of the soldier, the mean frauds -by which an income was literally swindled out of Government or sweated -off the backs of the men; and the abuse of the power of the lash was -owing to the same cause.” In 1787 the Colonel of the Thirteenth, a -member of Parliament, “lived mainly in London while the Regiment was -in Ireland.” Arms were bad, desertions frequent, and the duties of -the Regiment consisted chiefly of hunting down members of the various -lawless societies in Ireland, Whiteboys and Peep-o’-Day Boys, and the -like. In spite of all these heartbreaking drawbacks the regimental -officers seem to have done something to make the men efficient, for -at times the reports of inspecting Generals are good enough, though -evidently the standard was not high; and in 1794, no doubt because of -the French Revolution and the outbreak of war on the Continent, the -strength had been increased to 446 men and 393 horses. - -The Thirteenth, however, was not yet to be employed in the Continental -war. It was now, after its two campaigns against the Jacobites, -followed by fifty years of peace duty, to have its first taste of -service abroad, but this was not to be in warfare against a civilised -enemy. - -In the island of Jamaica the “Maroons,” originally runaway negro -slaves, had long been giving trouble, and it had now become urgently -necessary to suppress them. They held a difficult mountain country, -full of densely wooded glens, from which they had been wont for many -years to raid the lowlands and plantations, plundering and murdering. -After some partial settlements they had again risen, and had openly -defied the white men to war. Their numbers were not large, perhaps -1200 all told, but as Great Britain was already fighting the French in -the West Indies the complication was serious, and Lord Balcarres, the -Governor, was assembling a considerable force to blockade the revolted -highlands. - -It is remarkable to find, considering the nature of the ground, that in -addition to three Regiments of Infantry and some local militia, this -force was to consist of five Dragoon Regiments, of which two were the -Thirteenth and Fourteenth Light Dragoons. - -The Thirteenth was brought over from Ireland to England in 1795, and a -couple of troops sailed for Jamaica in advance, the remainder of the -Regiment remaining in England until the following February, when, on -the 9th of the month, the Headquarters sailed in the _Concord_, which -formed part of a fleet numbering more than five hundred sail. In spite -of all the circumstances of its peace service, the Regiment seems -then to have been in a condition of discipline and efficiency very -creditable to officers and men. Fortunate that this was so, for both -were soon to be severely tested. A violent storm scattered the fleet -three days after sailing, and in the Bay of Biscay the _Concord_ took -fire, some pitch used for fumigation having been upset by the rolling -of the vessel, and blazed up. As the fire was immediately over nineteen -casks of powder, the danger was great. It is pleasant to read how the -ship’s company behaved in this sudden contingency. The Captain, who -was writing in his cabin, ran on deck “with his pen across his mouth.” -An officer was sent down to the hold to cover the powder barrels with -wet blankets and mattresses. “Scores of men, with their mattresses -held in front of them,” threw themselves on the flames and smothered -them, while the officer below spread a sailcloth over the barrels and -kept it wet under a shower of sparks from the deck above. Eventually, -after really heroic exertions, the fire was brought under, and the ship -escaped destruction. Soon afterwards she sprang a leak, and had to put -back to Cove, but all damage was set to rights in a few days, and on -the 26th February the fleet put to sea again. This time all went well, -and on the 1st April the fleet was assembled in Barbadoes. - -After a short stay there, the Thirteenth was sent on to San Domingo, -in which island it remained for some months, helping to put down a -rising of brigands. While doing this work the Regiment, which till -then had been very healthy, was attacked by the scourge of the West -Indies--yellow fever. Much has been written about the awful ravages -of the disease in those days. It is only necessary to say here that -the Thirteenth suffered as others did. Men died daily, and at last the -Regiment was so reduced that it had to apply to the Fifty-sixth Foot -for help to bury its dead. How many were left alive does not appear, -but by the end of the year the remains of the Regiment had arrived in -Jamaica. - -It is not easy to follow in detail the course of the campaign against -the Maroons; but it seems that though only two troops of the Thirteenth -were employed in it, the command of the whole expedition was eventually -given to Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. George Walpole of this Regiment, and -that after some hard jungle fighting and mutual ambuscades the Maroons -surrendered to him, on a promise that they should not be deported. The -Jamaica Government broke this engagement, and voted Walpole a sword of -honour, which in the circumstances was naturally declined. - -The Regiment remained in the West Indies until August 1798, when, -after transferring some 95 men to the Jamaica Dragoons, all that were -left, 52 in number, chiefly non-commissioned officers, sailed under -the command of a Lieutenant for England. Of these 52, many were found -on arrival to be totally unfit for service, and were invalided. Most -of those not immediately invalided were “completely exhausted and worn -out,” and were gradually discharged. The Regiment had in fact ceased -to exist. During the two years and six months of its absence, though -it had lost only one man killed in action, it had left behind it, -dead of disease, 19 officers, 7 quartermasters, 2 volunteers, and 287 -non-commissioned officers and men. Such were the conditions of service -at that time in the West Indies. - -But the war with France was now in full course, and Cavalry was -necessary, so the Commander-in-Chief gave orders that the Thirteenth be -augmented to a strength of 641 men with the same number of horses. As -practically nothing remained of the old Regiment but a few officers, -this meant raising a new one. Nevertheless, by August 1799, the task -had been accomplished, and two years later the strength had reached -902. The short-lived Peace of Amiens in 1802 caused it to be reduced -again, after the custom of the times, by about one-half, but the -reduction was as short-lived as the peace, and in 1805, when Napoleon -had assembled his great army at Boulogne for the invasion of England, -the Regiment stood at the highest strength it ever reached, 1064 -men, and the same number of horses. From this time on until 1810 the -Thirteenth was kept at home. It was then no longer an Irish Regiment, -but a trace of its old connection remained in the fact that it now had -as one of its squadron commanders Colonel Patrick Doherty, who had -sailed with it for the West Indies in 1796, and that two of his sons -were serving in his squadron. - -So far the war record of the Thirteenth can hardly be said to have -been fortunate. In the ninety-five years of their existence they had -served with no special distinction in the two Jacobite rebellions, and -in one campaign abroad, where their chief enemies had been climate and -disease. But this long period of inglorious and yet trying service was -now over. In the next five years, before their first century came to an -end, they were to cross swords again and again with the finest soldiers -in the world, to learn the lessons of war under the greatest of English -commanders, and to win for themselves imperishable renown. - -In February 1810 the Regiment was ordered to prepare 8 troops for -immediate service abroad, and before the end of the month they were -on board ship. They left behind 2 troops in depot at Chichester, and -parted with their Commanding Officer, Colonel Bolton, who had done much -to raise and shape the new Regiment after the West Indian campaign. -He had just been promoted, and was succeeded by Colonel Head from the -Twelfth Dragoons. The 8 troops for active service each numbered 85 men -and 85 horses, or 680 men with officers. Before the end of March they -had disembarked at Lisbon. - -The Thirteenth were about to take part in the famous Peninsular War. -Wellington had already given the French some rude shocks in this -quarter, and was soon to establish his reputation as one of the first -soldiers in Europe. He had clearly recognised the power of offence -given to Great Britain by her Navy, which was now supreme, and he -believed that by clinging on to a foothold in Portugal, he would in -time be able to deal a heavy blow to the military strength of Napoleon, -which must be strained by a protracted struggle at this distant point -of the Empire. It was a fine conception, and the event proved that he -had judged correctly. But at the moment his prospects seemed to be very -doubtful, if not hopeless. Napoleon had large armies in Spain, fully -300,000 men, commanded by some of his most famous Marshals, while the -British force in Portugal was not a tenth of that number, and badly -organised. The Spaniards were evidently incapable of defending their -country, or of giving any effective help in defending it; and Portugal -was not strong enough, or united enough, to do much against such an -enemy. Wellington himself was as yet a man of no great weight in -Europe, a mere sepoy General, to use Napoleon’s words, who was regarded -as fit only to fight Asiatics. He was thwarted and decried in England, -where such successes as he had gained were minimised by party rancour. -Some of his countrymen even wished to omit his name from the vote of -thanks accorded to the troops under his command, and the force itself -was full of complaints and discontent, chiefly on the part of the -officers. It belonged to an Army which had been discredited by almost -constant failure since the War of American Independence. Even in its -own country it was not highly regarded. And if the British Infantry -was now beginning, under Wellington’s command, to win some measure of -the reputation it was soon to gain as the best in Europe, the British -Cavalry was, both in numbers and training, greatly inferior to the -magnificent squadrons of France. When the Thirteenth landed in Lisbon -there seemed little likelihood of a brilliant future for them. Happily -the British soldier is not greatly disturbed by the prestige of his -enemies, and individually both men and horses were better than the -French. Above all, our troops had now a leader whose indomitable spirit -was proof against all discouragements. - -The Thirteenth were soon in the thick of the fighting, but at first -they seem to have been rather helpless. It is recorded that in July -of that year, 1810, the Regiment for the first time found itself in -bivouac, “and both the officers and men were perfectly ignorant what to -do.... Nobody knew what was to be done for food, forage, &c. Provisions -were served out to the men by the Commissary, but how to cook them was -another matter.” They were soon taught how to find shelter and feed -themselves, but this was the doubtful beginning of a campaign in which -they were to oppose the war-seasoned troops of Napoleon. Nevertheless, -within a few weeks of that date some of them had twice successfully -encountered the enemy’s horsemen, a troop of the Thirteenth on the -second occasion charging through and capturing more than fifty French -Dragoons. - -After this, during the summer, the Regiment suffered severely from -sickness, which, however, did not prevent them from being present at -the battle of Busaco on the 26th September 1810, when Masséna was met -and severely checked in his famous invasion of Portugal. They were not -actually engaged, but were observing the plain in the left rear of the -force while the battle was fought. As every one knows, Masséna was -eventually stopped by the lines of Torres Vedras, and had to retreat. -During the autumn and winter the Thirteenth remained in the country not -far from Lisbon, watching the French and learning their work in many a -rough march. - -For some time it is said French and English Dragoons lay on opposite -sides of the Tagus, and the retreat being for the time at an end, the -Thirteenth used to have frequent field-days on a plain by the river. -The vedettes by mutual arrangement refrained from firing on each -other, and the French officers used to come and look on, sometimes -when the river was low exchanging conversation with their friendly -enemies. It was in some ways a chivalrous warfare, in which, however, -the unfortunate Portuguese suffered terribly from the wasting of the -country and exhaustion of supplies. - -Then, in the spring of 1811, the enemy retired to the northward and -westward; and a force under Marshal Beresford was sent to intercept -communications from the south. The Thirteenth formed part of this -force, and while under Beresford’s orders it had the luck to be -engaged in a brilliant affair which has since formed the subject of -much controversy. The town of Campo Mayor had been taken by the French -under Latour Maubourg, and was occupied by a force of 1200 Infantry -and over 800 Cavalry, with some Horse Artillery and a battery train of -sixteen heavy guns. On Beresford’s approach this force evacuated Campo -Mayor and retreated on Badajos, ten miles away. The British Cavalry -was sent in pursuit and overtook the enemy. The action that ensued is -not altogether easy to understand; but the Thirteenth charged, and -after some very gallant hand-to-hand fighting, broke the opposing -French Cavalry, pursuing them up to the gates of Badajos, capturing -the whole siege train, with great quantities of waggons and stores, -and leaving the rest of the garrison to be followed up and secured -by Beresford’s heavy Cavalry and guns. The Thirteenth were naturally -pleased and proud at their success against a very superior enemy; but, -by a mistake which was not fully explained at the time, the advance -was stopped, and the Thirteenth given up for lost. They rejoined the -force in safety; but Beresford, misled by false information, believed -they had shown want of discipline after the charge, and reported in -that sense. Wellington, at a distance, and as Fortescue says, “always -justly sensitive over the ungovernable ardour of his Cavalry,” accepted -Beresford’s view, and referred to the Thirteenth in stinging words. -“Their conduct,” he wrote, “was that of a rabble, galloping as fast -as their horses could carry them over a plain after an enemy to which -they could do no mischief after they were broken.... If the Thirteenth -Dragoons are again guilty of this conduct, I shall take their horses -from them, and send the officers and men to do duty at Lisbon.” This -threat was not communicated to the Regiment, Beresford having meanwhile -learnt something of the truth; but the Thirteenth were nevertheless -severely censured for impetuosity and want of discipline. This censure, -as may be supposed, they deeply resented. Napier, in his ‘History of -the Peninsular War,’ says that “the unsparing admiration of the whole -army consoled them.” No doubt to some extent it did, but not entirely. - -Fortescue, after a detailed examination of the incident, sums it up -as follows: “Of the performance of the Thirteenth, who did not exceed -200 men, in defeating twice or thrice their numbers single-handed, it -is difficult to speak too highly. Indeed, I know of nothing finer in -the history of the British Cavalry.”... “But more important than all -was the admission of the French that they could not stand before the -British Cavalry.” Yet, owing to the mistakes of their superiors, the -Thirteenth never received for their feat the honour they deserved, or -indeed, officially, anything but blame. It was a signal instance of the -ill-fortune which sometimes attends upon the noblest conduct. - -Whatever may be said of this, the Thirteenth had, at all events, the -satisfaction of knowing that they had been thoroughly successful. They -were not always to be so, for on the 5th April, less than a fortnight -later, a troop of the regiment was surprised by French Cavalry during -the night. They were not on outpost duty, having been regularly -relieved, and they supposed that their front had been secured by -the relieving squadron, a body of Portuguese Cavalry under British -officers. The men of the Thirteenth had eaten nothing for two days, and -were faint for want of food. After getting a meal, they lay down by -their horses, and were sleeping peacefully when the French, who were -retiring and came upon them by chance, dashed suddenly among them with -the sabre. Two officers and twenty men escaped in the darkness, but the -other two officers with practically all the rest of the men were taken -prisoners. It is characteristic of warfare in those days that among -them was the wife of one of the troopers. - -Then there was another turn of the wheel. Ten days after the surprise -it was reported that a body of French Cavalry was at Los Santos, -levying contributions. The British Cavalry advanced to attack them, -and Marshal Beresford himself rode with the Thirteenth, whom he had -so severely censured less than a month before. A sharp fight ensued, -ending in the rout of the enemy, who were pursued for about nine miles -and lost some hundreds of prisoners. The loss of the Thirteenth was -very small. - -The next month saw the bloody battle of Albuera, which forms the -subject of one of Napier’s most famous chapters. During the day the -Thirteenth were employed in holding off the enemy’s Cavalry. They were -exposed to severe fire from Infantry and guns, but were successful in -carrying out their duty without heavy loss. - -There was much hard work for the Thirteenth during the remainder of -this year, 1811, and one incident is noteworthy. On the 21st November, -Lieutenant King, a fine young officer, was shot by Spanish guerillas -when carrying a flag of truce to the fortress of Badajos. His body was -recovered by the French and buried with all military honours on the -ramparts, General Philippon assembling the whole garrison under arms -for the purpose. - -During 1812 the Thirteenth again saw some rough service. They shared in -the advance to Madrid and Alva de Tormes, and then in the retreat back -to Portugal, during which their horses suffered terribly from hardship -and starvation. - -In April 1813 the British army advanced again, and again reached Alva -de Tormes. In June the French took up their position at Vittoria, and -the famous battle ensued. The share of the Thirteenth in this combat -was interesting. After some sharp fighting they captured King Joseph’s -carriages and equipment, and then pressed on in pursuit of the beaten -enemy, whose losses were great, including over a hundred and fifty -guns. Vittoria was in fact the break-up of Napoleon’s power in Spain, -for many of his commanders and troops had been withdrawn the year -before to strengthen his army for the Russian campaign, and he was -never able to replace them. - -Then followed the march to the French frontier and the battles of the -Pyrenees. In November the Thirteenth crossed the border. - -The winter was a hard one for the Cavalry. Hilly country intersected by -deep ravines, exhausted of supplies, and obstinately defended by Soult -and his veterans, was a rough scene for outpost duty. There were many -small affairs, especially between foraging parties. The weather was -very bad, and the troops had constantly to bivouac in the mud, under -torrents of rain, sometimes in snow. There was often no corn or straw -for the horses, nothing procurable but gorse, which, pounded and made -into a sort of paste, Irish fashion, just kept the poor beasts alive. - -One incident which occurred near Orthes, on the 27th February 1814, is -striking. The Thirteenth there came in contact with Soult’s Cavalry, -and charged. At their head rode their Lieutenant-Colonel, Patrick -Doherty, with his sons, Captain and Lieutenant Doherty, three abreast. -The charge was completely successful, and many prisoners were taken, -among them two officers. - -Napier has told us how, through the spring of 1814, that fierce -fighting went on, in snow and rain and misery--the French, now -overmatched, losing battle after battle and many thousands of men, but -still, under their indomitable leader Soult, turning to bay again and -again. Then at last came the battle of Toulouse, and the white cockade -began to show itself, and on the 13th April it was known that peace -had been declared. Napoleon had fallen. Soult fought on for five days -more, but then it was announced in general orders that hostilities had -ceased, and the British Cavalry in pursuit beyond Toulouse desisted -from further action. - -The Thirteenth had fought almost without interruption for four years, -in the long struggle that began at Lisbon and ended at Toulouse. They -now had a few weeks’ rest, and it was badly needed. Numbers of horses, -worn out by want and hard work, had to be destroyed, and the men were -in rags. No clothing had been issued during the winter. “Overalls -patched with cloth of all sorts of colours, and most frequently of red -oilskin--fragments of baggage-wrappers by the way--were universal or -almost so.” They were indeed “The Ragged Brigade,” as they and their -old comrades of the Fourteenth had been named. But, starting in May, -they marched up through France, and arriving at Boulogne on the 5th -July, embarked for England. By the 8th July the Regiment had all been -landed in Ramsgate. During an absence of four years and five months -the Thirteenth had marched 6000 miles, and had been engaged in twelve -battles and thirty-two “affairs,” many sharply contested. They had lost -by death six officers and 270 men. But the Regiment had now made its -mark, and was thenceforward one of the foremost fighting corps of the -British Cavalry. - -After their return from France the Thirteenth spent some months in -England and Ireland, but their enjoyment of peace was short. In -February 1815 Napoleon escaped from Elba, and war again broke out. -On the 20th April, having meanwhile received royal authority to bear -on its guidons and appointments the word “Peninsula,” the Regiment -was ordered to prepare six troops for immediate service, and soon -afterwards the number was increased to ten. In May the Thirteenth were -in Ostend (with twenty-eight women and nine children), and by the end -of the month they formed part of a force of 6000 Cavalry, under Lord -Uxbridge, which was inspected by Wellington and Blücher. - -Then followed Quatre Bras and Waterloo. The movements of the Thirteenth -up to the morning of the decisive battle are of no special interest, -but it seems that having been ordered to join a Brigade consisting -of the Seventh and Fifteenth Hussars under Major-General Grant, the -Regiment arrived at Quatre Bras on the night of the 16th June, and -shared in the retreat of the 17th June to Waterloo. It was a dreary -day, for the rain was heavy and they got no food--a bad preparation for -the coming battle. Then followed “a dreadful rainy night, every man -in the Cavalry wet to the skin,” and at four o’clock in the morning -of the 18th, the Thirteenth “turned out and formed on the field of -battle in wet corn and a cold morning without anything to eat.” -Their commanding officer, the gallant old veteran Colonel Doherty, -had broken down and was lying ill in Brussels, so the Regiment was -commanded on the 18th by Lieut.-Colonel Boyse. The Brigade to which -it belonged was posted on the right centre of the army, in rear of -Byng’s Brigade of Guards, who held the house and garden of Hougomont. -From this position the Thirteenth witnessed the furious fighting which -ensued between the Guards and their French assailants, and they came -themselves under heavy Artillery fire, which caused them some loss. -Colonel Boyse had his horse killed under him by a cannon-shot, and -was severely hurt, the command devolving on Major Lawrence. Two other -officers were wounded. There was also severe and repeated Cavalry -fighting, in which the Thirteenth did their share, charging more than -once the enemy’s horsemen, and on one occasion dispersing a square -of French Infantry. In this fighting they lost three officers killed -or mortally wounded,[2] and two more wounded by sabre cuts. Towards -evening the French made another desperate attack with both Cavalry and -Infantry, and the Thirteenth charged again, losing three more officers -wounded, among whom were both the Doherty brothers. Before the enemy -finally gave way almost every officer of the Regiment had lost one -horse at least, and Major Lawrence had lost three. When at last the -French broke, the Brigade was sent in pursuit, and pressed the routed -enemy until nine o’clock. Then it was halted, and the pursuit was -handed over to the Prussians. “The last charge,” wrote an officer of -the Thirteenth, “was literally riding over men and horses, who lay in -heaps.” And the account goes on to say that “when the Regiment mustered -after the action at 10 P.M. that night, we had only 65 men -left out of 260 who went into the field in the morning.” - -Many rejoined later, and these figures do not represent the actual -losses as afterwards ascertained, but so far as can be judged the total -of killed and wounded was close upon a hundred, of whom eleven were -officers. - -After Waterloo, the Thirteenth marched to Paris, where they remained -some weeks, and then they were sent northward again. At or near -Hazebrouck, a name now so familiar, they remained some months. In May -1816 the Regiment returned to England, arriving at Dover on the night -of the 13th. During the past year it had lost in killed, died, and -discharged, 3 officers and 65 men. - -With Waterloo ended the first century of the Regiment’s service. If -ninety-five years of it had been rather colourless, the last five had -certainly been as full of fighting as any one could have desired. - -[Illustration: INDIA] - -For about three years after its return the Thirteenth remained in -England. The times which followed the war were bad, and the Regiment -was often employed maintaining order among the civil population, always -a detestable duty for soldiers, but nothing of note occurred. On the -9th February 1819 the Regiment sailed for India, and for the next -twenty years it rested peacefully in Eastern cantonments. - -[Illustration: OFFICER OF THE 13TH LIGHT HUSSARS - -1830-1836] - -In India, as well as in Europe, the beginning of the century had been -a time of hard fighting in various fields, and when the Thirteenth -went out, the supremacy of the British among the Indian country powers -had hardly been established. It was only sixteen years since Sir Arthur -Wellesley had routed the Maratha armies at Assaye, and gained his first -great victory. After that time other powers had challenged the British, -and been with difficulty overthrown. Even in 1819 there remained -serious elements of disorder, and it was not until seven years later -that a period of complete peace began. Nevertheless, it may be said -that the period of general war closed in Asia as in Europe soon after -the fall of Napoleon. - -The Thirteenth at all events had no fighting to do. They were sent -to the extreme south of India, where the name of their old chief was -very familiar, and the provinces about Bangalore, where they were -quartered, had many fighting traditions; but nothing occurred to test -the spirit of the Regiment. In that very pleasant place, and other -stations not far distant, the Thirteenth remained year after year, with -little to disturb them except inspections and reviews, enjoying plenty -of sport, after the manner of British Cavalry Regiments in the East, -and maintaining their efficiency in so far as it could be maintained -without service in the field. In 1832 a formidable plot was discovered -for a native rising in Bangalore. The Thirteenth with a British -Infantry Regiment, the Sixty-Second, and a detachment of European -Artillery, were to be suddenly attacked at night and massacred, after -which the conspirators hoped that a general mutiny of the Native Army -would follow. But the plot was revealed by a faithful native officer, -and was crushed without any fighting. - -Nevertheless it had shown that there was disaffection among the Indian -population, and a few years later this came to a head. In 1839 it -was found that a certain Mahomedan chief, the Nawab of Karnul, had -collected in secret a large quantity of military stores, including -some “hundreds” of guns, and that he had in his employ a considerable -number of sturdy fighting men, Arabs, Rohillas, and Pathans from the -North-West of India--the turbulent mercenaries who had for generations -made India a vast battlefield. The matter was considered so serious -that a force of 6000 men, of which two squadrons of the Thirteenth -formed part, was sent to Karnul. Action had been taken in time, and -the fighting on the part of the enemy at Karnul and the neighbouring -village of Zorapur, though brave enough, was soon over. A few British -officers and men were killed and wounded. The Thirteenth lost more than -thirty men, chiefly from cholera, on this expedition, but none by the -sword. It was one of the countless forgotten skirmishes upon which the -Indian Empire has been built up.[3] - -Early in 1840, after twenty-one years spent in the country, the -Thirteenth sailed for home. They had seen little fighting, but those -were days when India claimed a terrible toll from British troops, -and during the short march from Bangalore to the coast at Madras the -Regiment lost from cholera forty more men, as well as many women -and children. Cholera is no longer the scourge that it was to our -countrymen, but the thousands of graves that one finds scattered over -the face of the land, often in the loneliest places, are a sad reminder -of the price Great Britain has paid for her Eastern dominion. - -On return to England the Regiment was very weak, for in addition to its -losses from disease, it had left behind many men who had volunteered -for other Regiments in India; but it was soon in good order again. It -was to be replaced in India by the Fourteenth, and in 1841 the two -Regiments, “The Ragged Brigade” of the Peninsular War, met again in -Canterbury. There can have been few officers in either who had served -together in that war, but the old traditions were still alive, and in -remembrance of them the Fourteenth presented to the sister Regiment -their mess-table, which had been originally captured by the Thirteenth -at Vittoria with King Joseph’s household. - -During the next ten years and more the Thirteenth served in the United -Kingdom, and there is little to record of their doings. In 1852 they -formed part of the troops who followed the funeral of their old chief, -the Duke of Wellington, and in the next year they attended the first -camp of exercise held in England. The Duke had originated the idea. The -camp was a success, and proved to be the precursor of many more such -gatherings. But something more than camps of exercise was now before -the Regiment. In 1854 came war with Russia, and the Thirteenth were -warned for service in the field. By the middle of May they had sailed -for the East. It is memorable that they were now once more commanded -by a Lieut.-Colonel Doherty. - -[Illustration: OFFICER OF THE 13TH LIGHT HUSSARS - -(_undress_) - -1830-1836] - -The Regiment had some rough work in European Turkey before going on -to the Crimea; but in September 1854 it landed at Eupatoria with -the Allied forces, and on the 19th of that month it marched towards -Sebastopol as part of the Light Brigade under Lord Cardigan. The -opening day of the march brought the Thirteenth under fire, and they -had a few casualties, which were, it is said, the first in the British -army. The enemy withdrew with some loss, and on the following day the -whole of the Allied armies, British, French, and Turkish, advanced to -the banks of the Alma. - -Every one knows the story of the battle which ensued--how the Allies -attacked the Russian troops holding the heights across the stream, the -British redcoats on the left, the dark masses of the French and Turks -on the right; and how, after some stubborn fighting, the Russians were -driven off the heights upon the plain beyond. The Light Brigade had -little to do during the attack. Their position was on the left front of -the British army, where they remained all the afternoon, watching the -development of the struggle, and facing large bodies of Russian Cavalry -and guns which threatened the flank of our advance. They never did more -than threaten, and the Light Brigade had no fighting, though there was -some slight loss from Artillery fire. When finally the Russians were -driven off the heights, the British Cavalry was sent in pursuit, and -crossing the stream at a gallop, pressed up and over the hills, to see -below them the beaten enemy in full retreat. Some prisoners were made, -and the Russian rearguard was watched as long as daylight lasted, but -nothing of much importance occurred. The battle had been won, and the -Russians had suffered heavily, but the bulk of their troops maintained -some order, and there was no general rout. The Thirteenth spent the -night in bivouac, on ground which had to be cleared of many dead. - -There followed a month of comparative freedom from fighting, while the -Allied armies closed on Sebastopol and took up their position for a -siege. The work of the Cavalry was constant, in exploring the country -and watching the enemy, but until the 25th October no serious encounter -took place. Then occurred the famous battle of Balaclava. - -It was a day on which, to an exceptional extent, Cavalry shared in the -actual shock of battle, and not only as horsemen against horsemen, but -in conflict with other arms. The Russian Cavalry, far more numerous -than the British, were the assailants, but it may safely be said that -at the end of the day, heavy as our losses had been, and unnecessarily -heavy, the British horsemen had established for themselves a personal -superiority which was never again challenged. - -The action began about daybreak, the Russians advancing in great -force to attack certain outlying redoubts held by Turks, which were -incapable of much resistance. The Light Brigade and a troop of British -Horse Artillery moved out to support the defence, but the redoubts -fell quickly and were soon in Russian hands. Then the Russian Cavalry, -some three thousand or more in number, with over thirty guns, advanced -to complete the Russian success, and to threaten Balaclava itself, -which, although of vital importance to our army, was for want of -numbers very weakly held. First a body of the enemy’s horsemen came on -boldly against the 93rd Highlanders, who, with some men of the Guards, -received them steadily and drove them off by a couple of volleys at -close quarters. Then the main body of the enemy’s horse came up unseen -by our own Cavalry, and suddenly appeared on the heights within a few -hundred yards of Scarlett’s Heavy Brigade, which was advancing in -imperfect formation through the tents and picket ropes of the camp to -support the 93rd. Fortunately the Russians, instead of launching their -Cavalry mass upon our greatly outnumbered squadrons, came slowly down -the slope, and halted--and then the Heavy Brigade dashed into their -ranks. Within ten minutes the great mass, nearly three thousand strong, -had been riven by successive charges and scattered over the plain with -a loss of 400 men, and Scarlett’s troopers, a fifth of their number, -rode back in triumph. - -This feat was performed under the eyes of the Light Brigade, who sat -on their horses, impatiently expecting the order to advance and join -in the fight, or at all events in the pursuit of the broken enemy. -According to Colonel Tremayne, then a Captain in the Thirteenth, some -squadrons instinctively fronted that way; and it seems likely enough -that if the Light Brigade had charged the enemy in flank while they -were engaged with Scarlett’s men, great execution might have been -done; but Lord Cardigan considered that his orders forbade him to move, -and the opportunity was not taken. - -[Illustration: BEFORE THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE AT BALACLAVA - -25TH OCTOBER 1854] - -Then followed the separate attack about which so much has been written. -It appeared to the British Commander-in-Chief that the Russians were -about to carry off the guns captured in the lost redoubts, and he -directed the Cavalry to advance rapidly and try to prevent them. What -exactly the Light Brigade was ordered or meant to do has been a matter -of endless controversy; but this much is certain, that 673 officers and -men, of five Regiments, charged a Russian battery in position at the -end of a valley a mile or more in length, other Russian batteries and -bodies of Infantry being on the sides of the valley, and some Russian -Lancers and Hussars in rear of the battery attacked. The Thirteenth, -now reduced to a strength of 8 officers and a little more than a -hundred men, were with the Seventeenth Lancers in the front line. -Behind them came the Eleventh, Fourth, and Eighth Hussars. In front of -all, straight into the enemy’s guns, rode the Commander of the Brigade, -Lord Cardigan. He had been much criticised for habitually sleeping on -board his yacht, which lay in the harbour below, and other allegations -were made against him, but there was at all events no question as to -his courage. The charge was a mad one, due to some misconception. -The Brigade reached its objective, but was practically destroyed in -the course of the charge and return. When the remnants of the Light -Brigade re-formed in rear of the Heavy Brigade, which had not been sent -in, it was seen that the losses had been ruinous. The Thirteenth was -represented by 1 wounded officer and 14 men. Others rejoined later, -but the Regiment lost that day 3 officers and 11 others killed, 12 -men taken prisoners, and 30 wounded. The officer in command, Captain -Oldham, was among the killed. It was a fatal ride, and the Brigade was -sacrificed to little purpose; but officers and men had obeyed their -orders with splendid devotion, and it is no wonder that among the -Regiments which formed the Brigade the memory of “Balaclava Day” is -held in everlasting honour. - -The Thirteenth was present a few days later at the bloody battle of -Inkerman, where it had no chance of doing anything, and then went -through the miseries of the Crimean winter, when men and horses -suffered terribly from want of food and clothing. In February the -effective strength of the Regiment, exclusive of officers, was -5 mounted men--namely, 1 sergeant, 1 trumpeter, and 3 privates. -Lieut.-Colonel Doherty, who had been absent, ill, on the day of the -famous charge, was now fit for service again, but that was the strength -of his command. During the ensuing spring and summer, successive drafts -brought up the number, and when the battle of the Tchernaya was fought -in August 1855, the Thirteenth turned out 200 strong. They came, it is -said, very near disaster again that day in consequence of an order by -the Sardinian General della Marmora, to whom their services had been -lent, and were only saved by the interposition of Marshal Pelissier -from another hopeless charge at a Russian battery. After the fall of -Sebastopol the Regiment had some more hard work in small expeditions, -but no more severe fighting. On the 27th May 1856, they were back at -Portsmouth. - -After their return from the Crimea, the Thirteenth had ten years of -peace service in the United Kingdom. There is nothing memorable about -this period except that in 1861 or 1862 they became Hussars instead of -Light Dragoons. - -In 1866 the Regiment was suddenly ordered to Canada, where the Fenian -conspiracy had given rise to some excitement; but the invasion proved -a fiasco, and the Thirteenth saw no active service. They returned to -England in 1869. - -In 1870 the Thirteenth were once more ordered out to India, and there -they remained for fourteen years. This time they were not sent to the -south of the great peninsula, but to the north, to Hindustan proper, -where there was more chance of stirring times. India, as one of the -best of its Viceroys used to say, is a country where “the bottom is -always dropping out of the bucket,” and the task of putting matters to -rights generally falls to the troops in the north, where the bulk of -the British garrison is always kept. - -There was in fact some active work for the northern army while the -Thirteenth formed a part of it, for in 1878 occurred the Second Afghan -War, in the course of which there was much fighting in Kabul and -Kandahar. But the Thirteenth had not the good fortune to see it. They -were, it is true, sent to Kandahar in 1880, remaining across the border -about a year, but in that part of the country the fighting was over, -and they returned to India. - -[Illustration: 13TH LIGHT DRAGOONS 1854] - -In 1884 the Thirteenth left India for home again, but they were sent by -way of South Africa, where, in Natal, they spent a year. From Natal -they returned to England. In the United Kingdom they spent the next -fourteen years. - -Thus it appears that from 1856 to 1899, forty-three years, the -Regiment never had the good fortune to see a shot fired in anger. But -a considerable part of that time was spent in various parts of the -world, in Canada, Asia, and Africa, and the experience gained in such -service is not without value. If at times prolonged absence from home -may entail a certain loss of smartness, it has its compensations. - -In the autumn of 1899 the Boer republics issued their ultimatum to -Great Britain, and crossed the border of Natal. The Thirteenth was -among the Regiments immediately sent out to strengthen the British -forces in South Africa; and as by the time it arrived Sir George White -was besieged in Ladysmith, it was ordered to join General Buller’s -relieving force in Natal. On the 12th December it was included in Lord -Dundonald’s Cavalry Brigade. Three days later occurred Buller’s attempt -to force the passage of the Tugela at Colenso, and the Thirteenth was -in action throughout the day. The Adjutant, it may be observed, Captain -Tremayne, was the son of one of the eight officers who charged at -Balaclava. From this time until the 3rd March, the Thirteenth shared -all the rough fighting that took place in trying to break through -the strong semicircle of hills held by the Boers. Then the relieving -force entered Ladysmith in triumph. After that the Thirteenth served -throughout the war, and saw much hard work. - -It was not until October 1902 that they returned to England, after an -absence of nearly three years. In the course of the campaign they had -lost eighty men killed in action or by disease, while four officers and -forty-six men had been wounded, and a large number invalided home. The -Regiment fully maintained its reputation, and received many honours. - -Two uneventful years in England followed, and then for the third time -the Thirteenth were sent out to India, where they were still serving in -1910. With the beginning of that year Barrett’s history of the Regiment -ends. It had then been in existence nearly 200 years, and had served in -nine wars, among which were the Peninsular War, the Waterloo Campaign, -the Crimean War, and the South African War. In all of these it had done -well and distinguished itself. Its reputation, whether in war or peace, -stood high. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -1910-1914--OUTBREAK OF THE GREAT WAR. - - -In the beginning of 1910 the Thirteenth Hussars had been more than -five years in India, and again in the south, where their first Indian -service had passed. The military station of Secunderabad, in the -dominions of His Highness the Nizam, the greatest of the Mahomedan -Chiefs of India, had long been one of the strategical points at which -a considerable force of all arms was kept, and a British Cavalry -regiment almost always formed part of the garrison. It is, or was then, -as Indian stations go, one of the pleasantest and most sociable, with -some sport to be got in the neighbourhood; and, owing to the size of -the garrison, there was plenty of amusement, as well as work, in the -Cantonment itself. The Nizam and those about him were always friendly -and hospitable. - -The Thirteenth were not to be in Secunderabad much longer, but in May, -while they were still there, occurred the lamented death of King Edward -VII., and the accession of King George. On the 9th May the officers -of the Regiment, with a party of non-commissioned officers and men, -attended at the British Residency at Hyderabad, the capital of the -Nizam’s dominions, and there heard read the proclamation announcing the -beginning of a new reign. It was to prove one of the most memorable in -the history of India. - -[Illustration: THE DRUM HORSE--AT THE DURBAR] - -During the remainder of the hot season, which in the East is -necessarily the slack season so far as military training is concerned, -the regimental records contain notice of little beyond routine -occurrences and sport of various kinds, the football and polo and -tent-pegging with which men and officers while away the heat and tedium -of an Indian summer. Then, as the heat slackened and another working -season began, the Regiment received orders to move from the south of -India to the north, to a station nearly a thousand miles away, among -a totally different population and surroundings. The Thirteenth left -Secunderabad in the middle of October, carrying with them the hearty -good wishes of the garrison, and of the General Commanding the Cavalry -Brigade, who warmly praised their work and discipline, and expressed -his confidence that they would maintain in the north of India the good -name they had borne in the south. - -Arriving in the northern plains by train, they marched to their new -station, meeting on the line of march the Seventeenth Lancers, with -whom they had charged at Balaclava more than fifty years earlier. The -two Regiments had not met since. The Thirteenth entertained the Lancers -to a camp-fire concert, and then they went their ways again. - -Meerut, where the Thirteenth were now to be quartered, was a well-known -and favourite station. It was memorable as the place at which occurred -the first serious outbreak of the Mutiny of 1857, since which time it -had, from its central position and nearness to the ancient capital of -Delhi, continued to be a large military station. In 1910 the memories -of the Mutiny had grown dim, but Meerut was still an important place -from a military point of view. It lay in the centre of “Hindustan,” the -great northern block of territory which has been the seat of countless -Empires, Hindu and Mahomedan--the real India upon which the vast Indian -Peninsula has in a measure depended for thousands of years. In its -broad plains and teeming cities was always concentrated the military -power of succeeding conquerors, and the British, when they took the -place of the Moghuls, had, like their predecessors, massed their -strength on these northern plains. - -Meerut, it may be noticed, was also a centre of sport, the site of -an annual polo tournament, and within reach of good shooting and -“pig-sticking.” The Thirteenth arrived just in time to join in the polo -tournament, and to be soundly beaten by their Balaclava comrades of the -Seventeenth Lancers. They were also beaten soon afterwards at another -tournament at Lucknow, this time by the Rifle Brigade; but every one -cannot win, and the Thirteenth were at all events to the fore in every -kind of sport. - -Meanwhile the usual work of military training began again--drill -and swimming camps, and marches, and musketry, and inspections, and -much more--the steady hard work of which civilians as a rule have no -knowledge, but very real and useful work for all that, as the old Army -was to show in the dark days which were coming. - -Then followed the summer of 1911, and in the autumn the 13th received -news of the death of their Colonel-in-Chief, General Sir Baker Russell. -He was succeeded by General Sir Robert Baden-Powell. - -But this year, 1911, was not to close with another round of customary -training. King George had shown from the first, as his father and Queen -Victoria had shown before him, a keen interest in his Indian Empire. As -Prince of Wales he had visited the country already; now he had decided -to visit it again as King-Emperor, and to take his seat in person upon -the Imperial throne. It was a momentous decision, and was to have a -great effect upon the Chiefs and people of India--how great an effect -those only can know who have studied and in some measure understood the -traditions and feelings which thousands of years of kingly rule have -implanted in the Indian mind. Happily King George understood, and had -resolved to take the unprecedented step of leaving England for months -to gratify the desire of his Indian subjects. In the whole history of -India no such ceremonial had ever been held, for vast as the Empire of -the Moghuls had been, it had never embraced the whole of the Eastern -dominions now under the British Crown, nor had it formed part of a -wider Empire extending to all the continents of the world. - -[Illustration: D SQUADRON--AT THE DURBAR] - -Among the preparations being made to invest the ceremonial with due -pomp and splendour, was the assembly at the Imperial Camp of a military -force drawn from the Army of India. The occasion was not primarily a -military one, and the numbers of the force were limited; but 50,000 -troops, British and Indian, were being drawn together to represent the -armed might of the greatest power in the East, and to show that if ever -he chose, the British Emperor of India would be able to throw into the -scale of any world-conflict an army in which the military efficiency -of the West would be blended with the loyal devotion and numbers of -the Indian fighting races. Among the Regiments which had the honour of -being included in the representative force at Delhi was the Thirteenth -Hussars. - -The various pageants which took place have been described in detail -by Fortescue, the historian of the British Army, who accompanied the -King to India. The great Durbar at which the King took his seat upon -the throne was a wonderful scene, all classes of the Indian population -joining to do him honour, from the humblest to the great feudatory -chiefs and their retainers, blazing with jewels and gorgeous clothing -and antique armour. The Thirteenth did their part among the soldiers, -of whom Fortescue says: “The troops formed the most essential part of -the pageant.” Besides the Durbar, there were many other interesting -ceremonies and amusements--the presentation of colours, receptions, -polo and football matches, and so on. But the whole did not last many -days. The vast encampment, covering twenty-five square miles, which -had risen as if by magic, with its myriads of tents and its luxurious -gardens, from the solitude of a barren plain, was gone before the end -of the year. The Chiefs of India marched away with their brilliant -retinues, the troops and the people were scattered in every direction, -and the plains about Delhi relapsed into something like their old -lonely peace. But before he went the King had announced with dramatic -suddenness, to the astonishment of the great assembly, that Delhi was -again to be the capital of India, and that the British Empire, which -had risen from the sea, and had hitherto had a seaport for its capital, -was for the future to be centred, as former Empires had been, on the -plains of Hindustan, surrounded by the territories of the Indian chiefs -and the lands of the great Indian fighting races. It was a landmark in -the history of India. - -To the officers and men of a British Cavalry Regiment the full -significance of the ceremonial could hardly perhaps be apparent, and -certainly they could not foresee the world-war which was soon to show -how fortunate in its consequences had been the King’s act in coming -to India at the beginning of his reign. Pageants are hardly to the -mind of a soldier. Still, the Thirteenth had their part in it, and -did well what they had to do. The Regiment was conspicuous among -those reviewed by the King, and at the close of the ceremonial it was -selected for the honour of furnishing a squadron to escort the Queen -during her visit to another ancient capital, Agra. The squadron was -under the command of Captain W. H. Eve. Fortescue writes of it: “We had -remarked the Regiment at Delhi; but even so we were not quite prepared -for what we saw on that Sunday. All the officers of the suite agreed -that the escort was the most perfect they had ever seen, so admirably -were the distance and the dressing preserved. This may seem to be a -small matter, but such details count for much in the discipline of a -regiment, for those that are careful in small matters are unlikely to -be careless in great. Moreover, it is a real pleasure in this imperfect -world to see anything faultlessly done.” - -Fortescue’s words may perhaps seem exaggerated: smartness and -discipline are not necessarily the same thing. But they are nearly -allied, and there is perhaps no greater mistake made by civilians in -judging soldiers than the contempt for drill and “the barrack-yard” -which is so readily expressed. Henderson writes in ‘The Science -of War’: “It is unfortunately to be apprehended that few, except -professional soldiers, understand the nature or the value of -discipline.” And he shows very clearly how necessary is the “habit of -obedience” for efficient action in war. It was not for nothing that -the great American soldier Stonewall Jackson began his career in the -Civil War by drilling his undisciplined soldiery until he made himself -detested by the officers and men who afterwards learnt to worship him. -His brigade stood “like a stone wall” in their first battle when all -was melting around them, and earned him the splendid nickname which has -become immortal. History teems with instances of the supreme value of -the trained soldier in war. Never was it shown more conspicuously than -in that wonderful month of the retreat from Mons, when the little army -of British regulars went back day after day before the overwhelming -numbers of their enemy, only to turn on him at the end and prove to -him that in spite of all their losses and sufferings their spirit and -efficiency were still unbroken. “It is open to those in whose ears the -very name of discipline smacks of slavery, to assert that a powerful -instinct of obedience dwarfs the intellect, turns the man into a -machine, and rusts his power of reasoning; and in this there is a -shadow of truth, but it is only a shadow.” It is a question which has -been often debated, and in which, _primâ facie_, the contemptuous -critic seems to have much right on his side; but to few who have seen -war will his view commend itself. The Regiment which shows up well in -the manœuvres of the parade-ground will rarely fail to show itself -efficient in the field. Like everything else, the principle is capable -of abuse, and may be carried too far, but it is a sound principle in -the main. Certainly the squadron which won Fortescue’s admiration went -very straight when it was tried a few years later in something more -than escort duty. - -[Illustration: THE QUEEN AT AGRA] - -The Durbar and its attendant ceremonies at an end, the Thirteenth -marched back to Meerut, and the old life of military training and sport -began again. There were rifle meetings and inspections, drill and -manœuvres, courses in musketry and signalling and machine-guns, polo -and races; and then the hot weather of India came once more with its -blinding sandstorms and weary nights of heat, when sleep was hard to -get and life seemed hardly worth living. There was some sickness too, -and the terrible spectre of plague cast its shadow over the Regiment. -The men faced the shadow cheerily enough, playing football and hockey -and having boxing competitions after the manner of the British soldier; -but one or two died, and the Regiment had to be inoculated. The -officers kept themselves fit with polo and the swimming-bath. July -brought some welcome rain, two or three good showers a week, and the -Review report of the General Commanding the Northern Army was received: -“A fine regiment, fit for service.” But it was a trying time, as an -Indian hot weather in the plains always is. India is a picturesque -country, full of beauty and romance for those who have eyes to see, -but it has its drawbacks. English women face them as well as men. The -following extracts are from the letters of a lady who decided to brave -the heat with the Regiment. - -_February 15, 1912._--“The weather has suddenly got very hot.... The -Inter-Regimental week starts on the 4th of next month, and goes on for -about a fortnight. To feel I’ve got to entertain people for a fortnight -is a nightmare!--this place doesn’t suit me, and I never feel well. -At the last moment ---- may be sent up to the hills with the invalid -party, but it doesn’t look like it, and he’s not down for a day’s leave -of any description.” - -_February 21, 1912._--“We have heard nothing about the Regiment being -moved this year, so I suppose we shall stay on here. I have decided to -try and stick out the hot weather with ----. I should like to have come -home, but if I do ---- won’t go away at all by himself, and if I have -to go away and go somewhere to a hill station he will come too if he -can get any leave. Of course every one tells me that no woman can do a -hot weather here, but I shall try....” - -_April 3._--“We have had a nice cool week, for which everybody is very -thankful. There was a terrific thunderstorm at the end of last week, -and the temperature dropped from 103 to 83, so you can imagine it was a -change. We all shivered, but it was lovely. It is warming up again now, -and the last two days have been 100 or over in the shade in the middle -of the day. - -“The early routine has started now and ---- has to be up at 4.45, and -gets done about 10.30, when he comes in and has breakfast. We generally -lie down in the afternoon and try and sleep, getting up about 4 for -tea, before going to polo or playing tennis. Nearly every one has gone -away on leave, and the place is very empty and desolate.” - -_April 18._--“There is no news to tell you from here--the hot weather -is always a dreary time of forced inaction and perpetual discomfort. We -are sleeping out of doors every night now with no sheets or blankets -to cover us, so you can imagine it is pretty warm. One generally falls -into a dead sleep just before the dawn, which is the only cool time -during the twenty-four hours. I change my clothes five times during the -day--it is one form of exercise. We are both keeping fit, which is the -great thing.... - -“We had a terrific sandstorm here on Tuesday. We could see it coming -for miles as the sky was a bright yellow; unfortunately we were caught -in it as we were out driving; it was filthy, and we got covered from -head to foot with sand. The storm lasted two hours, but we didn’t get -a drop of rain. If only we had had some rain it would have been cooler -for a few days.” - -So it went on for many months longer, through the blazing hot -weather and the sultry depressing rains. Then began another cold season. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE ESCORT AT AGRA. 1ST AND 3RD TROOPS OF SQUADRON D] - -On the 1st November the Thirteenth won the final in the Meerut Polo -Tournament, after a desperate struggle with the King’s Dragoon Guards. -An officer of the Regiment who had been studying the more scientific -parts of his profession left for the Staff College at Camberley.[4] -There was a Cavalry concentration camp, where a considerable mounted -force was assembled for Divisional training, followed by manœuvres -of several Divisions together. In the midst of all this soldier work -the year was closed by an incident which startled and shocked India. -It had been arranged that on the 23rd of December the Viceroy, Lord -Hardinge, was to make a State entry into the new capital, and some of -the Thirteenth had been sent to join in the ceremonial. The Regimental -Diary records very briefly that “a dastardly outrage occurred, a bomb -being thrown at the Viceroy, which resulted in his serious injury.” -It was a painful commentary upon the enthusiastic greeting which had -been given to the King-Emperor on the same spot just a year before, -and a reminder that in India there exists always a root of sedition -and danger which must not be disregarded. Peace in India is armed -vigilance. But happily disloyal sentiment is confined to a small -minority, and the heart of the great Empire is sound. So Englishmen -felt. They showed a fine example of coolness and moderation in face of -the treacherous attempt at murder, and all went on again as before. If -the traitors had expected to intimidate the white man they were wholly -mistaken. - -On the 1st of January 1913, ceremonial parades were as usual held -throughout the country to celebrate the assumption by Queen Victoria, -more than thirty years before, of the title of Empress of India, and -over the momentarily troubled waters the ship of Empire sailed forward -undisturbed upon its stately way. - -During the rest of the year there was from the point of view of the -Thirteenth nothing of much importance to record. The Regimental Diary -mentions that the English system of messing was introduced for the -first time in India; that “C” Squadron won a silver challenge cup -for shooting open to all squadrons, batteries, and companies in the -Division; and that there was a short spell of “experimental training” -in camp, when the Regiment lived entirely on the resources of the -neighbouring country. Beyond these incidents, the Diary touches -upon little but the doings of the men at cricket and boxing, and -“skill-at-arms” competitions, and hockey and football tournaments. -Hot work they must have been, for there is this entry referring to -the months of July and August: “During these two months the average -temperature was about 98. The weather was very trying and injurious to -health, mainly due to the rain, followed immediately by sunshine, which -caused vapours to rise from the ground.” To every one who has served -in India this quaintly worded sentence brings back a familiar picture. -The British soldier who has “heard the réveillé from Birr to Bareilly” -knows only too well the dreariness of the late summer, when the faces -of the women and children grow white in the reek from the rain-sodden -ground. - -On the 25th of October, Balaclava Day, the first “Old Comrades Dinner” -was held in London, and the Diary notes that among those present were -two Balaclava veterans. - -With this month of October 1913, began the last working season of the -old order. Everything then seemed peaceful enough, and no one thought -that before a year had passed England would be fighting desperately -in the greatest war of all time. For the Thirteenth Hussars attention -was focussed on the usual incidents of an Indian “cold weather.” The -Diary records that the regimental machine-gun detachment distinguished -itself at the Meerut Rifle Meeting by winning a match open to all -India, and that there were some tactical field-days with V Battery of -the Horse Artillery. The Regiment was to be associated with V Battery -in much hard fighting before they had done with each other. Finally, -at the close of the cold season, the Commander-in-Chief in India came -down to Meerut, and there was a “Garrison Ceremonial Parade,” in which -the Thirteenth took part. All went well with them, and the inspection -was entirely satisfactory. It was the last they were to undergo before -being tested by the ordeal of war. - -In the summer of 1914 came the fateful news of the murders at Serajevo, -and before long it began to be seen that events were tending towards -a great European conflict into which England might possibly be drawn. -Every one remembers the excitement of the month that followed. In -India, as elsewhere all over the world, it was intense. After so many -years of peace, or at all events so many years in which England had -looked on at European wars without bearing any part in them, it was -difficult for Englishmen to believe that the long-standing German -menace had really come to a head, and that “The Day” was upon us. It -seemed more probable that England would again stand aside, and that -whatever the Continental nations might do, no British Army would be -sent to shed its blood on European battlefields. Even when Germany -turned upon France, and it became certain that we should see war close -to our own shores--war by which our own deepest interests must be -endangered--it seemed doubtful whether England would take upon herself -the tremendous responsibility of throwing her sword into the scale. -Until the 4th of August the issue remained in suspense. Then the doubt -came to an end, and on the following day it was known all over the -British Empire that the old country had chosen the path of honour. - -In no part of the Empire had the suspense been more acute than in -India, which was full of martial traditions, and, in spite of local -treason here and there, full also of goodwill to the British Crown. -The sudden knowledge that Great Britain was at war stilled at once -the voice of sedition, and was the signal for an outburst of loyalty -on the part of Chiefs and people which astonished our enemies, if -not ourselves, though it was no new thing;[5] and it need hardly be -said that in the military cantonments scattered over the face of the -country, where the soldiers of the King’s Army, British and Indian, -were gathered in constant readiness for war, the announcement was -received with joy and eager hope. They might not be privileged to join -in the central conflict on the battlefields of Europe, but surely they -would have some share in the fighting, some chance of service and -honour. - -Meerut was no exception, and among all the King’s Regiments there was -none which looked forward to the war more eagerly and hopefully than -the Thirteenth, with its memories of the Peninsula and Waterloo and -Balaclava. Some days before war was declared all officers on leave -in the country had been urgently recalled, and when on the 5th of -August the Regiment learnt from a telegram to the Meerut Club that the -sword had been drawn, it was ready for immediate service. On the 9th -of August the Meerut Division was ordered to mobilise. Then followed -some weeks of anxiety, during which the Thirteenth were alternately -elated and cast down by contradictory rumours. Early in September they -received orders to prepare a large draft of men and horses for the -Eighth Hussars, which threw them into the depths of depression; then -they got, but could hardly rely upon, private reports that they were -not to be left in India. It was a trying time. - -Meanwhile it had been raining hard, and this added to the general -depression. Polo became impossible, and neither officers nor men had -anything to relieve the tedium of waiting. The following extracts from -the letters of a junior officer may be worth quoting:-- - -_Lieutenant G. R. Watson Smyth--August 9-12._--“I do not know whether -this letter will ever reach you, or where I shall be if it does. At the -present moment we are awaiting the order to mobilise: it is sure to -arrive at any moment now if the Regiment is to go on service. We don’t -know if it is decided to take the Meerut Cavalry Brigade, but ... it is -possible that the infantry of the Division may be taken. Whether they -will be taken to garrison Egypt or to fight at home is another matter. -As I said, though, we are just waiting for the telegraphic order before -we start shoeing our horses and sharpening our swords.... - -“It is now two and a half hours since we should have got our orders, -and I am beginning to fear that we shall not get them.... - -“I have just gone to the Club, and a wire has come in saying that the -Brigade is not for it. Rotten luck.... - -“The Native Regiments here are in a sort of fever of excitement, and -are longing to have a go at somebody.... - -“Skinner’s Horse are in Meerut with us now. They are an extraordinarily -good and very sporting lot.[6] - -“There has only been one day’s polo for the last month, as all the -grounds are under water, and the rain never stopped long enough to let -them dry....” - -[Illustration: DRAFT OF MEN AND HORSES DETAILED FOR THE 8TH HUSSARS - -SEPTEMBER 1914] - -[Illustration: THE BAND AT THE LAST CHURCH PARADE BEFORE LEAVING INDIA - -NOVEMBER 1914] - -_August 30._--“We are carrying on in the same way as if there were no -war in the world.... It really is a bit too thick that here are we, the -most efficient Cavalry in the world, stuck in this horrid country.... -Not a hope of our going to war. We have just heard that they are -mobilising three other Brigades, and that the Viceroy is coming with -the Court to live at Meerut this cold weather. His escort is one -British Cavalry and one British Infantry Regiment with a battery of -horse guns. This means that we shall stay here and do escort to him the -whole time that the war is on....” - -_September 17._--“We are becoming deadened to joy or sorrow. It is a -perfectly horrible existence, and unfortunately there is no hope of its -changing for the better. - -“We have had six inches of rain since midnight, and it is still -raining--the country will probably be flooded.... - -“There is a small polo tournament coming off here next week; it ought -to give us something to think about, but I am afraid that no one can -raise any enthusiasm about anything, as we are all bored stiff.” - -_October 8._--“There is as usual nothing to say this mail except that -our chances of getting out look blacker than ever.... - -“I think I told you that we have been having a little polo tournament -on the American system. I am glad to say that we won it.... - -“We are going into camp with the squadron on Saturday for a fortnight. -It will be bad, but a lot better than barracks.” - -_October 12._--“I am writing this in our squadron camp.... We have made -friends with the local Nabob, and he has lent us an elephant to go out -shooting on. It is rather fun shooting off his back, as one never knows -what the next shot will be at: it may be a buck or quail or partridge -or snipe, or anything. He is a jolly good retriever and will pick up -anything that is dead, but he hates to if it is only wounded.... The -old man who lent us the hathi (elephant), has just come in to complain -that two of our men have shot two peacocks, which are sacred birds to -Hindus. As there are very strict orders against shooting peacocks ... I -hope that they get it in the neck. They are both in my troop.” - -That is an old cause of trouble. The British soldier finds it hard -to resist at times the temptation to shoot a wild peacock, and add a -“turkey” to his rations; but the Government of India is rightly strict -on the subject. It is an instance of the care one has to take to avoid -hurting Indian feelings. - -_India, October 25, 1914._--“As perhaps you may guess from the -above vague address, we are off to the war.... We got the order -at 4 A.M. ... to pack up and come in to barracks at once -as the Regiment was mobilising. We had everything packed up by 5 -A.M., and the squadron left at 5.30. Considering that this was -all done in the dark and that it was raining as well, I think that it -is rather a good show.... They limit our kit to 35 lbs., which is only -two blankets, a change of clothes, an extra pair of boots, and a valise -to carry the lot--not very much to sleep in with a temperature of 20 or -30.... - -“It is rather a coincidence that we got the order to mobilise on -Balaclava day, isn’t it?” - -Balaclava day! Sixty years had passed, and the thought of it was still -ready to the minds of those who were now taking the Regiment into -another war. That is what a feat of arms in which his Regiment shared -means to the soldier--an ever-living memory and example. - -The suspense was over. “It is great news,” wrote the Captain commanding -the squadron, “far better than we dared hope for, and you may imagine -how we are all feeling.” He was the same officer who had commanded the -Queen’s escort three years before--the model escort. Now he was going -to show whether the men who had won so much admiration in a pageant of -peace time would do equally well in the field. - -Nothing remained but to complete the number of men and horses, both now -below strength in consequence of the draft lately sent to the Eighth -Hussars, and to make the final arrangements for a quick departure. Men -and horses were found from other regiments, and during the first ten -days of November the packing and preparations were completed. Officers -disposed of their horses and furniture; many of the polo ponies were -taken over by the Remount Department for service as Infantry officers’ -chargers; the regimental mess was closed; the heavy baggage and -valuable books were sent to England; and the Regiment’s period of peace -service in India was at an end. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE INDIAN ARMY--BEGINNING OF WAR. - - -The Empire of India, with its population of more than three hundred -millions, is held by an army which, compared with the hosts of European -nations, is a small one. Great Britain has never had in India much more -than seventy thousand British troops, not one man to four thousand of -the population--a conclusive proof, if any were needed, of the fact -that British rule in India is based rather on the goodwill of the -Indians than on force. No doubt in the last resort the white soldier -is the mainstay of the Government against sedition and revolt; but if -sedition and revolt were ever more than partial they would need a much -larger garrison to suppress them. Three hundred millions of people -would not be indefinitely “kept down” by an army of seventy thousand -foreigners, however brave and well disciplined. The truth is that -the British supremacy in India, though it has at times involved hard -fighting, was founded upon the consent and active co-operation of the -Indian races, and is maintained by the same means. - -Not only is the number of British troops in India comparatively -small, but the British Government has not feared to raise and keep up -alongside of them an army of Indian regular troops twice as strong, and -to arm and make efficient for war other bodies of men drawn from the -population, notably some fine contingents of soldiery in the Feudatory -chiefships. Altogether it may perhaps be roughly computed that at the -outbreak of the War in 1914 the Crown had at its disposal in India, -counting local volunteers, perhaps a hundred thousand armed white men -and two hundred thousand Indians. This force had to maintain internal -order throughout a country as large as all Europe excluding Russia, -and to defend the frontiers against any aggression from without. It was -regarded, and organised, not as two armies sundered by the colour-line -and mutually suspicious of one another, but as one army in which the -white regiments and Indian regiments served side by side, as they had -served for many generations in many wars, mutually trusting one another -and fighting as comrades against any enemy who might threaten the -interests of the Indian Empire. - -Some of these enemies had been fought at a great distance from -India--in China, in Persia, in Egypt, and in other countries across -the sea; but until now Indian troops had not been employed in the -battlefields of Europe. More than a hundred years before a great -“sepoy General,” who had learnt his trade in India, had commanded -British armies against the soldiers of Napoleon; and countless other -British officers and men had served both in India and Europe. India -had, in fact, to quote Henderson’s ‘Science of War,’ been “the great -training-ground” of the British Army. And Indian troops had at times, -in Asia and Africa, crossed swords with European enemies. Nevertheless, -the Indian Army, as such, had not fought in Europe, and the British -officers who commanded Indian soldiers had not often served, even -individually, in European wars. No Indian soldiery fought in the -Peninsular War, or at Waterloo, or in the Crimea, or even in the Boer -War, though a contingent of white troops from India did go out to South -Africa then, and saved Natal. England, in fact, had hitherto regarded -the Indian Army, and the vast reserves of Indian races on which that -Army could draw, as a source of strength only for her outlying wars, -not as a portion of the Imperial power upon which she could rely if -attacked in Europe. That may be said in spite of the fact that on one -occasion the far-sighted Beaconsfield had as a demonstration brought a -few Indian troops to the Mediterranean. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: EMBARKING AT BOMBAY. NOVEMBER 1914] - -Unluckily, it may be observed here, this view, and other reasons, -prevented the Indian Army in recent times from being brought up to -the mark required for scientific warfare in Europe. While the Home -Army was being modernised and improved in every way after the Sudan -campaigns and the Boer War, the Indian Army was left without similar -attention. It was quite fit for Asiatic warfare, but in training, arms, -and equipment, its splendid officers and men found themselves at a -great disadvantage when employed against European troops of the latest -model. - -This, however, was not understood by Great Britain. - -Now that she found herself involved in a conflict with the greatest -military power the world has ever seen, and woefully short of British -troops in England to support the comparatively small force she could -send to the help of France, her eyes turned to her great dependency; -and fully assured of the loyalty of India, in spite of the seditious -movements of the past few years, she decided to make use of the reserve -of trained strength she had hitherto set aside, and to let the Army -in India, British and Indian, have its share in fighting the common -enemy on European soil. It was a bold decision, full of important -consequences for India and for the Empire; but it was taken, and the -call was sent out. - -So, when the Thirteenth Hussars received their orders for the front, -they were summoned not as an individual Regiment of British Cavalry, -but as part of the Meerut Cavalry Brigade, made up of one British and -two Indian Regiments, the 3rd and 18th. This Brigade in its turn formed -part of an Indian Cavalry Division, the 2nd, and the 2nd Division -formed part of an Indian Cavalry Corps. - -On the 13th of November the Thirteenth left Meerut by train, in three -detachments, and went down to Bombay, where they were to embark. -What their destination was they did not know for certain, but it was -believed to be somewhere west of Suez. As a fact, their destination was -Marseilles, but during the two days they remained in Bombay waiting to -embark, they received no definite news of this. - -Bombay, the great western port of India, with its magnificent harbour -and wooded hills and teeming city, was at this time a very busy scene. -It had originally come to Charles II. as a portion of the dowry of -Catherine of Braganza, and had been transferred by him to the East -India Company for an annual payment of £10, a striking exemplification -of the almost magical development of the British Empire in India. Now -it was of great value as a commercial port, and as the harbour from -which the Indian Government was to carry on the activities entailed -by the war. But a Regiment embarking for service had little time for -thinking of such matters, for there was much to be done in the two -days that elapsed before the troops went on board. On the 17th of -November everything was ready, and the embarkation began. Many of the -horses were piteously frightened at their novel experience, some of -them “screaming like children” as they were slung up into the air and -lowered into the hold; but they soon got over their terror, and the men -worked splendidly in the Indian heat, the sweat streaming down their -faces and through their coats. Before night men and horses were all -safely on board, and there had been no mishaps. - -The strength of the Regiment when it embarked, under the command of -Lieut.-Colonel Symons, was 20 officers,[7] including the Medical -Officer, 499 other ranks, including the Assistant-Surgeon, 560 horses, -and 1 pony. Several officers were on leave in England, and some of -them were expected to join later; but others had already gone to the -Front, of whom 2 had been killed and 2 wounded.[8] The Regiment was -distributed in two transports--Headquarters and three squadrons, “A,” -“B,” and “D,” on board the _Dunluce Castle_, “C” Squadron and the -machine-gun detachment on board the _Risaldar_. During the 18th of -November the vessels remained at anchor, for they were to form part of -a convoy, and some of the other ships were not quite ready to sail; but -on the 19th all was in order, and then at 9 o’clock in the morning the -whole convoy, to the number of 26, weighed anchor and steamed slowly -out over the sunlit waters of the harbour. Outside, the convoy stopped -to pick up a few more ships joining from another port, and then the -whole formed up, six abreast, and, led by an escorting cruiser, sailed -away to the westward. It was a fine sight, though a sad one for the -women of the Regiment, who were left behind on shore. Many of them had -looked their last upon their men. But that is war. - -[Illustration: THE DEPARTURE FROM BOMBAY. 19TH NOVEMBER 1914] - -It was a striking incident that the convoy was escorted from Bombay by -the _Dupleix_, a French man-of-war. In the old days, when the French -and English were fighting out their long struggle for the mastery -of India, the English had no more dangerous enemy than Dupleix, who -tried to raise against them a confederacy of Indian powers, and as -some believe taught them the use of Indian soldiery trained after the -manner of Europe. Sea-power, which he did not understand, baffled all -his efforts and decided the struggle in favour of England. Now, if the -spirit of the great Frenchman had returned to the shores of India, he -would have seen the same sea-power again triumphantly exerted, and -would have watched his own countrymen, in a vessel which bore his name, -joining with his old enemies to convey to the shores of France, for the -help of France, thousands of Indian soldiery drilled and disciplined -after his own fashion. If he could have gone with them he might have -seen another and even more striking example of the irony of fate. He -might have seen on the shores of the Channel the figure of another and -greater Frenchman, looking down from his lofty column, not upon the -ranks of his veterans gathered together for the invasion of England, -but upon the tents of numberless British encampments full of Englishmen -assembled on French soil to fight for France. A hundred years before, -English sea-power had foiled his vast schemes of conquest. “Those -far-distant, storm-beaten ships upon which the Grand Army never -looked, stood between it and the dominion of the world.” And they had -prevailed. Now English sea-power was fighting on the side of the Army -of France, and the old enemies combined were to bring down in ruin -another scheme of universal empire. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -VOYAGE TO FRANCE. - - -The voyage of the Thirteenth across the Indian Ocean was not disturbed -by any hostile attack or demonstration, nor by bad weather, and the -six-abreast formation was kept until the convoy was near Aden, when a -new formation in two lines ahead, or two ships abreast, was taken up. -Shortly after passing Aden the _Dupleix_ parted company to coal at the -French port of Jibuti, and her place was taken by the _Northbrook_, a -vessel of the Royal Indian Marine. So far all had gone well. - -The wife of an officer of the Thirteenth had left Bombay for England in -a passenger steamer a day or two after the Regiment, and she writes in -a letter of the time: “On Saturday, 28th of November, we caught sight -of our Indian convoy at about nine in the morning. An Admiral asked the -Captain to go quite close, as there were so many wives on board whose -husbands were in the convoy. So he very kindly altered his course, and -we went quite close so that we were able to pick out the different -ships, and could actually through glasses see the ships with horses on -board.” It was a courteous act, and no doubt gave pleasure, if a rather -pathetic pleasure, to all concerned. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: IN THE SUEZ CANAL. DECEMBER 1914] - -Though matters had gone well, the voyage had not been altogether -without suffering for man and beast. Even at the best season of the -year the heat in the Eastern seas can be very trying, and though -British troops going on service were no longer exposed to the horrible -discomforts of Crimean days, but conveyed in such splendid vessels as -those of the Union-Castle Line, the Thirteenth had some unpleasant -times. An officer wrote to his wife: “You know what the weather has -been like, but you can have no conception of what it has been below -in the horse decks: absolute hell. All across the Arabian Sea it was -dead calm and a following wind, and the first day and a half in the -Red Sea was even worse. We have worked like slaves with the horses, -off and on all day: men stripped, officers in shirt sleeves, and all -pouring with sweat; the horses panting for breath, and all we could do -by continually moving them, sluicing with vinegar and water, and all -sorts of things, to keep them alive. It was heart-breaking. I hope I’ll -never go through such a time again.... All the days in the Arabian Sea -seemed to get hotter and hotter, and the horses worse and worse; and -the first day in the Red Sea, last Friday the 20th, was worse still, -and one of my best horses, No. 133, 4th Troop, a nice bay from Saugar, -with pink rings round his eyes, died from heat-stroke. Then one of ‘B’ -Squadron died, and it was desperate. Two or three times they have had -the ship round in a circle, to face the wind and try and get some air -below for the horses, and it has been a great relief.... You wouldn’t -believe how tame all the horses are now. You can do anything with them. -Poor devils, they have had a frightful time. Saturday again was very -hot, but the wind gradually came round ahead, and by evening there -was a good breeze; and yesterday and to-day has been lovely: a stiff -breeze ahead and quite cool. It is like heaven, and the horses are like -different creatures and picking up fast. It is sure to last now, I -think, right in to Suez, and I hope our troubles are over.... The men -have worked like slaves, and so have we for that matter.” - -Another officer, Lieutenant Watson Smyth, writes of the start at -Bombay, after five or six hours spent in slinging horses into the hold: -“At 8.30 I went down to the horse deck, and never have I met such heat. -The horses were packed in pens of five, and were all, all over in a -white lather; The temperature was taken by the Vet. and it was 133. -This is 6 degrees more than the highest recorded in India, so you can -see it was real hot....” - -_November 29, 1914._--“It has been very hot indeed the last few days, -and the horses are feeling it very much. Only two have died so far.... -I think I said that most of my squadron are in the fore-hold, and the -other squadrons are on the decks above it round the hatchway, so that -if anything has to be taken out of their decks by a crane it has to be -hung over the hold while being hoisted. One of the horses I mentioned -died in one of their decks, and when slung up to be dropped overboard, -slipped out of the sling and fell forty feet into the hold. Luckily he -only grazed one of our horses, another half-inch and it would have been -killed. I have decided to take that horse for a charger, as if he can -have an escape like that nothing else is likely to hurt him.” - -It was a rough experience, and not a very good preparation for the cold -of a winter in Northern France; but for the moment the discomfort was -over, and throughout the voyage not many horses died. The Thirteenth -lost four or five in all. Three-quarters of the troop horses were -Indian country-breds, and the rest Australians, and therefore also -accustomed to some heat. But the country-breds were rather light for -British Cavalry, and hardly fitted at best to face snow and wet. - -The Thirteenth found the banks of the Suez Canal lined with troops, -largely Indian, who were expecting an attack from the Turkish army -gathered in the desert to the north, but no attack came while the -convoy was in the Canal. - -Meanwhile, though still ignorant of their destination and very anxious -to know it, they were cheered by a letter from an officer who had seen -some fighting on the French Front. “He says the German Cavalry won’t -face ours at all, and that their Infantry shoot rottenly. He says their -Artillery, machine-guns, aeroplanes--anything mechanical, in fact--are -perfect--and nearly all the casualties are from gun-fire. He says, -man for man they are no match for us, and it is all simply a question -of numbers. He says the patrol-work of the German Cavalry is too -childish.” This confident letter was not altogether wrong in its views, -as was afterwards shown by Lord French’s despatches and other evidence. -Needless to say, the Thirteenth longed to be face to face with the -famous Uhlans.[9] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: IN THE SUEZ CANAL. DECEMBER 1914] - -Port Said was full of troops and of French cruisers and destroyers, a -very bright and busy scene. There the Thirteenth at last learnt their -destination. What they had longed for had come. They were to go on -to Marseilles, and from there to the Western Front. It was to be real -work, against a European enemy. - -The passage across the Mediterranean, if rough, was uneventful, and by -the middle of December the Regiment was landed on French soil. “We have -arrived all fit and well and jolly,” Captain Eve wrote, “and have had a -very busy day.... It is beautifully mild and fine. All the horses are -well, and mine flourishing.” - -The next day the Regiment went on by rail to Orleans. It was an -interesting journey, and the French people all along the line gave -the Regiment a hearty welcome. “French Red Cross people at all large -stations, and lots of soldiers: also lots of enthusiasm, singing, -giving the men country wine, and so on. They gave us cigarettes, -coffee, tea, flowers, and so on, and were all very nice. Altogether it -was very interesting and I enjoyed it. I had to give one badge away to -a girl who asked for it, and to kiss another’s hand, which I hated. The -men made a tremendous noise, but behaved very well indeed, except that -two or three of mine got rather drunk on the last night. But it was -very difficult for them. I find I can get on a little with my French if -I am not hurried....” - -That entry was very English, and very English too the thoughts of -hunting stirred up by the French _campagne_: “We came a round-about -way, not straight, and at one part came through some awfully nice -country just like home, say the Duke’s country, enclosed property, and -some stone-wall country too, and small coverts, and hilly. I got quite -excited looking out at it.” - -But the journey was soon over. A little after midnight, on the 17th -of December, the Regiment arrived at a siding near their camp: “It -was bitterly cold, with a white frost and icy wind, and we had to -turn out, detrain, and load up all our kit, saddles, and arms on to -motor lorries, and then march, leading our horses six miles out to -our camp here in pitch darkness.... We left the station about 2.45 -A.M., and reached camp about 5 A.M., and groped about -till we somehow got our lines down.” It was not a pleasant beginning -to their soldiering in France, a curious contrast to the heat of the -Red Sea--“the worst and coldest camp, I think, I have ever seen, -about six inches deep in liquid mud, on the top of an exposed hill, -with a bitter wind blowing. We are in tents, V.[10] and I sharing an -80-lb. one. We are very warm and comfortable, lots of warm straw on -the ground, and our valises on top of it, and the men are in tents -too, but the poor unfortunate horses are having a terrible time.... -They stand always in a bog. The watering-place, about three-quarters -of a mile away, is literally up to your knees nearly in liquid mud.” -Lance-Corporal Bowie’s diary says of the arrival at Orleans: “Here we -detrained at once in the midst of a terrific hailstorm, afterwards -saddling up and leading our horses through the city to the village of -La-Source, a distance of nine miles. Our stay at this camp proved to be -a very severe test for both men and horses, as we were still clothed -in our Indian khaki; at the same time it rained heavily for hours, and -was also bitterly cold. The place in which the rough water-troughs had -been fitted up, being in a valley, became practically a sea of mud, in -places reaching up to our horses’ bellies.” - -At this camp the Regiment found some more of their officers awaiting -them, which brought them up to full strength again. - -After two or three days they moved to a slightly more sheltered place, -and the weather began to change. By Christmas Day it was bitterly cold, -but bright and still, with a warm sun, and all was going better. Plenty -of warm clothing was being served out to the men, and it was possible -to get exercise again; and the food was excellent, good meat and -vegetables, and tobacco. The warm clothing indeed was more than the men -and horses could carry, and the quantity of blankets and other things -had to be reduced to a more reasonable and serviceable scale. To quote -Lance-Corporal Bowie again: “On Christmas Day 1914, every one received -a post-card photo of the King and Queen, and also a gift from Princess -Mary, which consisted of a pipe and an embossed brass box containing -tobacco and cigarettes. A majority of us also received a Christmas -parcel, which we owed to the generosity of the ladies connected with -the Regiment, at the same time being completely overloaded with warm -underwear, woollen cardigans, waistcoats, mittens, &c. But the waste -of our new kits which we were compelled to obtain before leaving India -was disgraceful, almost everything being burnt with the exception -of some which we had dumped at Marseilles, which, needless to say, we -never saw again. On the morning of the 31st of December we were all -very glad to march out of this muddy camp, an incident worthy of note -being that the men were so overloaded with kit (many of them having on -two of almost everything as regards underclothing, having nowhere else -to carry it), that they found it an awful struggle to mount, feeling -more like a well-dressed Christmas-tree than a cavalryman. However, -having all got mounted, we marched direct to Orleans Station, where we -at once entrained for Berguette (Pas-de-Calais), where we arrived at 3 -A.M. on 1st January 1915. Detraining here, we marched up to a -village called Enquin-les-Mines, a distance of some kilometres, where -we were allotted billets which consisted of old barns, &c., for the -men, whilst we made our horses comfortable under archways, &c.” - -[Illustration: Major T. H. S. MARCHANT, D.S.O.] - -[Illustration: Col. A. SYMONS, C.M.G.] - -[Illustration: Major W. A. KENNARD, D.S.O. - -(_Died of pneumonia, December 1918, at Etaples_)] - -[Illustration: Bt. Col. W. PEPYS, D.S.O.] - -[Illustration: Lieut.-Col. E. F. TWIST - -(_Wounded at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -Certainly the British soldier in this war was equipped and fed as he -had never been before, and the Thirteenth ended the year very happily -on the whole. It was a contrast to their winter in the Crimea sixty -years earlier. - -Christmas good wishes and photographs from the King and Queen and -Princess Mary came to assure them that they were not forgotten in -England. And if the prayer of Their Majesties, “May God protect you and -bring you home safe!” was not to be fulfilled for all of them, they -faced what was to come with confidence and eagerness, longing only for -more stirring work, and a chance of doing their share of honourable -service. - -It was a pause in the fighting then. The great retreat on Paris and -the battle of the Marne were over, and the baffled enemy had made his -first attempt to strike out to the westward for the Channel ports. He -had been stopped after desperate fighting by the wasted regiments of -our little army, and the troops on both sides were settling down into -the long trench warfare of the next four years. The British part of the -line was woefully short of men, and guns and munitions of all kinds; -and to those who knew the real state of affairs the outlook was very -dark, for in England there were no trained reserves to send to the -Front--plenty of brave men, but no soldiers. Happily the country did -not know in what peril its army was, and contingents were coming from -India and Canada and Australia and New Zealand, and the confidence of -the men at the Front was unfailing, and all hoped that the worst was -over. It seems wonderful now that such confidence should have prevailed -at the Front, and so little real anxiety in England; but the fighting -men were full of the belief that they were man for man so superior to -the enemy that he could never break through. Such gloomy faces as there -were could be found only in England, not among the fighting men. In -spite of snow and mud and suffering of all kinds, there was no gloom -with them. - -[Illustration: Bt. Lieut-Col. E. J. CARTER] - -[Illustration: Major R. F. COX] - -[Illustration: Capt. LORD HUNTINGFIELD] - -[Illustration: Capt. NORMAN NEILL - -Brig.-Major, 7th British Cavalry Brigade - -(_Killed at Zwarteleen, 6th November 1914_)] - -[Illustration: Bt. Major R. S. HAMILTON-GRACE - -G.S.O. 2nd Hdqrs. Cav. Corps - -(_Killed in Motor accident at Burgues, 4th August 1915_)] - -[Illustration: Capt. F. C. COVELL] - -[Illustration: Bt. Major H. LL. JONES, D.S.O. - -(_Wounded in France with 4th Dragoon Guards, 28th October 1914_)] - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -1915 IN FRANCE. - - -The Regiment was now at full strength, officers and men and horses, -and keen for a share in the fighting. The horses had suffered to some -extent from the change of climate in the past six weeks, but only -required a little rest and feeding-up. The men seemed fit and ready for -anything. - -But though all hoped for Cavalry work in the near future, and a chance -at the Uhlans, this was not to come yet. The enemy’s horsemen were no -longer to be found in the extreme front, and the fighting was being -done by our guns and Infantry, which were deficient in numbers and -very hard pressed. The British Cavalry, therefore, though kept as -far as possible efficient for their own work in case a chance should -occur, had to be utilised to some extent to help the out-numbered -foot-soldiers in the trenches; and during the first few days of the new -year the officers and men of the Thirteenth, while undergoing Cavalry -inspection and training, were hard at work perfecting themselves in -their new duties. They had not long to wait. - -Before the middle of January they had been taken up to the firing line -to be “shot over.” “On the 12th,” writes Lance-Corporal Bowie, “we were -informed that we were to take our places in the trenches as infantry, -having been armed with the new H. V. rifle and bayonet, and having had -plenty of practice in bayonet-fighting, which was quite a new thing -for the Cavalry, we were pretty confident of being able to do anything -that was required of us dismounted. So leaving only sufficient men -behind to attend to the horses, we started off the next morning in the -highest spirits for Béthune, our conveyances being the good old London -motor-buses, complete with their own drivers and conductors. Arriving -there at 5 P.M., we marched direct to the trenches, just in -front of the village of Festubert, a distance of thirteen kilometres, -relieving the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons. We remained in these trenches -until 6 P.M. the following evening, when we were relieved by -the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, many of our fellows having to be -lifted out of the trenches owing to being cramped with standing in the -mud and water for so long. On each man receiving a tot of rum, we at -once marched back to Béthune.... On arriving at the market square in -Béthune, many men fell from sheer exhaustion. Meeting the buses again, -we had some hot coffee and returned directly back to our billets, which -we were very thankful to reach about 2 A.M. on the 15th of -January 1915. One of the most remarkable features of this, our first -time in the trenches, was the fact that we did not sustain a single -casualty, although we were subjected to a continual bombardment the -whole time, the Huns’ shooting being fairly good(?), but their shells -were very bad, many burying themselves in the mud and failing to -explode at all.” - -[Illustration: FESTUBERT - -(From the picture presented to the Regiment by Brig.-Gen. A. Symons, -C.M.G.)] - -Such was the first introduction of the Thirteenth to actual fighting -in the Great War. It was very different from what they had hoped--a -dreary struggle of endurance against mud and cold, on foot, instead of -the stirring hand-to-hand work in the saddle for which a cavalryman -naturally longs; but the account shows the cheery spirit in which the -men took to their uncongenial duty. Needless to say, the officers set -them a good example. One of them, Lieutenant Watson Smyth (14th January -1915), writes: “We got up at Enquingatte, where we were billeted, at 6 -A.M. on Wednesday, and at 8 had a three-mile march to another -village, Estrée Blanche, where the whole Brigade was concentrated. -At about 10.30 along came a fleet of motor omnibuses (London General -Company), and halted along the line of troops. We were then told off, -and twenty-five men and one officer went in each bus. The buses have -the glass out of the windows and the space is boarded up, otherwise -they are the same, except that the outside advertisements are painted -over, and the whole bus is dark grey (please excuse my writing, but -we are under shell-fire--75 mm. shrapnel--and I am expecting one -through the roof any minute). To go on, we left in our buses at 11 -A.M. Soon after starting, one skidded into the ditch and had -to be jacked and dug out, but this got to be quite a common occurrence -later in the trip. At about 1 P.M. we arrived at Béthune, -about seven miles from the trenches. We stayed there for an hour, and -had our lunch while the men had their dinners. At about 2.30 we got -going again, this time on our flat feet, and marched about four and a -half miles to a village, Festubert, where we halted. Here we all got -a drink of beer, followed by coffee and rum. At 4.45 P.M. -we started again, and this time went right on up to just behind the -trenches. Here I, with eight men who had volunteered for the job, went -on to ----, about 400 yards in front of our machine-guns, which were -on the left of our line.... When I got up to it we were challenged -by the post of the Regiment that we were relieving, and then I went -up to them. I asked if they were all right. In a very despondent -voice he replied, ‘I’ve two men nearly dead with cold: they are both -unconscious, and I don’t know how I’ll get them back.’ Just at that -moment one more man went over flop. I thought this was a jolly start, -as I was going to be there all night and these fellows had been there -in the day. We had great trouble to get them out, as the trench was -knee-deep in the most holding mud I had ever met. It beat Wadhurst clay -by three stone and a distance. Another difficulty was the fact that -the Germans, who were about 600 yards in front, or perhaps a bit more -(people are talking all round me, and I keep writing what I hear), -kept on sending up ‘Very’ lights and star-shells, which lit up the -whole place far better than it was lit up in the daytime. Owing to the -snipers, who were lying up all over the place, we had to drop flat as -soon as we saw the light going up, and stay there for about a minute -after it had gone. Then I got into the trench, which was bisected by a -stream which was just over knee-deep. I put four men one side, and four -with myself the near side. I had orders to keep on sniping all night so -as to annoy the Germans, so I had one man of each four on sentry for -an hour at a time, with orders to shoot about once every five minutes. -Of course I could not sleep myself, but I lay down in the wet mud. -The trench was over ankle-deep in mud and water, and only just long -enough to hold us all. About midnight it got most damnably cold, and -I issued the men milk chocolate, and gave them each a tot of rum from -a flask I’d got. The snipers kept on shooting at us, but mostly went -over, though a few bullets did hit the trench. One horrid fellow, whom -we called Bert, was behind us somewhere, and made me very angry. At 3 -A.M. we heard the devil of a battle going on a long way off, -machine-firing guns going rapid, and a rattle of musketry. This went -on for half an hour, and then one or more of our big guns somewhere -behind us started firing occasional shots. It made a most colossal -row, although it must have been at least half a mile away. At about -5 A.M. we saw the relief coming up, halted it and saw that -it was all right, got out of the trench, ... then we went back to the -road behind us and walked along it for about 500 yards till we came to -the house that the squadron was billeted in. There we got some tea and -more rum, and a bit of bully and biscuit, and the men thawed out. The -squadron had been in the trenches all night, and had been relieved, as -I was, just before dawn. I do not think I ever appreciated a house and -a fire so much before as after that twelve hours of water and mud.... -The dotted lines show where the snipers were firing. There was one -called Fritz who used to fire across the road about every ten minutes. -I am sending you one of his bullets. We sat in the house until 10 -A.M., when the Germans began to shell the place. The first -shell (shrapnel out of captured French guns) burst about 80 feet in -front of a group of us, me included, and the bullets went all round us -without touching anybody--it was really rather a lucky escape. After -that we cleared off to the bomb-proof at the back of the house where -I am now. Another shell burst as we were going into the shelter, and -scattered all round, but again missed everybody....” - -[Illustration: Capt. J. N. LUMLEY, M.C.] - -[Illustration: Capt. J. I. CHRYSTALL, M.C.] - -[Illustration: Capt. F. H. STOCKER] - -[Illustration: Lieut. G. R WATSON-SMYTH - -(_Wounded near Lillers, 14th July 1915_)] - -[Illustration: Capt. J. H. HIND] - -[Illustration: Capt. J. L. M. BARRETT] - -[Illustration: Capt. J. A. JEFFREY, M.C.] - -_January 15, 1915._--“We are now back in billets, having done only -twenty-four hours in the trenches. We stayed in our bombproof till -about 3 P.M., although they had stopped shelling the -village.... We found that two shells had gone through the room we -had been sitting in and had burst in it. They had only knocked holes -in the walls and scattered a lot of plaster and stuff about. We had -our transport packed by 4.30 P.M. and fell in at 5 in the -dark.... I had to wait so as to take the patrol of the relieving -regiment down to where I had been.... On the way, up went a star-shell, -and down I flopped in about six inches of water. As soon as the -light had gone--phut!--and a bullet from Fritz hit the ground about -15 yards over. I lay a little flatter, with my back crawling with -apprehension--phut!--and another went about 10 yards in front. I lay -flatter still--phut!--and another hit the ground about 10 yards behind. -I thought this was nice, as he must now be able to see me, and the -next shot ought to get me, so I lay very flat and cursed all Germans. -But he didn’t fire again, so after a bit I got up and splashed (I’ve -never made such a noise before, at least so I thought) forward to the -patrol. They also were so cold that they could hardly stand, so I had -to stand on the bank and lug them out to the usual accompaniment of -star-shell, Very lights, and snipers.... We got into our billets at -3 A.M., and I was in bed and asleep at 3.20. We were all in -a most filthy mess outside, owing to the mud and water that we had -been lying in, and inside our clothes owing to the cod-liver oil that -we were anointed with from our feet up to our waists.... It is fine -stuff to keep the cold out. I was wearing Cording boots with two pairs -of socks, the inside pair vaselined, and the outside pair oiled, and -puttees over the top of the boots. Although I had been several times -in water over my knees, I never got my feet cold or wet.... The only -casualty in the Brigade was one sowar of the ----, killed. He got -scared at a Very light, and stood up in the open staring at it, so -of course a sniper shot him and he died. I don’t expect we shall do -any more trenches for a bit: this effort was only due to the Corps -Commander, who wanted to have us shot over. I think it did every one a -lot of good: it has certainly taught me that shrapnel is not half so -awful as one thinks, and that one can lie out with only a coat on in a -puddle all through a winter night, and be none the worse for it, and -also that a whack of rum has an entirely beneficial effect.” - -_January 16._--“The patrol of the Regiment that relieved mine saw two -dead Germans about 500 feet in front, and so of course all the men who -were with me are claiming that they killed them, and the first blood of -the Regiment is theirs.... The men I had with me were all hard nuts, -and when not on sentry lay down in the water and went to sleep. They -had their British warms (_i.e._, coats with a flannel lining that -reaches to the knee) and mackintoshes, so that they were fairly warm -and dry, except for their legs. Their feet got very cold, though the -vaseline helped a lot.... It was quite an experience, and although I -was most beastly uncomfortable all the time, I wouldn’t have missed -it for anything. I must say that I never expected that the first time -people fired shots in anger at me, and I was retaliating, that my only -thought would be how to keep warm, and also not to go to sleep.... One -rather amusing thing happened while we were in reserve in the village. -Our Colonel got an idea that a sniper was concealed in one of the -houses (there were no inhabitants left), and so ordered ‘X’ Squadron -to make a house-to-house search. A party consisting of twenty men and -one young officer started off with loaded rifles, fixed bayonets, -fingers on the trigger--officers waving revolvers. Suddenly they saw a -man on a haystack: immediately pandemonium ensued--rifles going rapid, -men charging, revolvers going off, wild confusion. Suddenly the fire -stopped, and a perfectly _furious_ officer leaped off the haystack, -rushed at the officer, and started, ‘You ... ’ for about five minutes. -He then saw the squadron leader, rushed at him, and dragged him off to -the Colonel. He then said he’d been on that haystack for five weeks, -that all the Germans in Northern France had been shooting at him, as he -was in an extraordinarily good place for observing fire, and then these ----- did their best--a d--d poor one at only 20 yards--to lay him out. -As we had not been warned he was there, I think it was quite natural to -plug him. He really was the angriest man I have ever seen.” - -War has its humours, and it is well to be able to enjoy them. - -For a month or so after that first experience there seem to have -been no more nights in the front trenches for the Thirteenth, but -some parties were told off for trench-digging, and there was much -Cavalry-training of one kind or another, with occasional orders to -“stand to” and be ready to move at very short notice. These orders of -course gave rise at first to much excitement, and eager hopes of some -real Cavalry-fighting, but they never came to anything. Perhaps the -best way of showing what the Regiment was doing during the remainder -of this year, 1915, is to quote some more extracts from letters and -diaries. - -[Illustration: BILLETS OF CAPTAINS EVE AND JACKSON AT ENQUINGATTE] - -[Illustration: CAPT. W. H. EVE] - -[Illustration: CAPT. T. K. JACKSON AND LT. J. V. DAWSON] - -[Illustration: TRENCHES AT ENQUINGATTE DUG BY D SQUADRON] - -[Illustration: SCHOOL AT ENQUINGATTE WHERE LT. J. V. DAWSON WAS -BILLETED] - -_Lieutenant Watson Smyth--February 6._--“When I got back I found my -squadron ‘standing to,’ and ready to move at fifteen minutes’ notice. -However, that has now been cancelled, and we are now living in the -same old peaceable way. We had a sham fight this morning to practise -dismounted action. I and my troop had to run along a dry stream-bed for -about three-quarters of a mile. I was nearly dead at the end of it, but -my troop were even more done, so on the whole I was rather pleased.... -I do not think it is likely that we shall move for some time, as it -is absolutely impossible for Cavalry to move once they get off the -roads.... I have just finished my evening task of letter censoring. -That is not a nice job as it takes a long time, and I don’t much care -about reading other people’s letters, especially such extraordinarily -dull ones as the average soldier writes.” - -_February 17._--“In the afternoon it began to snow, and it snowed as -hard as it could all the evening and most of the night. We had been -going to have a Divisional route-march the next day (Thursday), but -that night the orders were cancelled. On Thursday we found it just -possible to ride our horses, but only just as the roads were deep in -snow, and it was balling badly.... We are rather badly off for water -in these billets: I do not mean that there is not enough--the whole -place is soaking--but none of it is very good. I rather think that that -is one of the causes of our horses not looking as well as they might. -Watering is almost as important as feeding, isn’t it?... Horses are my -special care, but it’s rather disheartening having these beastly little -country-breds to look after.” - -It may be observed that the Indian country-bred is not accustomed to a -Western winter and heavy snow. Nor were the men of the Indian Regiments -in the Brigade, to whom such weather was as trying as the extreme heat -of India is to English troops. - -“I had one horse get his leg broken by a kick from his neighbour two -nights ago. It was smashed clean in two about four inches above the -knee. Must have been some kick, as the bone is pretty thick at that -part. I had him shot where he stood, hitched on one of the draft -horses, and pulled him about 200 feet into a field over the way, and -the defaulters buried him in the afternoon. A six-foot grave for a -horse takes a bit of digging, and fairly made ’em sweat. It nearly -killed an old fat reservist, who was doing defaulter for getting drunk -on the way up from the Base. However, if he has a few more to bury, he -will be an easier man to mount.” - -_February 27._--“To-day we had the coldest day we have had in France. -We paraded at 9 A.M. and did a Brigade scheme. I hated every -minute of it, and so did our wretched horses. We were out from 9 till -1.45, and most of the time in a snowstorm on the side of a hill.... - -“My first servant, Farmer, is a tiger for work. I discovered the other -day that he had been working at a big butcher’s in Jermyn Street -before he joined the Army. As I also found some young pigs in one of -the farms, I took him down to pick out a nice sucking-pig. He chose -one, and I bought it for eight francs, and we are all going to eat it -to-night: Farmer was great at cleaning, and scalding, and killing it. -It was a most comic affair, as there were about thirteen little pigs, -the lady of the farm, Farmer, and self in a covered sty about 12′ × 8′ -× 6′ high. We were all talking at once, a child was howling, the pigs -were screaming, and we were all trying to catch a different piglet. -At length, however, we succeeded in collaring the right one, and I’ve -never heard any animal make such a colossal noise as this little beast -did when he was carried off. I nearly died with laughing, as just as -we were coming off the road we met the General riding down. He was -frightfully tickled....” - -It appears from Major Cox’s diary that “during the month of February -a semi-station routine of Brigade route-marches, Brigade field-days, -lectures on various subjects, and squadron schemes, was carried out. - -“Quite a lot of snow fell during the month, and cold frosty weather was -the rule.” - -March opened with a very sad accident to the battery of Horse -Artillery, V Battery, which formed part of the Brigade. - -[Illustration: FEBRUARY AND MARCH 1915 - -FARRIERS, D SQUADRON - -OFFICERS OF D SQUADRON - -MAJOR R. F. COX - -OFFICERS OF D SQUADRON - -TAKEN AT WARNES, MARCH 1915] - -According to Major Cox’s diary, “A trench-mortar bomb exploded during -instruction, mortally wounding Major Goldie commanding the battery, two -subalterns, and twelve men. Forty-one N.C.O.’s and men were wounded. As -bad luck would have it, the whole of the battery was assembled round -the trench-mortar when the explosion took place.” All officers -of the Thirteenth who could attend the funeral did so, and it was -distressing to think of so many brave men killed and wounded, not by -the enemy in fight, but by an accident of the kind. - -This happened in Serny, a village adjoining Enquin. - -_Lieutenant Watson Smyth--March 7._--“To-day we had to find thirteen -men a troop to go and dig trenches: they left at 6 A.M., and -aren’t expected back till 8.30 P.M. This left us, allowing for -servants, sick, &c., about six men a troop for duty. We spent our time -tidying up and straightening out the billets, and have been at it all -day.” - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--March 16._--“We have been on the move and -bivouacking every night in a wood, so have had no time to write. -We were in the advance to Neuve Chapelle, but were not used.... We -always travel by night owing to hostile aircraft being about, and the -consequence is sleep is impossible.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--March 16._--“I got your letter in hospital at St -Omer.... I was in a terrible funk they would send me off home, as I -knew what that would mean--two or three weeks perhaps, and then to -Aldershot to wait my turn to come out. So I got at the doctors at once, -and they said I should be kept there and go straight back to duty as -soon as possible. I was very relieved.... - -“Then rumours began to come through of this forward movement of ours -between Armentières and La Bassée, and the hospital had to get ready -for one thousand extra cases, though holding five hundred usually. So -we knew something was on, and could also hear the big guns at times. At -last on Thursday the 11th they told me I could leave hospital next day. -Of course this is much too soon really, and would not be done in peace -time. But now it is different. - -“I went off to get my movement orders and asked ‘Any news?’ They -said, ‘Haig has sent for his Cavalry.’ We are Haig’s Cavalry--1st -Army--and you can imagine the state I was in. Next day I left by -train--8.24--having slipped out of hospital without even having my -things disinfected.... All the Indian Cavalry Corps was crowded up -there [Berguette?], mostly in billets, but our Brigade in bivouac in a -wood--all in reserve. We had done nothing so far, and I was relieved. -I was fearfully anxious lest I should be too late.... Well, now you -will have seen by the papers we have done pretty well, but I fancy -somehow we haven’t done all we thought we might. I don’t understand it, -and we don’t know the truth; but they said if we had got as far as we -hoped, the British Cavalry Corps, which had been brought up too, was -to have gone round the north of Lille, and we the Indian Cavalry Corps -round the south, and had a cut at the Germans behind. But, anyhow, -apparently the thing didn’t quite come off, for on Sunday the 14th we -got orders to march back here to billets. We were very sick indeed; it -looked as though we had missed our chance by so little. But, of course, -we really know nothing. We marched back Sunday night and are now about -a couple of miles from the station where we detrained when we came back -from Orleans, about twenty miles still behind the line.... How long we -shall be here I haven’t the least idea. We have to be ready to move -at two hours’ notice, but that may not mean anything. It is a dull -and trying business this, but we must be patient. We have quite nice -billets here.” - -Another account of the move is given by Lieutenant Watson Smyth: “At -12.30 A.M. on the morning of the 11th we were woke up and -told that the squadron was parading at 3 A.M. We were, of -course, sleeping in our clothes, as everything was packed, and we had -had orders to be ready to move at one hour’s notice. On being woke up -I went to sleep again till 2.15, when I got up, put my coat and boots -on, and went out to hurry up my troop.... We started to trot about -4.30 A.M. and trotted steadily until 8.30, except for two -very short halts of about three minutes each, when we had just time -to look round our horses. On coming to we turned out of the town, and -the head of the squadron turned out of the road into a large sand-pit: -this was found to be just large enough for a squadron, so the rest of -the regiment was bivouacked in the wood. (I forgot to say that the -sand-pit was in a wood.) We had easily the best place, as it was quite -out of the wind and, better still, entirely free from mud.... The -horses were perfectly happy, and so were the men. The latter dug holes -running into the side of the pit, put a hurdle over the entrance, and -were quite warm inside. We had very nice weather, sunny and so warm, -and had nothing to do except listen to the rumble of the guns at -Neuve Chapelle.... We stayed in our sand-pit for three days, and then -one day got orders to move at 2 P.M.; about 1 P.M., -however, these orders were cancelled, so we thought we might get -another night in peace. This was rather too much to expect, and we were -not very surprised when we were told to parade at 7.45 P.M. -We did so, and had a perfectly ghastly march back to where we are now. -We walked for hours on our horses, and then dismounted, and led the -brutes for three and a half miles. It’s no fun walking on one’s flat -feet when in marching order--_i.e._, belt, revolver, spare ammunition, -compass, haversack, field-glasses, knife, and water-bottle. We then -lost ourselves for a bit, and every one lost their tempers, and cursed -everybody junior to themselves, and their horses, and the roads, and -the staff. Eventually we hit our village about 2 A.M.... - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: IN THE SANDPIT. MARCH 1915] - -“We got orders to-day, and are off into the blue to-morrow. - -“Our night march the other day was extraordinarily impressive, as we -could see the flashes of the guns, and the searchlights swinging round, -and the star-shell, and Very lights lighting up the whole horizon. The -noise of the horses’ hoofs on the pavé was not enough to drown the -thunder of the guns, and at one time we distinctly heard the crackle of -rifle and machine-gun fire.” - -_March 18._--“We paraded at 8 this morning and started to march to -----, where we are going to be billeted. About 10 we halted and -dismounted.... I tied up the horses, off-saddled, and let the men -fall out to visit the town. At 12.30 I watered and fed the horses, -and succeeded in stealing a bale of hay (100 lbs.) off a lorry that -foolishly halted about ten yards from the horses. That pleased me and -the horses a lot. I am now sitting on a tree-trunk near the horses -writing this.” - -_March 27._--“I found a dead motor-cyclist to-day: he had tried to take -a corner far too fast in our billets, and had hit a tree and knocked -his head in. I am now hoping to be able to ‘make’ the bike, as except -for its front forks and wheel it is in excellent condition and would be -very useful.” - -During this month there was much trench-digging, and Major Cox says, -“Brigade field-days and regimental schemes were carried on similar to -the routine in an Indian station.” It was doubtless necessary, but as -instruction in Infantry work was going on at the same time the men were -extremely hard worked. - -The month closed with a visit from the Honorary Colonel, General Sir -R. S. Baden-Powell, who happened to be in France on a short tour. An -inspection of the Regiment was held, and a short address was made -by Sir Robert, who also presented to the Regiment a large number of -cigarette-cases. - -_Captain W. H. Eve--April 2._--“The Indian Cavalry Corps has been -nicknamed ‘The Iron Rations,’ because they are only to be used in the -last extremity. I believe this is all over the place, and am afraid it -may be a little true, though let’s hope not. Anyhow, it’s very funny -and very clever of whoever thought of it. You see the iron rations -(tinned meat and biscuit) carried by each man is only supposed to be -used in the last extremity.” - -_April 19._--“We are very busy all training more or less as in peace, -and occasionally digging trenches; but one can find out no news or -anything of what’s likely to happen, and can only be patient. We are -all very fit and flourishing and doing ourselves grand.” - -_Lieutenant Watson Smyth--April 23._--“Wild excitement has possessed -us for the last four hours, but it is now dying down, and in fact is -nearly dead. It all started by our getting some wild story of Ypres, -and asphyxiating gas, and the French, and standing-to. We were just -starting out on a Brigade scheme, but this was abandoned, and we came -back to billets and commenced furiously to pack. We are now feverishly -unpacking. It really is extraordinary the rumours that get about out -here; it is only very seldom that one meets any one who really knows -anything worth knowing, and will tell what it is. - -“It is a very good thing for every one to have these occasional bursts -of energy, as one learns a lot about packing, and how things are lost, -&c. To-day, of course, I got caught short of forage. Some one had -stolen one of my sacks of oats.... I had to buy a sack of oats and feed -on oat straw instead of hay. That is the advantage of a country-bred, -he will eat anything, and his example makes the walers and English join -in. I wish we could get a move on: these are excellent billets, but I -want to see a German before peace is declared!” - -[Illustration: IN THE SANDPIT. MARCH 1915] - -_Captain W. H. Eve--April 30._--“The weather is simply lovely now, -has been these last few days, and to-day has been as hot as summer. -It is very lucky, for we are (all the men and horses) in the open. -We ourselves have got into a barn, where we make ourselves very -comfortable with lots of straw. I have celebrated my birthday by having -a bath. I always carry the indiarubber one in my saddle-bags, and -wouldn’t be without it for anything. Well, I can’t tell you where we -are exactly, but we have moved twice since I last wrote, owing to this -scrap which is still going on near Ypres.... We are sitting tight again -now, listening and waiting. The only thing we see is our own captive -balloons, and occasionally a Taube (German aeroplane) coming over and -being shelled by our guns. You know, of course, the scrap that is going -on now, but the papers make it out a much more important thing than it -really is. It is a very weak point round Ypres, because (first) it is a -salient, and (secondly) our junction with the French is near here.... -But all goes well, so much so that I fancy we shall move back in a day -or two--where, I don’t know in the least. I expect that now we shall be -continually up and down the line on this game--mobile reserve until our -time really comes. - -“In this fight our casualties have been very heavy--ours, I believe, -about 18,000, but we have our line all right.... It’s hard this -waiting, but we must be patient. There is nothing in the least to worry -about, nor is it the important affair the papers make out. - -“We are all tremendously cheery, jolly, and fit.... The horses are -feeling the benefit of the better weather and are a joy to me now, -looking better every day. Of course I seize every opportunity of -grazing them in somebody else’s fields with the good spring grass -coming up. I have never felt fitter in my life. There are crowds all -round, but the worst of it is one can’t go more than a few hundred -yards from one’s billet, as we always have to be ready to turn out at -once. - -“The old lady at our last billet insisted on embracing us when we left -with all kinds of good wishes.” - -The billets, of course, varied greatly, some being very good -indeed--one where the officers of the Regiment or squadron were -actually provided with beds and “linen sheets,”--others very dirty -and bad. Lieutenant Chrystall writes on the 19th of May: “It is very -wet and muddy, and we are at present in a coal-mining village, and -everything as you may imagine filthy. Last night I slept next my -skipper on the road with my head between two spokes of a cart-wheel, -and Eve’s between the next. Cobbles are not very springy or soft!” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--May 27._--“You say you are watching for news of -the Cavalry. Well, you have it now in the Casualties List. That is -the British Cavalry. It is, I think, wicked, for they are men we -can’t replace, but the fact is they can’t trust any but the very best -up there at Ypres, and that’s why they sent for the Cavalry. They -get their chance and are used, but we, poor devils! ... never get a -chance.... Our turn will come some day.[11] Up there we are holding on -and shall do so, but it costs good men. We sit back here well within -sound of the guns, and go on with more or less peace-training and try -to be patient. Whenever there is a big show on, off we go up behind -the line, and every time we think our time has really come; but every -time we come back again in a few days--a sort of mobile reserve, that’s -all. We are known out here as the ‘Iron Ration,’ only to be used in the -last emergency! We went up like this during Neuve Chapelle into Belgium -during the fighting round Ypres, and the other day near La Bassée. -We are back here again, now very comfortable in a pretty straggling -village.... We are all very fit and flourishing, but rather fed up with -our own share of the proceedings.” - -Sometimes the Regiment, or part of it, got a change of work. - -_Lieutenant Watson Smyth--May 28._--“The day before yesterday the -bathing season started and we had (the squadron and officers) gone -into the baths at Aire.... We were all just nicely in the water, which -wasn’t very cold, when a heated bicycle orderly dashed up and said, -‘“B” Squadron to return to billets at once.’ We couldn’t think what it -was for.... Yesterday (after a twenty-mile night march) I went for my -orders and discovered that I am ‘Corps Cavalry,’ and that my duties are -to send patrols out in the Corps area to look out for spies, collect -stragglers, control the traffic at various points, and, in general, be -a sort of mounted police. It is, I believe, an excellent job, and quite -good fun. Of course the roads are being shelled now and then, but -the people I relieved had only one casualty, and he was gas-poisoned by -a shell. In case of a push I have to find posts at cross-roads, &c., to -direct ammunition and supplies to the various places that they want to -go to. It is very nice being on one’s own, as I am now. The Squadron -Headquarters are about six miles off, so I shan’t be worried by any -one.” - -[Illustration: HURDLE SHELTERS, BOIS DU REVEILLON. 15TH MARCH 1915.] - -[Illustration: BILLETS AT WARNES. APRIL 1915.] - -_Captain W. H. Eve--May 29._--“The British Cavalry are out [of the -trenches] now, came out last night, and I think, though am not quite -certain, that the 1st Division of this Corps has gone in. If this -is so, we may perhaps get our turn next. No one would choose trench -fighting, but there’s nothing else just at the present. - -“Here we are just peace soldiering. ‘A’ squadron have their sports on -this afternoon and we have ours next week. ‘B’ squadron has gone off -to do Divisional Cavalry--chiefly orderly--duties to various Infantry -Divisions. I envy them, as it is a change, and they are nearer the -centre of things.” - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--June 15._--“On Sunday last (June 13) I had the -honour of acting as Escort to the King of the Belgians when he reviewed -the Indian Cavalry here. It was quite a decent show for war-time.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--June 16._--“We have had rumours of a possible -move, but otherwise are carrying on as usual. Lovely weather, and we -are playing polo this evening, which is a great thing--having got some -sticks and balls out. We have got a Horse-Show (Cavalry Corps) on -Thursday 24th, which ought to be very good.” - -_Lieutenant Watson Smyth--July 13._--I may have got the date wrong, -but the day is Sunday. As far as I can see, there is no likelihood of -our doing anything for a bit. The Regiment is digging trenches about -three miles in rear of the line; we go up for four days and then come -back for eight. In that eight we do exercise every day except one, when -there is a Brigade route-march.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--July 11._--“There is very little news from here, -as you will have gathered from the papers. Kitchener was out here and -came and inspected us last Thursday. He told us (what none of us knew -before) that his father was in the Regiment. We have been fairly busy, -and now have about seventy per cent of the men away trench-digging for -a week. Three of my officers and most of my men are gone--went up in -motor-buses yesterday, and with the few men left I have my work cut out -to exercise and look after the horses.” - -_Lieutenant Watson Smyth--July 13._--We are now up at ----,--at least -seventy men and two officers per squadron are--digging the second-line -trenches. We are about 2000 yards from the Huns, and they can see us -nicely, thank you.... They shelled the second party yesterday and -killed two men of ‘D’ Squadron,[12] very bad luck, as they have shelled -the trenches lots of times before and never yet hit anybody. I had -fever all yesterday. I don’t know why I got it, but I’m all right -now.... - -“We go up in two parties; one goes up at 7 A.M. and digs from -8.30 to 12.30; the other goes up at 11 and digs from 12.30 to 4.30. -It is not very interesting work, but it is better to be up here than -back with the Regiment. There is only one man to about eight horses, -and the result is that every one is working all day getting the horses -exercised, fed, and rubbed over. - -“We are up here for a week, we came up last Saturday and go away -next Saturday; as usual, we travel in motor-buses. On a fine day, -after a little rain to lay the dust, this is rather a pleasant way of -travelling.... - -“The Colonel (Symons) has just been ordered to the W.O. I suppose he is -wanted for the Staff. If he is taken from the Regiment, I don’t know -who will get command.” - -The writer was wounded two days later. “It was rather a rotten way of -getting hit, standing in a great deep trench, thinking I was quite -safe, when suddenly we heard whe--bang, and I found my foot had gone -numb. I said, ‘Anybody hit?’ and all the men said ‘No,’ so I told them -I was.” Lieutenant Watson Smyth goes on to describe his various moves -until he reached some days later the British Red Cross Hospital at -Rouen. “I had quite a good night, and woke up just before arriving here -at 6 A.M.... I showed the doctor a label tied to my pyjamas, -giving details of what was wrong. He told the bearer which ward to take -me to, and off I went.... At 9 A.M. I was carted off to the -X-ray room, and my foot and back were each taken from two positions.... - -[Illustration: D SQUADRON BILLETS, OCHTEZEELE - -MAY 1915] - -[Illustration: QUARTERS OF D SQUADRON AT WITTERNESSE - -6TH TO 19TH MAY 1915] - -[Illustration: QUARTERS OF B SQUADRON, OCHTEZEELE - -MAY 1915] - -[Illustration: THE CHATEAU--QUARTERS OF A SQUADRON AT WITTERNESSE. JUNE -1915] - -[Illustration: “RAGS” AND “STILTS,” OCHTEZEELE - -3RD MAY 1915] - -[Illustration: ON LINGHAM RIFLE RANGE - -JUNE 1915] - -“In the operation they got about sixty pieces out of my foot, and a few -work themselves out every dressing-day.” - -Not a word of complaint. - -_August 2._--“The Regiment’s total casualties for the three weeks it -was digging were four killed, two died of wounds, eight wounded. No -other officers were hit, but one was buried one day, and badly shaken -in consequence.... - -_August 3_ and _4_.--“I had a visitor to-day, a Miss Holt, who is -working at Lady Mabelle Egerton’s canteen at Rouen. She was very nice -and cheery and did me a lot of good. They had one hour’s notice a -few days ago that 3000 men and 40 officers would want breakfast at 3 -A.M. There were only three of them on duty that night, but -they managed it all right. That shows that the canteen is useful, and -the workers work, I think.... - -“Dr Augier is exceedingly pleased at the appearance of my foot, ... but -says that I must resign myself to not using it for three months.” - -_August 5._--“Another chap in my Regiment has just come into the -hospital. I have never seen him, as he joined the Regiment after I was -hit. He tells me that the Regiment have been shifted down south and -have taken over, or are going to take over, some French trenches there -for a bit. I do not understand it, but he’s quite sure of his facts. I -should have thought that they had sufficient Infantry out here now to -hold the line, but I expect that they are fairly quiet trenches, and -they want to make the Indian Cavalry Corps work.” - -_August 5_ and _6_.--“The Regiment is now either in, or just going into -the trenches for a fortnight.... It is a pity to have missed that.... - -“I have discovered that I am one of the show-cases here. They show -visitors my X-ray photo, and then bring them along and show them me. I -dislike that. All the doctors seem to think it a marvellous case.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--August 22._--“I understand absolutely what you say -about wanting a trophy. I hope too I’ll get something some day, but -I won’t bring anything I haven’t got myself, and I have never seen a -German yet. Isn’t it too dreadful, but it’s the truth. - -“Richardson has got the Regiment, and I can tell you I am glad.” - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--September 7._--“I have been out on several night -patrols, crawling through the grass towards the German trenches; and -it is very jumpy work, as you never know when you may bump into one of -their patrols.” - -_September 20._--“The powers that be thought that a certain old house -in No Man’s Land ought to be occupied, and certain snipers caught who -used to frequent the place and fire into our lines. Well, we occupied -it one day and night and held it all day, when just after dark we were -attacked in force. I at the time was holding a conference with the C.O. -at his post, and all of a sudden the sentry on the outpost let off -his rifle. This was the herald of a dozen bombs being hurled into our -place, and the opening of a machine-gun and several rifles. There we -were, ten of us, cooped up in an outhouse 12 × 12, firing like billy -O through the window and door at the flashes of the Boche guns about -fifteen yards away. This was kept up for about ten minutes. When we had -just given up all for lost they ceased firing: we did likewise, and -as we were in an awkward and tight corner we got out of it and held a -bridge on a road. The Germans also retired, and as we afterwards found, -left four dead, while we had only two wounded--a really miraculous -escape, as bullets were crashing through the windows and splintering -the panelling in the door, and bombs hitting the brick-work.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--October 9._--“We are trying to be patient, knowing -very little and hoping for the best. A few days after I got back -from leave we were moved off, at the beginning of our offensive, the -22nd [September] to be exact, and were kept in constant readiness -for nearly ten days. We were all cramped up in a tiny dirty little -village, with all our poor horses in the open, a bad place, with -a rotten water-supply, and we had wet cold weather too. Of course -we were desperately excited, but we weren’t allowed to know much. -Then on the 1st we moved on here where we are now, and where we are -more comfortable than we have ever been before, in a large village, -ourselves, the Third, and Brigade Headquarters, and very nicely -situated, and good country. I was very lucky in the area allotted to my -squadron, and have got the whole of my men and horses comfortably snug -under cover, and it is a real pleasure to see my horses.... Of news we -know no more than you do from the papers, and, as I say, have simply -to try and be patient, and trust the powers that be, and hope for the -very best.... - -[Illustration: D SQUADRON QUARTERS AND MESS AT BETTENCOURT. AUGUST AND -SEPTEMBER 1915] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: CAPTAIN EVE’S DUG-OUT AT AUTHUILLE - -SEPTEMBER 1915] - -[Illustration: LT. J. V. DAWSON IN HIS DUG-OUT AT AUTHUILLE. SEPTEMBER -1915] - -“Meanwhile they seem desperately hard up for officers for some of the -Infantry--more senior officers, that is--and have lately been sending -all round the Cavalry for fellows to volunteer to take command of -battalions and companies.... The other day the Colonel asked me if I -would care to take promotion to Lieut.-Colonel to command a battalion -of infantry, and they have been asking others also. I refused, but -for a man who is ambitious irrespective of what brand of the service -he gets his promotion in, you can see it is a tremendous chance.... -But I doubt if they will get many men to volunteer for it.... It is -extraordinary though, and to me seems such a very short-sighted policy, -for when our time comes where will they find _our_ officers?” - -That was the problem which many Cavalry officers had to face, and it -is not surprising that most of them, loving their own branch of the -service, and still believing, or at least hoping, that the Cavalry -would yet get their chance, should have shrunk from sacrificing their -Cavalry training, even for such promotion. It was a clear proof of the -great straits to which the losses of the war had brought the Infantry, -on whom the brunt had fallen. The letter goes on:-- - -“News from Russia appears to me all good, and it does look as though -the tide were turning at last, and the Germans had shot their bolt, and -were up against it.... It’s such a huge thing this war, and there is -such a tremendous lot one wants to know, and so very little one does -know. But I feel as confident as ever, as I think we all do out here.” - -They all did throughout, happily for England. - -_October 10._--“Nearly every house of a little better class one goes -into here has a stuffed fox in it. I can’t understand why, and they are -such an eyesore to me.” - -_October 12._--“One of the Poona Horse told me he had had a great ride -after a really good pig this morning, only couldn’t get him as he had -only his sword. I had heard there are some in these woods, but hadn’t -seen any myself so far.” - -_October 13._--“Here we are in our new quarters at Villers.... Coming -up here from the river valley we passed the most lovely coverts--all -the trees turning fast, and with the sun on them simply looking -perfect.” - -_October 14._--“How I long for us to get a real move on. The thought of -another winter sitting doing nothing like last is maddening. It can’t -be. I feel we must push and push and push. And here are we drivelling -about doing these silly field-days and ‘pretending’ always.” - -_October 15._--“A confidential memo. came round yesterday asking for -recommendations among N.C.O.’s for the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille -Militaire. The first is for gallantry, and the other more like our -long-service and good-conduct. It is rather funny for us who have done -practically nothing.” - -_October 17._--“Then there was a lecture from the Colonel [Richardson] -about drinking in the Regiment, and very well indeed he spoke too.” - -_October 25._--“Exercise. Balaclava sing-song for the men.” - -_November 16._--“This morning there were about four inches of snow -on the ground, and it was still falling hard up to about 11 o’clock. -During the morning we sent a challenge to ‘A’ Squadron, saying -diplomatic relations were broken off ... and a state of war would -exist from 2 P.M. So at 2 we marched the squadron down, and I -divided them into two parties, one doing a frontal attack, which drew -‘A’ from their village. When they were hard at it with snow-balls I -brought the remainder, followed by the M.G., in on their flank, and we -had a royal battle, and it was great fun. The men loved it.” - -But it was far from being all snow-balling and play. - -_November 25._--“You can see what it is trying to make us do two jobs -at the same time, Cavalry and Infantry. The men are simply worked off -their legs and haven’t a minute all day.... We do all our Cavalry -parades, all these Infantry ones, route-marches, afternoon parades, -fatigues, evening classes, &c., &c., and they complain if the men don’t -turn out smartly on parade. In spite of all this we are to organise -games, and let the men train for cross-country runs and so on. Whenever -can they possibly have the time? And ... I must help the country people -in their farming in my spare time.” - -_December 19._--“We marched to our new area on Friday last and got a -very bad village to start with, Marival; then yesterday we moved to a -neighbouring one, where we now are, and got ourselves very comfortable -indeed.... We have managed to hire a large room in a farmhouse here, -which we are going to fit up as a reading and recreation room for -the men.... This will make a good deal of difference to them. They -have a very dull and wretched time, little else but work and dirt. We -shall be able to give them a good spread at Christmas, have ordered -puddings, bought a whole pig, and are getting fruit and vegetables, at -sales, this week. They will have a good feed anyhow. Your cigarettes -will be really welcome and appreciated, there is nothing they want or -appreciate so much.... - -“What the future may hold we don’t know; but though there is little -news from here, things are very satisfactory all along our front, and -we are very much on top of our friends the Germans. I have it first -hand from Oakes and Annett of my squadron, who are just back from a -month spent in the trenches with different Infantry regiments.... - -“Haig’s appointment out here will, I think, make little or no -difference. He is one of French’s men, and both are first-class.” - -_December 27._--“It has blown continuously for days with a great deal -of rain.... I think we made the men pretty cheery and comfortable here. -They had a great feed, and very much appreciated all the things that -were sent to them. I issued all their presents on Christmas Eve, a -parcel for each from the Regimental Comfort’s Committee, also from two -old comrades, smokes from some newspapers, matches, match-cases and -cards from ----, mittens from ----, and cigarettes from ----, so they -didn’t do so badly altogether. And they have more stuff to be given -out later, two more goes of puddings sent by various newspapers, &c., -sweets, and so on. I am spreading them out, leaving a week. - -“We ran off a Divisional Marathon race, six miles, here on Christmas -morning, and the Regiment was second. We went down to eat our dinner -with ‘A’ Squadron, Tom Marchant’s crowd, in the evening, and had a -cheery time. ‘A’ Squadron and ourselves share the same village, and -they have got the chateau as a mess. It is a large, fine old place, -but not properly kept up, like most of them about here. The owner is -in the Army, and only the old mother, the Dowager Marquise, is living -there now. She came and dined with us.... - -“We are all very well and flourishing, and are managing to get a lot -of football, &c., arranged for the men now--so their life won’t be so -bad. This is rotten weather for the trenches. Wet is the worst for -them, nearly always up to their knees, and often deeper in places. -Cold weather they don’t feel nearly so much, owing to the depth of the -trenches.” - -So ended for the Thirteenth their first year of war service on the -Western Front. It had been in some ways a year of disappointment. -Though they had had some turns in the trenches, involving a few -casualties, the Regiment had seen no active work as Cavalry. But if -hope deferred had brought them some heart-sickness, there was hope -still, and they entered upon another year under fairly cheerful -conditions. - -[Illustration: LT. J. I. CHRYSTALL AT BEMAVILLE. OCTOBER 1915] - -[Illustration: HOUNDS AT L’ABBAYE. 31ST MARCH 1916] - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -1916. - - -The year 1916 opened, as the last had closed, without any exciting -event for the Indian Cavalry Corps. There was heavy fighting for the -Infantry and guns, and the more hopeful spirits in the Thirteenth -Hussars still believed, or tried to believe, that their chance would -come sooner or later, but there seemed to be no immediate prospect of -it. - -Meanwhile the old routine went on. - -_Captain W. H. Eve--February 6, 1916._--“We are still busy, though -rather dull, at our ordinary training, ... but the men get a lot of -games, &c., too--football, running, and so on. We have been having -pretty good weather, much drier, and nothing to complain of. It has -been a wonderfully fine winter so far, but it isn’t over yet. Things -are very forward--too forward, I am afraid. - -“All the land is under crops, which interferes terribly with our -field-work. - -“Oakes (2nd in command, ‘D’ Squadron) is at present in hospital with -a kick on the shin (football), but otherwise we are all very well and -flourishing.” - -_March 19._--“There is little or no news from here except that our -proposed move is, I think, postponed for a time. I am sending another -digging party away to-day and one comes back. I expect we shall always -have a certain number of men away now, digging in second line. We are -all very fit and flourishing.” - -It was a necessary measure of precaution to have lines of trench behind -the fighting line. All hoped to go forward, but in case of overwhelming -German attacks, strong intrenched positions on which troops could fall -back were an obvious need. The letter goes on:-- - -“I attended a trench-warfare class for a week about a fortnight ago, -which was a change, but taught me very little. - -“The weather is all in our favour for work, but it means that in this -closely cultivated country it is almost impossible to find ground to -work over, now that they are so busy with the spring work on the land.” - -“During this time,” writes Lance-Corporal Bowie, “we had many -inspections, the chief one being by General Remington, commanding -the Indian Cavalry Corps in the new year.... The Regiment not being -required in the actual firing line at this time, many men were sent -on various courses of instruction, such as M.M.P.’s, signalling, -pigeon-flying, intelligence, &c. On January 31st a party left by -motor-buses for the village of ----, to construct trenches, &c., being -relieved on March 14th by another party. On March 26th we proceeded -to Feuquières-en-Vimes. From here the Regiment left for St Riquier -on April the 4th to commence Divisional training, after which we -returned to Feuquières on the 18th, meanwhile continuing to relieve our -parties in trench-digging.... Later we again proceeded to St Riquier -to take part in the Corps training, after which we again returned to -Feuquières. The remainder of our stay here was occupied by sports, -horse-shows, &c., the chief event being an International Horse Show -held at Oisemont in May. This event was marked by the attendance of -many noted French Generals and the 3rd French Army Corps from Verdun. -Immediately afterwards we again proceeded to St Riquier to take part in -the Grand Manœuvres.” - -It all reads more like peace-time than the middle of the greatest of -wars. But such was the condition of things for the Cavalry of the -Allied and enemy armies on the Western Front. The extension of the -front from the sea to Switzerland, and the development of the great -line of trenches which covered it, had put an end to all open warfare. -The contending hosts were locked in a desperate struggle, which swayed -backwards and forwards over a few miles of devastated and blood-soaked -ground, giving no opening for the sweeping movements of horsemen. Month -by month it became more and more evident that there was no immediate -likelihood of this state of things being changed. Neither side seemed -strong enough to tear a gap in the opposing line and let through a -flood of horsemen into its rear. Till that could be done there could be -no chance for the Cavalry as Cavalry. - -[Illustration: “CAPRICE.” 1915] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: AT MARTAINNEVILLE. MARCH 1916] - -Meanwhile the war was developing all over the world, especially -in Africa and Asia, and in some quarters the conditions were very -different from those obtaining in the densely-peopled districts of -the main front, where the colossal armies stood face to face. On -two other fronts especially, where Great Britain was opposed to the -Turks, horsemen had room to move and were badly needed. In Egypt and -Palestine, and in Mesopotamia and Persia, the armies engaged were not -in such numbers as to cover the whole ground and reduce the war to the -likeness of a gigantic siege. Even there, on the broad plains of Asia, -trenches and aeroplanes were to some extent in use, and did much to -limit the operations of Cavalry; but they were not all-important. There -was still room for open warfare and turning movements and surprise. -And for service in those countries, with their comparatively dry -climates and hard soil and great heat, the Indian soldier was specially -fitted--much better fitted, to tell the truth, than for the cold and -mud of Europe. It was therefore decided in the early part of 1916, when -trained white troops were beginning to pour out of England in great -numbers, that the work of the Indian Army on the European front was -done, and that for the future, with its numerous and excellent Cavalry, -it could be more usefully employed in other theatres of war.[13] - -It has always been the custom to send on service with Indian troops -a certain proportion of white men, and much as the white troops were -needed in Europe, it was felt that the custom must be maintained in -this case. The Indian Regiments now sent to fight in Africa and Asia -were therefore mixed as usual with British Regiments. The officers -of the Indian Regiments had every confidence in the troops they led; -but it would have been a tremendous test to send Indian soldiers -unsupported by British troops to face the renowned fighting men of -Turkey, organised and directed by Germans, and equipped with all the -latest appliances of modern war. The strain would have been increased -by the fact that the number of British officers serving with an Indian -Regiment is always small--probably not half the number serving with a -British Regiment. - -As to the Thirteenth, they were warned in the middle of June to prepare -for service in the East, and there were persistent rumours that the -destination of the Brigade would be Mesopotamia, where a serious -reverse had lately been inflicted upon British arms by the capture of -General Townshend and ten thousand men at Kut. - -These rumours were well founded, for the nation rightly felt that such -a humiliation must be wiped out, and the Meerut Brigade, including -the Thirteenth Hussars, was among the troops selected to retrieve the -position. - -“It was on the 17th day of June,” writes Private C. T. Massey, “that -my Regiment, the Thirteenth Hussars, who were at that time digging -trenches for cables behind the lines in France, received orders to get -ready to return to their billets at Chessy, a little village a few -miles distant from the town of Abbeville. We heard that the Regiment -was under orders for leaving the country, and rumours were flying all -over the place: some said Salonika, others said India, whilst others -said Basra, a modern town of 10,000 inhabitants on the right bank -of the river Tigris in Mesopotamia, and the last one proved to be -correct.... On arriving in billets we found great excitement prevailed, -and every one said we were leaving for Mesopotamia. Every one was in -the best of spirits and glad to be leaving France, where Cavalry were -inactive.” - -That was the right spirit in which to take the move; and though no -doubt there had been much disappointment among officers and men with -the fact that in France “Cavalry were inactive,” it would not be easy -to find among all their letters and diaries bearing on this time a -word of murmuring or regret at the prospect of turning their backs -on England again, and entering upon another term of distant Eastern -service. The universal feeling was one of satisfaction at being sent to -some other theatre of war where Cavalry would come into its own. - -Private Massey’s diary goes on to describe the voyage out. - -“On the 19th we were officially informed that the Regiment was leaving -France for Mesopotamia, and the same day we left for the railhead at -Pont Rémy, a fairly large station.... Whilst waiting, a train-load -of Belgian soldiers passed through and we gave them a rousing cheer.... -All was soon ready, and at 6 the train moved off. We were travelling -all day the 20th and the 21st, and on the morning of the 22nd we -arrived at Marseilles, and after detraining with our horses, limber, -and equipment, proceeded towards La Valentine Camp. We remained in the -camp until the 27th, which we left at 7.30 that day, and proceeded to -the docks at Marseilles.” - -[Illustration: AT FEUQUIÈRES, APRIL 1916] - -It appears from the Regimental Diary that the Regiment embarked 30 -officers and 582 other ranks. Private Massey goes on:-- - -“We handed over our horses to a native regiment. I gave my old horse -(No. 62) a few pats on the neck, as he had been a good old horse, and -he had carried me hundreds of miles, and I was sorry to lose him. We -afterwards went on board the _Kalyan_, and I was put on guard over the -steps leading to the bridge; others were put on submarine guard, and -every precaution was taken to prevent the ship being torpedoed.... On -the 31st we were issued out with Indian khaki, as it was getting very -hot the farther we went south. The next few days the sea became very -rough, and on 2nd July I was sick after tea. - -“On the 3rd we arrived at Port Said after a very uneventful voyage. On -the voyage across we received the news by wireless every day, so we -knew that the great offensive had begun. We watched the coaling of the -boat, during the afternoon of the 3rd, and it struck me as a mild form -of slavery, to see the natives coaling the ship: they work like devils, -and all for a few annas a day. Native boys swim round the ship, diving -for pennies which we threw them from the deck. - -“When we woke at réveillé on the following morning the boat was already -on the move down the Canal.... Towards night we sailed past Port Suez, -but we could not see much of it; but it looked magnificent with the -streets lighted up, and it seemed to stretch a long way along the coast. - -“After sailing down the Red Sea for several days we entered the Indian -Ocean. We saw large shoals of flying-fish in the Red Sea, also other -big fish. - -“We had an uneventful voyage across the Indian Ocean, and arrived -outside Bombay at about 9 A.M. on the 15th of July. On the -16th we went into dock soon after réveillé, disembarked, and marched -to Colaba Camp, about four miles from the docks. I went with several -others to the swimming-baths, and for the first time in my life managed -to swim a few yards. I was so fond of the salt water that I was in it -again that night, aided by the light of the moon.” - -Lance-Corporal Bowie, already quoted, strikes the same note about the -horses. “Here” (at Marseilles), he writes in his diary, “our horses -were taken from us, many of us being very sorry to part with some -splendid horses which we had brought with us from India, and which -had carried us so well all the time in France.” In that respect the -officers were more fortunate than the men. Though it was not thought -desirable to send the troop-horses back again to the East, the officers -were allowed to take their chargers--about 100 in all,--a great boon. - -_June 26, 1916._--“All has gone well,” writes the officer commanding -“D” Squadron, “and I am taking all my three children with me.” And -later from Marseilles he mentions “the glad news that we are taking our -own children with us.... We have handed over a certain number of the -best of the walers and country-breds to the 30th, including, I am sorry -to say, ‘Jean,’ and the remainder all go to the depot to-morrow when we -depart.... All the Regiment will be together, and the ‘children’ with -us too. It could hardly be better, all things considered.” - -From Port Said again: “All is well. It’s the usual dull routine, but -better than I remember it before in these parts. The great mercy for -me is having the children with us. They give me an interest and are -most comfortable--tons of room, two or three stalls for each, and very -flourishing so far. ‘Caprice’ was off her feed and with a temperature -yesterday afternoon, but only for a little while, and is as fit as -anything to-day.” - -It is satisfactory to know that for the most part they arrived safely -in India, and, though none the better for their voyage, were able to do -good service afterwards. - -In spite of all it was not an exhilarating voyage. Very little was -known to the Regiment about the prospect before them, and not much -about what was going on in France. - -[Illustration: Lieut. BASH. H. WILLIAMS, M.C. - -(_Wounded in France with 11th Hussars, 31st October 1914_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. M. H. C. DOLL - -(_Wounded near Authuille, 11th September 1915_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. T. E. LAWSON-SMITH - -(_Killed with the 11th Hussars, near Messiner, 1st November, 1914_)] - -[Illustration: Capt. J. O. OAKES] - -[Illustration: Capt. A. M. SASSOON, O.B.E., M.C.] - -[Illustration: Lieut. W. P. CRAWFORD-GREENE] - -[Illustration: Capt. S. V. KENNEDY, M.C.] - -_Captain Eve--Suez._--“As soon as we arrived yesterday we heard -the push had started and that we had got through on a front of -twenty-five miles, but we didn’t get the telegrams with any details -till the afternoon: let us only pray we may do as well as we hope.” - -Alas! it was a vain prayer. There were to be many “pushes” before the -final one two years later. - -_July 14._--“We get to the end of our march to-morrow. I needn’t -tell you how glad we shall be. It has seemed desperately long--very -different to when going the other way. We are all very fit and -flourishing.” - -A later letter describes the voyage in more detail, and may be worth -quoting as an example of war-time voyages. “We went by ourselves, but -had various kinds of escorts through the Mediterranean: sometimes a -destroyer, sometimes a sham tramp steamer, really of course armed with -guns, and sometimes with no visible escort at all; and we went the -most peculiar way, all round the west and south sides of Corsica and -Sardinia, south of Malta, north of Crete, then south and zigzagged -about a lot before making Port Said. I believe a ship was sunk off the -north-east corner of Crete not long before us. I think our sham tramp -steamers are the most lovely things. Of course we had all lights out, -ports closed, no smoking after dark, and great discomfort, and heaps -of guards and submarine look-outs, and it was very hot but mostly very -calm. However, all this ended at Port Said, where also they took off -our gun and gunners.... We left at 10 P.M. and went through -the Canal very slowly, stopping a long time in the lakes. The camps and -trenches had increased enormously, the most perfect trenches now, and -huge camps. It is quite a sight, very strong, and there must be a large -force in Egypt now. They looked wonderfully fit, and yelled to us to -know where we were going, but we would not say.” - -Arrived at Bombay, the Regiment was informed that it was definitely -for Mesopotamia, and the news was received with the greatest pleasure, -as doubtful rumours had been in circulation. They had, in fact, been -better founded than most rumours, for shortly before the arrival of the -Thirteenth, it had been decided that the Brigade was not to leave the -country again. The Thirteenth were to return to Meerut, and the Seventh -Hussars were to take their place with the Mesopotamia force. Why this -decision was altered does not appear, but report said that the Seventh -were wanted on the North-West Frontier, where trouble was brewing, and -the Thirteenth were taken for Mesopotamia after all. Nevertheless, -the old Meerut Brigade was broken up, the 3rd Skinner’s Horse and 30th -Cavalry being retained in India, to their intense disappointment. The -3rd and the Thirteenth Hussars had lain alongside one another for five -years, and it was with special regret that they said good-bye to each -other. The place of the two native regiments was taken by the 13th and -14th Indian Lancers. The Meerut Brigade now became the 7th Cavalry -Brigade of the Mesopotamia Field Force. It retained with it V Battery -of Horse Artillery, which had suffered so severely in France. - -Meanwhile the Regiment had lost the services of some officers from -illness. Second-Lieutenant Guy Pedder writes on the 4th of July, -evidently from the Suez Canal, though after the manner of the time his -letter is dated only “on ship going out”:-- - -“Four officers have fallen out now--Covell in France, Kennedy at -Marseilles, Munster at Port Said, and Wingfield at the next stop.... -I wonder where we will get our first letters, &c.; it will be rather -interesting. We travel very slowly along here, and stop at each lake as -far as I can make out! There are no more submarine guards to be done, -thank goodness. I was on eight hours each day, four by day and four -by night. Saw a paper yesterday which said we had got the first-line -trenches over sixteen mile frontage--wonder if the push is going on as -well as was expected.” - -_July 14._--“I expect the first news you will have got of me will be -the cable I sent from Port Said; we haven’t put into harbour since -then, but were able to drop some letters to a small boat just opposite -Suez, but I don’t know whether you will get that letter. We hope to -reach Bombay to-morrow; if so, this letter will just catch the mail, -and I will cable to you to-morrow. - -“Of course we got out of the danger zone when we got to Port Said. It -was very hot, but very interesting in the Canal. Then followed the -Gulf, which was calm and dull for four days. Then we got into the Sea, -and the so-called terrible monsoon; but it wasn’t a bit terrible, -although the ship rolled like anything for four days; lots of fellows -were sick, and felt very bad, but I was as fit as anything all the -time, and smoked cigars and pipes, &c. - -[Illustration: THE “ISLANDA”] - -“No one knows our final destination up to date, but I fancy we will -be in India for a couple of months at least, and then go on. I am -looking forward to seeing India awfully, and hope we stay there for a -short time at any rate.... I have enjoyed the voyage very much, but am -just getting bored with it to-day, and want to see a paper and hear -the war news: of course we have had none for over a week. This is a -topping ship, but we have come along very slowly to save coal. They -feed us very well. We had to run for it once in the Mediterranean, but -we did not know it at the time, only guessed. It has been very much -too rough to play cricket, but to-day it is much calmer. We’ve had two -frightfully heavy rainstorms. Only two horses have died, and both mine -are all right. I sang several times after dinner, and on the whole I -think the time has flown. I am longing to hear about the Western Front. -There is an excellent library on board, and I must have read twenty -books, &c.” - -_Bombay, Royal Bombay Yacht Club--July 17._--“This is an extraordinary -place, and awfully pretty by night; Daniell (the Staff Captain) gave a -large dinner-party here last night, and very nice it was too. I went to -the Cathedral yesterday evening after a very busy day, and this morning -I have been rushing round shopping. You hardly see two people dressed -alike here. This is a ripping Club, and we are all honorary members, -Indian Expeditionary Force (D). To-day’s paper tells us a little about -the part played by what would have been us in the West!” - -The hope of staying a short time and seeing India was not to be -fulfilled. The state of affairs in Mesopotamia admitted of no delay, -and it was soon known that the Regiment was to embark at once for -Basra. It was to be carried in two vessels, the _Islanda_ and _Chilka_, -the former taking “A” and “D” Squadrons, less one troop of “D,” under -Captain Eve, and the latter the Headquarters and remainder of the -Regiment under Colonel Richardson. - -By the 19th of July both ships had sailed. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -MESOPOTAMIA. - - -The campaign in which the Thirteenth Hussars were now to share was of -great importance to England, and not without importance to the decision -of the world-war. It may be well to say something here on the subject. - -The designs of Germany in bringing about, after many years of elaborate -preparation, the conflict of 1914, were not fully understood until they -were laid bare in Chéradame’s book, ‘The German Plot Unmasked,’ which -was published in 1916, with an Introduction by Lord Cromer. Though -England was the greatest of Asiatic powers, and more concerned in the -march of events in the East than any other nation of Europe, except -possibly Russia, she had to learn from a Frenchman how her Eastern -Empire was threatened by Germany--just as she had formerly had to -learn from an American sailor, though she was the greatest of maritime -nations, the influence of sea-power upon History. - -To put it in a few words, Germany aimed, as Napoleon had aimed a -century earlier, not only at supreme dominion in Europe, but at supreme -dominion throughout the world. To effect this aim she had brought -about the alliance with Austria, which placed at her disposal the -whole resources of the great central European block, about a hundred -and twenty millions of people highly organised for war, and had -also succeeded in establishing her paramount influence over Turkey, -which meant not only another twenty millions of people, but a vast -territory stretching very nearly from the frontiers of Austria across -the Bosphorus and far into Asia. The inclusion in the alliance of -the comparatively small but powerful state of Bulgaria practically -completed Germany’s line of communication with Turkey, and made her in -fact dominant from the Baltic to Constantinople, and on through Asia -Minor to Arabia. A great strategic line of railway had been designed, -and in part constructed, which was to run from Constantinople to -Baghdad, and was to be continued to a terminus on the shores of the -Persian Gulf. - -[Illustration: “GERMANY AND HER CONFEDERATES”] - -Italy was a doubtful ally, but was nominally with Germany too, and -might at least be regarded as neutral. - -The German scheme was to deal first with the two great Continental -powers which stood in Germany’s way, France and Russia. If they could -be attacked and overthrown, as she believed they could be, by a swift -onslaught upon each of them in turn, the Continent of Europe would -be at her feet. It was calculated that England would be neither -willing nor able to interfere in their behalf before their fate was -sealed. Then, with France and Russia powerless, or even possibly -enlisted as vassal States, Germany would turn upon the only power -which stood between her and the dominion of the world--England. Having -a contemptibly small Army, and no allies in Europe, England would -either come to heel without fighting, or would be attacked in India -and overwhelmed, probably with the help of the Indians themselves. -Her fleet would not be able to help her against vast armies, German -and other, marching upon the Indian frontier from Asiatic Turkey, and -the few hundred thousand trained men she could put into line would be -swamped by ten times their numbers. Afterwards, if America or Japan -or China gave any trouble, it would be easy enough to deal with them. -The only powers that really counted were the three great European -powers--France and Russia with their trained armies, and England with -her trained fleet. - -It was an ambitious scheme, but not one that could be regarded as -visionary. It did not take sufficient account of England’s sea-power; -but undoubtedly if France and Russia had both been struck down, -and England had been left standing alone, he would have been a -very fearless Englishman who could have faced the future without -apprehension. Even supposing that no immediate attack upon England -had followed, her prospect of holding her own indefinitely against a -Germany rapidly outgrowing her in population and wealth would not have -been promising. The silent deposition of the naval power of France by -that of Germany in the course of a few years before the War had been a -striking lesson. But as a matter of fact a great attack upon England -was undoubtedly contemplated. “Der Tag” was to have come, and come soon. - -Can any one feel sure that if England had stood by while France and -Russia were overwhelmed she could afterwards have successfully resisted -that attack? The Boer War had shown that at the beginning of the -century a combination of the Continental powers against her was not -improbable. Would it have been less probable fifteen or twenty years -later, when the sea strength of those powers compared with her own had -vastly increased, and when France and Russia had been incensed against -her by her failure to help them in their time of need? And if all the -navies of Europe had joined against her, could she have drawn for help -on India and the Dominions beyond the seas? Would she not have found -it hard enough to protect her own coasts? Happily for her she did not -stand aside, and that issue was never put to the test. Unready for war -as she was, and unwilling, she struck with sure instinct before it was -too late. - -Even so, though England threw in her lot with Russia and France, the -struggle was not an unequal one, and, as everyone knows, there were -times when it seemed that the Allies might lose the war, or at all -events fail to make more than a drawn fight of it. Their latent numbers -and resources were greater, but the enemy enjoyed the immense advantage -of having chosen his own time, when he was ready and they were not. He -had also the advantage of united command and of the central position, -whilst the Allies were widely separated. These advantages very nearly -outbalanced latent numbers and resources. Eventually they proved -insufficient to do so, but they nearly succeeded. Nothing prevented -Germany winning but the fact that she had to put out all her armed -power at once, and to fight England then, instead of reserving her -Turkish strength for a separate duel with England later. - -How formidable her Turkish strength was, a glance at the map will -show. Not only were the Turks a great military nation, with warlike -traditions and a population capable of raising two millions of fighting -men, but Turkey stood across the Straits between Europe and Asia, and -while guarding them could throw her weight freely upon the East. India -was England’s most sensitive point, the one where she was exposed to -military aggression by land. Strike her there, the Kaiser thought, as -Napoleon had thought before him, and the clay feet of the great image -would crumble under her. - -Between Europe and the Indian frontier lies a stretch of country 2500 -miles in breadth, held by three independent powers, Turkey, Persia, -and Afghanistan.[14] All these powers are Mahomedan, and of the three -Turkey is, or was in 1914, by far the most powerful. Not only was -she the strongest from a military point of view, but in the eyes of -countless millions of Mahomedans the Sultan of Turkey was the head of -the faith, the true successor of the Prophet; and he was entirely in -German hands. His power extended over a thousand miles, to the frontier -of Persia, which was not only weak, but at the moment unlikely to -use such strength as she had on England’s side. Turks and Persians -certainly did not belong to the same sect of the Mahomedan faith, and -had often been enemies in the past. But the Persians after all were -Mussulmans, and their religious sympathies in any quarrel between -Mahomedans and Christians were sure to be against the Christians. -Persia held a thousand miles more of the space between Europe and -India. Beyond her again to the eastward, right up to the Indian border, -lay the third of the independent powers--Afghanistan. The external -relations of Afghanistan were supposed to be under British control, -and her ruler enjoyed a British subsidy. But his people were turbulent -and fanatical, and belonged for the most part to the same religious -division of Islam as the Turks. They were believed to have little love -for the British, who had more than once invaded their country. Finally, -along the Indian border itself, and inside India, there were perhaps -seventy millions of Mahomedans, some belonging to wild mountain tribes, -constantly at war against the British, and most of the rest inclined -to acknowledge the religious supremacy of the Sultan. These Mahomedans -had, as a rule, served the British Government with fidelity, and formed -a considerable part of the Indian Army. But they too were of the faith. -Surely the Germans had some ground for hoping that if the Turks made -a vigorous push towards India from their own Asiatic territory, their -armies, organised and commanded by German officers, and supported by a -hot religious propaganda, would succeed in doing much evil to England. -They might, perhaps, succeed in sweeping the independent Mahomedan -States with them into a great invasion of India. In any case they would -seriously disturb the country, and probably stir up a Mahomedan revolt -with which England would find it hard to deal. If backed by a great -German army they would be irresistible. - -The Kaiser was not far wrong. Even though by joining France and Russia -in 1914 England disarranged the German calculations, and brought on -the Eastern conflict prematurely from a German point of view, it was -shown that there had been good reason for the Kaiser’s confidence. -Turkey under German direction proved strong enough, even without -the help of a German army in the East, not only to repulse a great -Anglo-French attack upon her in the Dardanelles, but to inflict much -loss upon England in Western Asia, and with the aid of a strong -politico-religious propaganda, to cause sensible trouble on the Indian -border. In the end she failed, and the blow which was to have brought -about the overthrow of England in India resulted in the complete -collapse of the Turkish Empire: India, instead of being a source of -weakness to England, turned out to be a great addition to her military -power. But before this result was reached there were four years of -hard fighting, and at times the issue seemed to be very doubtful. -Unquestionably, the Anglo-Turkish conflict was a matter of great -moment, and the result of it seriously affected the success of the -whole German scheme. - -It is interesting to consider in some farther detail what was the -strategical position of Turkey with regard to war in Asia when she -elected to draw the sword. The original home of the Ottoman Turks -was on the Asiatic side of the Straits, and it was there that in -this century, if not always, the main strength of the Ottoman Empire -has lain. Asia Minor was the great recruiting ground for the Turkish -armies, and the great central base from which she could strike out -eastward. Assuming that her alliances in Europe, and the possession of -the immensely strong position on the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, -made her practically secure on the western side, as proved to be the -case, the value of the Asia Minor base for action eastward was very -great indeed. There she could place the bulk of her large army, and -from there she could throw her weight upon the distant possessions of -the Allies, where they were incapable of much mutual help,--upon the -Russians in the Caucasus on her left--upon Persia, and possibly through -Persia upon India in the centre--upon Egypt on her right. The Allies, -hard pressed in Europe, and therefore comparatively weak on these -extremities of the great semicircle, seemed to be at an almost hopeless -disadvantage in meeting the blows she might strike, outwards as it -were from the handle of an open fan towards the end of the spokes. Her -fronts in Asia were three--Armenia, Persia, Palestine; and it seemed -that from her inner position she could act with greater effect upon -each of these fronts than the scattered Allies could do, acting from -the outside inwards. - -On the central of the three fronts the Turks were perhaps in a -specially strong position, for they had an established secondary base -in Mesopotamia, with its famous capital Baghdad, to which extended, -though with one or two gaps, the great strategical railway from -Constantinople. Beyond Baghdad they held the lines of the Euphrates -and Tigris rivers, and could push eastward into Persia by the highroad -which from time immemorial has seen the march of conquering armies -eastwards and westwards,--the armies of the Persians for Marathon and -Platæa--the armies of Alexander the Great on their way to India--and -numberless others before and since. - -But what German and Turk alike failed to understand, or at all events -to appreciate at its full value, was the sea-power of England. -Sea-power had in old days given Rome the mastery over Carthage, and in -later times it had enabled England to wear out Napoleon. It was to be -the deciding factor now in the overthrow of the Turkish Empire, and -with the Turkish Empire, of the great German scheme of world domination. - -For recognising at once the great danger to India of letting the Turks -push forward into Persia, and possibly into Afghanistan, recognising -also the value of the Persian oil-fields and other British interests -in that ancient country, Great Britain had determined not to await -Turkish and German aggression on its Indian frontier, but to meet -the threat with a bold offensive on Turkish soil. Directly it became -certain that Turkey had thrown in her lot with the Central Powers, in -the autumn of 1914, an expeditionary force sailed from India for the -Persian Gulf, and seized the mouth of the Shat-el-Arab, by which the -Tigris and Euphrates pour into the sea. The objects of this expedition -were at first limited. The protection of the oil-wells, of such -importance to our Navy, and the blocking of the German strategical -railway through Baghdad, were all that was immediately contemplated. -But the comparatively easy success of the Indian force, mainly composed -of native Indian soldiery, in defeating the Turkish troops near the -coast, encouraged the British commanders to push on up the rivers into -Mesopotamia. In 1915, a year after the outbreak of war, a force under -General Townshend had taken Kut-el-Amara, three hundred miles from -the sea, and the attack on the Dardanelles being on the point of open -failure, it was decided that as a counterblast to this failure Great -Britain should strike a great blow in the East by marching to Baghdad -and conquering all Turkish Arabia. - -[Illustration: MESOPOTAMIA] - -It was an important decision, and full of interest in many ways. -Mesopotamia is the cradle of history, sacred and profane. It is the -legendary site of the Garden of Eden, and from its plains, from Ur of -the Chaldees, the Patriarch Abraham set out with his flocks and herds -for the Holy Land. After his day it was the site of great empires. -Babylon lies in the centre of it, Nineveh not far to the north, -Shushan a few score miles to the east. It has seen Grecian and Roman -armies as well as Asiatic hosts, and the first explosion of the new -Mahomedan faith was across its plains to Ctesiphon, and Persia, and -Syria. Baghdad soon arose as the Mahomedan capital, and became famous -throughout the world. Undoubtedly, to attack Turkey in Mesopotamia was -to cover India and Persia from attack on her part; and to beat her -out of Baghdad was to strike her a blow which would resound all over -the world. She would perhaps exhaust herself in trying to recover her -position there, as Napoleon exhausted himself trying to recover from -a similar sea-borne blow in Spain. From the time when Townshend was -ordered to advance on Baghdad, the Mesopotamian Front became one of the -important theatres on which the Great War was being played. - -As a fighting ground, Mesopotamia had some advantages for Great -Britain, and some great drawbacks. The southern part of it came down to -the sea, and communications with India and England were therefore open. -Everything required for the conduct of war could be supplied. Moreover, -though the climate of Mesopotamia was hot in summer, it was perhaps, as -before remarked, better suited for the Indian soldiery, who formed the -bulk of the British forces, than what Europeans would consider a more -healthy climate, the temperate climate of Northern France. Its plains -too were free from the geographical obstacles of mountainous countries. -Right up to Baghdad they were flat and bare, very different from the -wild fighting grounds of the Indian frontier, with their rocky peaks -and forest-clad hillsides and rushing torrents. - -On the other hand, the summer heat in Mesopotamia was excessive, even -for Indians, and desperately trying to white men, while in winter -the wind and cold were at times severe. Moreover, the very flatness -of the Mesopotamian plains was a difficulty. The great rivers which -wound across them were in the rainy season swollen by the melting -snows of their upper courses, until they overflowed their banks, and -caused vast inundations and swamps impassable for troops. The march of -military forces in the hot season, with the thermometer in tents at -120° or more, was too deadly to face, and movement in the flood season -was impossible; so the real fighting season was almost limited to the -time from the end of the heat till the filling of the rivers--that is, -from about the middle of October to the middle of March. - -At all other times, and indeed at all times, the rivers themselves -were the chief means of communication for troops and supplies; and -boats of any carrying power were few. Even when armed movement on -land was possible, any advance against an enemy in position was a -formidable task, for the flat ground afforded not a vestige of cover, -and troops had often to go forward to the assault of trenches over -ground as smooth and bare as a billiard-table, perhaps up to their -knees in mud, with deep swamps on each side preventing any attempt at a -turning movement. Mud, indeed, proved to be a more formidable obstacle -than mountains and ravines. Troops could not advance over it with any -freedom or swiftness, and they could not camp in it without misery and -loss; nor could they be fed in large numbers, for it made the transport -of supplies very difficult. Then the whole country, though not really -friendly to the Turks, was inhabited by Arabs who were anything but -friendly to an invader. Whether in the marshy lands near the rivers or -on the dry plains beyond, they were always hanging on the flanks of -an advancing or retreating force, their desert horsemen as elusive as -the “web-footed” men of the marshes, swift to gather and as swift to -vanish in the mirage of an enchanted land where all seemed fantastic -and unreal. With stubborn Turkish soldiery, organised by Germans, -intrenched in large numbers along the river lines, and supported by -larger numbers of these irregular auxiliaries on every side, the -country was no easy field of action for a British army. - -Nevertheless, in spite of all difficulties of climate and ground, the -British expeditionary force had by the autumn of 1915 established -itself in control of the river mouths, with a considerable Turkish -province in its hands. Then, in an evil hour, came the decision to -advance on Baghdad, and a single British Division was pushed forward. -It was a very daring if not an insane project, and it failed. Before -the end of the year the unfortunate Division found itself besieged by -superior forces at Kut-el-Amara, and in the following April, after a -siege of five months, a starving British force of more than 10,000 -men, nearly 3000 of them white men, was marched away by the Turks into -bitter captivity. - -This was the heaviest blow that had ever been dealt to British arms and -British prestige in Asia. Not only had 10,000 men been taken prisoners, -but the Turks had inflicted upon other British forces trying to relieve -them a series of bloody repulses. Struggling forward, time after -time, with splendid devotion over the muddy flats, in vain attempts -to drive from strong lines of trenches an enemy superior in numbers, -our soldiery, white and black, had lost over 20,000 men in killed and -wounded, and had been forced to admit that for the time they could do -no more. The Turks had won a striking success, the measure of which to -Great Britain was the loss of an Army Corps. - -But, much to its credit, the British nation refused to accept the -defeat in Mesopotamia as a final one. Though staggered by it and the -still greater repulse at the Dardanelles, England resolved that the -Turks should yet be conquered. Smarting from her defeats, she was not -wholly just to the leaders who had done all that men could do to effect -impossibilities. Some honourable reputations were sacrificed, and -wrong done to brave and capable soldiers. But at least her resolution -did not fail. Her legions, rapidly increasing not only on the soil of -the British Islands but throughout the Empire, and made available by -her sea-power for employment all over the world, were poured upon the -Turkish frontiers. The Turks had dealt her two stunning blows; but -brave fighters as they had shown themselves to be, they were to learn, -as Germany learnt, that it is not prudent for any nation to rouse the -English. - -In Mesopotamia the military chiefs who had failed in their attempts to -reach Kut before its garrison was starved into surrender, were relieved -of their commands, and the Mesopotamian force was entrusted to General -Maude, who, unlike them, was now given time to collect a large army, -properly organised and equipped, and was helped in his task by every -possible means both in India and in England. Troops were sent to him -in numbers sufficient to let him meet the Turks on at least equal -terms, and immense efforts were put forth to give him the necessary -equipment for scientific modern warfare, and the transport necessary -for effective action. Roads and railways were established, and above -all, a great fleet of river steamers was gathered from various parts -of the world, in order that he might be able to use to the full the -natural highways of the country. During the whole summer of 1916 these -preparations were steadily pushed on, with a view to another advance -when the hot weather would be over. - -It was to this country, and during this pause in the conflict, that -the Thirteenth were diverted from their work in France. The diversion -was of course a disappointment. The Regiment could no longer hope to -join in the coming triumph on the Western Front. Not for them the -grand pursuit to the Rhine, and on over German country to the gates -of Berlin, and the final march Unter den Linden. It was hard to give -up such a prospect. But it has been shown in what spirit the order -was received. They were soldiers, and their duty was to do their best -wherever they might be most useful to the country. If they were more -wanted in the East than on the Western Front, so be it. - -And, after all, perhaps it might be as well for themselves. The coming -triumph in Europe might be long postponed, might even turn out to be -one for the Infantry and guns alone. In the plains of Mesopotamia they -might reasonably look for some Cavalry ground--for some chance of -striking a blow on horseback and justifying their existence. There, -at all events, they would not have the work and the honour altogether -taken out of their hands by the airmen, who were to them what the eagle -was to the horse, and find themselves chafing in impotence while the -enemy defied them from the shelter of his trench lines, against which -they were as useless as unarmed men. Mesopotamia held out some hope to -the cavalryman who still believed in his arm. He might yet get home -with lance and sabre, and take his revenge upon the footmen who had -so long held him at a distance with fortifications and “villainous -saltpetre.” Asia had always been the land of the horseman. Surely it -would be so again. - -And he was not wrong. Both in Mesopotamia and in Palestine, horsemen -were to strike heavy blows before the war ended. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -SUMMER IN LOWER MESOPOTAMIA. - - -The voyage of the Thirteenth to Mesopotamia was uneventful but not -altogether pleasant, as any one can understand who has been on board -ship in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf in the month of July. A few -extracts from diaries and letters will give some idea of it. - -_Private Massey, “D” Squadron--Diary._--“Réveillé was at 3 -A.M. on the morning of the 18th, and I was ordered to stay -behind and load the rifles and swords on the motor-lorry, and went down -to the docks on it afterwards, so I was saved a march of about four -miles. After reaching the docks, the Regiment commenced to embark the -horses and mules. All were soon on board, and at 11 o’clock the ship, -the _Islanda_, set sail, and it was a voyage I shall never forget....” - -_July 23, 1916._--“During the voyage we had the horses to water, feed, -and clean out their stalls, which involved a great deal of hard work, -besides which we had to get their forage out of the hold, and carry it -through no end of awkward gangways, and up and down flights of stairs. -Added to this was the awful food we had issued: there was only half -enough to supply the wants of the men, and what there was was unfit -to eat. The mutton we had served up had always to be killed the same -morning. The sheep were herded together in the bow of the ship, and -though they had shelter from the burning sun the poor animals were -nothing but skin and bone: little wonder we could get no meat off the -bones at meal-time. Complaints were made, but it was of little use. -Often at breakfast the porridge was spoilt in the cooking. I remember -we were issued out with presents from the ‘Ladies from the Presidency -of Bombay,’ which included cake, toffee, and games, but there was so -few given to each troop that the three sections in the troops decided -to toss for it, and our section won the games--deuced little comfort -for a man with an empty belly. I myself was so weak that I made sure -my knees would give way under the weight of my body, but the worst -was yet to come. We continued sailing all day of the 24th, and in the -early morning of the 25th July we arrived in close vicinity to the port -of embarkation [_sic_], and after waiting for an hour or two moved -alongside of the bank, and stopped against a sort of promenade which -reached out into deep water. Every one was glad to see land once again, -as it meant the chance of a decent meal anyway, for those who had -money. The sun was now beginning to make itself felt.[15] - -“After we had anchored we commenced to disembark the horses and mules. -It was a slow and dangerous job, as horses were led down a gangway from -the ship to the land. Finally, the painful job being finished, we next -commenced to unload the saddles, after having tied up the horses in a -hurdles plot. I myself was stall guard, and I had had to work in the -blazing sun all morning. I had to get into an empty stall to attend to -the horse next to it, and put my topee down on the deck so that I could -get under the entrance, and the horse put his foot on it, smashing the -topee to bits. - -“After we had finished the saddles it was getting late, but there was a -lot of hard work to do yet, and I do not remember stopping for meals; -even if we did, it was doubtless the same as the proceeding [_sic_] -days. - -“Late at night, and lighted by lamps, we commenced to unload limbers -and guns, also two aeroplanes, from the hold of the ship. Before -commencing, we were issued with a pint of beer each, and what was -left over was taken down in a ship’s jug: thus we were able to get a -refresher now and again, and it did us a great deal of good. It was 4 -A.M. of the 26th before we had finished. Réveillé was at 5 -o’clock, so we had an hour in which to rest. - -[Illustration: ARAB POLICEMAN] - -[Illustration: NEGRO WATERMAN] - -[Illustration: KURDISH WATER CARRIER] - -[Illustration: PERSIAN POLICEMAN] - -BASRA - -“We lay down on the tables, the benches, and the floor; the hour soon -went, when we got up, and proceeded to unload kit and equipment, then -had breakfast, and then commenced to water the horses, and immediately -prepared to leave for the camp, which was about four miles away.” - -Such was Private Massey’s remembrance of the voyage, and if he grumbled -a little, as is the way of the British soldier when he is not fighting, -it must be admitted that he did a long day’s work for his “shilling and -grub.” No forty-hours week for him on a six-pound wage. - -Lance-Corporal Bowie’s account of the voyage is short: “The voyage to -Basrah was uneventful, one horse only being lost from the effect of the -heat”; and his Colonel sums it up in exactly the same words. - -Another officer writes before the start, giving such news as Bombay -could supply about Mesopotamia. The port was full of sick and wounded -officers and men sent back from there. Their reports were not -unfavourable. - -_Captain Eve._--“I gather it is hot and unpleasant just now, but quite -all right. Vegetables and fruits are the great want.... There is a lot -of shooting, they say, and pig, and there is also excellent fishing, so -we ought to have some fun.” But evidently the heat was not negligible, -for “We were all issued with Cawnpore topees instead of our helmets, as -they say they are necessary for Mesopotamia, and I drew one like the -men’s. We wear the Regimental colours on them.... - -“To-morrow I start at six, when 236 horses arrive by train from -Deolali, where they have been collected from all over the place. I -expect most of them will be partly trained anyhow. There will be half -for ‘D’ and half for ‘A,’ and I shall simply take the first 118 and -let ‘A’ have the other 118. We can pick them out properly if we decide -to at the other end. There are also 75 mules arriving--the whole of -the Regimental transport--so there will be plenty to do, and I shall -be quite content. We shall have to work to-morrow morning. They will -be here by six, have breakfast, and then start away, and the ship has -to be out of the docks by eleven.... There is practically no room for -exercise at all, but it is only a short voyage. I do hope we have luck -and don’t lose many....” - -_July 23, 1916._--“All is really well, all of us and the horses very -fit and flourishing. I am so pleased, and hoping with luck to get all -safely ashore.... It was a wickedly hot night the one I wrote to you -in the docks. I got to bed about 12.45, but could not sleep a wink, -with the heat and the noise and thinking about next day. I got up -again about 4.45 and was down before 6, and we worked like anything; -the men were first-class, and we had no trouble with horses or mules, -and were all aboard by 11 A.M. It was extraordinarily lucky -I went round myself the evening before, for I found both the ramps -leading below for the horses from the upper deck were made too low to -let anything but a pony in. Of course I made trouble and had to have -both altered.... Things worked beautifully.... 25 chargers and 235 -horses and 84 mules.... The mules we put on board first, a very mixed -lot, mostly in poor condition, some very big, some small, but I think -they will be all right. The horses we simply took straight from the -train on board.... They seem to be all walers,[16] and a small lot on -the whole--some very weedy and light of bone, not many common ones, and -a few showing a lot of quality; very few though showing much scope or -size, and the majority of them in distinctly poor light condition. They -look very healthy, and well in their coats.... - -“We could hardly be more comfortable than we are on this ship. She is -the best for horses I have ever seen--the men are very comfortable, and -so are we.... There is a lovely head breeze and it is blowing right -through the ship, and it isn’t at all bad below, and all is as well as -possible, and if only it goes on like this we shall, I hope, bring all -in safe and well. Every one said it would be terrible.... - -“To-day we might get wireless news from Aden or from B.[17] How I do -hope we may. You can’t tell how we want news.... This evening we are -going to have a men’s concert on the boat deck, 8 to 9.30.... - -“We are as fit as fleas, sweating like anything of course, but I don’t -seem to feel it and am ever so fit, and never been so comfortable and -content on a voyage.... Every one wears shorts, and they are a great -comfort....” - -[Illustration: BASRA FORT] - -[Illustration: A CREEK] - -[Illustration: H. ROBINSON BRIDGE] - -[Illustration: SINDBAD’S TOWER] - -BASRA - -_July 25._--“Everything has worked most awfully well, and we are -now, 7.45 A.M., well on our way up the river.... Last night -was terribly hot. I went below myself about 1 o’clock, and a lot of -horses were blowing badly and we had them out in the hatchways. But -they got through the night well.... There is a most lovely fresh head -breeze, and it is as cool as anything. The river here is wide, and -we are able to full-speed ahead, but so far it is the most terrible -unhealthy-looking place--palm groves very low lying, mud, and sand. Of -course this is only the delta. It ought to be much more interesting -farther up.... - -“I can’t write proper letters from here, because I am told all -officers’ letters are invariably opened and read right through by the -Censor.... - -“We anchored about 1 P.M., and then moved on about 3.15 to -our berth, and got tied up about 4.30 to the most ramshackle wooden -pier--everything truly Eastern, you know what I mean. Luckily there was -a good bridge down the river. I disembarked the horses, all down one -gangway, in about 1 hour 20 minutes, and put them in sort of railed -paddocks on shore. It was very hot. We then got to work at baggage, all -the regimental transport, &c., a terrible long, slow business, and we -worked the whole night, and I lay down for three-quarters of an hour. -The men and we slept on board, a guard with the horses on shore. They -came off all fit and well, only two with any temperature. The rest of -the Regiment came in a few hours later and started disembarking too. -They lost one horse _en route_. I saw the Colonel, who seemed very -content. We were at it from 4 next morning, and finally got all ashore -about 7.30.” - -So the voyage ended, and the Thirteenth were safely landed in -Mesopotamia, just twenty-eight days after leaving Marseilles. But the -first few months in the country were not agreeable. The heat was great, -and there was no news or excitement of any kind, nothing to do but to -get the men and the new horses fit for the campaign, if there was to -be a campaign, when the weather allowed of movement. For the present -the Turks were not giving any trouble. Since the capture of Kut they -had seemed content to sit quiet, waiting for the British to try another -attack if so disposed. Meanwhile, they strengthened the defensive -positions on the Tigris, from which they had inflicted so many bloody -repulses upon the invaders of their country, and hoped to inflict more. -They did not realise that affairs had changed, that troops and guns -and equipment of all kinds were pouring in from the sea, and that the -attack when it came would be a very different matter from the hasty -frontal assaults in the mud, by small forces, which they had beaten -off before. The British War Office had now taken over from the Indian -Government the control of the expedition, and the whole resources of -England were being set in motion to provide the British force with -all the things necessary for modern war, and above all, with ample -transport for land and river. - -The Thirteenth at first suffered considerably. The letter-book from -which I have quoted goes on to speak of the move from shipboard into -camp. - -_Captain Eve._--“It was very hot, and we got in about 11 to find our -camp on the edge of the desert, about three miles off and a mile -from the river. All of us in the usual E. P. large Indian tents,[18] -horses in the open, all pretty uncomfortable at first. The men felt -it terribly, and about eight or ten of D went down with heat-stroke -on the way up, including Sergeant Hill. Pearson was knocked over the -night before on the ship and went to hospital, as did all the men, of -course. Next day we spent getting straight more or less, and only led -the horses out. They felt the heat terribly, and poor Mam’zelle and one -or two horses in the squadron died, and several others in the Regiment -too. It was very heart-breaking. Three men in the squadron died, and -two or three others in the Regiment.... I must go and get inoculated -for cholera now. Back again. The horses are a moderate lot, still they -were much better than I expected. I had hardly any men the first few -days, and we were very hard worked. The men simply went down like flies -with the heat. It was partly after the long time without exercise.... - -“The rest of the day has been wretched--a blinding filthy sand and -desert storm, everything smothered in layers of filth.... Every one -remarks on how well I look. Things were uncomfortable at first, and -most people seemed to feel the heat very much; but I never did, and -have been ever so fit all along and with a tremendous appetite. - -[Illustration: BRIDGE OVER ASHAR CREEK] - -[Illustration: HUTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION] - -[Illustration: ASHAR--BULLOCK TRANSPORT] - -[Illustration: THE SQUARE, BASRA] - -“They have now built long matting-roofed stables for the horses, who -are improving visibly.... The dust is simply unbelievable. The only -thing beyond desert is date-palm groves, but I am certain here at any -rate it is healthy. We have a field force canteen quite close, so -while we are here shan’t need any of our weekly supplies, but shall -keep everything in reserve. Also the rations are very good, both -porridge and bacon and fresh meat quite often, and things like dried -apricots, figs, &c., and potatoes. We can buy bread here. The ration is -all biscuit....” - -The officer commanding the Regiment, Colonel Richardson, dismisses the -period in a very few words. “Our arrival,” he writes, “coincided with -a severe heat-wave, and during the first four days about forty cases -of heat-stroke occurred, of which ten proved fatal. For the next three -months we were stationary in this camp, training and acclimatising -horses and men. The men lived in E. P. tents, and after the first -fortnight suffered comparatively little from the heat, the cool nights -proving a great boon to every one. The chief maladies with which we had -to contend were fever, diarrhœa, and septic sores.” - -Private Massey’s account of the heat-wave is as follows:-- - -“In the blazing heat of a tropical sun we started, each man leading two -horses, besides two haversacks, bandolier containing ninety rounds of -ball ammunition, a water-bottle, and a rifle and bayonet. - -“On and on we trekked, men falling out by the way with heat-stroke, -many stark mad, and men were told off to hold the poor devils down, -whilst the motor ambulances raced away with them to hospital at -Ashar.... On getting into camp we tied up the horses, and after -stables the squadron leader, Captain Eve, told us we had had a very -hard time getting off the boat, and thanked us for what we had done, -telling us that such things were likely to happen on active service. -The same night the orderly corporal reported Private Tarr had died in -hospital.... We were glad to get into the tents, and lie down, and -drink lots of iced water. - -“Next day, the 27th, Private Killackey was reported dead. Many others -went sick the next few days, some of them dying.... - -“Thus ended the month of July, but from this time onwards things began -to get better, and the men were getting better food, but there was -a big percentage of sick amongst the Regiment, and men occasionally -became delirious.” - -It certainly was a rough beginning, but the men seem to have -acclimatised rapidly. The Regiment had considerable work in training -the hastily provided remounts, some of which stampeded and got lost; -but by the end of September the training was completed, and the -Thirteenth were almost fit for active service again. In October some -regimental and Brigade drills and musketry put on the final polish. -Doubtless the fine physique of the men had much to do with their quick -return to health. Just before they landed to face the Mesopotamian -heat, one of their officers had written:-- - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--July 24._--“It was 100° in the shade -this morning, but they say they often get 118° and 120° where we are -going, and of course the trouble is, there isn’t much shade, so it is -generally 150° to 160°.... - -“All the men wear next to nothing, probably a thin vest and a thin pair -of pants: I never realised before what a magnificent lot of men they -are, their physique is marvellous; of course, they ought to be, as they -are the original old Army plus K.’s best men.... - -“There is a decent breeze this morning, and it’s just like a heat from -an oven striking you in the face!...” - -Some further letters from officers of the Regiment will show how the -summer passed. - -_Captain Eve--August 3._--“Here we are likely to remain for the next -six weeks or so, training our horses and getting them fit. We are under -canvas, and the horses in straw-matting stabling.... It is of course -very hot, but it is very dry heat, and the nights are cool.... Dust and -sand-storms are the worst thing.... - -“I have got young Pedder, a very nice fellow, transferred to me, and am -now full up again with officers and have a very good squadron....” - -_2nd Lieutenant Pedder--August 3._--“We are staying here for at least -two months in a desert about four miles from where we disembarked.... -I have got no news: there is none out here, every day is precisely -the same as the one before.... There’s a hot sand-storm raging this -morning: we get it pretty regularly every day. I have got hold of one -very nice new horse; of course all these horses are untrained, so we -have an awful job with them. Yes, Stirling is all right, and Munster, -who fell out at Port Said, has rejoined us.” - -_Captain Eve--August 3._--“We all wear neck-shades on our Cawnpore -helmets, and all wear spine-pads and short sleeves. Later we shall wear -our coats, but now no one does, and the men have khaki shorts too.... - -“I bought what they call a chágal in Bombay, a canvas bag for water, -which you hang up full, and which keeps cool. We have all had them -issued to us as well, so we are well off. They are invaluable, and -the drinking-water is good, and we mostly live on that, some with -lime-juice and tea.... - -“You have no idea the dust, heat, and discomfort in which I write. If -the letter arrives in a mucky state you will know. You don’t know what -a sand-storm is like, and that with real heat and all the sand turning -to dirty mud under one’s hands and arms when one was sweating, and -one’s indelible pencil staining one all over for the same reason.” - -The heat, apparently, was more than uncomfortable, for in spite of -the writer’s hearty appetite and contentment, and the sober joys of -the “chágal” (which, by the way, rhymes approximately with “gargle,” -as “jangal” becomes “jungle”), his letters for the next fortnight are -written from hospital in Basra. Still they are contented enough. - -“I shall be very comfortable indeed here, and shall stop till both my -complaints are really right. This is a nice high, big, cool building -right on the river, with electric fans, and light, and all that sort of -thing--in fact, civilised comforts.” - -The Thirteenth were certainly fortunate in that way, that they came to -Mesopotamia too late to share the horrible discomforts and sufferings -endured by the sick and wounded during the campaigns of 1914 and 1915, -before the medical arrangements had been fully organised. - -“The General came to see me last evening, and sat talking a long time. -I thought it so nice of him. But he really is simply charming.... - -“I feel fairly well this morning--just a bit weak and tired, of course. -The great thing is the comfort here. A tent in the desert is not a -paradise when you are feeling ill.” - -_Lieutenant Munster--August 4._--“The heat is not as bad as I expected. -Dust is the great trouble at the moment.... - -“I do not think I can compare this place to anything I have ever seen. -There are little creeks off the river, and the banks are covered with -date-palms, but a little way from the river there is nothing but dust. - -“A few Bombay shops have opened branches in the town, and we can get -most things that we want--of course, at a high price.” - -Lieutenant Munster must have had a contented disposition in regard to -climate, for another officer writes:-- - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--August 4._--“We are close to the Garden of -Eden. We cannot go outside from 9 till 5 owing to the heat, which is -now 120° in the shade. The flies and mosquitoes are positively awful, -and sand-storms are the order every day; water is at a premium and is -rationed out, so you see everything in the Garden is not lovely.” - -_Captain Eve--August 16._--“First all is well--no need to worry. I am -convalescent, as I knew I soon should be, and am now (moved yesterday) -in the Officers’ Convalescent Hospital, about four miles down the river -from Basra, and feeling very fit and well. I expect I shall be here a -week; it’s a really nice place--large two-storied bungalow facing on -the river: I don’t intend going back till I am really fit. - -“There is no news at all here: one is buried in an absolute backwater, -and there is nothing at all going on out here, not a shot being fired -by us or the Turks, I believe. Occasionally there are Arabs to be dealt -with, but that’s all. They are always scrapping either among themselves -or with some one else.... I believe we shall do no more fighting with -the Turk--that he’ll most probably have chucked it before the time when -we could do anything real here comes along. I look upon this just as -an exile like India.... Sometimes it is hard to be really keen about -the training one does, feeling as I do about things here, though there -is really tons to be done.... I wish one could know more, but I will -always be hopeful, and, oh! I pray for the end, though I hardly see it -in sight yet. But one never knows.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--August 17._--“We had a small stampede here -the other day, 3 troops clearing off into the desert; however, after -many searchings we have retrieved all except 7 horses. The Shemal -(strong north wind which covers everything with dust) is still going -strong (supposed to last 40 days--it has been on 21 days now). We get a -fortnight’s intense heat, then it gradually gets cold, and in December -there is a freezing wind which goes through you apparently. You would -laugh to see us walking about in the daytime (when we have to) in -stockings, shorts, shirts, sunshade, spine-protector, goggles, and a -large umbrella, khaki!” - -_Captain Eve--August 21._--“The rest of the Brigade is arriving at -once, but I doubt if we shall leave here for a month yet. It is dull, -but really a good thing, for there is such a lot to be done, with all -new horses and so on, and then one wants to get all one’s men well -acclimatised. As it is, there are a good many still in hospital, but -they’ll mostly be coming out soon. - -“Lake, who has been in command out here, leaves to-day ... and I -believe we are to get Cobbe, lately on the Staff with us, the Indian -Cavalry Corps, in France.[19] - -“The worst of the hot weather is about over, and it is slowly getting -cooler now. It is anyhow infinitely better than India. Here at the base -we are doing ourselves pretty well. It is up at the Front when trouble -begins, owing to the great shortcomings in the transport.” - -_August 23._--“First, I am out of hospital, and back at work with the -Regiment, and ever so fit and well. Next, I have got Caprice,[20] and -was riding her this morning.... Caprice is of course looking a bit -pulled down and poor, but has still good stuff on her, and is very -lively, and bright, and hungry, and searching me for sugar, which I -haven’t got here.” - -No, the end was not in sight yet, nor would be for two years longer, -and meanwhile the Turk was to do much stiff fighting, and the writer -was to ride Caprice yet through some long days of it. - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--August 24._--“The heat is very bad to-day, and -you find me writing this under a mosquito-net at 3 P.M. The -flies are awful, and without a net writing would be impossible. I am -lying practically stark naked, and am sweating buckets! Bathing is -carried on in a very primitive form. I stand on a sack (after dark, of -course) and simply sponge myself all over from a horse bucket--it is -the best one can do, and it really is not half bad.” - -_Captain Eve--August 30._--“Still a very large sick list among the men, -but the weather is better and the nights cool.... Of course all the -middle of the days one can do absolutely nothing. That is one of the -great trials of the East to me.... - -“We have nothing definite about moving yet, nothing but rumours. The -great difficulties out here are transport and supply, and at this time -of year the river is at its lowest, which, of course, makes great extra -trouble.” - -These Mesopotamian rivers, the only real lines of communication, were -in fact very difficult to use. In the hot season they became so shallow -that even flat-bottomed steamers of small draught found it hard to -avoid sticking on their innumerable loops and sand-banks. At the same -time, though there was some dry ground, troops could not march on -account of the heat. When, on the contrary, it rained, the dry ground -rapidly turned to deep alluvial mud, or was even covered with water, -while the rivers became too swift for boats unless very powerful and -handy. - -_Lieutenant Munster--August 31._--“We carry out the same routine--early -parade, and then slack about in the tent till about 5 o’clock. Some -people shoot in the evening. I believe there are some pigeons about. -There is moderate fishing here as well.... Perhaps I shall begin to -learn to knock a polo-ball about soon. A few people play in the desert -in a rough sort of way.” - -_September 7._--“We are still at the base. I have just got a pony. We -are each allowed one to carry pack-saddles, and they have been selected -with a view to polo: probably we shall play quite a lot later on.” - -Poor boy. His experience of polo was to be a very short one. - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--September 7._--“We are getting much cooler -weather now--although the desert is not the ideal spot to live in.... -The nights are generally good.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--September 14._--“Last Monday it was 112° -in the shade in our hut, and yesterday it was never higher than 89°, -and dropped to 45° at night; everybody turned into bed early, and -most people pulled their beds into their tents and then slept in -a blanket.... It is much cooler now altogether, and at night one -realises how cold it is going to be in six weeks or so....” - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--September 26._--“We have just got a patent -fly-trap in the mess, a Japanese thing which slowly revolves a wooden -wheel on which you place sugar and lime-juice: the flies are gradually -dropped over into a cage. This is a great invention and catches them by -the handful.... Our sick list is diminishing now, I am glad to say, as -it does make work so hard for the men, having about five horses to look -after. This country is remarkably good for horses, and they do very -well except for a sort of biliary fever.” - -_2nd Lieutenant J. O. P. Clarkson--Amara, Mesopotamia--October -15._--“I’ve been sent up here on a course for a few days. I came up by -river. We passed Ezra’s tomb: there is not very much to see really; we -were allowed inside, but had to take our shoes off. The boat was rather -wide, rather like a Thames paddle-steamer, except they have a second -storey to them, and are open all round. They are boats that used to be -on the Irawaddi before the War. We churned up the river, with a barge -in tow on either side, and in this manner we went right up-stream. We -often bumped into the banks of the river, especially at the turns, and -there are some very nasty ones. Some were absolutely hairpin turns, and -some were lively S-bends, so between the two we had quite a lovely time -bumping into the banks. After we had got a short way up the Tigris we -went at a walking pace for a whole day--that was in the narrows. There -are plenty of Arab villages, and the whole population would turn out -offering us chickens and eggs. We had the band of the 104th going up on -the same boat, so we had music every evening. The Arabs used to love -the band, and would run alongside the boat and jump and dance and shout -and clap their hands. One evening when the band was playing we came -across a large band of Arabs building a railway or something; anyway -when they heard the music they didn’t exactly ‘down tools,’ but picked -them up, stopped work, and came rushing up and down and waved their -spades, &c., in the air. - -“We are billeted in an Arab house, and on the other side is the Club, -which has been well organised. There are several concert troupes here, -and they are very good.” - -_Captain Eve--October 18._--“We have not moved yet, but I hope and -think we shan’t be long. It is still very hot in the afternoons, but -the mornings are good now, and so are the nights. We are very busy and -all very fit, but very heartily sick of this place, and looking forward -to a move, and to the march, which should be great fun--they always -are--and to the chance of some good shooting _en route_. We are ready, -but have no orders yet. The river is still very low, but should rise a -foot next month. This makes all the difference. This whole campaign is -a question of transport and supplies--the great difficulty of getting -the latter. - -“I don’t expect we go farther than Amara, a ten days’ march, at -present, as that is, I fancy, the farthest point which full supplies -reach yet. But anyhow that will be part way, and a welcome change. -This spot is, of course, the worst out here for climate. It is degrees -cooler and healthier farther up. Still we have a very small sick list -now, though we have lost a lot of men since we got here. - -“Horses do wonderfully well here, and look, and are, as fit as fleas. -Of course they are on a full and very good ration here, so they ought -to do well. It’s for their sakes entirely that I don’t want to go -farther up than full supplies are getting to. I can imagine no greater -misery than seeing one’s horses slowly starving on half rations.... -I go on the river in the evening sometimes, generally in a _bellum_ -(native boat) ... something like a gondola, worked by punting or -paddles. The river is full of life these days, tremendous activity, and -there is always something to see. Also it’s a great relief after the -desert.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--October 25._--“Anniversary of Balaclava, -1854. To-day is a whole holiday, as the Regiment took part in the -charge of the Light Brigade. This evening there’s a hockey match, -officers _v._ sergeants. I am playing, but rather funk it, as I’m so -stiff after playing ‘D _v._ B’ Squadron yesterday. It was a draw, 0--0. -We went out grouse-shooting this morning.” - -[Illustration: MAKINA--SERGT. G. COOK’S GRAVE - -(DIED FROM EFFECTS OF HEAT, 27TH JULY 1916)] - -[Illustration: BREAKFAST ON THE MARCH] - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--October 30._--“Our messing arrangements out here -are rather funny. I have to beg, borrow, or steal firewood, as there -is absolutely not a stick in the country; everything has to come from -India, even firewood. Then meat is awfully scarce, and of course tough, -like leather. You also see me chasing a poor unfortunate misshapen -chicken, and falling over a tent rope in endeavouring to collar it, in -true ‘Rugger’ style.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--November 2._--“We really are moving -to-morrow and have got a long march in front of us. It is very hot -again, but the nights are very cold. Just been given (every officer -gets one on going up-country) a sackful of war gifts--thick pyjamas, -boots, fly-nets, shaving-soap, books, eatables, &c., &c.--ripping -things.... Played polo for the Regiment yesterday, and a very good -farewell concert last night.” - -So ended the summer training in camp, and the comparative inaction for -the Thirteenth. Much of all this may seem trivial, and no real part of -the doings of the Regiment in the Great War. But war, and especially a -war of such magnitude, cannot be all fighting. The greater part of any -campaign is made up of comparatively peaceful days, during which the -soldier sees no shot fired. They are none the less an important time, -full of work, and yet not without rest and pleasure, all of which have -much to do with his fitness when the fighting days come upon him. The -months spent in the desert camp at Basra, far from the front, had not -been wasted. The end of them found the Thirteenth in good health and -spirits, with men hardened to the climate and horses properly trained. -They had two trying years in front of them, years in which they were to -see much rough fighting and hardship. It was fortunate for them that -they had had this breathing space before being thrown into the actual -conflict. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -MARCH TO THE FRONT--MAUDE’S PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. - - -On the 3rd of November, the 7th Cavalry Brigade marched out of their -desert camp and set their faces northward. The Brigade marched in four -echelons, of which the Hussars formed the fourth. - -[Illustration: _THE ADVANCE FROM BASRA_ - -SCALE ABOUT 100 MILES TO THE INCH] - -[Illustration: ON THE TIGRIS] - -There was nothing particularly exciting about the march. It was a -pleasant change from the life of a stationary camp, and the Regiment -passed some interesting places on the Mesopotamian rivers, among them -the alleged site of the Garden of Eden, near the junction of the Tigris -and Euphrates--a dreary spot now. “No wonder the Twelve Apostles -deserted,” was, according to General MacMunn, a British soldier’s -comment on seeing it. Farther up on the bank of the Tigris was Ezra’s -tomb. “The most beautiful of all vignettes is the hedge-sparrow -dome ... set in a small grove of palms.” Throughout this country, -and Persia, the little blue-tiled domes under a cloudless sky are a -familiar feature. And all along the line of march were points which -had acquired some fame in the recent campaigns, before the Thirteenth -joined the Expeditionary Force. Here and there some enterprising -sportsmen found a little game, which went to swell the camp pot. But -there was no fighting--the Turks being still to the northward and still -inactive, awaiting attack, while the Arab natives of the country gave -no trouble beyond occasionally trying to steal rifles at night, which -made it necessary to keep a careful watch and form specially arranged -night camps. - -The following extracts from letters give a more personal touch, and -show the daily course of affairs on the way up. - -_Captain W. H. Eve--November 1, 1916._--“We have finally got our -orders.... Each day we march in the morning of course, and we camp on -arrival in a square--what is called a perimeter camp. The plan for -ours is, [Illustration] AH, BH, CH, DH show the Hotchkiss guns of each -squadron. We take over more than 300 remounts to lead up with us as far -as Amara. They come here immediately before we start. The squadron -gets 80 as its share. It will mean pretty hard work for the unfortunate -men. We have got any amount of transport--in fact I hardly know how we -shall fill it.... So we shall travel in tremendous comfort, and cart -along all our luxuries, such as tables, chairs, &c.... The horses do -look well. My own are pictures, and the whole squadron is a pleasure to -go round.” - -_November 6._--“I have to write to-day to catch the mail from this -place, Kurna, where we are just settling down, 1.15 P.M., with -a very nice camp in some palm-trees by the river. I am enjoying myself -now, though the first couple of days were uncomfortable.... We had -taken over a batch of remounts before we started, 80 per squadron--all -but half a dozen great cart-horses for gunners. They are very quiet, -most of them, but it means nearly double work for the men, and they -have all to be led with halters only, and lots of the men are leading -two, so you can imagine what it is like. How thankful I shall be when -we drop them at Amara.... Those that are not heavy draught are ponies -for infantry chargers. - -“Saturday was a horrid day, cloudy, strong south wind, and trying to -rain, and very sticky; ... yesterday, Sunday, was the same sort of -day.... We had a long bridge of boats to cross over the old Euphrates -into Kurna, and that took time.... This is far and away the nicest camp -we have had, in fact the only nice one, and we are very comfortable -here.... We are on the right bank west still, but cross to the other -before we get to Amara. The palms end here, and there is corn, &c., -on the banks. The new railway is here close beside us, this section -apparently about finished, but I don’t know how far. We are getting our -soda-waters refilled at the hospital here.” - -The new railway was one of the many works undertaken to strengthen -the communications of the army, and make it movable and feedable when -the time for the advance should come. With a railway behind him, -and a fleet of river steamers, the new General was to be in a very -different position from his unfortunate predecessors, pressing on with -insufficient numbers and supplies in desperate endeavours to relieve -the starving garrison of Kut. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: ON THE BANKS OF THE TIGRIS] - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--Garden of Eden--November 6._--“Just got -in and hear there is a mail out at 7 to-morrow, so just a short -line to tell you I am very fit. This morning we started at 9 and did -not get here till 3.30. I had a bathe, and then went for three or -four miles with a gun to see if I could find any partridges or snipe, -but saw nothing. This is our fourth day’s march, and we are at last -in Mesopotamia proper (_i.e._, land in between the two rivers). It’s -awfully pretty here, and we are right on the Tigris. Yesterday Box -(Jeffrey) and I got permission to walk from the second camp to the -third in the hopes of getting some shooting; we started off one and -a half hours before the Regiment, and got in one hour after it, and -walked about fifteen miles. I enjoyed it very much, but we saw only -four brace of partridges, and got two and a half brace. At the next -camp I believe there is some good duck-shooting. - -“The march is rather spoilt as we’ve got 300 remounts to lead, and so -it just doubles the amount of work for the men; however, we drop the -remounts in six days’ time at Amara. - -“Yesterday it actually rained, or tried to, for 2 or 3 minutes. I -haven’t put up my 80-lb. tent yet this march; it’s perfect sleeping out -in the open still, as long as one has three or four blankets on one’s -camp-bed, as I do. - -“Dinner! - -“Later. Perfect night to-night; have been for a stroll on the river -promenade; very tired, so must turn in as réveillé is at 5.30 -to-morrow. Boiling hot again to-day, very fit but very tired, so -night-night.” - -_Amara, November 12._--“Just a very hurried line, as post goes at 7 -to-morrow, to say I am very fit, after 150 miles; we have been just -ten days getting to Amara. I have hardly marched with the Regiment -at all, as each day I and one or two others have got leave to shoot -independently on to the next camp; to-day, for instance, Twist, -Jeffrey, and I left the last camp at eight and shot our way here, -getting about fifty head. I got 5 brace of partridges, 4 couple of -snipe, 5 sand-grouse, and 1 duck--a great day. We arrived here two -hours after the Regiment, whom we never saw once on the way.... This -seems a topping place, but we go on another six miles to-morrow and -join the Brigade: how long we shall be there no one knows at present. -I have enjoyed the march like anything, bar one or two nights when we -struck thousands of mosquitoes. Thank goodness we have handed over all -the remounts we had to bring up here and which delayed us so. The last -two or three days I have been wading about in shorts after duck and -snipe. It is very cold at night now, but still very hot between 12 and -3. Had a tremendous dinner to-night--soup, whole partridge and peas, -boiled mutton, onion sauce and beans, tinned peaches and rice, a snipe, -followed by a cigar and a bowl of cocoa.... The sand-grouse came over -to-day in swarms and blackened the whole sky, most of them much too -high; must turn in now as I am dead tired.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--Amara--November 12._--... “To-day we have marched -fifteen miles to this place and didn’t get in till about 1.30, and -then went straight on to the Remount Depot and handed over the -remounts--thank goodness! It’s been rather a rotten march so far, -spoilt by these remounts, which have made a terrible lot of work and -caused us to march very slowly, only at a walk, and it has been very -hard indeed on the men and very tiring for all of us.... The flies and -mosquitoes at some of our camps have been wicked. I should think this -is quite a nice place [Amara], but have hardly had time to see. Our -shooting has been spoilt by our being the last lot of four, and now we -can only shoot with an escort, which I shall hate, so I don’t suppose -we shall do very much. They say there aren’t any pig to be found till -the rains, when they all get flooded out into the desert. We have been -through all sorts of country, a lot very dreary dry marsh, but some -very nice, like moorland, short turf and thick scrub. Hardly any just -sandy desert since the first few days. - -_November 14._--... “We left the dirty camp at Amara at 8.30 yesterday -and marched out here, about 6½ miles up-stream, just on the bend of the -river. This is a really nice camp. The country is short heathy turf -covered with camel thorn, but all very dry and hard now, and on the -opposite bank are gardens and palm groves.... The camp is really as in -peace-time, and they have trumpet-calls and all that sort of thing. -There are no enemy near except Arab rifle thieves.... I suppose we -shall start regular work here very soon, but we shan’t be able to do so -much with the horses, as they only get 3 lb. of hay, the rest _bhoosa_ -(chopped straw), and only 10 or 11 lb. of grain--uncrushed barley and -bran.... I am so cosy and comfortable in my 80-lb. tent--the same as -we had in India. We have moved the whole of our tents and the mess -right up on to the river bank, where all the officers now are, and we -have fixed up one mess-tent with the river side of it up horizontally -and open to the river, and it is very nice.... We are under orders -to hold ourselves in readiness to move from to-morrow, but no orders -have come, so I’m afraid we are not off yet. But a big native boat has -been secured for the Brigade in which some of the heavy kit is being -carried.” - -[Illustration: THE RIVER FRONT, AMARA] - -[Illustration: PONTOON BRIDGE, AMARA] - -_November 15._--“Away to the east you can plainly see the Persian -foothills about forty miles off. - -“We are all right so far for rations ourselves, getting fresh meat -quite often, and a full allowance; but our unfortunate horses are now -on three-quarter rations of grain only, and that uncrushed barley, and -hardly any hay, with a little chopped straw in turn. We hope when the -railway is finished this may be put right, but it is bad at present, -and means we dare do very little with them. The railway is finished in -great parts, and they hoped would be through this month. Let’s only -hope so.... - -“The nights are cold, but the days still hot, much more so than I -expected. That’s what makes the climate trying, the tremendous changes -during the twenty-four hours. But I think it’s very healthy up here, -and we are all very fit and flourishing, and hardly any sickness among -the men either. My only anxiety is my poor horses. - -“They have got canteens going now both here [and] at the Front, so we -can replenish always, and are doing ourselves quite well.” - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--November 19._--“We have passed through the -Garden of Eden, and a sterile beastly place it looks; and how old Adam -existed Heaven only knows, for there is nothing to eat except dates and -dust! The next place we passed of interest was the tomb of Ezra, one -of the minor prophets? ’Tis a great place of pilgrimage for the Jews. -One finds the reading of the Old Testament very interesting, as all the -parts round about here are mentioned therein, and also all the customs, -&c., and one can see many Abrahams and Ishmaels with the flocks and -herds moving over the desert and round the banks of the river.” - -_Captain S. O. Robinson--November 19._--“Since I last wrote we have -moved up the river some distance.... I believe that we are going up -farther in a day or two--_i.e._, if they can supply us. Our horses are -on half-rations at present, but the men are well fed. - -“I bought a cheap shot-gun in Bombay before we started, and it has been -very useful. There are plenty of sand-grouse and partridge about, which -make a very useful addition to the pot. The flies are worse than ever.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--November 19._--“This letter ought to -reach you just before Christmas, so here are the best wishes for a -happy Christmas. I have certainly never written those words before -on as hot a day as to-day, ... and though I’ve written to Bombay -for a thousand cartridges I don’t know when I shall get them, and I -am practically out now, like every one else; it’s a rotten state of -affairs, as there are now thousands of ducks, geese, grouse, and the -farther one gets up-country naturally the shorter the rations get and -game is invaluable.... From the number of troops coming up-country, I -should think there ought to be a fairly good show out here, but it is -impossible to say. I am very fit, and am sleeping in my tent on the -edge of the Tigris, and have a swim when I get up at 7 every morning. -I went into the Bazaar at Amara two days ago and tried to find some -curios to send home, and am sending a pair of Arab stirrups and perhaps -a bed quilt.... Played polo last night and went out shooting this -morning, and am going again this evening.... I enjoyed the march up -here awfully, and am looking forward to going on. Very fit, no news -whatever.” - -_November 26._--“A very tiny line to thank you for that ripping -waistcoat. I wear it every evening. I am sending home some stirrups, -but am keeping the bed quilt as it is so nice and warm.... Yesterday -I got a beautiful hare, and we are having it to-night ... in fact, we -are pretty well living on game, and have partridges and bacon even -for breakfast ... but it will be more difficult to cater when our -cartridges are finished. Am very fit, and have got rid of a filthy -cold I had for a week, and have handed it on to Eve. The men are very -excited, as they think they are at last going to have a show.” - -The Regiment marched from Amara on the 28th November and was moving -steadily up the river Tigris towards the Front. Captain Eve writes on -the 1st December:-- - -[Illustration: THE BAZAAR] - -[Illustration: VIEW FROM HOUSETOP] - -[Illustration: MAHEILAS - - -AMARA] - -“This march is as nice as the other one was nasty, and I am -thoroughly enjoying it, and the men are as cheery as crickets. The -General and Foster have gone on in front by boat, so the Colonel is -commanding the Brigade and Twist the Regiment. Also having no remounts -now to lead, we are able to trot along and march a decent pace, and we -go largely across country. It has nearly all so far been heathy country -with low thorn-scrub and lots of ditches, and it is excellent for the -men and horses.... We camp in a huge square, always the same way.... We -usually get in between 11.30 and 12, and then to stables, water, and -feed. In the afternoon shooting, &c., but I haven’t been out, for I -have only one cartridge left. That is my only grouse.... Of course we -have patrols all round the camp at night and no one is allowed outside. -Also at 5 every evening we all parade round the edge of the camp in -the places we should occupy in case of attack. The only thing to be -carefully watched for is Arab rifle thieves. I sleep with my pistol -inside my flea-bag with me.... Here we are about as close as we ever -get to the Persian hills--about twenty miles--and they are very clear -and look so nice when one is in a flat plain, though they look very -barren and bare. We aren’t on the river bank here, though quite close. -There is generally something to be seen on the river, and the monitors -look very workmanlike, and I like seeing them....” - -_Arab Village--December 8._--“Here we are at our destination and all -well.... Maude, who commands out here, came and saw us march in.... -General Headquarters is also here and some other Divisions. The -trenches are about 8000 yards forward from here. We had an aeroplane -over yesterday--a great shooting but no luck, so I expect they know of -our arrival by now. We have two pontoon bridges over the river here, -and there are other camps on the north side as well.... A light railway -runs up from Sheikh Saad to the trenches.” - -At last, therefore, the Thirteenth had reached the real Front. The -Regiment was then in excellent health and spirits, and in full -numerical strength. The list of officers shows Lieut.-Colonel J. J. -Richardson in command, Major E. F. Twist second in command, four -Captains, six Lieutenants, and sixteen 2nd Lieutenants--a young lot, -but perhaps none the worse for that. At Arab Village the newly-arrived -7th Brigade and the 6th Brigade, which had been in the country over -a year, were formed into a Cavalry Division under Brigadier-General -Crocker. The 6th Brigade consisted of the Fourteenth Hussars and the -21st and 22nd Indian Cavalry. So, after a lapse of a hundred years, the -Thirteenth and Fourteenth, the old Ragged Brigade of the Peninsular -War, were again together on service, but some thousands of miles away -from Europe. - -It has been noted that Lieut.-General Maude, who now commanded the army -in Mesopotamia, had met the 7th Brigade as it marched into the camp at -Arab Village, and that his own Headquarters were there also. - -General Maude had succeeded General Lake some months earlier, and had -now made all his preparations for a renewed advance against the Turkish -army, which ever since the fall of Kut in April had flaunted its -victorious banners in face of the British invaders of Mesopotamia, and -not only defied them to retake the place, but threatened to strike out -beyond them at Persia and India. - -Before giving an account of the memorable campaign that followed, in -which the Thirteenth Hussars bore an honourable part, it may be well, -at the risk of some repetition, to explain more fully how matters stood -when the advance began. - -It has been said that the military power of the Turks in Asia was in -fact the Eastern wing of the great combination organised by Germany -for the conquest of the world. In Europe the Germans, Austrians, and -Bulgarians were to overthrow and conquer the main armies of the Allies. -In Asia the Turks, aided by German officers and military resources, -were to strike out eastward and beat down such forces as the Allies -could spare to meet them. Russia was to be attacked in the Caucasus, -Russia and England were to be attacked in Persia, which was the -highroad to India also, and England was to be attacked in Egypt. The -Turkish armies, consisting of several hundred thousand men, securely -based upon Asia Minor, were thus to act upon three great Asiatic -fronts--the Caucasus on their left, Persia in the centre, Egypt on the -right. - -Their lines of communication were no doubt long and imperfect, for -their railways were not complete; but holding the inner position, the -handle of the fan as it were, they were very favourably situated -in comparison with the Allies, who had to meet them by acting -disconnectedly from outside the semicircle formed by the open fan, -while the Turks could strike from inside along the spokes. - -In 1914 and 1915 and 1916 there had been fighting on all three fronts -of the semicircle--on the Russian frontier towards the Caucasus, the -Turkish left; in Persia and Mesopotamia, the Turkish centre; on the -frontier of Egypt, the Turkish right. The fighting had fluctuated, but -it may be said roughly that on the two wings, towards the Caucasus and -towards Egypt, the position was stationary. The Turks had held their -own. In the centre they had pushed into Persia and gained some partial -success, but as an offset against this, British forces coming from -India by sea had landed in the Turkish province contiguous to Persia, -and had overrun a considerable part of it. Even here, however, the -most recent phase of the war had ended in favour of the Turks. They -had repulsed a rash advance on the part of the British, and, shutting -up in Kut the force which made it, had beaten off with great slaughter -all British attempts at relief, and had finally captured a British -Division of 10,000 men. The total loss inflicted upon the British in -these operations had been over 30,000. In December 1916, therefore, the -prospects of the Turks on their central front were not unpromising. -Though they had not conquered Persia, still less succeeded in seriously -threatening India, they had made matters very unpleasant for the -British in Asia, and inflicted a severe blow upon British prestige. -During the hot weather of 1916 both sides had been preparing for a -renewal of the conflict upon this front, and the campaign was now about -to open. - -Judging from a variety of indications, it seems clear that the Turks -and their German advisers had decided that the plan of the coming -campaign in Asia should be as follows. On their two wings, towards the -Caucasus and towards Egypt, the Turks were to content themselves with -holding their own, or gaining such success as could be gained without -any serious drain on their resources. There was not any vital object to -be attained by an advance in force upon these fronts; or at all events -a determined advance upon the central front offered a greater chance of -decisive results. If Persia could be again invaded, with real success -this time, and a Turkish army, or at least a vigorous propaganda, -could be pushed on from Persia through Afghanistan to the Indian -frontier, the great object of the Asiatic war, which was the overthrow -of the British in India, might yet be secured. In comparison with that -object nothing else mattered. The Turkish weight, therefore, was to be -thrown upon the central front. - -But this much being decided, there remained the question how, exactly, -the blow was to be struck. Was the British force in Mesopotamia to be -destroyed as a preliminary to a further advance into Persia, or were -the two operations to be attempted at the same time, or could the -British in Mesopotamia be left alone for the moment and an advance -into Persia, into their rear, be made without attacking them directly? -From the great city of Baghdad, the capital of Turkish Arabia, and the -immediate base for operations on the central front, it was possible -to avoid the Mesopotamian route, and to strike at Persia by a more -northerly line. Which of the three schemes was the best to adopt? The -question seems to have been considered in detail. - -Eventually it was decided that the third was the most promising. The -argument which prevailed with the Turks or their German advisers seems -to have been that the British army in Mesopotamia, though lately -worsted in its onslaught on prepared positions, was a formidable enemy -to attack in the field, and one moreover who was being reinforced from -England and India. Such an attack would be a very serious and at best -a lengthy operation. It would be better to avoid a direct attack, to -make such threats and demonstrations in Mesopotamia as would suffice -to keep the British in apprehension of a Turkish offensive, and to -leave them facing the positions from which they had suffered so many -repulses at the beginning of the year. They would probably be careful -about assaulting those positions again, and if in the meantime a -Turkish force were to invade Persia, they would probably have to -expend their strength in meeting it there. A considerable number of -troops was therefore prepared for an advance on the Persian frontier -by northerly routes, while the Turks in Mesopotamia were reinforced to -such an extent only as seemed sufficient for the maintenance of their -main positions on the Tigris, and for threatening demonstrations on the -Euphrates. - -It must be admitted that this reasoning was strategically not unsound, -and that against a timid or over-cautious commander it might well -have succeeded. Happily for Great Britain, the new British leader, -General Maude, was a man who combined reasonable caution with the -knowledge that war cannot be successfully waged without incurring some -risks; and happily also, the summer months when active warfare was -impossible had been utilised by the British War Office to reinforce -and equip his army with such vigour and thoroughness that it had -become a much more formidable weapon than the Turks imagined. Not only -had additional troops been poured into Mesopotamia from France and -elsewhere, until the numerical superiority had passed to the British, -but in other respects the force had been completely reorganised. By -the end of the summer light railways had been pushed forward, river -steamers in great numbers had been collected from various parts of the -world, stores of food and supplies of all kinds had been sent up the -Tigris and Euphrates, the ports and the rivers themselves had been -vastly developed for traffic. By the end of October General Maude -had been able to move his headquarters from the base at Basra to the -neighbourhood of the Turkish positions, in the knowledge that the -difficulties of transport had been overcome, and that he had now under -his hand a force of troops superior in numbers to his enemy, and sure -for the future of food and all necessary supplies. It had been a great -effort, and his own exertions had been incessant, but the worst was -over. In a few weeks more, when the weather became fit for campaigning, -he would be able to go forward with every hope of success. Early in -December, when he brought together his Cavalry Division on the Tigris, -the time had almost come. - -What General Maude had then to consider, and had doubtless considered -very carefully during the three months which had elapsed since he took -over command in Mesopotamia, was his own plan of campaign. He knew -that the country looked to him to retake Kut and re-establish the -reputation of British arms in Asia, which the surrender of a British -Division, and the bloody repulses we had suffered in trying to relieve -it, had undoubtedly tarnished. That meant a renewed attack upon the -Turks in their strong positions on the Tigris, which the army under his -command was eager to undertake. And he now knew, or believed he knew, -that the enemy intended to advance into Persia in his rear, where the -British forces were small and the Russians not much stronger, while -the Persians themselves were in very doubtful mood. He could hope for -little co-operation on the part of the Russians, either there or on the -side of the Caucasus, for Russia was in serious difficulties; nor could -he hope for any help from the British forces in Egypt. They apparently -had enough on their hands, and in any case they were separated from -him by the Arabian desert. On both flanks of their great Asiatic -battle-front the Turks were practically safe. For success against them -he must depend solely upon the forces under his own command in the -centre of Asia. And since the Allies in Europe were barely holding -their own, he must have felt as Jervis felt when he sighted the Spanish -fleet off St Vincent, that England had great need of a victory at that -moment. - -It is evident from what General Maude has left on record that he had -from the first contemplated the action he eventually took. On this -point it is well to let him speak for himself. - -_Despatch of April 10, 1917._--“Briefly put,” he says, “the enemy’s -plan appeared to be to contain our main forces on the Tigris, whilst -a vigorous campaign, which would directly threaten India, was being -developed in Persia. There were indications, too, of an impending move -down the Euphrates towards Nasariyeh. To disseminate our troops in -order to safeguard the various conflicting interests involved would -have relegated us to a passive defensive everywhere, and it seemed -clear from the outset that the true solution of the problem was a -resolute offensive, with concentrated forces, on the Tigris, thus -effectively threatening Baghdad, the centre from which the enemy’s -columns were operating. Such a stroke pursued with energy and success -would, it was felt, automatically relieve the pressure in Persia and on -the Euphrates, and preserve quiet in all districts with the security of -which we were charged. - -“This, then, was the principle which guided the subsequent operations, -which may be conveniently grouped into phases as follows:-- - -“_First._--Preliminary preparations from 28th August to 12th December.” - -[Illustration: ON THE MARCH] - -It would be confusing to follow up at this point General Maude’s -summary of his operations, but enough of it has been given to show that -from the time he took command he contemplated a “resolute offensive” on -the Tigris, threatening Baghdad, and that his preliminary preparations -for that movement were steadily pushed on until the 12th December, when -all was ready. - -The immediate field of conflict on the Tigris, and the positions -occupied by the conflicting armies, are shown in the accompanying -sketch-map. - -[Illustration: SKETCH OF BRITISH POSITION ON TIGRIS DECEMBER 1916. - -_A.B.C.D.E._ - -SCALE ABOUT 8·1 MILES TO THE INCH] - -The Turks were astride the river. On the north or left bank they held -the same positions as they had occupied since the fall of Kut. At -Sannaiyat the enemy awaited attack in the same formidable labyrinth of -trenches, flanked by marsh and river, from which in the early part of -the year he had three times repelled the desperate onslaught of our -troops. “Since then he had strengthened and elaborated this trench -system, and a series of successive positions extended back as far as -Kut, fifteen miles in the rear. The river bank from Sannaiyat to Kut -was also intrenched.” On the south or right bank of the river the enemy -was not so far forward. He had, on this side, withdrawn to a line of -intrenched defences which curved from a point on the Tigris, only -about three miles east of Kut, to a point on the Hai stream, and thence -round again to the Tigris west of Kut. The Hai stream was also held for -some miles southward with posts and mounted Arab auxiliaries. - -The British troops held the north bank of the Tigris up to the Turkish -trenches at Sannaiyat, and the south bank for about eleven miles -farther up-stream. Thus, as General Maude points out, the British -were strategically better situated than the enemy, for while their -flanks were secure the withdrawal of the enemy’s troops on the south -bank seemed to offer a chance for a blow sooner or later at his -communications on the north bank, which would mean the retreat or -capture of the force at Sannaiyat. - -In these circumstances it was decided that the proper course was, -first, to secure possession of the Hai stream, then to clear the -enemy’s trench systems on the right bank of the Tigris, and finally -to cross the Tigris as far west as possible. This idea of a turning -movement by the south was not a new one, for during the British -operations for the relief of Kut more than one attempt had been made -to seize the Hai; but the British forces had been too weak, and the -attempts had failed. Now, as shown above, General Maude’s army was -better fitted in numbers and equipment to make the attempt with success. - -It may be as well to note here what was the composition of the army. -Speaking generally, it may be said that about two-thirds of it -consisted of Indians, drawn from various races, the remaining third -being British. The Indians were not regarded in Europe, or by the -Turks, as equal to the British, nor were they--for European warfare at -all events. Nevertheless, they had faced the Turks well in previous -fighting, and as shown in an earlier chapter, they had won some credit -even on the European Front, under great disadvantages. They were, in -fact, excellent soldiers, and the Cavalry had a special reputation. -The British troops were as good as possible, largely drawn from the -old Regular Army, with additions from “Kitchener’s men.” They were all -in high spirits, and eager to get at the enemy. This was certainly the -case in the Thirteenth Hussars, where the men were very keen to go -forward. - -[Illustration: Lieut. B. E. H. JUDKINS] - -[Illustration: Lieut. R. GORE] - -[Illustration: Lieut. R. C. HILL, M.B.E.] - -[Illustration: Bt.-Major CHARLES STEELE] - -[Illustration: Lieut. M. C. KENNEDY] - -[Illustration: Capt. C. H. GOWAN, M.C.] - -[Illustration: Lieut. J. W. BLYTH, D.C.M.] - -On the 12th December the final orders were given. Lieut.-General Cobbe, -with a strong force of Infantry and Artillery, was to hold the enemy -to his positions on the north bank of the Tigris, and picket the south -bank nearly up to the Turkish positions on that side, while the Cavalry -and a force under Lieut.-General Marshall were by a surprise march to -secure and intrench a position on the Hai. Everything was to be got -ready that night for the opening of the campaign on the morrow. - - It is curious to note, by the way, that on the 12th December, the - day before the advance, a detail which seems to have given special - satisfaction to the British troops was the permission to shave the - moustache. Private Massey’s diary has the following entry: “On the - 12th it came in the orders from the Regimental Office that we could - shave the hair off our top lip if we wished. Many a time have I - heard the men grousing and grumbling because it was against orders - to shave the top lip. A great many took advantage of this order, - and Captain Eve appeared on parade with his moustache shaved off. - I fetched a pair of scissors, and after cutting the hair on my - top lip quite short, I shaved it off, and I felt much healthier - and cleaner.” So the Thirteenth, or many of them, went into the - Mesopotamian fighting after the manner of their forefathers in the - days of Napoleon--“bien rasés.” - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -DECEMBER 12, 1916-FEBRUARY 24, 1917--FIGHTING ON THE TIGRIS. - - -During the night of the 12th December the last preparations were -completed. General Marshall concentrated his troops in the forward area -from which he was to march on the Hai stream, and General Cobbe got -ready to bombard the Turkish trenches on the north of the Tigris, so as -to give the impression that the British intended once more to attack -Sannaiyat. - -On the 13th the bombardment opened, and the new campaign had begun. -General Maude himself moved his Headquarters some miles forward, and -after dark General Marshall’s force, with the Cavalry on their left, -struck out across country for the Hai. - -The night march was carried out without mishap. At 6 A.M. -on the morning of the 14th the column had reached its objective -unobserved; and the enemy, taken by surprise, made no stand in defence -of the stream. It was crossed by General Marshall at Atab, and by the -Cavalry a little farther south at Basrujiyeh. The first move of the -campaign had been a complete success. - -The Thirteenth had borne their part in the night march, and owing to -the completeness of the surprise had sustained no casualties. They got -over the stream unopposed, and without any difficulty, for in their -Colonel’s words it was “almost a dry bed,” and after an hour’s rest for -watering and feeding the horses they marched northwards up the right -bank of the stream with the Cavalry Division, while General Marshall’s -Infantry marched up the left bank, the Turks retiring upon their -intrenched position covering Kut. The force was, according to Private -Massey, shelled by the gunboat _Firefly_, which the Turks had taken -during Townshend’s retreat on Kut, but without result. - -[Illustration: ON THE TIGRIS--JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1917] - -But if the enemy had permitted thus easily the seizure by the British -of a point on the Hai, they were none the less determined to cling -tenaciously to the several strong positions which they still held on -the south bank of the Tigris, and two months of severe fighting were -yet to take place before they could be dislodged from the last of -these. During that time the main fighting had, of course, to be done -by the Infantry and guns, but the Cavalry was constantly engaged in -covering their flanks, “in reconnaissances, in harassing the enemy’s -communications west of the Hai, and in raids, capturing stock and -grain.” The letters and diaries of the Thirteenth will be quoted as -before to show the work of the mounted arm, and their share in it. - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--December 19, 1916._--“We are standing-to at -the moment, all packed up ready to move, securing the first opportunity -I have had of writing since we started scrapping. We left that camp -from where I last wrote[21] on the evening of the 13th, and marched all -night and came under Arab fire about 8.30 next morning. We marched on -and on, but my squadron did not get any show, as we were on flank guard -out of it all. We got to a very famous spot in this part of the world -and we had got the Turks pushed back a few miles. We got to bed very -cold and very empty about 10 o’clock, the wretched horses having had -their saddles on for 27 hours. Next morning I woke up at 5 and found -our transport had got up and a ripping hot breakfast was ready for us. -We had had practically nothing since midnight the night before. We -marched off again about 8, but did not do much all day (a very long and -tiring one). The Regiment only had a couple of casualties, and we were -shelled a bit. Next day was much the same, getting back after dark. -Then Sunday we were told we were going to have a day’s rest; however, -about 9 o’clock, Pearson and I were sent out with two troops to report -on some mounted troops right away in the distance. We galloped out and -got as close as we dare and reported about 800 Arabs, and galloped -back, the battery having got our range firing over our heads, to find -the whole Regiment were out, and as D had turned [out] quickest we -formed the advance-guard. We went about five miles at a tremendous -pace but could not catch them, and then were told to act as rearguard -to the Regiment, which was moving back to camp, and then the fun began. -Directly we turned homewards on came any number of what we thought were -Arabs shooting at us from long range, and making it very unpleasant; -however, we did our job and got back all right with only three men -hit, two slightly; five horses, three killed. We found out afterwards -that we were up against a mixed force of Turks and Arabs. I thought -the firing was too unpleasantly good for Arabs. Yesterday we went out -in force and waited about all day, but never got a show. Directly we -turned homewards we were shelled. The Regiment was extremely lucky, no -one hit. Two shells burst only a few yards from me and my troop, but no -one was hit and the horses only made a slight fuss for a second or two. -My men were excellent under fire.... This sort of fighting is better -than in France, as though there is not so much cover there is more room -and space, and of course there is not nearly so much shelling. We could -not possibly camp at night so close to the line in France as we do -here. I hear our English mail is on its way from its last standing camp -from where I last wrote, and is being brought up by camels. I am more -than grateful for that waistcoat, especially in the evening and first -thing in the morning, when we get an icy cold wind. During the day the -weather is perfect, just like spring at home.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--December 19._--“These Arabs and Turkish Cavalry -are wretched brutes to fight. They won’t let you get near them. Then -directly you start home away from them they attack and worry.... It -always seems to be the way. Luckily as a rule they are apparently -pretty bad shots. I am rather hopeless of ever being able to get at -them mounted, but I shall try, and we may get the Infantry out of their -trenches one day. But there’s nothing to worry about, we are right on -top of them. The job is to get near them.” - -_Lieutenant Munster--December 19._--“We left our camp a week ago and -have been skirmishing about ever since. So far we have had only very -slight casualties, and it does not appear to me as though we Cavalry -should become heavily engaged. Up to now we have been occupied in -keeping the Arabs from interfering with operations against the Turks. -We are quite comfortable, and on full rations. There seems to be no -difficulty about supplies. The weather has not broken yet. Our horses -are having a hard time just now.” - -[Illustration: - - THE HUSSARS - - OF THE - - THIRTEENTH NARVA REGIMENT - OF RUSSIA - - SEND MOST FRATERNAL GREETINGS TO - THEIR VALIANT AND NOBLE COMRADES - - OF THE - - THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OF HUSSARS - - PROUD AND HAPPY IN BEING UNITED - WITH THEM IN CORDIAL COOPERATION - AGAINST A COMMON ENEMY. - - THE RUSSIAN FRONT 1916. - -XMAS CARD SENT TO THE REGIMENT, 1916] - -Private Massey writes in his diary regarding these casualties: “As the -bullets which the Arabs use are as big as a man’s little finger, with -flattened nose just rounded off, they make a big noise going through -the air, as well as making terrible wounds.” The horses suffered most. - -_Lieutenant Chrystall._--“We have been doing, as you will no doubt have -seen by the papers, a little fighting, and have been doing a lot of -night marching on ‘operation scale,’ which means waterproof sheet, one -blanket, and biscuits and bully, and out all day. Our horses at times -have been forty-four hours without water, which of course is very hard. -Well, we were bemoaning our fate when we were ordered out on Christmas -Eve morning for an all-night show, and thinking we will never have any -Christmas dinner at all. We returned to camp about 3 P.M. on -Christmas Day and found a much-belated Christmas parcel awaiting us, -and all your splendid parcels. We had a meal fit for a king, and we had -to thank all you good people for it.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--December 27._--“Personally I see no show ever for -us, and am sorry I ever joined the Cavalry.... I have no delusions -about it now.... I shall never get a gallop with my squadron....” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--December 30._--“We are back again in the -same camp as we started out from for this show,[22] and got back just -in time, as it has rained almost ever since. We are pretty comfortable -in our tents, after much digging. I mean, we dig out the inside of -our tents, and make a trench all round to keep the water out. You -achieve three things by doing this: (1) your tent is much warmer; (2) -you have much more room and do not bump your head every time you turn -round; (3) you keep dry.... We can’t possibly move up again for another -show until the sun comes out and dries the mud, which is ankle-deep -now. (Thank goodness! I was able to buy a pair of gum-boots from our -Ordnance here.) Ormrod, Hill, and Lord arrived with a draft. They -marched up-country and brought us some horses which we wanted badly. -One night the Arabs scored over them well. Ormrod had his gun stolen -out of his tent, Hill and Lord had all their kit taken, including -bedding, valises, &c., and the sentries were on duty all round and -within a few yards of the spot! The Arab is a marvellous thief.... The -actual Christmas parcels have not arrived yet; all the same, we had -a wonderful Christmas dinner only about three miles from Kut--soup, -fish, mutton, and vegetables (we got the mutton after raiding an Arab -Fort on Christmas Eve), champagne, two bottles for six of us (gift -from Lord Curzon, I believe), an enormous plum-pudding which I bought -at the E.F.C.[23] before we left here, also there was a Christmas cake -and pudding given by telegraph. There is an E.F.C. up here now, but -owing to transport difficulties it runs out of everything you want -very quickly; but the best thing of all is our regimental coffee-shop -(the only one in Mesopotamia, I believe). Even right up here it is -open again, and you can buy anything from getting soda-water bottles -refilled to buying assorted chocolates.... A tremendous thunderstorm is -raging as I write, and it is coming down in buckets; to-morrow the mud -will be knee-deep.” - -_2nd Lieutenant J. O. P. Clarkson--December 30._--“Here’s a good story -and true. One of our monitors had been up to an advanced position -to shell the Turks, but had got heavily shelled itself. After a few -days of this they tried to pull the Turks’ leg a bit. They rigged a -_mahailla_ (Arab boat) with funnels and mast to represent a monitor, -towed it up during the night, and the next day put it into position, -burning oily rags and brown paper to represent its being under steam. -It was not shelled. They towed it up higher still. It was not shelled. -The next day a notice appeared from the Turkish trenches, and it ran, -“Your real monitors amuse us, but your dummy one is superb.” - -_Lieutenant Munster--December 30._--“Still here and still raining. -There can hardly be any doubt that we shall not be moved at present, -the mud is so awful. I used to think the mud at Aldershot could not be -surpassed, but now I am inclined to think Mesopotamia beats it. We have -to build little mud walls round our tents to keep the water out. I did -not build mine deep enough, and as a result I think I had a foot and a -half of water in my tent. It came just two or three inches short of -the level of my bed. I woke up and saw my boots and clothes floating -about.” - -_January 4, 1917._--“We have been in our permanent camp about ten days -now, and are quite likely to be here all the winter. After the winter -come the floods, and before the floods have gone down the great heat -comes on, so that October, November, and December are considered to be -the only fighting months of the year. This year active operations did -not start until December 14th, and the Cavalry withdrew to permanent -billets on December 26th.” - -_Captain W. H. Eve--January 17._--“I got your letter of December 3rd -when we got back here to standing camp the day before yesterday. We are -still all whole and flourishing, and I am very fit indeed. We left the -base November 3rd.... The ‘show’ was to start on the 14th,[24] and we -marched from here on the evening of the 13th. From the papers you will -probably have gathered more or less what we did to start with. - -“We were on the left or outer flank of the Infantry attack, away on the -south. Marched all night, crossed the river Hai (nearly dry then) at -dawn on the 14th; meeting with no opposition, then turned north up its -western bank, and kept pace with the Infantry attack. - -“Our part of the show was a success, a complete surprise to the enemy -apparently, and in fact we didn’t run into any of them for some time. -We had a little sniping from Arabs and a few Turk Cavalry, but no real -fighting. We had a longish trek though, about twenty-six hours for our -horses under saddle, as we did not get back to doss down by the river -until about 9 P.M., 14th. - -“The next two days we spent in reconnaissance wide on the flank, had -long days for the horses, no water from morning till night (luckily -cool weather), but we had no fighting, only got shelled once or twice.” - -_Sunday._--“I had a little scrap with the squadron. We got a sight of -about 800 Arabs and Turks, and the Regiment, which was for duty that -day, turned out after them. We could not catch them, but on going home -had a rearguard fight, which devolved on my squadron, and wherein they -pleased me. - -“This rearguard business, the worst and most unsatisfactory to do, is -the Arabs’ great game. We had two or three more days’ reconnaissance. -We accomplished nothing, and then were sent on a show to try and bridge -the river Tigris higher up. This was a failure, and we rather got it in -the neck, so you won’t see anything of it in the papers. The Regiment -that day was in reserve, so I saw very little of it, but of course I -know what happened. - -“On Christmas Eve we went off to deal with a hostile Arab chief down -south. That meant another night march, and so on. But we found the -bird had flown, and had to content ourselves with sacking his fort and -village, and collecting what cattle and sheep we could. - -“We got back here on Boxing Day, and it then rained for a week or more, -and we lived in mud. But here, of course, we are in permanent camp and -under canvas. I must say that so far we have been more than lucky with -our weather when out. - -“On the 7th we left here again, only got back on the 15th, during which -time we were trekking about again, chasing after Arabs, and eventually -were chased by them, as usual, on our way home. I had really no -fighting.... I have told you all this about ourselves, though it is not -in the least important, just to show you the sort of life we lead.” - -During this week the Regiment marched down to “Hai Town,” a -considerable place on the Hai stream, and collected some supplies -and Arab arms. Private Massey gives a sad account of the soldiers’ -disappointment at the loss of a good meal in a deserted village. - -“Here we seized several fowls and killed a few calves, taking -only their livers, kidneys, and hearts, which we carried in our -water-buckets. We camped close to the village for the night. After -unsaddling our horses and watering and feeding were over, we lit a fire -and commenced to cook the spoils of victory. But alas! when the water -was nearly boiling for tea, and the livers and kidneys were frizzling -in the mess-tins over a hot fire, the order was given, ‘Fall in for -line picket!’ Of course that was enough to test the temper and patience -of a parson, let alone a soldier, and a steady stream of expletives -could be heard as we sloped arms and marched away. That night I had -biscuits and bully, a poor substitute for fried liver and kidneys.” - -[Illustration: RIVER FORT, HAI TOWN] - -[Illustration: ON THE TIGRIS] - -It was hard, but Private Massey and his “messing-in chum,” M‘Nulty, -had better luck a few days later at another village, and the diary -triumphantly records how, “During the night M‘Nulty managed to get -several livers, kidneys, and hearts from the slaughtering place, and we -had fried liver and kidneys served up hot before réveillé next morning, -as well as a mess-tin full of hot cocoa, made from tablets I had sent -from England.” - -_Private Hugh H. Mortimer--January 18._--“Round about the back of -beyond. Yours of the 5th ulto. duly to hand about five or six days -ago. I say about, because one has no idea as to days and dates, &c., -out here, Sundays included. Sometimes we get a volunteer Church parade -when things are quiet, but that has been very seldom of late. The -last one we had, last Sunday but one, I volunteered for one the night -before, but what ho! the parade was for 11 A.M., and we had -been on the trek reconnoitring and Arab-chasing five hours by then. We -are quite seasoned hands at these quick turn-outs now; often we’re all -bivouacked down, giving it the bells in Snore Land, unless it happens -to be your turn for guard, then somebody strolls round in a quiet -hurry, kicks the sergeant in the ribs, and whispers, ‘Turn out at once; -parade two hundred yards west of camp midnight.’ The kicks, &c., are -passed on, and we are all saddled up, transport packed, &c., &c., and -perhaps three or four miles away in less than an hour, and all that -done in the dark, and no noise above a whisper, unless somebody gets a -kick in the seat from a bobbery horse, and then there is some excuse -for letting it rip. - -“Yes, one day is much of a muchness with the next, unless it is that -one has no time to think about what day it happens to be. Often I have -asked five or six chaps the date to put in a letter, and then had to -consult the orderly sergeant at the finish. Still, I don’t suppose it -would make any difference to one’s destination if one happened to snuff -it on a Friday or Sunday. We get in bags of warm spots now ever since -we came right up, about two months ago. Sort of places that make the -short hairs stand out on the back of the neck, and wonder if the next -12-pounder or so on has your number on it. I thought I knew a bit of -what it feels to sit in a trench with them coming over in France, but -galloping about in open country with shrapnel flying about licks it -hollow. I saw one drop in a machine-gun section about fifteen yards on -my right some fortnight ago, and that one bagged four men and three -horses, and then several pieces hummed past me.... Then again the cod -was galloping across a hail-storm for a mile from cover to cover. I -took the Hotchkiss gun across--I am a nob at Hotchkiss guns now--and -the remainder of the section followed some thirty yards behind at -the canter. We got five shrapnel quick, and not more than thirty or -forty yards away, and two of them in front of me and one behind the -two parties. I looked round after the thud, having a good horse, and -you talk about dust-flying--well, I thought ‘There’s only me in this -section now,’ and made a lightning spurt for a deep donga, dropped -into it with a crash, and pulled up. About six seconds afterwards two -more crashes, and there appeared the rest of the team, a bit pale -and smiling rather sickly smiles, but not a scratch on either men or -horses, so you may judge of the luck of the mob. The worst of this -country is, you can’t depend on the district for any supplies like you -can in France; after we’ve had nothing but a couple of biscuits and one -12-oz. tin of bully from day to day for several days, when we get out -of touch with the ration stands, that just seems to be the time when -one could do with about four good sit-down knife-and-fork square meals -per diem. When it’s like that I go up two extra holes in my belt and -try not to think of steak and chips or anything in that line. Never -mind, I will make it all up when and if I get home. Roll on that time -too. Have just received a letter from Fannie, and she says people at -home say, ‘Oh, he’s safe in Mesopotoom,’ but by the H.P. I never felt -unsafer in France, Somme or no Somme. You may think that it’s generally -understood that the last round is for yourself, before being taken -alive by Arabs, although the Turks seem to fight very fair, and there -are no tanks to walk behind and no trenches to bob down in.” - -_Lieutenant Chrystall--January 20._--“To-day we were within one and a -half miles of Kut. ‘So near and yet so far,’ and we hear to-day some -trenches have been taken, so things are looking up a bit. To-day we -got a splendid ration of beef, a sirloin, probably the first one ever -seen in Mesopotamia.... One has to be very drastic with these people, -the women being just as bad as the men. If you do not take strong steps -they will shoot you in the back, even if they have shown the white -flag, which they usually do when we are advancing, but when retiring -they shoot at you.” - -_Captain Eve--January 20._--“When we approached our objective, the big -native town [Hai Town], they came out with a white flag and pretended -to be friendly, and we treated them as such, and _bought_ supplies -and things from them, and of course they made a fortune out of us.... -Then Sunday, the 14th, we started back. As soon as we had left, our -rearguard was heavily attacked (native regiments), and we had some -casualties, and were very much delayed, and the Regiment sent to their -support, but had very little to do.” - -_January 26._--“I wish I could tell you _really_ all about things out -here, but it is quite impossible. Only I do wish now above all else -that I could have gone to Infantry or gunners. I have slowly but surely -come to the conviction that we are years out of date, and entirely or -almost entirely useless, and will never take a real part again.” - -_2nd Lieutenant J. O. P. Clarkson--February 2._--“Since my last letter -we have done quite a bit. First we tried to go round the Pushtikuh -Mountains,[25] so early one morning we started off in order to cross -the bridge. It took us over two hours to get across, and then we were -the leading unit of the 2nd Brigade. We went past a fort to the Wadi -river for water, and then pushed on to try and cross the marsh. But -we got hopelessly bogged, at least the guns and the transport did, -although they had double teams in as it was. Meanwhile we were all -anxiously looking at the sky, as there was a devil of a storm coming -up. So those people who had crossed the marsh had to recross it again. -We camped down just off the marsh, and had scarcely got the lines -down when it started to pour with rain. We crawled into our valises -(no tents), and slept, and woke up soaking, boots full of water and -thoroughly wet. It was still raining. We got up at 5 A.M., -and had to wait until they had got all the waggons out of the marsh, -some having been left there the evening before. We waited about five -hours. Luckily it then turned out fine, and we started back. Our things -were more or less dry by the time we got into our camp by the fort -about twelve or sixteen miles from the Arab village. We got back to our -permanent camp about 2 P.M. next day. The going after that -rain was very heavy, and both men and horses came in very tired. We had -a very short rest and now are out again.” - -The Regiment had returned on the 27th January to the Hai river, and -from there during the following week made several reconnaissances to -the westward, beyond Kut, where the Turks had a bridge across the -Tigris, and some strong intrenched positions on the south bank. They -had been dislodged from some points lower down, but still held on -desperately to the westerly bends of the river in order to protect from -attack the line of communications of their main force in Sannaiyat. -Until the 4th February the Thirteenth, though at times under heavy -fire from rifles and machine-guns and artillery, got off practically -without loss. Then there was a sharp fight, in which the Cavalry was -called upon to act dismounted in conjunction with the Infantry, and the -Thirteenth had some casualties. An officer was killed and two wounded, -with a few non-commissioned officers and men. - -The officer killed, Lieutenant Munster, was much respected in the -Regiment, “a very gallant, zealous, and capable officer,” as his -Colonel reported. All accounts agree in describing him as a man of -exceptional character, who, though young, had already made his mark. -Quiet and reserved, with strong religious views, he was spoken of -in unusual language by many of those about him. “I am not good at -expressing myself,” one of them wrote, “but I may say his daily life -was one which I shall try to follow: it was one of doing good to his -fellow-men; my admiration for him was unbounded, and my grief worse and -more intense than I ever felt in my life.” His death seems to have been -due to his unselfish devotion, for having led his men forward and seen -all of them under cover preparing for another rush, he walked across -the open to avoid exposing one of them in sending a message to another -officer, and was shot through the heart. Such was the fire at the -moment that his Colonel said: “I judged it inexpedient to attempt to -recover his body, and to remove a brother officer, Mr Williams Taylor, -and some men who were wounded, until after dark.” - -[Illustration: Lieut. D. A. STIRLING] - -[Illustration: Lieut. J. A. LORD - -(_Wounded at Imam Mahdi, 25th February 1917_)] - -[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. J. F. MUNSTER - -(_Killed at Shumran Bend, 4th February 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Sergt. W. D. TASSIE, D.C.M.] - -[Illustration: S.S.-M. J. BREARLEY, D.C.M.] - -Nor were they the only two to distinguish themselves on this day. -Captain Robinson, commanding “B” Squadron, had been wounded in -leading the advance shortly before, and Sergeant Tassie of “D” Squadron -received the D.C.M. for his coolness and courage in bringing up -ammunition when the transport animals were shot down. - -Other officers of the Regiment also showed great courage on this day, -and it is a temptation to record what was afterwards written of them by -an eye-witness--a Captain in one of the Indian regiments of the Brigade. - -“Our Brigade was ordered to attack dismounted, Hussars on the left, -ourselves in the centre, with Watson’s Horse echeloned to the right -rear. This meant that the Hussars had to advance across the open with -no cover, whilst we had the cover afforded by the high banks of the -nullah. After an advance of about 1400 yards the fire became so heavy -that the Hussars decided to left-shoulder and make for the nullah, with -the object of working down it and thus coming to assaulting distance. -Their casualties had been pretty heavy. They eventually made the nullah -in advance of our line, and cleared out some advanced patrols of Turks -who were holding it there. - -“Captain Willis and I were now sent down by my C.O. to gain touch with -the Hussars by working down the nullah. - -“I met Captain Newton and asked him who was commanding. He said he was -for the moment, because Captain Eve and Captain Steele were outside, -and he was reorganising the men preparatory to making a further -advance.[26] Just as he spoke a renewed burst of machine-gun and rifle -fire made me look over the top to see what was happening. I saw Eve and -Steele helping in a wounded man who had been hit in the leg. The man -had an arm round each of their necks. The Turks furiously opened up at -them, and I don’t know how they got away, for the ground all round was -being thrown up by bullets. - -“I don’t think Eve realised he was doing anything exceptional, his only -concern seemed to be getting the man in without giving him pain. What -struck me most was the cool way he handed the man in, carefully caught -up the thong of his crop, which he always carried, and then jumped -down into the nullah under a perfect hail of machine-gun bullets. He -turned to me as if nothing in the world had happened, and we discussed -the situation.[27] - -“A few minutes later I went back and brought my squadron forward. - -“By this time the C.O. of the Hussars and my own C.O. had arrived, and -we all went down the nullah together. - -“When we were talking to Eve, a man came up and said that a private of -the Hussars was lying about forty yards outside the nullah and shouting -for help. My C.O. turned to me and said, ‘See if you can get him in,’ -but Eve said, ‘Nonsense, he is a man in my squadron.’ So he and Captain -Jeffrey immediately left the cover and finally found the man. The man -had only had his arm shattered, so after Eve had spoken to him he got -up and they all came in safely.... - -“Eve realised that it was impossible to leave these wounded men until -dark, because we anticipated a counter-attack about dusk, and it was -necessary to be hampered as little as possible then.... Also the -presence of numerous Arab irregulars made the possibility of leaving -our wounded out of the question.... - -“It was one of the most gallant things I have ever seen, and was just -typical of Eve. I know he did not give it another thought, and only -considered he had done his duty, but that too is only typical of the -man.” - -Captain Eve’s own comment upon the day was short:-- - -“It went very well,” he writes, “but we weren’t allowed to hold on to -what we had got, which rather took the gilt off the gingerbread. We had -bad luck in officers, as you will have seen, Bob [Captain Robinson] -and Williams Taylor being both hit, and poor Munster being killed. But -the casualties among the men were very light, and in fact we were very -lucky. - -“This was undoubtedly from our own point of view the most satisfactory -day we have had, though it was only a side-show.” - -[Illustration: LT. MUNSTER’S GRAVE] - -[Illustration: GRAVES OF LT. MUNSTER, PRIVATE KILLICK, AND A CORPORAL -OF THE 14TH HUSSARS] - -[Illustration: PRIVATE KILLICK’S GRAVE] - -BUSSOORIE - -A letter of the 6th February gives a more detailed account. - -_Captain Eve--February 6._--“We came under pretty hot rifle and -Maxim-gun fire, but not shell-fire. They shelled the guns and the -horses in rear but not us. Well, the men are something to be proud of. -They just advanced as they should. It was really just like a day on the -sand-hills at Meerut. We had very few casualties in our advance, that -is among the men, and the Turks did not wait for us in their advanced -position, nor again in their first line, which was a big and deep dry -canal. We got it fairly hot from enfilade Maxim-gun fire just before we -got to this, but we got there all right.... All this time I had been -with ‘C’ and ‘D’, the others on my left and behind. Then after we had -got settled in our trench ‘B’ came in, and at last ‘A’, and I found I -was commanding the lot. I also found poor old ‘B’ had dropped into it -badly, Bob shot through the leg (slight), Williams Taylor badly in the -thigh, and Munster killed. Barrett was therefore commanding, and only -Hill left with them. The rest were all right, though Williams of ‘A’ -had a bullet through his hat which made a furrow along the back of his -head. I then found our flanks were in the air as neither of the other -Regiments was up; but the Turks made no attempt to counter-attack, -and we were pretty safe, except that one of their Maxim guns kept -firing down the trench. So I couldn’t go any farther without support, -and reported by signal. Presently one of the others came up on our -right, and our guns got very busy. Then the only bad thing that I saw -happened. They tried to send our ammunition pack-horses up to us across -the open. They got to within about 200 yards, and then got properly -caught by Maxim-gun fire. The men got hit and the horses loose, and -then the poor beasts stood, just being shot to death, one going after -another. Sergeant Tassie on his own, and I think young Stirling did -too, ran out to them across the open, and succeeded in getting one in, -and he then went back and brought in ammunition off a horse that had -been killed. It was a very fine thing, and I have pushed in his name -for a D.C.M.... - -“The Colonel was delighted with the Regiment, and so was the -Brigade.... The men were very pleased with themselves, and I with them. -They were just first-class.... Poor old Munster was shot right through -the chest and killed instantly. He was such a nice man--very shy and -reserved, but a real good sort, and every one is so sorry. - -“My best bit of news of all is that Tassie has got the D.C.M. I know -how pleased you will be.... He wears the ribbon, but I hope will have -it presented in public some time. I am pleased and proud about it. - -“Williams had another bullet clean through his helmet on Friday. He was -trying to snipe a sniper, and was successful too--killed his man.” - -_February 16._--“Yesterday, Thursday, we started at 5, breakfast at -4 A.M.--out to the same ground on the left flank. We kept -the horses well back, and I was left in charge of them, and had a -desperately dull day. However, I missed nothing, as the Division had -very little to do except for the gunners. But it was a real good -day--the Infantry did well, in fact it was quite a little victory. -We completely cleared the south bank--took 1500 prisoners, including -fifty officers, two battalion commanders among them, and killed a great -number, including most of those trying to get back across the river, as -we sank the whole of their pontoons and coracles while crossing. Also -we got three of their aeroplanes. It was a good show altogether, and -finishes this stage of the operations. The next, as you can see, must -be to force the passage of the river and clear them out of Kut on the -north. - -“This will mean heavy fighting.” - -Private Massey, after describing how the enemy tried to get across “in -pontoon boats and oracles,” says: “They looked a dejected lot indeed, -clothed in rags, no boots, and they had had very little food for some -time. They eagerly took cigarettes offered them, and went limping off -to the river dock for removal to the prisoners’ camp, resembling as -they went a tribe of lame and ragged beggars. But the Turk has a stout -heart, is as brave as a lion, and will fight like the very devil on a -handful of dates and a morsel of flour.” - -Pity that with all his fine qualities, which appeal so strongly to the -British soldier, he has not yet learnt to treat his prisoners without -brutality. - -_Captain Eve--February 16._--“I don’t suppose we shall be wanted until -we have the crossing secure, but after that we may have some fun.... -We, of course, have had nothing to do with it really, but then we are -only Cavalry.” - -_February 19._--“We were in camp two days afterwards (after the action -on the 4th), then were out on a foraging expedition on the 7th. On the -9th we were out on reconnaissance again all day and half the night, -then had two or three days very bad weather, and on the 14th and 15th -had two very long days and nights. - -“But the last one was the final successful show which cleared out the -Turks from this southern bank altogether. It was quite a good show, but -we were sitting out wide on the flank all the time, and had really very -little to do with it, and could see nothing. Still, it is quite good, -and one feels something is accomplished at last. Now we have far the -hardest part in front of us, but we shall do the job all right before -long. - -“Since the 15th we have been left in peace, and very glad of it we -were. The horses begin to look a little better already. - -“I have told you all this just to give you an idea how we are worked. -Most days we are fifteen to twenty hours under saddle, and short -and irregular water, besides long distances, and much night work, -worst of all. Our unfortunate horses began to look like shadows, but -are recovering a little now, and we have had one batch of very nice -remounts, though we are still about one hundred short. - -“All the men are very fit indeed, and so are we. It is desperately cold -at times, but we are managing by degrees to get our tents out from the -permanent camp. - -“My squadron, of which I am now again in command, Twist having rejoined -for duty, has sunk from six of us to four, as Pearson has left us to -join probably the Australians, and Pardon is laid by with a badly -sprained ankle. - -“I expect we shall be busy again in a few days. We have been -extraordinarily lucky in the weather, take it all round, and I should -think Maude will take advantage of it while it lasts. Let’s hope so.” - -_February 21._--“I am starting my chat to-day because we are going out -to-morrow, so I make certain of catching the mail. We shall have had a -six days’ easy--haven’t been out since Thursday, the 15th, and it has -been very nice. To-morrow I fancy the next stage of the proceedings is -to start, probably crossing to the north. I don’t imagine we shall have -anything to do but sit on the flank at first, and until the Infantry as -usual have done the work.... - -“I started to write to mother after my chat to you last Friday evening, -and then a most terrific thunderstorm with heavy hail and a gale of -wind suddenly came on, and we had to turn out and stand to the horses, -only just in time to stop a stampede. In fact, for a minute or two -after we were with them, I thought they might go. I got to mine, Follow -Me and Caprice tangled up together. We held them all right, but it -was pretty miserable--pitch dark, blowing a hurricane, and hail you -couldn’t face. The men were top hole. When the storm passed, we got the -lines down again (in water) and made all secure. We were, of course, -wet through, and I then found our tent flooded out, beds in an inch -of water, &c.... It blew and rained hard in the night, and the poor -wretched men were wet through and in the open, all flooded or mud. Box -and I kept dry in our tent, and it held all right against the wind.... - -“The men, as a matter of fact, have got into the way of making -themselves the most cosy little dug-outs. They dig down and cover up -with their waterproof sheets. They are wonders--never have any of them -sick--two rubbed heels is my total sick in the squadron, and yet in -permanent camp there would probably be a sick-list of ten.... - -“The river has risen tremendously the last few days, and is only a few -feet from the top. Let’s hope it does not rise any more or we shall -be completely flooded out.... I have got thirteen extra men out from -permanent camp, and with the new horses can turn out something like a -respectable squadron.... I am still short of horses, could do with any -amount more like the last lot. Do you remember how in peace time it was -always too many horses and no men? And now it is the exact opposite, -just when horses are wanted.”[28] - -[Illustration: CAPTAIN EVE’S CHARGER “FOLLOW ME” - -(DIED AT SEA ON THE WAY HOME IN APRIL 1919)] - -_February 23._--“Well, we didn’t go out on Thursday, yesterday, the -whole show being postponed owing to the river having risen too much. It -has since fallen, and the show started early this morning, and so far -is going very well indeed, and we are standing-to in readiness. - -“Besides this show, we have taken a great part of the first and -second lines of the Sannaiyat position and repulsed five or six -counter-attacks, so all is very well.... - -“Payne overheard the following between two of the men the other day. -‘That there Major Fry, ’e’s been made a Colonel.’ ‘What, ’im? _What’s_ -wrong with him?’ I think it good enough for ‘Punch’ if only one could -draw a picture for it....” - -General Maude had certainly been lucky in the weather, the winter -floods not having yet made the river impassable, and he was taking -full advantage of his chances. The “quite good show” of the 15th -had been the last of a series of carefully-planned and hard-fought -Infantry attacks, which had gradually torn away the Turkish hold from -point after point upon the south bank of the Tigris. The enemy was now -thrown across the river, and in desperate anxiety for his long line -of communications. They were still covered by a swollen river more -than three hundred yards broad, but they were not safe from a resolute -attack, and after some skilful feinting here and there the blow was -about to be driven home. - -Maude was not the man to lose an hour. On the 23rd of February, just -before daybreak, some Infantry, English and Goorkha, were ferried -across the Tigris at the Shamran bend, west of Kut, and after hard -fighting succeeded in establishing themselves on the northern bank. -Before dark the same afternoon a bridge had been completed. The end of -the long suspense had come. The Turks had fought stubbornly for more -than two months, but their line of communications had now been struck, -and their main force must go or be captured. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE RECAPTURE OF KUT--RETREAT OF THE TURKS. - - -At the same time that the Tigris was being crossed westward of Kut, the -Turkish intrenchments at Sannaiyat were fiercely attacked in front, -and the brave defenders, learning that the river defence had fallen -behind them, at last gave way. On the 24th the maze of trenches which -had resisted so many onslaughts was carried with a rush, and sweeping -on rapidly the British troops replaced the British flag on the walls of -Kut. On the same morning the British Cavalry poured across the bridge -from the southern bank in pursuit of the retreating enemy, and the -British gunboats pressed up the river again to join in his destruction. -There was reason to hope that he had held on too long, and that his -stubborn troops were doomed to be taken or destroyed. - -This hope proved to be delusive. The Turks had to retreat very rapidly -to extricate themselves in time, and they lost heavily in doing so; -but they, or the bulk of them, did succeed in getting away. Many were -slain, and some thousands remained in British hands, but by steady and -determined rearguard fighting they checked their pursuers, and when -they reached Azizieh, a hundred miles off, half way to Baghdad,[29] -they were still a military force, if a defeated one. - -The share of the Thirteenth in the victory and pursuit was not all that -they hoped it might have been. Some eager spirits among them chafed -at the caution with which the Cavalry was handled and the pursuit -carried on. But nevertheless the mounted men, although unable to storm -entrenchments held by a resolute enemy, had throughout done much to -cover and facilitate the operations of the Infantry and guns, and they -now did all that mounted men could do to harass the retreat. If it did -not mean converting the retreat into a complete rout, and annihilating -a Turkish army, it was a material contribution towards that end. -After three days of steady pressure, during which the Cavalry lost a -good many men, they had pushed the Turks over a long stretch of road, -capturing prisoners and guns and booty of all kinds; and if they were -stopped there, half-way to Baghdad, it was only because they had got in -advance of their supplies and of the supporting Infantry. - -[Illustration: _THE ADVANCE ON BAGHDAD_ - -SCALE ABOUT 25 MILES TO THE INCH] - -The following extracts from letters and journals tell the story in -greater detail. - -_Lieut.-Colonel Richardson, D.S.O._--“On the 24th of February we -left camp about an hour before daylight, reached Shumran, where a -pontoon had been thrown across the Tigris the previous day by the -Sappers and Infantry, crossed the river about 9 A.M., and -gradually moved up to behind the Dahra Ridge, which at that time was -the most advanced point held by our infantry. At noon we found what -we thought was an opening in the Turkish line, went through it, and -made a big left-handed sweep, until we were brought to a standstill -by the Turkish rearguard, strongly intrenched. We were engaged with -this till after dark, when we returned to bivouac, which we reached -about 1 A.M. We were in the saddle again at daybreak on -the 25th, and took up the pursuit of the Turks, who had left their -intrenchments. At about midday we located their rearguard in position -about Imam Mahdi, on the north bank of the Tigris, and the Regiment was -ordered to attack dismounted, with the 14th Lancers on our left. We -were closely engaged with the Turks until about 5 P.M., when -orders were received to withdraw. Then we found that our casualties had -been heavy, but mostly in wounded, the numbers being approximately one -officer, Lieutenant Lord, and thirty-six men wounded. That night again -we reached our bivouac after midnight, and were again on the move at -daylight. - -“On this day, 26th February, the Regiment was in reserve and not -engaged. We bivouacked where we stood that night, and at daybreak took -up the pursuit of the Turks, who were now in full retreat. Before -midday we had taken some 300 prisoners, and had found six field-guns -of large calibre, which had been left by the Turks. After that we -replenished our nose-bags from a captured barge well stocked with -barley, and followed the road taken by the retreating Turks, which was -strewn with rifles, bayonets, small-arm ammunition, trench-mortars, to -which the draft cattle were still harnessed, hundreds of 5.9 shells, -carts full of implements, and even a motor-car. We bivouacked at dark -some six miles from Azizieh.” - -In General Maude’s despatch giving a summary of these operations is the -following passage:-- - -“Our gunboats were in touch with and shelled the retreating enemy -during most of the 27th, and his retirement was harassed by the Cavalry -until after dark, when his troops were streaming through Azizieh in -great confusion.” General Maude adds that since crossing the Tigris his -force had captured 4000 prisoners, of whom 188 were officers, and great -quantities of guns and stores. But now the pursuit, in which the Navy -and the Cavalry had co-operated in an unusual way, was broken off. The -Turkish army had made good its hasty retreat, and was for the moment -free to get away unmolested. - -“We bivouacked at dark,” says Colonel Richardson, “some six miles -from Azizieh, and next day received orders to retire about ten miles, -in order to allow supplies, which we had outrun, and the infantry, -to come up. On our way back we collected all that was possible of -the ammunition and stores that might be useful to us. On the 28th of -February we spent a very welcome rest day in camp. On the 1st of March -we marched to Azizieh, where a halt was ordered.” - -In fact, the Infantry having fallen behind, or rather, perhaps, -having been kept back by the difficulty of bringing up sufficient -supplies, there was a pause of five days during which the British -force was closed up and got ready for a farther advance. Baghdad now -lay immediately ahead, but as the Turks were not in such a condition -of rout that they could be hunted through the great town _l’épée aux -reins_, it was necessary to move with the force thoroughly together, -and not to risk a check. - -The following are further extracts from letters and diaries:-- - -_Private Massey--February 24, 1917._--“On the 24th, réveillé was at 2 -A.M., and we turned out on parade at 4.30 A.M. The -previous night the Engineers had thrown a bridge across at Shamran -bend, and early this morning, the 24th,[30] the Infantry had succeeded -in getting across, and we followed soon after. - -“The Turks, seeing their danger, had retreated the previous night, -leaving only a rearguard to delay our advance, and cover the retreat -of their main body.... After crossing the pontoon-bridge we formed -troop, and went along in extended order, until we got close in on the -enemy’s rearguard. Here we dismounted and brought the Hotchkiss guns -into action, and V Battery opened a heavy fire on the retreating enemy. -The Infantry must have been heavily engaged, as many of their wounded -were at the advanced dressing station, close to the bridge-head, and -we passed several dead. During the afternoon we reached Dahra Barracks -(Turkish), which were littered with Turkish dead. Still pressing on -towards nightfall, we came in touch with an enemy flank patrol, and -opened fire on them with rifles, Hotchkiss guns, and artillery. It was -now very late at night, so we returned back to Dahra Barracks for food -and water for the horses. It was about 2 A.M. when we made -down our beds and lay down for the night. When we had been in bed about -half an hour, the order came for the 1st and 3rd Troops to saddle up -at once, and I heard Mr Payne, the officer in charge, tell the troop -sergeant that we were going out on the flank, on reconnaissance. On -hearing the order, we jumped out of bed, saddled up our horses, and in -a few minutes we were off in the early morning dusk. We were all tired -and very sleepy, as we had only had half an hour’s sleep, but we had a -rattling good officer in charge of us, always giving commands in a fine -soldierly manner, and a leader in whom we all had confidence.[31] - -“As we neared the trenches we had fired on late the night before, we -met a Turk, who gave himself up. Later on we came upon two Turkish -officers, who gave up their revolvers and a valuable telephone -instrument. On reaching the trenches, we found a dead Turk and one -wounded man. We bound up his wound, laid him down, and gave him some -cigarettes, and then put up his rifle to let the R.A.M.C. men know he -was there, and when we came back later he was gone. - -“We were now not many miles away from Kut and Sannaiyat, but on the -north side of it this time. We had watched Kut from the south side -so long that it seemed impossible we could be where we were then. We -could see the 13th Division coming through Sannaiyat, and we afterwards -passed through what had been a Turkish camping-ground, and kettles, -dishes, and pans lay all over the place. - -“We returned back to camp about midday, and heard that the officer in -charge had been complimented for the reports he had sent in, and which -had enabled the Division we left behind at Dahra Barracks to turn -out at 5 A.M. that morning, and continue the pursuit of the -retreating enemy. After watering and feeding our horses we commenced to -feed ourselves. Porridge was made, and bacon and tea were made, and we -had a hearty meal, after which we rested; but the place was beginning -to smell, as the dead Turks had not yet been buried....” - -_February 26._--“Next morning we moved on to where we knew the -Regiment had camped, but on arrival the Regiment had again gone on, -but we went with the transport as escort. This was on the 26th, and on -arriving in camp at night, we heard that the Regiment had been heavily -engaged with the enemy’s rearguard, and Sergt.-Major Goddard, S.Q.M.S. -Edwards, Sergeants Bell and Hill, had been wounded, Private Davis of -‘C’ Squadron killed, and thirty-three wounded.... About 5 P.M. -we again went on, intending to overtake and rejoin the Regiment, which -we failed to do, until they were forced to call a halt as they were out -of rations, and had eaten their iron ration. This will give any one who -reads this an idea of the speed with which the Turkish rearguard was -pursued and continually harassed and defeated. - -“We reached camp at one o’clock the next morning, the 27th.... On the -way up we had passed much abandoned booty, as the enemy, being hotly -pursued, had to leave it to escape capture. There were guns of the -18-pounder class, as well as small camel guns which fired a shell not -much bigger than a man’s two fists. Thousands of rounds of artillery -ammunition was lying strewn all along the track of the beaten enemy. -Rifles and small-arm ammunition, equipment transport carts, and even a -motor-car of German manufacture.... - -“At night we rejoined the Regiment, who hadn’t a biscuit left, but -heard they had captured a Turkish barge, with a cargo of grain, -flour, candles, dates, and supplies of all descriptions, so they had -grain for the horses and food for the men. The transport arrived in -camp, but they only had enough for one day’s march; and although the -paddle-steamers followed us up, we were now a day’s march ahead of the -dumping-ground, and two days’ march in front of the Infantry.” - -_February 28._--“So next day, the 28th February, we retired back -a day’s march, and came upon the food columns on the bend of the -river.... On the 1st of March we remained in camp all day.... We got on -board the captured barge that morning, bringing away whole-meal flour, -dates, surgical bandages, and took off a lot of corn for the horses. -M‘Nulty and Moss made chupattees of the flour, baking corned-beef and -dates and making pies, and we all had a good feed.... - -_March 3._--“On the 3rd réveillé was at 5.30. After attending to our -mounts we had breakfast, and then a big party of men, of which I was -one, were ordered to stand-to for fatigue. We were marched down to -the river, a distance of two or three hundred yards, and commenced to -unload barges, which had arrived that morning with stores of all kinds, -shells and bullets, and food for man and beast. We soon transformed -the bleak ground on the bend of the river into a vast dumping-ground, -and hundreds of tons of corn were soon stacked in heaps on shore.... -At 8 P.M. that night we were again unloading a barge which we -completely emptied of its cargo. We had no rest that day, but we knew -we had done some good work.” - -_March 4._--“Next day, the 4th, we remained in camp all day. During the -afternoon we heard that the General was holding a parade to decorate -men who were recommended for bravery on the field. We were afterwards -to get ready to move on the morrow, as a report brought in by airmen -reported a body of Turks holding trenches a day’s march up the Tigris -close to where they had a pontoon-bridge across.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--March 2._--“What do you think of it all? -No doubt the papers have been shouting about old Mespot lately. When -I wrote my last letter I little thought we should be quite so far on -the next time I wrote. I think the rout of the Turks must have been a -complete surprise for even our authorities.... - -“We went through the Infantry and crossed the Tigris above Kut at 9 -A.M., Saturday, 24th. Curiously enough, I met Masson, who used -to be at Pat’s at Repton with me. He had been building the bridge. We -didn’t do much that day, as we were held up when we tried to get round -their flank; however, next day we went a long reconnaissance. I got a -small batch of prisoners, and then we attacked the Turks’ position. I -was commanding the squadron, as Eve was commanding a wing. We advanced -about 1½ mile across the open under very heavy rifle-fire and shrapnel. -I lost both my sergeant-majors and two sergeants, besides others. -The Regiment lost 35 and only 1 officer (Lord): how we got out of it -I don’t know, as hardly any one came out without a bullet through -his coat, topee, or something. I tell you I lay pretty flat when we -weren’t advancing or retiring, but there was not a bit of cover! We -camped down about 2 A.M., and were off again about 6 and went -about 30 miles, but the Turks had cleared early next morning. We took -about 300 prisoners and 6 heavy guns, and the road was littered with -ammunition, kit, shells, carts, dead animals, &c. The prisoners were in -a very bad way and could hardly walk.... - -[Illustration: H.M.S. “TARANTULA” - -“A TRIED AND TRUSTY FRIEND OF THE REGIMENT”] - -[Illustration: PRIVATE MASSEY’S “ORACLE,” OTHERWISE CORACLE] - -“Luckily the weather has been perfect, except it has frozen every -night, and is quite cold in the day. I brought all my bedding on my -spare horse, but of course we haven’t got any tents. None of us got the -chance of a wash or shave for four days, so you would have laughed if -you had seen us. I am awfully fit. Hope the next letter I write to you -will be Baghdad: it’s under fifty miles from here. Best love to all. - -“The monitors did excellent work and recaptured the _Firefly_ and other -boats.” - -_2nd Lieutenant J. O. P. Clarkson--March 3._--“We started early in the -morning[32] and trekked to the Tigris west of Kut. The Infantry had -established themselves on the other bank, so we crossed in the early -morning and followed them up. When they had cleared the trenches we -went through to harass the enemy’s retreat.... The next day we went -in on what was supposed to be the retreating enemy, and found it was -the main body, consisting of about 5000 men.... The next night we -bivouacked by a water-hole in the desert. We had some armoured cars -with us, and one of them got into difficulties a very short way off -some Turkish guns, but the next morning was still intact. The next day -we again went on and captured 400 prisoners and 12 guns, 6 of which -were 5.9 howitzers, and one man found the breech-blocks, which had -been buried in another place. By this time we were getting very short -of food for the horses, but luckily we found a barge laden with grain -that had been captured, so we filled up again.... We are now at a place -about half-way between Kut and Baghdad. The Navy here--_i.e._, the -monitors--did great work. They rushed on ahead, and got right into the -thick of it, firing 6-inch shrapnel at the Turk at a range of 400 to -600 yards. Every gun on board was worked, and in every direction. They -captured several boats and barges, and what used to be the _Firefly_. -The Turks captured it at Kut, and have used it against us ever since, -and in a few days it is going to come up and shell the Turk. The litter -that was left behind by the Turks was awful--rags, clothes, camp -furniture, ammunition of every description, and bombs, shells--in fact -a bit of everything. We recaptured half a dozen of our fellows who had -been captured the day before, and they had their boots and overcoats -taken from them, as the Turks are very short of both. They even strip -their own dead as well as our own for the clothes they can get off them. - -“I also found a Constantinople paper which was written in French, and -which said the Germans had gained a great defensive victory on the -Somme against the English because--and here came long explanations. -Also that Verdun was as good as lost to the French, &c. I was also -shown some post-cards from Germany, but they were very badly written, -and I could not decipher them. There was also an ‘Illustratte Zeitung’ -there, with wonderful pictures showing how grateful the Pole was for -the German liberation scheme.” - -(Lieutenant Clarkson read and spoke fluently both French and German.) - -_Captain W. H. Eve--March 2._--“Well, things are going _really_ well, -and we are now forty-five miles short of Baghdad, and resting a day or -two. The difficulty is again supplies.... - -“I wrote you Friday last, February 23rd, and we moved at 4.15 next -morning, 24th. The fight at the river-crossing had gone very well, -and we were sent over the bridge which our sappers had built about 9 -A.M. The Infantry were still pretty busy further forward, and -we waited about for three or four hours and watered. Then we really -thought our chance was coming of getting them in the open, but their -rearguard put up a very fine fight, and got into nullahs and ditches, -and our show ended in a dismounted fight, and we weren’t able to turn -them out, and so it ended at dark. The squadron was out on flank guard -and had next to nothing to do, and only one man wounded, and one of -Payne’s chargers, his best of course, killed. We camped north of the -river, but weren’t in till midnight, and I can tell you we were tired -then. We had had nothing to eat, and there were no rations up, so we -turned in straight off. It had been a very hot day. - -“Well, the Turks’ rearguard cleared off in the night and we had got -Kut. For they had evacuated it directly we got the crossing of the -river, to escape being bottled up there. Meanwhile the other Corps had -taken Sannaiyat, but the remnants of the Turks got away from there -too. The Turk rearguard really did well. I did hope and think our day -might have come, but it was not to be. All the same there was nothing -to grumble at, for we had got Sannaiyat and Kut, and the whole of the -Turks were retreating as fast as ever they could. - -“Our monitors came up the river as soon as Sannaiyat was taken, and -passed through our bridge early the next day. Then--that is, Sunday -25th--the pursuit started. We managed to get some food early in -the morning and left camp at 7. I was advance-guard, but we saw no -Turks till the afternoon, except a few scattered prisoners which we -rounded up. In the afternoon the other Brigade on our left found their -rearguard and sent for us to help. They were in a very strong position, -Infantry and Artillery, and we were sent in dismounted. The Regiment -was on the left, ‘B’ and ‘C’ in front, and ‘A’ and ‘D’ in support, -under me. We were very weak in numbers, only about 100 in the firing -line from the Regiment, and they were much too strong for us. We went -on, of course, but finally got held up, and we had a warm time. I -took the support line up to within about 100 yards of the front (two -squadrons). The Turks were shooting very well--rifle, Maxim guns, and -their guns too--and people behind thought we should be about wiped out. -But ‘V’ behind us helped us no end, and when orders came to retire we -got out of it better than I expected, just before dark. ‘B’ and ‘C’ -came back through me, and I then came, but by degrees. The men, all of -them, were topping. We had heavy casualties, but only a very few killed. - -“Only half of ‘D’ was there, as Payne with the other two troops had -been out on a reconnaissance all the night before, and so had been -left behind to come on with the supply column. Even so I lost both -sergeant-majors, two sergeants, and a corporal wounded--no one killed. -Sergt.-Major Edwards was only lightly hit in the leg and will soon be -back at duty, but Sergt.-Major Goddard was very badly shot through -the middle, and I am afraid was bad: I haven’t been able to find out -anything about him since, either, except that he was easier when -he left the field ambulance. Sergeants Bell and Hill were both shot -through the face, and Corporal Heathman through both legs. Lord was -wounded, the only officer casualty. We were lucky to get out as lightly -as we did. The monitors helped us too. I only had one horse very -slightly hit, but shells fell right amongst them and they were very -lucky indeed, too. It’s an extraordinary thing: if you are going to be -hit, you’re going to be, and if you’re not, you’re not, and that’s all -about it. I was touched--my clothes--by bits of shrapnel, and I got -a bullet through my revolver holster and then through my coat--near -enough, but I wasn’t touched. Corporal Watkins, my signaller, had two -or three through his clothes, one of which was stopped in his pocket by -his pocket-book. - -“I rode Follow Me till danger threatened on the Saturday, and then -Caprice, and on this day, the Sunday, I rode Follow Me. We didn’t get -back to camp till 11.30, but we got food all right then. - -“We had to go back, no support ready to push these people out.” - -_Monday 26._--“Left camp 7.30 and marched across the desert to strike -the river much higher up--a long march, and wicked going for the guns -in places. I rode Caprice. We found the Turkish rearguard in the -afternoon--again very strongly posted. We were rear Regiment of the -rear Brigade and did nothing, and the other Brigade found them too -strong. But the Infantry were steadily coming up, and the monitors were -topping, going ahead like anything and giving the Turks beans. They -captured prisoners and destroyed Turkish ships, and did no end of good -work. We had a day’s food with us, and just lay down where we were for -the night. It rained, but not much, luckily, but was bitterly cold. - -“We advanced next morning, 27th (New College grind), at 7 -A.M., but of course the Turk had gone by then. However, we -rounded up about 240 prisoners, a hospital, and a battery of six -5.9-inch guns. We wasted a lot of time over this instead of pushing on, -and in the end got no distance that day, and the infantry were only -a few miles behind us.... It drove me mad. The Turks were obviously -running like smoke--abandoning guns, ammunition-carts, and equipment of -all sorts, and yet we didn’t push on. It’s beyond me altogether. - -[Illustration: TURKISH PRISONERS. FEBRUARY AND MARCH 1917] - -[Illustration: AEROPLANE ATTACHED TO 7TH CAVALRY BRIGADE] - -“A little farther on we found two large barges loaded with corn and -all sorts of things. These were providential, for we filled all our -nose-bags and corn-sacks and got a little loot ourselves as well. I -took a Turkish trumpet, but I don’t suppose I shall keep it. But we got -useful things like chickens, ducks, candles, dates, sugar, &c. We then -marched on about eight miles more and camped in the desert just before -dark. I rode Caprice and Follow Me. Later in the evening Payne, with -the other two troops, turned up with the welcome supplies at last, and -also our regimental transport. The road of the retreat was a sight, -every conceivable thing abandoned. - -“Next day no supplies at all could be got forward, so we marched _back_ -the eight miles to where the captured barges were, and had a really -welcome afternoon’s rest there. _I_ had the most glorious hot bath in -a huge iron bath we got off one of the barges. I can tell you we were -dirty. We left in the small hours of Saturday, and this was Wednesday, -and you can’t imagine how dirty we were.” - -“We marched again next morning, Thursday, March 1st, and came about -seventeen miles to where we are now--a most delightful camp, right on -the river bank. - -“Two of the monitors are here. They _have_ done well. They have -recaptured the _Firefly_ captured from us in the retreat last year, -have taken a battery of guns here, and been up level with the Turkish -infantry in their retreat and inflicted tremendous losses. They have -sunk a lot of ships and taken over 2000 prisoners. And all this when -you think they are unarmoured--only supposed to be proof against -rifle-fire, and had all those heavy guns against them. - -“I believe since the push started here we have taken 7000 prisoners, -and their other casualties have been very heavy indeed, as we know -from their dead. We believe we have only a remnant in front of us. -Personally, I shouldn’t be in the least surprised if we march into -Baghdad almost straight, when we get going again.... - -“It is lovely weather and we are all as fit as fleas, not a man sick. -The horses, poor devils, of course, are showing it, and I have one or -two tender backs and withers, but not many. They are just A1.... - -“It is a lovely day to-day, and the horses are spending the whole of it -grazing, while we are cleaning up, &c. I have had a real useful morning -at it, and have also mended my own breeches. In a few minutes I am -going to have a hot bath. I hope we shall get letters away somehow by -the supply people going back empty. Whether this will catch this mail -is a different thing, but you will understand, and if you get my wire -you will know all is well, anyhow. I am most awfully fit--couldn’t be -better.... - -“I shouldn’t be the least surprised if we get there now with hardly -any fighting at all; as it is, we have done little enough of it. The -Infantry do nearly all of it, and the monitors have _really_ done the -pursuit, which we ought to have done. I do hope we go on to-morrow. I -fret at every day’s delay.” - -These passages have been given as they stand, for they show the -generous impulse of a real soldier to award all due credit to other -Services. And in truth it would be difficult to say too much for the -resolute unwearied fighting of the Infantry during the two months’ -struggle on the Tigris, or for the dash and courage of the sailors -in following up the pursuit. Nevertheless it is necessary to make -allowances for the impatience of a fiery spirit always longing for a -chance. Others had done well, very well, but the horsemen had done all -that horsemen could do--and that was not little. - -“We were bucked enough last night, and then we got the great news -from France to crown all. It is only a telephone message as yet--no -details--just saying the Germans have retired three miles on the -Ancre.... We know nothing, not even of our own doings. I expect the -papers at home have made the most of our success here, with very big -headlines, &c., until the news from France comes to overshadow it. We -do want news so badly.” - -That was the feeling at every part of the vast battlefield. In Europe -and Asia and Africa and all over the seven seas millions of men were -fighting for the Empire and doing their duty nobly, but “we do want -news so badly” was the cry that went up from all of them, and they -had to be content with very little, to find comfort and help in the -smallest successes reported in a few vague words over the uncertain -wires. - -At the moment all was going well with the Thirteenth. They were not -strong in numbers, for they had had casualties at times since the -beginning of the advance, and had besides lost many horses from -the wear and tear of the campaign. Captain Eve’s squadron had been -reduced to working as three troops instead of four, and had no senior -non-commissioned officers left. But the men and horses were doing well, -and the officers the same. - -[Illustration: HALTS ON THE MARCH] - -“Lord is all right,--I mean going on all right. I helped to do him -up. He had a very narrow shave, the bullet entering just above the -collar-bone and coming out under his arm, only just missing the big -artery there. Otherwise we are all most awfully flourishing. Twist -seems quite all right now.... Sergeant Chipperfield is acting squadron -sergeant-major, and very good indeed he is.... Payne I like better and -better, and think I was more than lucky to get him. I am a better judge -of horses than men, anyhow, first go off.... I am so sorry that Payne -missed our show on Sunday, though I am glad he is still here safe, as -he might not have been, of course, had he been there.” - -Another letter, written on the 3rd March, sums up the operations of -the last week and the position as it then stood. At the risk of some -repetition it seems as well to give it. - -“Well, we had known pretty well for a week beforehand that a serious -attempt was going to be made to put a pontoon across the Tigris above -Kut as soon as the height of the river, which was then in flood from -the recent rains, permitted, and this was done on the 23rd February; -and during that night a Division was put over, and we followed on -their heels next day, the 24th, and in the afternoon found a gap in -the line of defence they were putting up to cover the retreat of the -fighting troops from the Sannaiyat position, from which the big guns -had been retired some days. The delay in getting the pontoon over the -river, due to the flood, had, however, given the Turks just enough -time to get the survivors from Sannaiyat--where the fighting has been -very severe and bitter, and where the deep trenches were literally -filled with dead--away, and when we got through it was only to bump up -against their rearguard, who were well handled and fought so well that -we had to force them back, after three days’ fighting, from position -to position, and until the Navy came along with their monitors and -flyboats, and turned the retirement into a rout. The Turks then left so -quickly that they abandoned guns, trench-mortars, doctors and hospital -staff, a motor-car, shells, wounded, and many unwounded men who could -not keep up, to fall into our hands or the hands of the Arabs, who -kill, strip, and loot Turks and British alike, especially when wounded. -Among the prisoners were a few German officers, and a few were also -found among the dead. We were ordered to stop the pursuit three days -ago by the Army Commander, as we had finished our supplies and were -getting far from our base, so have been waiting by the river for the -barges to come up; these began to arrive last night, and are coming up -fast, so we may expect soon to be on the move again. We are now some -forty-five miles from Baghdad, and our friend the Turk may put up a -fight at Ctesiphon, although this is very doubtful unless he has been -strongly reinforced, which seems unlikely.... - -“The weather has on the whole been most lenient to us, for although the -cold at night has been intense and the winds strong and bitter, we have -only had a small shower of rain, and the days are now getting quite -warm. The men are well and cheery, and the horses, which a few days ago -were footsore and weary, are picking up and ready for more work. The -Regiment has fought very well, and our casualty list--about forty in -the last ten days--is comparatively small.” - -Such was the state of affairs when the Thirteenth received orders that -the advance was to be resumed on the 5th March. The writer of that -letter had longed for one gallop with his squadron. He was to get it at -last. But before his confident words reached those for whom they were -written his fiery spirit was at rest for ever. - -[Illustration: Sergt. P. CHIPPERFIELD - -(_Died, 6th March 1917, of wound received at Lajj_)] - -[Illustration: Sergt. H. KNAPMAN - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Capt. W. H. EVE - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Pte. A. WALLHEAD - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Pte. ALFRED JONES, D.C.M. - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE FIGHT AT LAJJ, 5TH MARCH 1917. - - -“On the fifth,” writes Sir Stanley Maude in his despatch upon the -advance to Baghdad, “the supply situation having been rapidly -readjusted, Lieutenant-General Marshall marched to Zeur (eighteen -miles), preceded by the Cavalry, which moved seven miles farther -to Lajj. Here the Turkish rearguard was found in an intrenched -position, very difficult to locate by reason of a dense dust-storm -that was blowing and a network of nalas,[33] with which the country -is intersected. The Cavalry was hotly engaged with the enemy in this -locality throughout the day, and took some prisoners. A noticeable -feature of the day’s work was a brilliant charge made, mounted, by the -Hussars straight into the Turkish trenches. The enemy retreated during -the night.” - -Such is the brief official account of an action which was one of the -most memorable in the history of the Thirteenth. In accordance with the -custom of the times, when extreme reserve marked the despatches of the -military commanders, no details are given, and the very number of the -Regiment which made the “brilliant charge” is omitted. This reserve was -probably necessary, yet the charge was a gallant feat of arms, and, if -not a triumphant success, none the less creditable to the valour and -discipline of the Regiment. News of it would have stirred the heart of -the nation. - -Extracts from several accounts by those who were present will be given -hereafter; and it will be seen that they are not always in exact -agreement. They reflect in some measure the rush and confusion which -must always attend a Cavalry charge, and perhaps on that account -they give a better picture of it than can be given by any attempt at -a general narrative. The pace of galloping horses and the extent of -ground covered make it impossible for any horseman sharing in a charge -to note all the incidents that occurred, and it is equally impossible -for him to remember in precise sequence all that he did see. - -Nevertheless, it seems necessary to state briefly what happened on this -day as far as one can judge from the varying and sometimes conflicting -stories. Their discrepancies after all are mainly on points of detail, -and a fairly accurate view of the whole affair can be formed by -comparing them. The following facts appear to be free from any serious -doubt. - -On the 5th of March, shortly before daybreak, the Cavalry Division -marched from Azizieh, the rest of General Marshall’s force coming -on behind them. The line of advance lay along the north bank of the -Tigris, mostly over flat ground, with some low sand-hills on the right, -away from the river. Somewhere between 9 and 10 o’clock the head of the -force reached the village of Zeur,[34] and there the Cavalry watered -their horses. Half an hour or so later they pushed on for Lajj, while -the rest of the force halted for the night. - -Lajj was the point on the river where General Townshend had left his -flotilla and his hospitals before the battle of Ctesiphon in November -1915; and it was rumoured that the Turks intended to make another stand -now upon the old field where General Townshend’s advance had been -checked. - -At first there was no sign of an enemy, and the Cavalry moved forward -unmolested. The 7th Brigade was leading in the usual march formation, -the 13th Lancers, Watson’s Horse, in front. Soon after the start, -reports came in from some aeroplanes and armoured cars which had gone -on to reconnoitre, to the effect that the country ahead was clear -except for a Turkish convoy with a small escort of Infantry, which was -retiring in the direction of Baghdad. After advancing another mile or -two, the Brigade came in sight of some scattered parties of Turks, and -the Thirteenth Hussars were ordered to come up abreast of Watson’s -Horse, which were under fire. They did so, “A” and “B” Squadrons -advancing dismounted, and remaining for a quarter of an hour or -so in action. During that time they lost 2nd Lieutenant Welstead and -several men, wounded by rifle-fire from concealed Turks. - -[Illustration: Lieut. G. R. PEDDER - -(_Wounded at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. E. F. PINNINGTON - -(_Wounded and taken prisoner at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. G. LYNCH-STAUNTON - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: L/Cpl. A. W. WATKINS, D.C.M. - -(_Wounded at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Sergt. F. SPANTON - -(_Taken prisoner at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -It was then about 11.30 o’clock, and the day was a bad one for -seeing. A strong east wind had risen at the backs of the Cavalry, and -was sending along in front of them the “dense dust-storm” of which -General Maude speaks in his despatch. Through this and the mirage the -Thirteenth could make out, not very clearly, the supposed convoy, two -miles or more away. - -[Illustration] - -Their commanding officer now called up his four squadron leaders, and -sending “C” Squadron under Captain Steele out to the right to cover his -exposed flank, ordered the rest of the Regiment to advance in echelon -of squadrons extended. The ground was flat and covered with low scrub. -“D” Squadron, which led, was under Captain Eve, “B” under Lieutenant -Dawson, “A” under Captain Newton. - -The Regiment had hardly got into the formation order when a Turkish -shell burst on its left, and rifle-fire opened from some hidden -trenches on broken ground ahead of the leading squadron. No enemy guns -or Infantry were then visible, nothing but the convoy and its escort -in the distance; but they were evidently there, and it was impossible -to say in what strength. As the aeroplanes had not made out any -considerable body of them, they were presumably few, so it was decided -that the Thirteenth should ride them down, and if possible gallop the -convoy. The three squadrons accordingly drew swords and advanced at a -trot, when it immediately became clear that they had in front of them -not only scattered bands of Turks, but Infantry in concealed trenches -with machine-guns and Artillery. - -The order was then given to charge, and the eager horsemen swept -forward with a cheer. A first low trench or water-cut was taken at a -gallop, and some scores of Turks who held it threw up their hands, but -as the squadron galloped on, some of these men seized their rifles -again and fired into our men from behind, while in front the charging -lines were met by a blaze of musketry which emptied many saddles, and -broke the weight of the onset. Many brave men pressed on to the edge of -the farther trenches, and even in places over them, but they found they -could do little against Infantry in such numbers and on such ground. -Their Colonel saw that the attempt to ride through was hopeless, and -wheeling his three squadrons to the right at a gallop, and then to -the right again, he withdrew them some distance until they were in -comparative safety near the point from which they had started. - -They were still under fire, but the remains of the squadrons rallied at -once, and dismounted by order. The horses were sent away to the rear, -and the troopers advanced on foot and occupied the trench which they -had first taken. Leaving them there in the hope of another advance, -or at all events of recovering their dead and wounded from the ground -ahead of them, their Colonel went back to consult with the Brigadier -and bring up support. - -He returned soon afterwards, but only to be wounded by a Turkish -bullet, and to find that the remnants of the three squadrons were too -weak to push back the Turks and could hardly hold their own. They -remained until dark in the Turkish trench. The rest of the 7th Brigade -was similarly unable to advance, but held its ground in spite of a -bombardment from about twenty concealed guns and a heavy rifle-fire, -until the 6th Brigade worked round the enemy’s left and threatened his -line of retreat. Such of the wounded as could be found in the darkness -were then brought in. - -[Illustration: Sergt.-Tptr. J. S. STYLES - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Sergt. G. ANDERSON - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. E. V. ROLFE - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Sergt. W. GILBERT - -(_Taken prisoner at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Sergt. A. HARRISON - -(_Killed at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -So ended this day. The Thirteenth had shown a fine example of -combined dash and steadiness. They had charged boldly over broken -ground, and immediately after the charge had re-formed and gone forward -again on foot, as ready to fight as ever in spite of their heavy -losses. For they had lost heavily. Of the officers who had led the -Regiment into the charge, three had been killed, one disabled and taken -prisoner, and five wounded. Of other ranks, twenty-five had been killed -and fifty-two wounded. Among the wounded officers were the Colonel and -the second in command. The senior squadron leader was dead, and another -was badly wounded. One squadron leader only came out of the charge -unhurt. In all, about one-half of the officers and men who rode at the -Turkish trenches were killed or wounded. - -Of the three officers who died in the charge, the most prominent was -the Captain of the leading squadron, Eve, who fell sword in hand among -the Turkish Infantry. Many of his brother officers have borne witness -to his courage and character. No braver soldier ever rode in the -Thirteenth, and none was more beloved. The other two were newly joined -2nd Lieutenants, Rolfe and Lynch Staunton, who had not seen a shot -fired before that day. - -The following are extracts from letters and diaries bearing on the -story of the fight. As the narrative in the text has been taken mainly -from Colonel Richardson’s account and the Regimental Diary, others are -quoted before these. - -_From Lance-Corporal Watkins, D.C.M., to the Hon. Mr Justice Eve._--“I -was with your son, the (late) Captain W. H. Eve, on the 5th of March, -when he was killed, and I was wounded almost directly afterwards. - -“I was his signaller in most of the engagements in which we took part, -and I should like to state, sir (although I am not in a proper position -to do so), that he was the bravest man I have ever seen under fire, and -under whom it was my good fortune to serve.” - -_May 23, 1917._--“On the 5th of March 1917 we had been on the move -since early morning after three days’ rest, and about 3 or 4 o’clock in -the afternoon we had word back from the advance-guard to say that they -had got in touch with the Turks. - -“We formed up, and your son, who (as I expect you know) was squadron -leader of ‘D’ Squadron, received some orders from officer commanding -Regiment, and we were ordered to advance. - -“We went along at a canter, myself and Trumpeter Wren (he was -afterwards killed) riding behind the officer commanding squadron. - -“I noticed Captain Eve pulling his sword out of the scabbard, and -shortly afterwards we all followed suit and we started to gallop. - -“The squadron then had orders to wheel to the left, and Captain Eve, -who had gone towards the right flank, dropped behind and I stayed with -him. - -“We followed behind the remainder, and I saw a Turk just in front of me -put his rifle to his shoulder, and was going to fire at Captain Eve, -but I just managed to get there in time to prevent him from doing so. - -“Soon afterwards I saw a pal of mine (Private Jones, D.C.M.) lying on -the ground badly wounded, so I dismounted and tried to get him out -of it as best I could, and I then lost sight of Captain Eve and the -remainder of the squadron. - -“I did my best for my pal, but his wound was fatal, and I could not get -him on my horse, so I looked about me to see if I could get help. - -“I saw Captain Eve about twenty or thirty yards [off?] taking about -twenty Turks prisoners at the point of his sword. He must have seen me, -as he left the prisoners and came over towards me and told me to get -mounted and draw my sword and go along with him. - -“There were about fifteen or twenty Turks in a nullah a short distance -from us, and they were firing at us and the other men lying about -wounded and otherwise. - -“We galloped towards them; Captain Eve jumped over to the other side of -the nullah, and I remained this side. - -“The odds were strongly against us, but I think we did a good deal of -damage to the Turks, before your son fell from his horse, right into -the centre of the Turks. - -“I cannot say whether he was shot or if he had been bayoneted, but I -did not see him move after that, so he must have been killed outright. - -[Illustration: CAPRICE AND FOAL BORN MAY 1920 - -(_From the picture by_ George Paige Esq.)] - -“His horse galloped away, and I was told later that it had seven -bullet-wounds in its neck.[35] I was left by myself then, and I -really did not know what to do, so I looked over my shoulder to -see if there was any one near to give me a hand, when I saw a Turk -about five yards away ready to fire at me, and before I had time to do -anything I got a bullet through my left arm close to the shoulder; the -same bullet broke the blade of my sword, which was in my right hand. -My horse took me back out of it, as I was too dazed to do anything -myself; and if it had not been for ‘Chicko,’ I should not have been -alive to-day. I was told later that Captain Eve, when found, still had -his sword tightly grasped in his hand, and I am sure it will be some -consolation to you to know that he died a hero fighting to the last. - -“I may also mention several occasions before that in which he proved -himself one of the bravest. - -“He rescued a wounded man from out in the open under very heavy fire -and at close range, and on the 25th of February 1917, in a dismounted -attack on the Turks, he bandaged several wounded men up, regardless of -the danger to himself in being exposed to heavy fire in the open. - -“A bullet [hit?] him on that day, but luckily it hit his revolver-belt, -and glanced off without doing him any harm. - -“I was lying by the side of him at the time, and he said to me, -‘Watkins, I think we are both marked men,’ as I had been hit three -times without causing any wound. - -“One bullet passed through the sleeve of my tunic, and another stopped -in my pocket, in a book that I carried, after passing through my -pay-book; and I also got hit with a shell-case on my foot, which only -caused a slight bruise, and I was able to carry on. - -“I hope you will not think, sir, that I am trying to flatter myself in -this letter, and making you think I am a hero, but I have only put down -how things happened, and let you know as best I could how your son met -his untimely death.” - -_Major Twist--March 1917._--“I feel I must write and say how we shall -miss dear old Billy. You will have heard how he met his death from -those who were actually with him at the moment, and though I was quite -close to him I suppose the dust and confusion of the charge, and also -my being myself wounded, prevented my seeing him killed. He was, I -know, most gallantly leading his squadron, and fell from his horse -without a word. I believe if he had been asked to choose, this was -the death he would have chosen, and I remember him often saying that -if he had to die he would like to be killed on his horse. His men are -heartbroken, and it was a sad day for the Regiment when we lost him.” - -_Captain E. Wingfield Digby, V Battery, R.H.A._--“Well, here we -are just outside Baghdad.... The saddest part of the whole show to -me is poor old Eve’s death--he was just one of the best fellows on -earth--anyway he lost his life charging the Turk (intrenched). I -believe he took his man, and was then shot through the head from -below--the bullet entering under his chin. The Thirteenth lost pretty -heavily that day; we got very heavily shelled too--lost all our layers -casualties, and a direct hit on one gun and one waggon,--it was a very -dusty day and high wind, and one couldn’t see a yard. And when the wind -dropped and mirage lifted in the evening, the Turks could easily see us -in the open, and fired at us from three different directions.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--March 15._--“I am afraid the only comfort I -can give you is that he was killed instantaneously, and also mounted, -in a brilliant charge--a death which I know he would have preferred to -all others. - -“I remember him telling me at Makina that personally he didn’t think a -man could have a finer death than in jumping a large fence out hunting, -but his was infinitely finer leading his squadron (I was directly -behind him) straight at a small nullah full of Turks. He was probably -shot by a Turk not more than two or three yards off. I did not see his -body afterwards, as I was hit myself very shortly afterwards; but Mr -Payne did, I believe, and no doubt he will have written to you. - -“It is most awfully sad, and I shall feel it all the more when I get -back to the squadron and he isn’t there. I never saw a braver or more -fearless person than he was: he almost made it impossible for any one -under him to be afraid.” - -[Illustration: Capt. H. C. D. FITZGIBBON, M.C. - -(_Wounded near Deli Abbas, 8th April 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. A. M. LE PATOUREL.] - -[Illustration: Capt. A. VEANTO, M.C., R.A.M.C.] - -[Illustration: Capt. H. G. T. NEWTON - -(_Accidentally drowned in Tigris, 25th April 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. J. H. HIRSCH] - -[Illustration: Pte. J. L. ROBERTS, D.C.M. - -(_Died, 20th April 1917, of wounds received near Deli Abbas_)] - -_Lieutenant Fitzgibbon--March 21._--“I have seen by the way what no -other Regiment has seen or done in this war--that is to say, the -Regiment formed line and charged! It was a damned fine effort, but -rather a mad one. We had been given wrong information by aeroplanes, -and ran our heads against the most beautiful trenches full of Turks I -have ever seen. The old Turk just sat back and waited for us, and, by -God! he let us have it. The noise was something impossible to describe: -how the devil we any of us ever got out of it I still do not know. -The dust did us in, but also saved us. Well, we eventually got out of -it, rallied, dismounted, and attacked on our flat feet, and had the -satisfaction of seeing the Turk evacuate his position at nightfall. We -rather got a dusting though. - -“My squadron (‘A’) went into action very weak from previous casualties, -and we went in sixty-six strong and came out thirty-three. Fourteen -officers of the Regiment were knocked out and five killed. Newton and I -scraped out of it safely. - -“We had a good many shows besides this one, but none so good. It is -something to be the only Regiment to have charged as a Regiment, and it -did jolly well. We were the first Cavalry Regiment to enter Baghdad. We -have lost our Colonel and also the second in command, Twist; the senior -squadron leader was killed--such a nice fellow, Eve, shot through his -head. I was the first to find his body, and took his things off him. It -was very sad.”[36] - -_Colour-Sergeant F. Spanton, “B” Squadron._--“After a few minutes -we were galloping towards the enemy with drawn swords, at a fair -pace. We were well received by the Turks, who blazed away at us as -hard as they could, and when we got close some of their shots took -effect, and one or two spare horses were galloping about. After we -had crossed the first trench my horse was apparently hit and pitched -over, causing me to be thrown. I landed between the lines of Turks, -and remained quiet, waiting to see what would happen next. The Turks -now had turned about, and were firing over me into the rear of the -squadrons. The Regiment changed direction to the right, and passed -out of my view; the Turks got out of the trenches and continued to -send a hail of bullets after the disappearing squadrons. I watched -this as I lay on the ground, weighing my chances of rejoining the -Regiment. The Turks in front of me were now retiring, and moving to -the left of the trench, and I thought if I remained quiet they would -all probably pass me by unnoticed, and then I could get back to my -squadron again. But no such luck: as the tail-end of the Turks passed -by, one fellow stopped when he saw me, and raising his rifle to his -shoulder he fired point-blank--but missed--the bullet not coming so -near as the one that had cut the belt of my haversack in half a few -minutes before. This man, evidently disgusted with his bad shooting, -walked hurriedly away, so once again I thought my chances of getting -back were good; but a group of three men coming along a little later -came to see who I was, and lugged me off to a dug-out. I had hurt my -knee rather badly when I was thrown, and couldn’t get along over fast; -this annoyed the Turks, as we were still under a heavy fire from the -British machine-guns, so they jabbed me in the back with the butt of -a rifle as a signal to hurry.... Sergeant Gilbert was brought up to -where I was, and duly deprived of his possessions. After a few minutes -Lieutenant Pennington[37] was brought in. He was holding his wrist: he -had been badly hit in the forearm, the bone being broken. I tied him -up with my field-dressing, and made a plug for him until we could find -a dressing station. In the meantime, Private Morrison had been brought -in, and he also was shot through the arm and was bleeding freely. We -were now hurried off, and came to a dressing station, where the wounds -of Lieutenant Pennington and Private Morrison were dressed. We were -now handed over to an escort, who had instructions to take us to the -Headquarters, 18th Turkish Division, for interrogation. The escort made -a wide chukker to get to the Headquarters. After a while they called a -halt, and motioned us to sit down. Now they thought was the best time -to change clothes. They commenced with Lieutenant Pennington, taking -his puttees and spurs, and tried very hard to get a gold ring off a -finger on his broken arm, which must have caused him considerable pain; -but being unsuccessful they let him alone, and turned their attention -to Private Morrison, whom they robbed of almost everything; next they -came to me and took what the others had left.... Now they turned to -Sergeant Gilbert and served him in a like manner. After they had -got all they could out of us they continued to walk to G.H.Q., where -eventually we arrived. Here we were interviewed by an interpreter, -who spoke excellent English, and who was wonderfully informed, but I -am afraid the satisfaction he got from us was little. I spoke to him -about my clothes and possessions being stolen by the soldiers, but he -said nothing could be done, as they were allowed to do it. Two Turkish -soldiers fighting for possession of my revolver were interrupted by -an officer, who thrashed them both and took it himself. The Turks -were still retiring and we were sent to travel with a Field Ambulance -Section.” - -It will be seen that there was some measure of mercy shown by the -fighting Turks towards the men who fell into their hands, but Sergeant -Spanton’s diary goes on to describe the lives and sufferings of the -British and Indian prisoners during their captivity, and the story is -painful reading. - -2nd Lieutenant Pinnington, who was wounded and taken prisoner at Lajj, -had joined the Regiment only a fortnight earlier with 2nd Lieutenant -Rolfe, after a long voyage from England by way of the Cape and India. -More fortunate than his companion, he lived to be exchanged to England -within a year. His account of the fight at Lajj is as follows:-- - -“The 7th Brigade, to which the Thirteenth belonged, led the way, one -of the Indian Regiments--Watson’s Horse--furnishing the advanced and -flank guards. The Division had been on the march several hours when -the news filtered through that a Turkish convoy, escorted by a company -of Infantry, had been sighted a mile or two ahead. The job of rounding -up this convoy was assigned to the Thirteenth, and the Regiment drew -ahead in the formation known as echelon of squadrons. We had not gone -far when the whizz of bullets greeted our ears, and the order came to -dismount for action--presumably owing to the impossibility, on account -of the dust, of seeing what actually did lie in front of us. A lull in -the dust-storm served to assure our leader that whatever opposition -there was could be ridden down, and accordingly, after advancing a -short distance dismounted, and snapping away with Hotchkiss gun and -rifle, we were summarily recalled, ordered to mount, draw swords, and -finally charge. Shells by this time were bursting overhead, and the -storm of bullets through which we rode gave the lie to the report -that, with the exception of the convoy and its escort, all was clear -ahead. We were quickly on top of a line of Turks who had abandoned -their trench and were scurrying back to join their comrades in the rear -lines. The horrible screeching told its own weird tale of the fate -they met. In the onrush I got ‘winged’ and was left, as I ultimately -learned to my cost, a few yards from the Turkish main-line trench. As I -stood there dazed amid the dust, I saw another squadron come galloping -up. It was a sight I shall not readily forget. The leader to the fore -with sword aloft, the line of panting horses, the grim eager faces -of the men, the flashing swords--I thought of Lady Butler’s painting -‘Floreat Etona,’ and marvelled at seeing the living parallel. Captain -Eve was the leader, and as he approached ‘with a swiftness not to -be conceived,’ I shook my right arm, which was hanging limply by my -side, and shouted, ‘This thing’s shattered.’ ‘Hard lines, old boy. -Never mind,’ he called back, and was gone. The line had passed and -disappeared in the dust. - -“When once again the dust had settled, the Turks, observing that the -attack was for the moment over, sallied forth from their trenches to -pay attention to the casualties. An Arab relieved me of my possessions -and led me to an officer in the trench. This officer, on seeing me -approach, forsook the machine-gun he had been manipulating and shook my -uninjured member warmly--a thing which no good Mahomedan should have -done, as such contact with the ‘infidel’ is forbidden in terms of Koran -regulations. Some one applied a tourniquet to my arm, which was still -dripping, and I was taken to a bend in the trench where I came across -Sergeants Gilbert and Spanton, and Trooper Morrison, the only other -survivors amongst those who had fallen into Turkish hands. The horses -of the two sergeants had been shot down, and Morrison was suffering -from a wound in the forearm. We were led out of the trench and across -the open country to the Headquarters of the Turkish forces (instead of -rounding up a convoy the Thirteenth had ridden through a Division), -and in the course of our journey to the rear had ample opportunity -of realising how much nastier is the effect of British shrapnel than -that of the Turk. Arrived at Headquarters, we were separated and -interrogated in a very polite manner by one who spoke English -fluently. In this interrogation, to my surprise and the credit of the -enemy, there was not the slightest suggestion of coercion to extract -information. After a few hours’ rest, Morrison and I, with some wounded -Turkish soldiery, were given seats in a rickety waggon, and with -Sergeants Gilbert and Spanton marching behind, we set out. It was early -the next morning that the palm groves of Baghdad, topped by the domes -and minarets of the city’s many mosques, came to sight. At Baghdad, -Morrison and I were taken direct to a hospital, where a Jewish doctor, -Alalou by name, dressed our wounds and gave us food and drink.” - -[Illustration: SCENE OF THE FIGHT AT LAJJ. 5TH MARCH 1917] - -Lieutenant Pinnington was afterwards sent on to Mosul, and he writes: -“It is perhaps worthy of mention that on many occasions during my -imprisonment there I received compliments from Turkish officers on the -bravery of the British Cavalry in making their ill-fated charge on the -4th [? 5th] March.” - -Captain Newton, the one squadron leader who came out unwounded from -the “ill-fated” charge, evidently took much the same view of it as his -subordinate. The entry in his diary for the 5th March is as follows:-- - -“Marched 4.45 past Zeur almost to Lajj, where enemy reported. Tried to -take them on mounted, but found them intrenched and very strong, and -had rather a bad time. Retired a bit, and came into action dismounted, -and held on all day. Awful job getting wounded away at dusk. Eve, Lynch -Staunton, and Rolfe killed. Pinnington missing. Colonel, Twist, Dawson, -Pedder, Welstead wounded. Total casualties eighty-seven. Retired to -biv. near Lajj bend, getting in soon after 10. An awful day, wind and -dust terrible. A little rain at night. Took sixty-six men into action, -and brought out thirty-three.” - -In a letter of the 21st March 1917, Captain Newton gives a somewhat -longer account. - -“The poor old Regiment has been through some pretty troublous times, -and has been pretty well knocked about, but it’s done most awfully -well, and got a great chit for itself.... - -“I last wrote on Saturday the 3rd. They gave us a rest next day. We got -orders to parade at 4.45 A.M. (on the 5th), and it was awfully -cold and dark turning out. We had an uneventful march for some time, -but quite unexpectedly came in touch with the enemy in the middle of -the morning. We came into action against them, and there seemed to be -very few, so the Colonel decided to ride them down. Then we found that -we were wrong! There were a few scattered Turks in nullahs who ran away -or held up their hands as we rode over them, but just behind were some -beautifully concealed and very well-dug trenches, and we fairly caught -it from rifles and machine-guns. We rode right up to them though, and -even in places across them, but we couldn’t do anything, and had to -rally and go about, and eventually came into action dismounted. It was -a pretty tough business though, as one did not know where any one was. -Young Welstead was hit in the arm before we charged, and Twist during -it. Billy,[38] Vavie,[39] Lynch Staunton, Rolfe, and Pinnington could -not be accounted for at first, but later in the day we got forward a -bit and found poor old Billy’s body, and Vavie lying out wounded, and -several other wounded men. Poor Billy was shot through the head, and -death must have been instantaneous. He must have been shot in the very -act of jumping a nullah, as his body was lying in it as he had fallen -with his sword by his hand. Vavie was very badly hit in the knee, and -must have had an awful day, as we couldn’t move him till after dark, -and the Turks had been at him and taken all his equipment off, and -even the rings off his fingers, I believe. Rolfe’s body we found after -dark, and Lynch Staunton’s next morning. Pinnington we have no news -of, and he must be a prisoner, as his body was never found. When we -had established ourselves in a nullah to hold on we continued to have -a few casualties, as we had very little cover. Young Pedder got one -through the shoulder, and soon after that Jimmy (the Colonel) got one -through the arm. Then my troubles began, and I found myself in sole -command of such as there were of three squadrons. ‘C’ were not with -us, and it was not till much later that we got news that they were -away on our right, though they had had a few casualties. We hung on -all day, and I had a pretty anxious time, as there were an awful lot -of Turks in front of us, and I couldn’t make out what they were going -to do. We had frightened them pretty badly, and they cleared off after -dark. We collected all we could find and brought them in; but we had -no stretchers, and it was pretty hard work, and there were a lot of -snipers at us all the time. Vavie was splendidly plucky. He was one of -the worst cases, and we got him in on a ground sheet, and although I -knew he was in agony he kept quite cheery, and would only apologise for -the trouble he was giving us. - -[Illustration: SCENE OF THE CHARGE AT LAJJ. 5TH MARCH 1917] - -[Illustration: “CAPRICE” WITH PTE. C. HOGG, WHO FOUND HER IN MAY 1918 -AFTER SHE HAD BEEN “MISSING” FOR 14 MONTHS] - -“I was simply dead-beat when we got back to the horses. I don’t think -I ever felt so done up in my life before. We reached bivouac about 10 -P.M., and I was overjoyed to find Charles[40] safe and sound, -and to find I was only second in command and not commanding officer.” - -_2nd Lieutenant F. N. Payne to his Wife--March 13-16._--“At last I am -able to write to you, and very lucky I am to be alive to do so, for we -have been through a terrible time, and suffered heavy losses.... - -“On March 5th the Cavalry, pushing on ahead of the army, ran into the -enemy again at Lajj, thirty miles below Baghdad. The aeroplanes and -armoured cars reported that they were about 300 strong, and protecting -a convoy that was trying to get away safely, so we were given orders -to round them up and bring them in, while the rest of the Division -attacked the convoy. Our Regiment was sent round the right flank to -get behind their trenches, the river being on the left. We started -out in extended order, and gradually worked up to them, when about -a hundred Turks seeing us coming, walked out of the nullah they had -been firing at us from, and the Colonel gave ‘Draw swords-charge.’ The -hundred dropped their arms and surrendered. We charged through them, -and ran into their concealed trenches that were packed with a solid -mass of Turks, and three thousand rifles from all directions, together -with shrapnel and bombs, came pouring into us, and eighty-two of our -good fellows went down. We had to get out the best way we could, and -retire about a mile with what was left, and get away the remaining -horses and advance on foot, for we had to recover our wounded at all -costs: they were left all over the place as their horses reared and -plunged till they toppled out of their saddles. Then came the worst -part of all. I rallied all the men near me, after finding I was not -killed or even wounded, and forty of us all told and cut off from any -possible help kept the Turks in their trenches, and in about three -hours made good the nullah, and held it till dark with our Hotchkiss -gun and twenty rifles. We, of course, all expected to be wiped out, -which would have been an easy matter, but they were satisfied to stay -where they were except for a number of the boldest who walked out -and stripped our wounded. I killed two of them myself, but we could -not stop them, and that day the Turk seemed to return to his ancient -savagery, for we found they had murdered several of our chaps that were -lying helpless. Poor Eve was killed instantly, to the sorrow of every -man in the Regiment: he always wanted to die in a charge, but we do -want him so badly, and it seems such a shame that he isn’t there to -enjoy the victory in Baghdad. Dawson was very lucky to come off with -his life--he fell right up against one of their sniper’s holes and -couldn’t move with a shattered knee, and the Turks had taken everything -off him, but couldn’t get his ring off, so threatened to shoot him as -they had done to seven others alongside him, together with the brave -chap who tried to carry him in.[41] Eight of us worked our way up the -nullah, and held them off till dark, when we got him out of the open. -We had had nothing to eat or drink since 3 that morning, and had three -miles of ploughed land to carry sixteen men in without stretchers, and -fired on all the time. Some got hit several times on the way back. -When we called the roll in the darkness, we found that thirty-two had -been killed and twenty-six wounded. The Colonel, who is the bravest -man next to Eve, was hit only at the very last: he was always to be -seen in the thickest, carrying up ammunition and encouraging the men -with a smile on his face, and you could hardly see him for the dust of -bullets hitting the ground round him. The second in command was hit, -Eve killed, and three young officers who had just joined killed. Pedder -got a nice one through the shoulder, and two others wounded, so that -Jeffrey and myself found ourselves alone in the squadron, absolutely -staggered at being alive. I lost most of my men--all the best, of -course--and have now only thirteen: we had to make two troops out of -what was left of the four. When we moved on and saw the position, we -stood aghast that it was possible, and the army commanders of the -Infantry when they came on, sent messages of their deep admiration -and gratitude for the work we had done that would have delayed them -considerably. I believe our Colonel is to be decorated later on, and we -are having our reward now in that ‘For Valour’ our Regiment was chosen -to garrison Baghdad when it fell. - -“There were some very sad cases in these chaps that were killed. -Out of five new officers that had joined and not been under fire -before, three were killed and one wounded, and none of them more than -twenty-one years of age. Only a few minutes before we went into the -charge, and were halted awaiting orders, Eve called out one of my -men[42] to present him with the D.C.M. for extraordinarily fearless -bravery in the last show that had just been sanctioned that morning, -and I promised to send a cable home for him if we got up alongside -any of the gunboats. Another fellow, a great big, rough, hard-working -fellow, remarked that if we could have one in the troop we could just -as easy have two, and he was going to get it in the next show we got -into or die in the attempt. I saw him try: he rode past me yelling -and whooping and ran his sword through the foremost Turk, only to be -bowled over the next second. When I went out later to find him, my -sergeant, who had a shattered thigh, told me not to risk myself any -further, as he had seen a Turk blow his brains out, as they had also -done with the boy who had just won his medal. I have finished up after -being in fifty shows without a scratch: they’ve whistled past my nose, -through my coat and everywhere, killed four of my horses, one after -another, and never touched me. You may call it providential or the -hand of God. I don’t know what it is other than miraculous good luck, -for it’s not right to think that I should be spared when such good -fellows as Eve are struck down, and all three poor new chaps, who had -never heard the terrible swish of a bullet pass their heads before, -to meet death the first time. It doesn’t seem right that I should -be spared.... I had absolutely no thought whatever about my soul or -the hereafter, in fact everybody seemed to be in a state of pleasant -anticipation. When Eve galloped by me and I looked to him for orders he -had a beautiful smile and just sailed along, and I waved my men on to -follow him, and next second his soul had left his body. I don’t believe -he had a thought of death, or that it meant anything to him. I know -only when we had breathing-space in all these occasions did I worry -about anything, and that was how you would get along, and whether I -had left everything satisfactory.... Lynch Staunton, whose father was -a Senator from Hamilton, was one of the six new subalterns who hadn’t -been under fire before.... Poor fellow, he rode right down into the -Turk trench and walked his horse along it over the Turks, that were as -thick as gooseberries, as much as to say you are my prisoners; and they -certainly would have been, had not that murderous fire from their main -position bowled him over. They took him prisoner, but we found his body -next day: they had dressed his wound, but later decided he would be a -hindrance to carry along, so murdered him and took everything off him.” - -2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder, one of those wounded in the fight, writes -to his mother from the hospital at Amara: “No doubt you will have -heard by now how we ran into it on the 5th, but in case you haven’t -I will try and give you a rough idea of what happened. After camping -at Azizieh for four or five days (I wrote to you from there), the -Cavalry Division moved at 5 A.M. (we were centre Regiment of -the leading Brigade) on March 5th with orders to camp at Lajj, which -was about twenty-six miles away, the flying people having reported all -clear. After we had gone about twenty miles we halted and watered, and -fed on the river bank, three monitors steaming past us up-river, and an -aeroplane over our heads--quite a dramatic picture. At 10.30 we moved -off again, and almost immediately a sand-storm started, the strong wind -taking all our dust out in front of us. We went about five miles, when -one of our armoured cars brought in a Turkish officer, and the news -that there were a few of the enemy scattered about, who were probably -only waiting for us to collect them as prisoners (like the lot we took -in the pursuit), so we got orders to move out to the right to verify -this or collect prisoners. Eve told us this, and quickly changed on to -his favourite mare. Three squadrons moved out to the right, the fourth -(‘C,’ Stirling’s and Ormrod’s squadron) right out to the flank; ‘A,’ -‘B,’ and ‘D’ then advanced in line of troop column extended and almost -immediately came under heavy rifle-fire. We walked about half a mile -and then trotted; the dust was awful and you couldn’t see more than -one hundred to two hundred yards in front; all of a sudden, through -the dust, I could see a lot of Turks in the open and in a nullah. Eve -gave the order, ‘Draw swords--form line--gallop,’ and before we knew -where we were we were into them. Some stood up and surrendered, others -lay flat on their backs and shot at us at two or three yards’ range; -two fellows let off their rifles right in my face, but missed both -Matches[43] and me. There was a small nullah at the part of the line -where ‘D’ charged, and the Turk lying flat was pretty well safe, but we -got a certain number; the noise was tremendous, bullets from revolvers, -rifles, and machine-guns cracking all round. Beyond the first nullah, -and running at right angles to it, was another much deeper, and we gave -the Turks holding it a splendid target. I lost sight of Eve, who was -just in front of me at the first nullah, but his orderly who was shot -(wounded)[44] close by him, tells me he was shot from two yards’ range, -as he was bending down to charge a group of Turks. At any rate, he must -have been killed instantaneously. - -“There were a great many dead horses and empty saddles by now, and -I tried to rally all the men who were near me; it was extremely -difficult, as we were under very heavy fire at very short range; there -was deafening noise and a hard wind blowing, and if you collected men -in bunches, the bunches would very soon have a machine-gun on to them, -so what men I got under hand I kept extended, and galloped a fair way -back and handed over the horses and went up dismounted. The Turks’ guns -had now got our range and were very annoying, but their shells were -bad, or I should not be writing to you now. I met Jeffrey, and we all -went on by short rushes together, until we met the Colonel, who told us -roughly where to go, and we got into the nullah we had first charged, -and there we held on till dark, when we collected the wounded, who -were lying out in front. I was hit clean through the shoulder about 2 -P.M., having got through the charge and dismounted attack, and -when I was sitting in the nullah talking to the Colonel, who got hit in -the arm very shortly after me. - -“We had nine officers casualties--two killed, Eve and Rolfe (from -Aldershot, first time under fire), two missing, believed wounded and -prisoners, Lynch Staunton and Pinnington (just joined from ‘A’), and -five wounded, Twist, Colonel, Dawson, Welstead, and self. ‘A,’ ‘B,’ -and ‘D’ lost very heavily. ‘D’ had thirteen wounded and thirteen -killed, and I think we got off lighter than ‘A’ or ‘B.’ Dawson is the -worst hit of us five; the Turks robbed him of everything, even taking -his water-bottle and ring--we left him at Sheikh Saad, and I hope he -won’t have to lose a foot. Poor old Thirteenth, we fairly ran into it. -My troop sergeant and best corporal were killed, new sergeant-major -badly hit. And now I hear we have crossed the river again to the right -bank, and are three miles west of Baghdad. I wish I was with the -Regiment--it’s sickening.... - -“Later. News has just arrived Baghdad has fallen, only five days after -I was hit: isn’t it sickening I was not there?... - -“I am awfully sorry about poor Billy Eve, but he died just the death -he would have preferred, certainly a very noble one. He was one of -the most fearless people under heavy fire I have so far seen, always -rushing about looking after any one who was hit.” - -It need hardly be pointed out that 2nd Lieutenant Pedder, being when he -wrote in hospital at a distance from the front, was not in a position -to get the most accurate information about casualties or other matters -connected with the Regiment. The Regimental Diary, written by the -Adjutant, states the casualties as follows:-- - - “Killed, 3 officers; 22 British other ranks. - Wounded, 5 officers; 52 British other ranks. - Missing, 1 officer; 4 British other ranks. - Horses, 54 killed; 36 wounded.” - -This gives the total of casualties at nine officers and seventy-eight -other ranks--of whom four officers and twenty-six other ranks were -killed or missing. How many wounded died of their wounds does not -appear, but none among the officers. The horse casualties were ninety, -of which fifty-four were killed. - -The following is an account of the day given by Private Massey of “D” -Squadron in his diary of the war:-- - -“Next morning, the 5th of March (a day to be remembered in the annals -of the Thirteenth Hussars), we moved off about 5 A.M. and -proceeded up the Tigris, in the teeth of a terrible sand-storm, which -blinded both horses and men, and through which we could only see 80 to -100 yards ahead of us. Suddenly, out to our front, we heard the sound -of rifle-fire, and bullets whizzed amongst us. The report came through -that a Turkish convoy was attempting to get away, and it was decided to -make an attempt to capture it. Still under fire, the order was given to -‘draw swords,’ and we continued to trot on in extended order. As we got -nearer, the fire became heavier, and the whizz-whizz of the bullets, -as they flew in amongst us, told us we were in for ‘hot stuff.’ Then -we got the order to canter, and when within a hundred yards of the -Turks (whom we could now see through the sand-storm lining the parapet -of the first-line trench) the order to ‘charge’ was given. Digging -in our spurs, and with a loud shout, we charged the Turks in their -trenches. Seeing us on top of them, the whole front line surrendered, -holding up their arms, and some were waving white flags. The order was -given to bring the left shoulder round, and immediately we commenced -doing so, the enemy’s guns opened on us with shrapnel; and he also -had a second line 800 yards behind his first one, and we came under a -heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and our losses were rather heavy. On -wheeling out of action, but still under fire, the Colonel rallied his -men. The order was given ‘dismounted action,’ and No. 3’s of sections -led the section’s horses to the rear, while Nos. 1, 2, and 4 of the -sections formed line and charged with fixed bayonets. I went to the -rear with the gun-section’s horses, and many wounded men were being -helped to the first-aid dressing station. - -“I had gone all through the charge, riding my own horse, and leading -the horse carrying the Hotchkiss gun. I saw M‘Nulty at my side during -the charge with his revolver in his hand. He was very excited and -shouted across to me, ‘Come on, Charlie’; a second later he fell shot -in the head. My section-corporal was wounded in the elbow, and his -horse had a nasty shrapnel wound in its neck. That I got through it all -without a scratch seems hardly believable. Riderless horses, and horses -carrying automatic rifles were galloping madly about, and I was told -that I was the only one who had stuck to my led horse all through the -charge. - -“But the Turks played a dirty game on us, even those who had -surrendered in the first-line trench fired on us when we had passed -over them; and several men, whilst dressing our wounded where they had -fallen, were shot at point-blank range in the head. - -“But to return to my former subject: after the rally, and when a -halt was called with the led horses well out of rifle-range, and -knowing that the section-corporal was wounded, and that they would -probably want the gun and ammunition up in the firing line, I -decided to volunteer to return with it to the trenches. I asked the -sergeant-major, and he gave me permission to take it up. I was about -to start up with it, when I saw Private Galloway, who had caught a -gun-horse which had got loose in the charge, leading it up towards -the firing-line on foot. I thought that a much better way, and though -one could not go so fast leading as riding one and leading, it had -the advantage of offering a much smaller target for the enemy’s -machine-gunners. I told the sergeant-major my opinion, and he took my -riding-horse from me, and I started to lead the gun-horse towards our -fellows in the enemy’s captured first line. On coming in view of the -enemy, he opened on me with a machine-gun, and bullets were kicking up -the dust at my feet, and buzzing round the horse and myself. I passed -close to Corporal Taylor, who was lying wounded on the ground waiting -for the Field Ambulance to fetch him in. He shouted to me to clear off -to the right, as he had already been wounded once. I didn’t think I was -drawing the enemy’s fire on him until he reminded me of the fact. After -that I began to run, and seeing me coming up with the gun, two N.C.O.’s -rushed out and hurriedly took off the ammunition. They didn’t want the -gun, and gave me a stern order to ‘get away as quickly as you can.’ I -then started to run back with the gun-horse. When I had gone a dozen -yards I remembered that I had left my rifle behind, and turned round to -go back and fetch it, but the sergeant told me to go on and leave it. -It was certainly a hot corner, and perhaps it was best I did. - -“I then started to run back as fast as I could go, as the Turks knew -I was bringing up ammunition as well as I did, and meant to make it -hot for me, but I got back quite safely. On the way down I passed the -Colonel talking to a wounded man. - -“As soon as I had got back, however, Sergeant-Major Tassie called me, -and ordered me to go up to the line again with more ammunition. I again -started for the first-line trench. I arrived in safety, and having -put it down was told to stay in the trench. Here we hung on till -nightfall, as the wounded on the field pinned us to the trench. Several -were killed in the trench by rifle-fire, and the Turks heavily shelled -V Battery, knocking out a gun and limber and killing several men. -Whilst in the trenches the Colonel and Major Twist (second in command) -were both wounded,[45] and the command fell on Captain Newton of ‘A’ -Squadron. - -“Towards night the Turks retired, so we collected the wounded, and -slowly, very slowly we returned to camp, three miles to the rear, the -end of a hard and terrible day. On arriving in, after taking over our -horses we watered at the river-side.” - -The writer proceeds to describe how in trying to get a bucket of water, -he was carried away by the stream and nearly drowned. He was rescued, -and the day’s entry finishes: “After getting into bed it started to -rain, so I put on M‘Nulty’s cape and British warm, laying it all over -the bed, as I knew poor Mac would never want his any more.” - -To close the story of the fight at Lajj, the Colonel’s account of it is -given in his own words. He had commanded the Regiment throughout the -day, had led it in its charge, and after rallying it when the charge -was over had taken it into action again dismounted. Conspicuous for his -courage among many brave men, he had won the admiration of all; and the -wound which disabled him towards the close of the action was happily -not severe enough to prevent his commanding the Regiment again. - -_Colonel Richardson._--“The following extracts are taken from a letter -written home about the middle of March, when events were fresh in my -memory:-- - -“We started on the 5th of March, leaving camp an hour before dawn, and -our orders were to march the Infantry to Zeur, twelve or fourteen miles -on, and the Cavalry to Lajj, about six miles farther on still. Our -Brigade, the Seventh, were leading, and we made Zeur, where we watered -and fed the horses a little before 10, and we marched again at 10.30. -Soon after we started armoured-car reports came in to say that there -was a small convoy ahead of us proceeding in the direction of Baghdad -with an escort of about 250 Infantry, and that otherwise the country -was quite clear. The formation of our Brigade was the usual formation, -with the 13th Lancers (Watson’s Horse) leading and finding one squadron -advance-guard, and one squadron each on right and left flanks; then -the Machine Gun Squadron, Thirteenth Hussars and 14th Lancers, and V -Battery R.H.A. We had gone about two miles when our Brigadier ordered -me to take the Regiment up abreast of Watson’s Horse with a squadron -as advance-guard, and soon afterwards pointed out what he took to be -the convoy on the march, and hinted that we might be able to get in -on it with the sword and round it up. And so, having had a good look -at this supposed convoy, which was about two and a half miles to our -right front, I called up the squadron leaders, explained the situation -to them, and sending ‘C’ Squadron well out to the right or exposed -flank to work to the north of some small hillocks, I ordered ‘D,’ ‘B,’ -and ‘A’ Squadrons in that order to advance in echelon of squadrons -extended. (I should say here that the day was an exceptionally bad one -for visibility, as a strong east wind had got up and was carrying along -with us all the dust we raised and a good deal more, which filled the -air and made it difficult to clearly distinguish things.) Of course -a Regiment in this order covers a lot of ground and takes a certain -amount of time to get its formation, and even before the formation was -complete a shell bursting on our left warned me that we were seen, and -that the enemy had at least one gun, and made me wonder whether the -convoy was just a convoy, or whether it was not a gun or two with their -ammunition-carts. At this time too, rifle-fire was opened on us from -apparently a trench, for no Infantry were then visible, a few hundred -yards to the front of the leading squadron; at the same time I heard -rifle-fire well away to our left, showing that the advance-guard was -coming into touch with the enemy. All this convinced me that we were up -against a much bigger thing than the scattered bands of Turks reported -by the aeroplanes and armoured cars, but already the leading squadron -was on top of the first line of Turks, and the latter, about forty -or fifty in number, were already running for all they were worth, or -standing with their hands up. Some of these latter, I am told, picked -up their rifles after we had passed and fired into our backs, but very -few of that first lot reached their friends; they were either “stuck” -or taken prisoners. In the meantime our impetus had carried us on two -or three hundred yards, and into a very heavy rifle and machine-gun -fire, from what I took to be a big nullah or water-cut some eight -hundred yards to our front. Men and horses were dropping right and -left, so I tried to wheel them right-handed and backwards until we had -crossed the trench, or as it proved, small water-cut, from which the -Turks had first opened fire on us. Having crossed that, I halted the -remnants of the three squadrons (‘C’ Squadron was still operating by -itself out on the right) some three or four hundred yards farther on, -dismounted them, sent the horses back out of rifle-range, and advanced -on foot until we had reached this trench originally held by the Turks, -and which was still full of their equipment and rifles. I may say -here that the test to which I put these squadrons--viz., of halting -and dismounting under fire, and when the squadrons were all mixed up -and actually retiring at a gallop, albeit a slow one--was a very high -one, and the way in which they responded was beyond all praise. It was -only when we reached the Turkish trench that we were able to take a -breather and take stock, and then only did I fully realise the cost -of our ride. Major Twist, I heard, was hit, though slightly; Captain -Eve was missing, and it was feared killed; Captain Dawson missing, -Lieutenants Rolfe, Pinnington, and Lynch Staunton missing, and Welstead -hit; my trumpet-major killed, and my orderly badly wounded, and a -number of sergeants and men missing. It was patent to me that the men -who were missing must be lying, if hit, between us and the big nullah -in which the Turks were, and that our only chance of getting to them -was to draw the Turks out of this nullah, and it was very soon apparent -that we could not do this by a frontal advance without considerable -reinforcements: so I went back to Brigade Headquarters to consult with -the Brigadier, and pointed out to him that I thought the quickest and -cheapest method was to outflank the Turkish position to the northward. -He said he would consult with the Divisional Commander, and in the -meantime sent up two squadrons of the 14th Lancers to fill the gap -between us and the advance-guard of Watson’s Horse. Soon afterwards I -heard that the 6th Brigade was being sent to find the left flank of -the Turks, and I believe they did find it, but late in the afternoon, -showing that we could not be up against much less than a Turkish -Division, and that I believe was corroborated later. In the meantime -we hung on to our line, but were quite unable to advance, and it was -whilst sitting in this shallow water-cut that about 4.45 P.M. -I was hit by a rifle bullet in the right forearm. At the clearing -hospital I was able to ascertain from the books that night and next -morning the approximate extent of our casualties from wounds, and since -then I have had a few corrections and additions to make, with the -result that I can append a pretty accurate list as under:-- - - Killed--Captain Eve, 2nd Lieutenants Rolfe and Lynch Staunton. - - Wounded--Major Twist, Captain Dawson, Lieutenant Pedder, 2nd Lieutenant - Welstead, and myself. - - Missing--2nd Lieutenant Pinnington (reported a prisoner of war). - - Killed--25 N.C.O.’s and men. Wounded--80. - -“The wounded men are all most extraordinarily cheery, tremendously -pleased with themselves, and keen as can be to get fit and go back -to the Regiment; and I am glad to say that quite 50 per cent of the -wounded cases are very slight, and if not already discharged from -hospital, are likely to be there only a few days longer. - -“At about 4.30 or 5 o’clock the enemy opened a heavy bombardment with -about twenty guns, knocked out one if not two of the guns of V Battery -by direct hits, and at the same time opened heavy rifle-fire, and -it looked as if they intended to make a strong counter-attack. The -event, however, proved otherwise, for as soon as darkness fell, about -6.30, they withdrew from their positions in haste; we were able to get -all our wounded in, and eventually retired a few miles to the river. -Next day the advance was resumed, and we were then able to judge the -strength of the position, where the Turks evidently had intended to -put up a big rearguard fight, and it became apparent that the shelling -of ‘S’ Battery of the 6th Brigade from their left rear had caused -the Turks to realise the danger in which they were of being cut off, -and had consequently hastened their retreat. The Regiment received -congratulations from many Divisional and Brigade Commanders for the -fine show they had put up on this occasion, and it naturally was very -pleasing to us to realise that we had effected good work, and that our -heavy casualties had not been altogether in vain.” - -[Illustration: _Officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 13th -Hussars who fell at Lajj, in Mesopotamia, on Monday, the 5th of March, -1917._] - -General Maude’s view of the action is given in a letter to Colonel -Symons: “Your old Regiment did spendidly during the advance here, and -particularly on the 5th inst., when they made a mounted charge and got -well into the Turks, although they lost heavily in doing so, as they -got hung up in some trench systems.” - -It may be noted that the loss in killed and wounded suffered by the -Thirteenth at Lajj was greater than in the famous charge of the Light -Brigade at Balaclava. The comparative nearness to England, the dramatic -setting, and other circumstances, combined to make Balaclava a name of -glory. The charge of the Light Brigade will always be for Englishmen -one of the most splendid deeds in the history of the race. Lajj is, -and is likely to remain for the nation in general, a name almost -unknown. But to the Thirteenth it will always be one of the Regiment’s -great days, for the level sands by the Tigris saw that morning in the -dust-storm a death ride just as brave and devoted as the one which has -become immortal. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -OCCUPATION OF BAGHDAD. - - -The 5th of March, however glorious, had been a heavy day for the -Thirteenth, and their ranks were sadly thinned. - -But the Thirteenth formed only one unit of a pursuing army, and the -Cavalry had to push on without delay to follow up the retreating Turks. -At dawn on the 6th, therefore, the Regiment was again on the march. - -One squadron, the one which had been commanded by Eve, remained for -some hours with the transport in Lajj, to bury the dead and make -further search for any wounded who might still be lying on the field. -While they did so their Colonel, and all the wounded officers and -men who had been brought in, were embarked and sent down the river -to hospitals in rear of the army. The dead were buried together in a -nullah on the field. - -The rest of the Regiment, under command of Captain Steele, marched -out weak in numbers, but still fit for further efforts, and proud of -themselves. Their goal, Baghdad, now lay only thirty or forty miles -ahead of them, and in common with the whole army they were eager to see -the hard fighting of the past three months crowned by the capture of -the famous city. - -They had not long to wait, for only five days later the British flag -was flying on the citadel of the Turks; but before that happened the -brave enemy was to make one more stand, and take a further toll of -British lives. - -[Illustration: ONE OF THE ENTRANCES TO THE MOSQUE AT KHAZIMAIN] - -[Illustration: CTESIPHON] - -On the first day of the advance the Cavalry met with no serious -opposition. They were tormented by another dust-storm and shelled by -the retreating enemy, but they suffered little loss and made some -prisoners. The line of march lay over the battlefield of Ctesiphon. -This position, says General Maude, though strongly intrenched, was -found unoccupied. “There was evidence that the enemy had intended to -hold it, but the rapidity of our advance had evidently prevented him -from doing so.” The Cavalry believed that their swift and resolute -attack at Lajj had accelerated the Turkish retreat and spared the army -a possibly serious rearguard action there or at Ctesiphon, and it seems -not unlikely that they were right. At all events Ctesiphon was not -held, and the Cavalry bivouacked that night some miles beyond it, at -Bawi. - -[Illustration: _BAGHDAD AND FIELD OF OPERATIONS_ - -_1917-1918_ - -SCALE ABOUT 50 MILES TO THE INCH] - -But, however this may be, the next day showed that the Turks still -meant to fight. About eight miles below Baghdad a considerable river, -the Diala, runs into the Tigris from the north, and bars advance up -the left bank, along which lies the road to Baghdad. The Turks had -destroyed the bridge over the Diala, and as the river was at that time -about 120 yards broad, with a strong current, it was a formidable -obstacle. The enemy was not apparently in great strength, but he had -more than once shown that he could conceal his troops with effect; -and whether his Infantry was in strength or not, the farther bank was -“defended by numerous guns and machine-guns, skilfully sited,” while -the ground in front of them was absolutely flat, with no cover. To -force a passage was therefore no easy matter, and no attempt to do so -was made that day. - -The fighting that followed during the next three nights and days -was desperate, and there is no incident in the whole campaign more -creditable to the British Infantry than the repeated attempts to -establish a footing on the right bank of the Diala. How attempt after -attempt was foiled with heavy loss, the Turks destroying our pontoons -and slaying the brave men who manned them, and how seventy of the Loyal -North Lancashire got across in spite of all, and held their ground for -twenty-two hours, and were at last relieved, has been told by others. -It is a fine story. But not until the 10th of March was the Diala in -British hands. The Turk had made a gallant stand in defence of the City -of the Khalifs. - -In this fighting the Cavalry had no direct share; but their work -meanwhile had been hard and useful. When the advance along the left -hand of the Tigris was held up by the Turks, it was decided to send a -force across the Tigris with the view of turning the Diala position and -getting at Baghdad from the south and west. Accordingly on the 8th of -March a bridge was thrown across the Tigris, and the Cavalry, followed -by an Infantry force, passed over to the right bank. - -[Illustration: Capt. J. V. DAWSON - -(_Very severely wounded at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. G. L. M. WELSTEAD - -(_Wounded at Lajj, 5th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. J. O. P. CLARKSON - -(_Killed near Jager’s Tomb, 10th March 1917_)] - -[Illustration: L. Cpl. G. W. BOWIE, D.C.M.] - -[Illustration: The Rev. H. COOKE, C.F., M.C.] - -During that night the force marched in a north-westerly direction -towards a place called Shawa Khan, which the Turks were reported to -be holding. The march was much impeded by ravines and water-cuts, and -was necessarily slow; but the Turks offered no serious opposition, and -during the morning of the 9th Shawa Khan was occupied, the enemy -retiring to another position a mile or two farther back. This also was -approached and attacked, but was still in Turkish hands at sunset. - -The Cavalry during the earlier part of the day had been operating on -the left flank of the force, away from the Tigris, but the horses being -in distress for want of water, it was temporarily withdrawn to the -river bank in the afternoon. In spite of some shelling and rifle-fire -the Cavalry had suffered little loss, and the Thirteenth had till then -had no casualties; but while watering their horses they were annoyed by -some sniping from the opposite bank, and a promising young officer, 2nd -Lieutenant Clarkson, was unfortunately killed--shot through the heart. -He was the fifth officer of the Regiment who had been killed since the -campaign began. - -That night the enemy evacuated their position and the force pushed on. - -“On the morning of the 10th,” says General Maude, “our troops were -again engaged with the Turkish rearguard within three miles of Baghdad, -and our Cavalry patrols reached a point two miles west of Baghdad -railway station, where they were checked by the enemy’s fire. A gale -and blinding dust-storm limited vision to a few yards, and under -these conditions reconnaissance and co-ordination of movements became -difficult. The dry wind and dust and the absence of water away from the -river added greatly to the discomfort of the troops and animals. About -midnight patrols reported the enemy to be retiring. The dust-storm -was still raging, but following the Decanville Railway as a guide our -troops occupied Baghdad railway station at 5.55 A.M., and it -was ascertained that the enemy on the right bank had retired up-stream -of Baghdad. Troops detailed in advance occupied the city, and the -Cavalry moved on Kadhimain, some four miles west of Baghdad, where they -secured some prisoners.” - -Meanwhile the force on the left bank of the Tigris, having forced -the Diala, had also pushed on, and on this same morning, the 11th of -March, they also entered Baghdad. The British flag was hoisted over the -citadel; and the town, which was being looted and set on fire by Arabs -and Kurds, was rapidly reduced to order. In the afternoon the gunboat -flotilla with General Maude on board came up the river in line-ahead -formation, and anchored off the British Residency. The capture of -Baghdad was complete. - -Thus ended, in triumphant success, General Maude’s advance upon the -capital of Mesopotamia. It had meant three months of severe and at -times desperate fighting, during which the British force had lost -heavily. But it had meant also the utter defeat of the Turks on their -central front in Asia, and the restoration of British prestige in the -East. - -Indeed, it meant much more; and in writing this history of the -Thirteenth it seems desirable to point out the full effect and -significance of the victory in which they shared. - -The recapture of Kut a fortnight earlier had already produced a -striking effect. The ‘Times History of the War’ referred to this in -strong terms:-- - -“Nor,” it said, “was the effect confined to the Middle East. The -Commander of the French armies telegraphed his warm and sincere -congratulations on ‘this splendid feat of arms,’ and the defeat of the -Turks made a great impression everywhere. Of its immediate practical -result upon the course of the War in Asia there could be no question. -Within a week the Turkish forces which had invaded Northern Persia -were in full retreat for their own border, and the projected Turkish -movements on the Euphrates were given up. In fact, the ambitious -offensive of the enemy upon this central front in Asia had collapsed -like a pricked bladder. The principle of a concentrated advance on the -Tigris had already been justified.” - -Now Baghdad had followed Kut, and the immediate result of the second -capture is thus described in the same ‘History’:-- - -[Illustration: B SQUADRON ON THE WAY TO THE DIALA] - -[Illustration: CROSSING THE DIALA] - -[Illustration: WATERING IN THE DIALA] - -“So fell Baghdad, the immediate base of Turkish warfare in Persia and -Mesopotamia, and one of the most famous cities in all the East. If the -recapture of Kut had produced a great effect, it need hardly be said -that the fall of Baghdad made an impression vastly greater. In Germany -it was described with unusual frankness as ‘a deplorable event,’ and -on the Bosphorus the news of it was received with something like -consternation; while among the Allies and all who sympathised with -them it was hailed as a striking victory and an auspicious opening to -the campaigns of 1917. Indeed, considering that the Asiatic theatre -of war was after all a secondary one, and that the capture of an -Asiatic city could hardly have any material bearing on the issue of the -European conflict, the weight attached to the British success seemed -almost disproportionate. But it must be remembered that the conception -of a great advance eastward by way of Turkey in Asia was a fundamental -part of the German scheme of world-politics, and that the seizure by -Great Britain of the eastern end of the Constantinople-Baghdad railway -meant a heavy blow to this scheme.” - -These words were written in 1917, within a few months of General -Maude’s entry into Baghdad. The subsequent course of the war was to -show that far from having over-estimated the value of that success, the -writer might have said more. Now that the war has come to an end, there -can be no doubt that the blow struck by the British in Mesopotamia, -together with the almost concurrent victory of General Allenby in -Palestine, had a material effect upon the whole issue of the war. By -themselves they could not have brought about the complete triumph of -the Allied cause. Nothing but the defeat of the Germans in the west -of Europe could do that. But they meant, if duly followed up, the -collapse of the Turkish military power, and the striking out of the -Turkish Empire from the great confederacy. That meant the maiming of -the German scheme of world-conquest. Without the aid of Turkey as a -vassal, the Kaiser’s dream of a vast Eastern dominion could never be -fulfilled. And dominion in the East was no small part, some even think -it was the more important part, of his scheme of world-conquest. This, -however, is perhaps to say too much, and in any case, great as was the -effect of the fall of Baghdad, much fighting had yet to be done, even -in Mesopotamia, before the Turks finally recognised that they were -not strong enough to stand alone against the British Empire. They had -received a heavy blow, but they were not yet conquered. - -To return to the Thirteenth Hussars and their share in the work of the -Baghdad campaign, the following extracts from letters and diaries may -be of interest. - -The Regimental Diary shows that on the 6th March, the day after the -fight at Lajj, the Thirteenth marched off at 6 A.M. with the -Cavalry Division, and marched “without incident to Bawi (four miles -north of Ctesiphon),” where they bivouacked. The next day the Cavalry -“moved in direction of Diala river” and “came under shell-fire,” but -apparently suffered no casualties. “Retired and bivouacked near Bawi.” -On the 8th the Cavalry Division marched “with object of turning right -flank of Turkish position.” At 5 P.M. the Division was all -across the Tigris and “march continued all throughout night.” On the -9th, at 8.15, “shelled near Khair-el-Kharabeh,” and at ten o’clock -“took up position on left flank of Infantry.” There the Regiment -remained two hours, when they “withdrew and retired to water,” on -the banks of the Tigris at 1.50 P.M. “Sniping by enemy -from opposite bank.” In the afternoon the Cavalry returned to their -former position and bivouacked. “Transport shelled during the day, -but no damage done.” On the 10th some of the Cavalry advanced towards -Kadhimain, to the north-west of Baghdad; but there appears to have been -no incident to report except “wind very high during the day.” Finally, -on the 11th, the Diary has the following entries:-- - -“4 A.M. Stood to. - -“8 A.M. Marched with Division to Khair-el-Kharabeh, where the -Regiment received orders to proceed to Baghdad. - -“12.45. Entered Baghdad. Proceeded to bridge across Tigris, which had -been destroyed by enemy prior to evacuation.[46] - -“2 P.M. Returned to a palm bagh[47] on outskirts of town, -where ‘A’ and ‘C’ Squadrons bivouacked. ‘B’ and ‘D’ Squadrons proceed -to Kazimain.” - -“The Regiment was attached to the 35th Infantry Brigade for garrison -duty.” - -In these curt and unemotional words the Diary describes the march from -Lajj and the entry into Baghdad. It would not appear from this that the -Thirteenth had any fighting during these six days, or was much excited -by the capture of the city. But Regimental Diaries are not given to -unnecessary eloquence. As a matter of fact we know that the Regiment -lost an officer killed, and it believed that it had been specially -selected, as a reward for its conduct at Lajj, to be the first Cavalry -Regiment to enter Baghdad, and to form part of the garrison. The -compliment was evidently appreciated. - -[Illustration: THE GRAVES IN BAGHDAD CEMETERY] - -One young officer of the Regiment, 2nd Lieutenant Payne, speaks as if -the work had been hard, and not free from fighting, even after Lajj. -He had passed some years in Canada, and had perhaps learnt there to be -more outspoken than the very reserved British officer generally is. -“Since that date” (3rd March), he writes on the 13th, “we have been -fighting day and night without any rest or sleep, till men and horses -dropped with exhaustion, and had Baghdad not fallen the day before -yesterday there would have been few of the Thirteenth left to tell the -tale.” His letter goes on to describe various incidents of the past -week. The following are extracts:-- - -“Next morning, 4 A.M.,[48] the Division had to move on, and -our squadron was left as escort to the transport, which didn’t leave -till the afternoon, so we took our men back to the awful battlefield to -see if we could pick up any men alive, and to bury the dead. We buried -sixteen men and three officers in the same grave, but got nothing in -personal effects, as they had been stripped, some of them naked. All -the time we were working we had to keep a Hotchkiss gun going to keep -off the Arabs, who were coming in fast to pick up loot, of which there -was tons in the way of arms and saddlery.[49]... - -“That same night we passed through another strong point at Ctesiphon -that they had not stopped to defend, and in the moonlight I rode over -to see the great arch of Ctesiphon that is supposed to have been -built in the time of Nebuchadnezzar or one of those birds. It has a -great façade of about 200 feet high that opens into a courtyard, and -alongside is this wonderful arched roof that looks as though it had -been a banqueting-hall.” - -The writer is a little out in his dates, but the majority of his -countrymen knew not much more about the matter than he did. - -“The enemy had gone back to their last and strongest position above -Diala, where there is a fork in the river. We weren’t successful in -smashing that place, so our Division and half the Infantry crossed the -river with the intention of striking the railway north of the city, -and we were out three days and nights without any rest, trying to -force a way round, and the farther we went the farther we had to come -for water, as it was death for men and horses to be cut off from the -river. In forcing our way down to water on the morning of the 12th[50] -we lost an officer and man, being sniped from the other side of the -river. We were all done up, no sleep, little food, and the horses -dropping under us after three weeks’ fierce fighting, and slowly making -our way to carry on the attack on the flank of the Infantry, which -always necessitated the enemy widening his front and weakening his -strength, when news came that the Black Watch entered Baghdad at 5.30 -A.M. - -“It was too good to believe, but then orders were passed down, ‘The -Thirteenth Hussars will report at once to G.H.Q. at railway station -for orders _re_ garrisoning town.’ There was new life in all of us -at once; we hadn’t had a sight of Baghdad and didn’t think we were -likely to for an age, but the next minute we were hoofing it at a trot -along the highroad that had been used for hundreds of centuries, over -trenches that the Turks had held the night before, and over dead bodies -of both attackers and attacked. But we got into the city. One seething -mass of Arabs greeted us; the same scum that the day before would have -delivered up any of our wounded to the Turks now brazenly brought out -wounded Turks to us that were not able to get away in the rush, dirty -devils always ready to join in with the winning side, but always with -an eye to scrupper the unfortunate of either if they can catch him -unprotected. - -[Illustration: TURKISH BARRACKS] - -[Illustration: ARMY COMMANDER’S HOUSE] - -[Illustration: BRITISH, AMERICAN, AND FRENCH CONSULATES] - -BAGHDAD - -“After standing by for an hour or so Jeffrey was told to take two -squadrons and one squadron of machine-gunners to protect Kazimain, -three miles up to (?) the river. So I found myself in command of ‘D’ -Squadron, and here we are in the lap of luxury (Eastern). Kazimain -is where all the pilgrims come to the great mosque, and is entirely -composed of caravanserai sort of hotel quarters: there are 5000 of -these buildings. We are quartered in the biggest, and even the men -are able to have a wooden bedstead to lie on each. It is a big square -building with a courtyard in the middle, in which we have picketed over -250 horses comfortably. Jeffrey and I and the Intelligence Officer -have a large stone-floored room with four bedsteads in it; there are -no windows, of course, but you let down great heavy wooden shutters -when the sun is too hot. The Sheikh (elder of the town) brought in -beautiful carpets and bedding for us, and the women and children in -hordes followed us in the street, all making a tinkly sort of yodelling -song. They are in terror of the Turks coming in, and sacking the place, -and taking their women. We weren’t looking our best by any means: no -change of clothes, unshaven, and unwashed for five days, the dust from -the storms begrimed into our skins, and our clothes in rags. But to-day -we are all happy and clean. The men, who haven’t had a bath or change -since January 24th,[51] can now be seen having their boots polished -by Arab children, and strutting about like lords; they do so love to -have something to order about. You would laugh to see them when we take -prisoners: they make them hold their stirrup-irons while they mount -their horses, and hand them their coats to put on--anything for the -sake of exercising power.... - -“However, it was all too good to be true--to go to sleep and not get -up till daylight, and have your sleep out, was too good to last more -than two days, and we have orders to turn the job over to an Infantry -battalion, and rejoin the remainder of the Regiment in Baghdad, where -we go into the Cavalry barracks, which no doubt will be just as nice: -but the heavenly paradise of it all here, with the river alongside, -and all the water you like, fresh good green stuff, and milk. This -is buffalo milk, but quite good, and we get lettuces, onions, and -mutton--in fact, we don’t have to open a tin of any sort. Our bread is -_chupatti_, the round flat things which the Jews make....” - -War certainly teaches a man to be content with the essential things of -life. - -“The Mosque here is most beautiful--that is, the outside, for no -infidel is allowed inside the gate.[52] It is simply enormous, and -faced with silver till it reaches the roof and four towers, which are -gold. - -“I went down the Bazaar yesterday afternoon, and bought a pair of -saddle-bags for five rupees. They are made of the very finest carpet of -true colours, bound with leather; it’s a shame to use them on a horse, -but my other ones are in rags from carrying so many tinned foods.... I -have never carried anything in the way of loot about with me, nor let -my men do so, because it is such an incentive for the Turk to put a -bullet through you if you are wounded, and he finds them on you; but -now the Mesopotamia War is over so far as we are concerned, and we -shall live like human beings again under cover from the sun and cold -nights, and be able to think of such things. The rest of the Cavalry -Division are getting three days’ rest before pursuing the enemy farther -up. We, as far as we know, are to be in Baghdad for a while at least.... - -“Late evening. I have just been taking a stroll round the town in case -we don’t see it again. The officers are allowed to go in pairs armed, -but we haven’t dared to let the men out yet; they have been in trouble -already, climbing their way on the roof to the quarters of the Sheikh -and pinching bedding; also there are intermittent shots fired now and -again from mysterious spots, and there has to be a house-to-house -search for any stray Turks in hiding. We went through endless streets -with the houses almost touching across to each other. Every window is -glassless, but securely barred, and great wooden shutters slide down -to shut out the hot sun. Down by the river the Eastern picturesqueness -is very novel,--to see the Arabs lifting water by appliances that have -been used as long as the world was peopled; the coracles (round boats) -spinning round and round as they in time get across the stream: they -are allowed to spin, as it lessens the resistance to the current. To -get alongside the water and amongst the palms with their green crop -underneath is wonderful after weeks of the desert. I don’t know of -anything more depressing and hopeless than to--as we often and often -had to--be going all day in the broiling sun and dust and wind, and -find it hopeless to try and get to the river, and must camp where we -are, the horses unwatered, and every one finished their water-bottles, -and knowing that you’ve got to be on the move at 4 A.M. again, -with the expectation of meeting the enemy.” - -Surely the soldier on service earns his pay. - -[Illustration: A TYPICAL WATER LIFT] - -[Illustration: A PERSIAN WATER WHEEL NEAR BAGHDAD] - -_March 14._--“We turned out of our delightful quarters at Kazimain -this morning, and have now taken over the Cavalry barracks in -Baghdad--a horrible, flyey, and hot place that is nothing more than -bare mud walls and filth, since the outside Arabs have stripped it of -everything. These brutes got in and looted the Bazaar clean; the -civil population always expect that to happen on such occasions, and -just sit calmly by and watch them wreck their shops.... I am writing -this in agony from the flies. There are five other chaps in this bare -stone-floored room with me who have their heads buried under their -blankets, having given up any attempt at reading or writing.... - -“We found absolutely nothing in the town. The Bazaar, as the multitude -of dusty and smelly arcades are called, are rows and rows of little -cubby holes with the meanest supplies of merchandise, and as they -were all ransacked when the Turks left, we could buy nothing at all. -The whole town is most disappointing, even were it not half in ruins: -everywhere is dilapidation and dirt.... - -“Gowan, whose father was a member for Vancouver, is in charge of the -armoured cars we have attached to the Cavalry; he is an extraordinary -daring chap, and when in France with the 7th Battalion had the back of -his skull blown away--which he carries in his pocket--had a bayonet -through his stomach, and was discharged from the Canadian Army as -no further use--is now the admiration of every one for his daring -exploits!” - -Lance-Corporal Bowie’s diary, from which quotations have already been -made in earlier chapters, tells the story of the advance from Lajj to -Baghdad in very concise terms. - -“On the following day, the 6th,[53] we carried the pursuit of the Turks -past Ctesiphon. A very bad sand-storm raged during this day, making -our progress very difficult. We bivouacked that night near Bawi, and -the next day was spent in a well-earned rest, while a pontoon bridge -was being thrown across the Tigris, which, during the day, Turkish -airmen tried very hard to destroy by bombing, but only succeeded -in hitting one of our ammunition waggons, killing the entire team, -drivers, and everything within a radius of 300 yards. The following day -we crossed the Tigris without opposition, whilst the Infantry fought -their way across the Diala river some miles farther up. We at once -made a long night-march to get at the enemy’s left flank, which we -attacked, forcing him back a distance of some two miles, bivouacking -that night on the ground from which we had driven the enemy. During -the same [day?] one of our officers was killed while we were watering -our horses in the face of the enemy’s fire. The following morning we -started to blow up a railway bridge, but had to abandon this enterprise -owing to a terrific sand-storm which overtook us. After a few more -hours’ rest we proceeded on our way to Baghdad, where we encountered -no opposition, our Infantry having driven out the last of the enemy’s -rearguard during the earlier part of the morning, the Thirteenth -Hussars being the first of the Cavalry to enter the city, which we did -about 11 A.M. on the 11th March. The following morning the -pursuing Cavalry took Khasmain, whilst the Thirteenth Hussars remained -bivouacked in a large orchard. Having been selected to garrison the -city, we crossed the Tigris on the morning of the 14th, and took up our -quarters in the old Turkish Cavalry barracks, which were situated just -outside the citadel. These we found to be in a filthy condition, and -infested with vermin. Happily our stay here was very brief....” - -Captain Newton’s diary is also very concise, but as an example of a -day’s work during the advance, the following entry of the 10th March -may be quoted. After noting on the 9th “horses and men done,” the diary -goes on:-- - -_Saturday, 10th._--“Saddled up at 5.30. Brigade off to water Jaffer’s -Tomb. Left with ‘A’ and ‘B’ (right wing) to escort Divisional troops. -Two troops sent off on search for some missing R.E.’s and wireless. -Sent with remainder to escort 6th Brigade second line down river -to refill. Awful dust. Found dead R.E.’s in pontoon, and punished -Arabs. Went back to where we had left Division leaving 4.30. Found -Division 9.15. Awful trek in dust. Then moved to Hilawiyni in gale and -dust-storm. Reached bivouac 12.30. To bed 2.30. Orders to be saddled up -by 6.” - -_Sunday, 11th._--“Réveillé, 4. Gale still blowing....” - -In a letter written from Baghdad the same writer gives a summary of the -whole march from Lajj. - -“We had a longish trek next day (the 6th), but saw nothing of the -enemy, and we bivouacked about 6, but had no transport, so not much -food. Transport came in about midnight, but I’d got my blankets with -me and was fast asleep by 9 o’clock. We marched at 6 A.M., -a bitter cold morning, but our mess-boxes had turned up with the -transport, so we started with our tummies good and full. - -[Illustration: TURKISH CAVALRY BARRACKS OUTSIDE BAGHDAD USED AS A -HOSPITAL] - -[Illustration: VIEW OF BAGHDAD FROM ROOF] - -“We spent an idle day, sitting about a good deal while reconnaissances -went out; but it was a long day, and we didn’t get in till 9.30 in the -evening, to find a grand dinner waiting for us. It was midnight again -before I got to bed, as there were a lot of things to do. Next morning -we were up at 4.30 and ready to move at 6, but then heard we shouldn’t -move till about 1, and then cross to the other side of the river again. -We lunched at 11.30, but didn’t move off till 2.30, and it was about 6 -before we were across the bridge. We trekked about all next day, and -in the evening heard we were to go on, and we did, but came up against -the Turk positions and couldn’t get on, so came back to bivouac, thank -goodness, as men and horses were nearly done in. It was while we were -watering in the afternoon that poor young Clarkson was shot dead by a -sniper, the only casualty we had that day, and most awfully hard luck.” - -Such is too often the lot of the soldier on service--long, dreary, -uneventful days with no excitement, nothing but discomfort and fatigue; -and then, suddenly, the call to show what his training has done for -him, and perhaps to give up his life for his country. That is what -sets apart and ennobles the profession of the soldier and sailor--the -constant readiness to face death. Women with their quick perceptions -understand and are grateful, nor do they alone understand. In spite of -all prejudices and jealousies, men too know in their hearts that the -first honour is due to those among them whose choice and pride it is to -guard the nation with their lives. - -“We were up at 4 A.M. and ready to move at 5.30. We didn’t -move till about 8, and then I was sent with two squadrons to escort -transport to refilling-point. It was not a particularly hard day’s -work, but it was another long day. It was 9 P.M. before I -found the Division again with my transport, and then we trekked on in -an awful dust-storm, and eventually reached our bivouac about 12.30. I -got to bed at 2.30, was called at 4.30, and we trekked at 8. We crawled -along, every one, men and horses, dead to the world, did a bit of Arab -strafing, and at 10.30 received the news that the Infantry were going -into Baghdad, and that the Regiment was to march in to form part of -the garrison. My word, we were proud and pleased, and every one just -brightened up, and we were as cheery as anything. We entered the town -on the side of the river, but couldn’t cross till a bridge had been -built. However, ‘B’ and ‘D’ were sent off to occupy Khazimain, a town -about six miles away and a great religious centre, and ‘A’ and ‘C’ -were told to camp in a delightful garden, all green and shady with -date-palms and orange-trees. It was just like coming into fairyland -after the time we have been in the desert, and we felt so peaceful and -happy. Directly after we had fed I went to bed, and slept and slept and -slept till 7.30! It was grand.” - -Private Massey, of ‘D’ Squadron, has also left an account of the march -from Lajj from the point of view of the trooper. He describes how the -Regiment marched nearly to the Diala river, and how on the 8th March -the Cavalry crossed to the right bank of the Tigris. - -“It was now beginning to get dusk. All that night, and during the early -hours of the 9th, we continued marching, going in a north-westerly -direction. We crossed many big nullahs, which we found great difficulty -in crossing. When daylight broke we found ourselves within a few miles -of Baghdad, and according to rumour we were to attempt to cut the -railway above Baghdad, to prevent the Turks getting their rolling-stock -away. We were heavily shelled during the day, but our Regiment escaped -without casualties. We proceeded to water late in the afternoon, and -it took us a long time to reach it as the river was a long way off. -We were sniped at on our way, and on reaching the river we had to go -down to get water in buckets under the fire of a sniper on the left -bank of the river. Lieutenant Clarkson, of the M.G. Brigade, brought a -machine-gun into position on the bank, and stood up trying to find the -sniper with his glasses. He was instantly shot through the heart and -fell down dead. - -“When we had finished watering, we moved into a big garden with a large -wind-wall round it. Here we had something to eat, a piece of biscuit -and a bit of bully. The horses were very badly done up, but we soon -moved on again. Where we camped that night is more than I can say, as -for the next few days I lost all sense of our position, as we seemed to -be all over the show, here, there, and everywhere. Anyway, we camped -somewhere in the desert that night, close up to the firing line. - -[Illustration: THE REGIMENT ENTERING INTO OCCUPATION OF THE TURKISH -CAVALRY BARRACKS AT BAGHDAD. 13TH MARCH 1917] - -“The transport was shelled coming in, and suffered several casualties -amongst native drivers. We had six hours in bed.” - -_March 10._--“Réveillé on the 10th was at 4 A.M. We fed the -horses and had breakfast, and afterwards saddled up and went to water. -Two troops were put to guard a signalling-post all day which was on -the top of a high mound, close to where the Turks had had trenches -the previous day, and from where we had been fired on. It was pitch -dark when we moved off, very late at night, and the worst sand-storm -in which it has ever been my luck to be in came on. It was a terrible -experience, and I never want to experience such a storm again. How we -reached camp, or who led us in, I couldn’t say, but it ceased when we -reached camp. Got in after midnight, with nothing to eat and drink, and -réveillé ordered at 3.30 A.M. next morning. Transport late at -arriving in. Lay down in our clothes and one blanket for a few hours, -and slept like the war-worn soldiers we undoubtedly were.” - -_March 11._--“On the 11th we started off again early in the direction -of Baghdad, and met several parties of Arabs who were fleeing from -the city on entry of the British that morning.... After proceeding -a little farther, word was passed down the line that we were going -to be the first Cavalry Regiment to enter Baghdad. As we neared the -entrance other regiments stood aside, and we passed on and at last -met a battalion of the Black Watch, who had been the first Regiment -to enter Baghdad. After proceeding a bit farther, we came to Baghdad -station, and here we halted for half an hour. We then mounted again, -and proceeded round the end of the railway.... We were now entering -the city, but with the exception of a few snipers all was quiet. White -flags were everywhere, and after riding through several streets we -called a halt close to some Cavalry barracks, which we entered soon -after. Only two squadrons went in, however, as there was not enough -room for the Regiment. The barrack rooms above the stables were roomy -and airy, but filthy.... On the 14th the Regiment moved into fresh -barracks on the left bank of the river.” - -There for the present we may leave the Thirteenth to get a little rest, -and to regain as far as possible the cleanness and smartness which had -suffered during the rough work of the march. Their goal was reached, -and they were part of the force which had occupied the enemy’s famous -citadel. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -OPERATIONS IMMEDIATELY AFTER CAPTURE OF BAGHDAD. - - -Baghdad had been captured, and a heavy blow struck at the Turks--a -heavier blow perhaps than any one understood at the time; but much -remained to be done before the British Commander in Mesopotamia could -give his troops the full repose they needed. - -In the first place, the Turkish force which he had beaten at Kut and -driven through Baghdad must be pursued in its retirement northwards -until it was destroyed or hunted away out of reach. General Maude was -too good a soldier not to know that the annihilation of the enemy’s -armed force, rather than the capture of any city, was the real object -to be kept before him. And the necessity of a rapid pursuit to the -north, up the line of the Tigris, was all the more urgent because of -the near approach of the flood season. Control of the river “bunds,” -or dams, and irrigation works up-stream of the city must be secured, -or it would be possible for the Turks to cause extensive inundations, -not only crippling the movement of the British army, but doing serious -mischief in other ways. - -Then it was important for the security of the military position that -the surrounding country on all sides, not only to the north, should be -cleared of Turkish troops for a considerable distance, so as to allow -of the pacification of the neighbouring Arabs, and the free collection -of supplies. To the westward there were Turkish troops on the Upper -Euphrates, which threatened mischief down the course of that river -on the British flank and rear. To the eastward, on the Diala, it was -believed that there were also some Turkish troops, dominating a tract -rich in crops and forage. - -[Illustration: BAGHDAD--CLOCK TOWER IN TURKISH INFANTRY BARRACKS SQUARE] - -[Illustration: A STREET IN BAGHDAD] - -[Illustration: FRAMEWORK OF HANGAR IN BAGHDAD] - -Moreover, General Maude had to keep in mind the great strategical -considerations involved--the exertion of continued pressure on the -Turkish base in Asia Minor, and the possibility of co-operating not -only with the Russians on the right, who were driving or following the -Turkish invading force out of Persia, but in a measure with General -Allenby in Palestine. The Russians, though weak, were comparatively -near, and it might be feasible actually to join hands with them. -Palestine was far away, out of reach, behind the great Arabian desert; -but the harder the Turks were pressed on their central front, the less -strength they would be able to spare for their right. - -General Maude’s plan of operations therefore, after the capture of -Baghdad, was to follow up that blow without delay by pushing out three -strong columns. One was to strike at the Euphrates westward, and occupy -Feluja on that river, thirty-five miles from Baghdad; another was to -press the pursuit to the northward, up the line of the Tigris and of -the Baghdad Railway; the third was to move out north-east towards the -Persian frontier, so as to secure the rich Diala district, and if -possible, with the help of the Russians, to crush the Turkish force -retreating from Persia. - -During the short campaign which followed, all these objects were in a -measure attained. By the 19th March the western column had established -itself on the Euphrates, and thus commanded the whole course of the -river down to the sea, clearing Maude’s left and rear from Turkish -pressure. The northern column had a hard fight at Mushaidi, twenty -miles up the railway line, where the retreating Tigris force turned to -bay, with the result that it was, on the 14th and 15th March, driven -from its intrenchments and completely beaten, streaming away to the -north in confusion. The eastern column at the same time surprised and -occupied Baquba, a point on the Diala thirty miles from Baghdad. - -It was with this eastern column that the 7th Cavalry Brigade was -connected; and indeed during the remainder of the war, which was to -last for more than a year and a half yet, the Brigade was chiefly -employed in the country to the east of the Tigris. - -The Thirteenth Hussars were left at the close of the last chapter in -occupation of the Turkish Cavalry barracks in Baghdad, resting after -their severe exertions. But their rest was short, for on the 23rd of -March, by which time they were becoming tired of the heat and the dirt -and the flies, they were warned for active service again, and on the -following day they rejoined the Brigade at Baquba. The Regiment was now -in good condition, men and horses restored and fit for service, and the -prospect of further work in the open was hailed with pleasure. - -General Maude’s despatches of 1917 show what the work was. The Turks, -heavily defeated as they had been, were by no means inclined as yet to -give up the game as lost, and the British forces east of the Tigris -soon found that the enemy was still capable not only of resistance, but -of determined attempts at offensive action. His troops consisted of -two main sections, the 13th Corps, which was retiring from Persia, and -the 18th Corps lately beaten on the Tigris, but rallied and reinforced -in a few days from the Turkish reserves in the North. These two Corps -began to act in co-operation, and to threaten attacks upon the British -eastern and northern columns. It was an excellent example of the -tenacity of the Turks, and of their quick recovery after defeat. - -“About the 26th of March,” writes General Maude, “there were -indications that a converging movement was being made by part of the -13th Corps down the right bank of the Diala from Deli Abbas, and by the -18th Corps along the left bank of the Tigris ... apparently with the -intention of assisting the withdrawal of the 13th Corps from before the -Russians.” These advances were resisted by the British northern and -eastern columns, the former driving back the 18th Corps northwards, and -the latter dealing with the 13th Corps. “On the 27th the enemy made a -determined attempt to move down the right bank of the Diala ... but -our Cavalry, skilfully handled in some difficult ground, resisted the -enemy’s advance from successive positions, inflicting severe losses, -and finally checked the forward movement that evening. Next day the -enemy fell back towards Deli Abbas, followed up by our Cavalry.” - -[Illustration: INSIDE TURKISH CAVALRY BARRACKS, BAGHDAD] - -On the 2nd of April the British and Russians joined hands. From that -time until the end of the month there was some stiff fighting all -over the country, and the troops suffered severely from the heat, the -constant dust-storms, and the difficulty at times of getting water. The -work of the Cavalry was incessant and very arduous, now in trying to -get round into the enemy’s line of retreat, now in falling back before -him and luring him on into a position where the Infantry could close on -him, and always in covering the front and flanks of the columns. There -was no conflict of the nature of that at Lajj, no mounted charge into -the enemy’s troops, but there was steady hard work, of great value to -the army; and of this the Thirteenth had to do its full share. General -Maude, who refers repeatedly to the Cavalry in his despatches, sums up -in the following words the effects of the operations in this part of -the country:-- - -“As a result of the fighting during the month of April the enemy’s 13th -and 18th Corps had been driven back on divergent lines.... The 13th -Corps had twice taken the offensive, with results disastrous to itself, -and the 18th Corps had been defeated and driven from its selected -positions on four occasions. Our total captures for the month amounted -to some 3000 prisoners and 17 guns, besides a considerable quantity of -rolling-stock and booty of all kinds. The objectives which we had set -out to reach had been secured, and the spirit of the enemy’s troops had -been broken.” - -Coming so soon after the winter advance and the capture of Baghdad, -this was a good piece of work, and creditable to all the soldiery -concerned, whose spirit never faltered. Indeed, according to their -General, “as conditions became more trying, the spirit of the troops -seemed to rise,” and to the end their discipline, gallantry in action, -and endurance were as conspicuous as ever. But their exertions had of -course imposed a heavy strain upon them, and now that the enemy was for -the time powerless for further trouble, General Maude determined to -give them the rest they needed. - -“The increasing heat,” he writes, “now rendered it necessary that the -troops should be redistributed for the hot weather, and that every -provision possible under existing conditions should be made with a view -to guarding against the trying period which was rapidly approaching. -Whilst it was necessary to hold the positions which had been so bravely -won, and to strengthen them defensively, the bulk of the troops were -withdrawn into reserve and distributed in suitable camps along the -river banks, where they could obtain the benefit of such breezes as -were available, and where a liberal supply of water for drinking, -bathing, and washing was obtainable.” - -The Thirteenth, among other regiments, were allotted one of these -standing camps, a shady grove of palm-trees on the eastern bank of the -Tigris at Chaldari, about nine miles above Baghdad, and very thankful -men and officers were to settle down in it. - -Nevertheless, it may be observed, the Regiment did not begin to enjoy -its comparative peace and comfort until nearer the end of May than the -end of April. They marched into Chaldari on the 14th of May, but on -the 16th they marched out again for another week’s hard work under the -blazing sun. Though the two Turkish Army Corps had ceased fighting, -the Arab tribes on the upper reaches of the rivers above Baghdad had -been giving trouble, and before settling down for the summer it was -found necessary to punish them for some of their misdeeds. Columns were -accordingly sent against them, and to one of these, which operated on -the Tigris, the Thirteenth were attached. Some tribes were duly brought -to book, and the troops did not get back to camp until the 24th May, -when the heat had become tremendous. But the tribesmen had learnt that -British troops could move against them whatever the temperature might -be, and the lesson was a very salutary one. - -The following extracts give the story of these two months, March 24th -to May 24th, from a more personal point of view. - -_Lance-Corporal Bowie--Diary._--Lance-Corporal Bowie’s remarks about -the Cavalry barracks in Baghdad have been quoted in the preceding -chapter. His diary goes on:-- - -[Illustration: G.H.Q.] - -[Illustration: HOSPITAL SHIP - -BAGHDAD] - -“Happily our stay here was very brief, every one being very thankful -to leave these so-called barracks, which we did on the morning of -the 23rd, rejoining our Brigade. The next morning we recommenced our -pursuit of the enemy, who were located by Captain Robinson (with ‘C’ -and ‘D’ Squadrons as a patrol) on the banks of the Diala river the -following evening. We attacked them at dawn the following morning, and -for the next four days our two Brigades were hotly engaged with the -enemy, who were finally driven back on to Deli Abbas at the foot of -the Jebel Hamrin Range. We bivouacked some ten miles back, and there -formed a line of outposts. Meanwhile the enemy had apparently retired -right up into the hills. On April 8th, our Brigade moved out from -behind the huge mound where we had been under cover and marched down -to the river Diala, which was some ten miles distant, to refill our -water-carts and let the men do their washing and have a much-needed dip -in the river while the horses were grazing. After a pleasant day here, -during which our patrols saw no signs of the enemy, we went back to the -mound. On the following morning, the 9th, the Regiment left the Brigade -to make a reconnaissance of Deli Abbas. We had not travelled very far -before we encountered no less than seven columns of the enemy, who had -marched down from the hills during the night. This force proved to be -the 13th Army Corps, some 28,000 strong. The Regiment immediately took -up a position with all Hotchkiss guns, on a long low mound situated a -few miles S.W. of Deli Abbas, and from here we were able to inflict -heavy losses on the enemy, owing to their eagerness to surround and -annihilate what they took to be an isolated Regiment. In this action -Lieutenant Fitz-Gibbon, although wounded himself, succeeded in getting -all our Hotchkiss guns safely out of action, when we were in danger -of envelopment, and were forced to retire amidst a perfect hail of -lead and shell. Meanwhile the remainder of our Brigade and the 6th -Brigade had deployed for action. Now commenced what proved to be one -of the hardest fights in which the Cavalry had yet been engaged, the -enemy trying their hardest to effect an enveloping movement by forced -marches. This object we were only able to defeat by a most stubborn -‘rearguard action,’ which we had to maintain until the arrival of our -main force. Our two Brigades engaged them all day, and by nightfall -our outposts were on the Serri, some eight miles from the mound where -we had first come into contact with the enemy. Early the following -morning they renewed the attack with increased violence, and slowly -forced us back the whole day to the Tomb of ----, some few miles north -of Deltawa, where they succeeded in getting well round our left flank, -and were slowly enveloping us, when we received the most welcome news -that our Infantry had arrived, and had succeeded by forced marches -in getting well round the enemy’s right flank, which considerably -relieved the strain from us. Our outposts on this night, the 11th, -were about one mile south of the Tomb. Early the following morning we, -co-operating with our Infantry, made a very strong attack and succeeded -in driving the enemy from their position at Chaliyeh, where they left -315 dead on the field after a very fierce engagement. Renewing the -attack at dawn the following morning, we forced the enemy back again to -a small village called Serai Lik, where they again left the field full -of their dead and wounded: some 200 dead and 900 wounded were counted. -The following morning we again attacked the enemy, whom we completely -routed, and after a very short stand they speedily retired on to Deli -Abbas, a village situated right at the foot of the Jabel Hamrin range -of hills. For two more days we continued to harass the enemy’s flanks -until their main force had retired right up into the hills again. Our -Infantry now formed a line of outposts some few miles from Deli Abbas, -whilst on the 17th inst. the Cavalry marched back to the village of -Deltawa, where we went into bivouac. Here it was decided to form the -Regiment into two composite squadrons, owing to the great number of -casualties we had sustained amongst both men and horses through wounds, -sickness, &c. This was done on the morning of the 19th inst., and the -remaining men and horses were sent into bivouac at a small village -called Sindiyeh, some few miles farther back. In this district the Arab -rifle thieves were very active, and on several occasions succeeded -in getting clear away with rifles, in spite of the utmost vigilance, -during the time we had a bivouac near that village. During the next -fortnight the Regiment remained in bivouac at Deltawa, at the same time -making wide reconnaissances between the line held by our Infantry, who -had ‘dug in’ near the Serri, and the foot of the Jebel Hamrin Range. -During these we occasionally came into contact with enemy patrols, with -whom we had several sharp skirmishes. It was during one of these that -Private Keany of ‘C’ Squadron was captured while carrying despatches. - -“On May 4th we received orders to march down to Chaldari and there -pitch our summer camp. We accordingly marched to Sa Salekh and from -here to Chaldari, where we proceeded to erect our summer camp on the -left bank of the Tigris some nine miles north of Baghdad. On the camp -being completed, we went into it on the 13th inst., and on the same day -the following awards appeared in our Regimental Orders for gallantry in -our action of 9th April: Lieutenant Fitz-Gibbon the M.C. and Private -Roberts the D.C.M. Private Roberts died from the wounds he received -the day following the action.[54] - -[Illustration: BAGHDAD--STORKS] - -[Illustration: BAGHDAD--THE NORTH GATE FROM INSIDE] - -[Illustration: THE TRAMWAY--BAGHDAD TO KHAZIMAIN] - -“Three days after this, the 16th inst., the Regiment received sudden -orders to turn out at 4.30 P.M. on an Arab strafe. It was made -known to us later that these Arabs had literally cut to pieces the -whole of a British survey party, consisting of three British officers -and their orderlies, and some sixteen native soldiers who were their -escort. - -“We marched at 4.30 and crossed the river at Baghdad. We bivouacked -that night some ten miles east of it. Marching again at daybreak, we -encountered a terrific sand-storm which made the going very difficult, -nevertheless we succeeded in covering some thirty-nine miles over the -waterless desert before bivouacking for the night. - -“Continuing again early the following morning, we trekked another -eighteen miles or so in the direction of Mushada, when a halt was made. -Reconnoitring from here, we located the Arabs some distance from the -village. We rested until dawn the 19th inst., when we attacked them and -inflicted heavy casualties amongst them, at the same time driving them -before us on to General Cobbe’s column, which had marched down from -Samarrah. This column exacted a terrible revenge for those murders, -and literally mowed them down with machine-gun fire. We inflicted some -3000 casualties in all amongst this huge band of Bedouin Arabs. This -incident had a wonderful effect on the Arabs throughout the country, -and no doubt prevented them from committing many similar outrages. - -“On the conclusion of this we marched back to our camp at Chaldari.” - -_Private C. T. Massey, ‘D’ Squadron--March 24._--“On the 24th we -turned out to graze, and while the horses were grazing Private Cox -came up with the order to ‘turn in and stand to.’ We moved off in a -north-easterly direction about midday, after buying oranges and limes -from Arabs on the square. We rejoined the portion of the Regiment that -moved off earlier in the day, at a camp next morning, the 25th. - -“We were now on the right bank of the river Diala, and I kept no notes -of daily events, but we had many severe engagements with the enemy. -It was on Easter Sunday or Monday that we met the Turkish army coming -out of the Jebel Hamrin Range. We were then at Deli Abbas. It was the -1st and 3rd troops of ‘D’ Squadron which bore the first shock of the -Turkish attack, but we were greatly outnumbered, and retired only in -the nick of time under a hail of bullets. A few horses came down; one -man was killed and two wounded. My riding-horse got away, so I jumped -on top of the pack-horse, but the gun-case had not been properly -strapped up and the Hotchkiss gun fell out; but No. 5 on the gun, a -man named Cartwright, who was riding behind, dismounted and picked -it up, and I halted and it was put in the case again. We continued -to retreat for several days, but it was part of a clever scheme; the -Infantry meant to get in between them and the hills from which they -came. The Infantry, however, came up too close, and the Turks retired -again, before our Infantry could get behind them, but they suffered -heavy losses in the retreat back to the hills. It was during these -twenty-five days on the Diala that our horses suffered more than in the -whole fighting up from Kut. We could only water once a day, and many a -time I have felt faint from thirst and chewed grass for moisture, as -well as wild oats and barley.” - -A few days later the writer was sent on leave to India, and his diary -comes to an end. - -_Letter from 2nd Lieutenant F. Norman Payne--March 25, 1917._--“After -the Regiment getting nicely settled down to their garrison work they -were suddenly ordered away, and are now seventy miles beyond Baghdad. - -“Poor chaps may be out weeks and weeks, and already have been five -weeks without any kit, it all still being at Bassouia Camp.[55] The -boats coming up river are fully laden and won’t stop to pick up -anything like that.” - -[Illustration: DEPARTURE FROM BAGHDAD] - -[Illustration: DEAD TURKS] - -[Illustration: CAPTURED ARABS AWAITING EXECUTION - -THE DIALA AND KHALIS CANAL CAMPAIGN] - - * * * * * - -_From Private Hugh H. Mortimer to his Mother, April 3, 1917._ - - ON THE TREK, 3. 4. 17. - -“MY DEAREST MOTHER,--No doubt you all thought my last letter a -bit of a hash, which it verily was, but if you only knew the conditions -under which I wrote it you’d think I was lucky to get it off as -it was. I wrote part of it in Baghdad, as I was in the City Military -Police for a week, and could not manage to post it then, so I had to -take it with me when the order came to get on the move again. Do you -think they could do without the Thirteenth Hussars here when there’s -any dirty work to be done? Not likely. We got the job as Cavalry -garrison in the capital because we’d distinguished ourselves on the -drive-up, and incidentally lost more than half, but when reinforcements -came up and not many of them, out we had to go again: the Cavalry -Division could not manage without us. - -“We’ve been living mainly on fresh air, biscuits, dates, and water, -with an occasional bully or fresh-meat stew when we can buy or pinch -a sheep from Mr Arab. Lor’ knows where we are now, but we can’t be -far from the Russians; in fact, I believe one column of ours is in -communication with them. Our aeroplanes have been over to ’em several -times. - -“Well, that’s that. We have had some very exciting little times since -we left B. [Baghdad?], and I thought it was all up when ten of us, all -that’s left of the 4th troop, ‘C’ squadron, had to go out twelve miles -in advance on reconnaissance, as we got cut off by their Cavalry twice, -and had to gallop miles for life and ford a canal, known as Kelly’s -Canal,[56] about eight feet deep. Still we got back none much the worse. - -“Have you ever experienced the thrill one gets when something happens -to lift one out of the blackest depths of depression, &c.? Well, it was -like this, I hadn’t got a fag or shred of baccy, and hadn’t had a smoke -for days; was browned off to the eyebrows on bully and biscuit diet -with occasional spoonful of jam thrown in here and there--more then -than now--and was trying to snatch forty winks--we were having a rest -day--under my saddle with flies and mosquitoes buzzing around, sweating -like a bull with the heat of the aft’noon even with one thin shirt on, -when a bloke kicked my feet and shouted, ‘Cheero, Morty, mail’s up.’ - -“Please keep the newspaper cuttings of all our doings out here. Now -don’t forget that, as I shall love to read ’em over afterwards, and we -don’t get much news of our own doings out here. - -“I think I shall manage to wangle the ten-shilling note as soon as we -get settled somewhere, sometime. Please thank ---- and ---- and all -other well-wishers and contributors for me separately and individually. - -“Yes, I received a very nice little parcel from St Silas’s, but have -not had any time at all to acknowledge it, as you can guess by your -mail, which always takes precedence with me.... I expect we shall -be slackening off out here shortly as ’tis getting very hot again, -especially from about 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., when every -effort is an effort and one sweats rivers, lying down--in fact, -it’s really worse lying down than knocking slowly, one doesn’t seem -to notice the heat so much then. We have to make bivouacs with our -blankets thrown across swords and twigs stuck in the ground to get a -little shelter from the sun, as there is next to no shadow here, and -the sun is nearly overhead again. Roll on, we’ve just about got J. Turk -beat to the wide now, so it’s about time we had a long rest. Then we -are made to clean and polish everything up, and it’s some job that, as -all steelwork is eaten in with rust, and everything more or less the -same since we came on service. - -“Well, my candle has just given me the wink and I’m finishing this by -moonlight, so cheerio to all of you. Hope you are all in the pink.... -Take great care of yourself, mother, love, and all the others as well. -Am fit as a fiddle myself when I can get enough to eat.” - -Private Mortimer was decorated soon afterwards with the Military -Medal for bravery in action, and after reading his letter one is not -surprised to hear it. - -The Regiment, it may be observed, though weak in men, and still weaker -in horses, was now strong in officers again. Colonel Richardson and -others wounded at Lajj had returned, and though one or two more had -since been hit, they were doing well. But one, unhappily, had lost his -life in a very sad way: Captain Newton, who had commanded a squadron at -Lajj, and had afterwards gone through the April fighting, was drowned -in the Tigris on the night of the 25th. - -He stepped overboard in the darkness from a river steamer, and though -life-belts were thrown out at once he was swept away by the current, -which was very strong. A boat was lowered, but could find no trace -of him. Captain Newton’s death was much deplored. An officer on the -staff of the Division, in a private letter to his own people, writes -of him: “Poor Tiger Newton is dead. He walked overboard and fell into -the Tigris on his way to India on leave.... He is a great loss to the -Thirteenth Hussars, where he was immensely popular. He was a splendid -character, was greatly esteemed by all who came in contact with him, -and exercised great influence in his Regiment.” His Colonel wrote: -“Quite apart from my personal sorrow, I know how grieved the whole -Regiment will be, for both officers and men were very fond of him.” -And General Jones, who had commanded the Brigade at Lajj, wrote of him -as follows: “At the fighting at Lajj, where the Thirteenth Hussars had -such heavy losses, he was the Senior Officer left of the squadrons in -the most advanced line, and was in constant communication with me by -telephone after the charge. It was an anxious time for most of us, and -perhaps especially for me, as I was commanding the Brigade. Nothing -cheered me so much as his cheery voice. We were momentarily expecting -a counter-attack in greatly superior strength, and our Battery was -stricken silent; but he never lost heart, and I am sure his example -went far in putting heart into his men, if such was necessary. It did -me good anyhow. It was also greatly due to him that at dusk we were -able to carry away the officers and men who were lying wounded between -the lines. Had he been alive now, his name would have gone in for a -Mention in Despatches. He died as many others have died, but he has not -lived in vain.” - -In other letters mention is made of “his outspoken Christian life,” and -he is described as “one whom everybody loved.” - -It may be noted that in the meantime one of the Thirteenth subalterns, -2nd Lieutenant J. H. Hirsch, had passed through a very tragic -experience, being on board the _Cameronian_ transport, on the way to -join, with several men of the Regiment, when she was torpedoed in the -Mediterranean. His letter describing the affair shows that “there -was no panic,” all the men going quietly to their posts on deck, and -setting to work to lower the boats. The two destroyers which formed -the escort “were simply wonderful--the rate they came alongside! When -we were hit they dashed round, making a smoke-screen. Then they dashed -round the boats and rafts and swimmers, like two old hens guarding -their young, picking up men when it was possible, who were shouting for -help. A lot we passed were drowned, as they had put their life-belts -on wrong....” - -Then the submarine was sighted. The writer was by that time on board -one of the destroyers. “The other destroyer had signalled there was a -submarine near us, so the guns were manned, and we saw the wake of the -beast, so we fired and only just missed.” Luckily the shot was enough -to drive away the submarine, otherwise the slaughter might have been -terrible, for, according to Lieutenant Hirsch, “there were about 1200 -men on the destroyer and about 50 officers,” and she was, of course, -exposing herself to great danger in trying to save life. However, no -second torpedo was fired, and after circling round the wreckage for -some hours after the ship had gone down, the destroyers made for Malta, -and in spite of a “very, very rough” sea, succeeded in getting there -safely next day. But 140 lives were lost, among them the lives of eight -privates of the Thirteenth. - -[Illustration: Lieut. E. BRISTOL] - -[Illustration: Lieut. A. E. ANNETT] - -[Illustration: Lieut. C. A. F. WINGFIELD] - -[Illustration: Major and Q.M. A. COOKE] - -[Illustration: Lieut. W. MADGIN] - -[Illustration: Lieut. A. WILLIAMS] - -[Illustration: Lieut. L. A. ORMROD] - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE SUMMER OF 1917. - - -The summer of 1917 was comparatively quiet; General Maude writes of it -in the following words:-- - -“For the remaining five months of the period under review the heat was -considerable, and during the latter part of June, July, and beginning -of August it was intense. Consequently, movements could not be -undertaken by either side without grave risk of incurring substantial -casualties from heat-stroke and heat exhaustion. The troops enjoyed -a well-earned respite from the continuous fighting in which they had -been engaged during the five months terminating in April, but they were -by no means idle. Our hold over the area was made secure, defensive -positions and pivots were prepared, and training was carried on in the -early mornings and late evenings as the temperature permitted. Manly -sports, too, which are so essential to the wellbeing of the soldier, -especially when temporarily inactive in the military sense, were freely -indulged in, with beneficial results to the health and future fitness -of the army for service in the field. Arrangements had been made for a -proportion of the troops to proceed to India on leave during the summer -months, and those who had been on service for a considerable time -derived much benefit from the change and rest thus obtained.” - -India during the hot-weather months is not usually regarded by -Englishmen as a pleasant country, but no doubt its settled cantonments -and civilised cities were preferable to camp-life in Mesopotamia, and -its cool “hill stations” were a godsend to men worn out with exposure -to the fierce heat of the Arab plains. - -General Maude’s remark that the troops who remained in Mesopotamia -were “by no means idle” is well within the mark, for not only were -a considerable part of them engaged during the month of May in such -punitive expeditions against the Arabs as the one mentioned in Chapter -XVI., but at some points these expeditions extended into June and even -the beginning of July, when, as he says, the heat was intense. Nor were -such minor movements the only operations which the troops were called -upon to undertake. In June the Russians reported that in consequence -of the increasing heat they had found it necessary to evacuate the -line of the Diala river, and they withdrew across the Persian border -from which they had advanced. This necessitated the occupation of the -district by a British force, and in August this force had to drive back -a body of Turkish troops. Moreover, in July it was thought necessary to -push a column forward on the line of the Euphrates, and there was some -fighting with the Turks in this direction, fighting which was stopped -only by “a blinding dust-storm” and “the commencement of an abnormal -heat-wave.” On both flanks of the army, therefore, the troops had -active work to do in the summer months. - -Nevertheless the bulk of the British troops about Baghdad did no doubt -enjoy a peaceful summer in their standing camps along the banks of -the Tigris; and this was the case with the Thirteenth, who were left -undisturbed among the palm groves at Chaldari. There they rested and -recruited their strength for any further campaigning that might occur -when the summer was over. Before that time arrived the regiment was -thoroughly fit for service again--its numbers full, in officers, men, -and horses, and its health excellent. - -The following brief extracts from letters and diaries seem to be all -that is available for this peaceful interlude in their Mesopotamian war -record. - -_Captain S. O. Robinson--May 13, 1917._--“It is too hot to fight out -here now, and we are sitting down for the hot weather after a very -successful winter campaign. I expect people at home look upon this as a -side-show, which of course it is compared with Europe, but all the same -there has been plenty of hard fighting, under most difficult and trying -conditions. - -[Illustration: CHALDARI CAMP. 1917] - -“Those at the top, responsible for running the show, have run it very -well indeed. - -“I have not had any letters from any of you for weeks, but expect -letters will turn up eventually; the advance was so rapid that they are -bound to have gone wrong.” - -_2nd Lieutenant Guy Pedder--June 7._--“Just been told I may go on the -next leave to India; if so, I shall sail from Basra on the 18th, and -will probably go up to Mussoori or some hill station.... - -“Our routine at present is: 5.30-7, training remounts; 7-8, stables, -and nothing else all day but lie in a tent and get bored, so I shall -be very pleased to get away. It’s not really hot yet, but quite hot -enough to stay in a tent all day. Absolutely no news.... Well, cheerio, -GUY. No letter from you for three weeks.” - -2nd Lieutenant Pedder had returned shortly before from hospital, on -recovery from his wound received at Lajj. - -_2nd Lieutenant F. N. Payne--July._--“The Cavalry have a splendid camp -all along the river. They have an ice-barge, cinema, ice-cream shop -with many coloured drinks, polo, bathing, and fishing, so that it is -ten per cent cooler than in Baghdad. They can dress as they please, and -are pretty comfortable. - -“Most of the officers have had mud walls built round their roomy tents.” - -A pleasant picture, and a contrast to the earlier phases of the -Mesopotamian War, when our ill-equipped and out-numbered troops were -struggling with all the initial difficulties and hardships, or vainly -throwing away their lives in desperate assaults on the Turkish trenches -to relieve Kut. - -_2nd Lieutenant Pedder--August 28._--“Here I am back again and very -fit. Most of the people here are very fed up. They had one very hot -spell, otherwise the heat hasn’t been too bad, and they have got plenty -of ice and soda, &c. It is still pretty warm, but much pleasanter than -Basra or being on the river coming up.... - -“Robinson lent me a very good book the other day, ‘In Mesopotamia,’ by -Martin Swayne. - -“We are giving a concert to-night, and each mess has got at least three -guests. - -“In a week’s time the Division is holding a race-meeting. I am not -riding, as I have had no time to train my horses.... - -“A week after our meeting there’s to be a huge regatta at Baghdad, and -then I suppose war, at least I certainly hope not before then.” - -_September 4._--“Many thanks for your letter, dated July 8th, which -arrived a week ago. We won’t get another mail for another week, when we -expect the Colonel, who arrived Basra on the 1st. - -“Hurrah, it’s getting cooler. However, when it gets cool we’ll move, -and I don’t know which is preferable--heat and peace, or pleasant -climate and fighting: I wouldn’t vote for either. - -“I got back just in time for the Cavalry Division Race Meeting, but not -early enough to train ‘Matches’ for the Lajj Cup. The meeting was a -great success. The Regiment did awfully well--won three events out of -six. Ormrod won the big event, Baghdad Cup given by Maude; Hartigan won -the Kut Cup, and was second in the Lajj Cup; and Peat, who is now my -servant and was Eve’s, won the Br. Ranks open, a very fine performance, -as there were forty-two starters, and it was a flat six furlongs. Our -Brigade showed its superiority by winning every event. - -“They are starting a great Sporting Club at Baghdad with its grounds 1½ -miles outside, where there will be golf, tennis, cricket, racing (?), -polo, and boating. It’s a great scheme, and will be a godsend if we are -stuck here after cessation of hostilities. - -“Did you see the Colonel has got D.S.O. now as well as Croix de Guerre, -also FitzGibbon has got M.C. as well as Italian Medal? - -“I go out shooting occasionally, but there’s not much.... It’s still -too hot to go out or do anything before 5; however, it’s not as -unbearable as it was.” - -_Captain S. O. Robinson--September 10._--“It is still very hot here in -the middle of the day, and when you do get any wind it is generally -accompanied with dust. - -“We are expecting a large draft of men this week, and shall be very -glad to get them, as we are very short at present.” - -_September 18._--“We have had a dust-storm for the last three days, -which is very unpleasant, but the wind usually drops at night. I am -writing this in a mud hut, so am out of it for the time being. - -“The British army is more or less settling down in the occupied portion -of this country. I only hope we shan’t get a rude shock. - -[Illustration: CHALDARI SUMMER CAMP, 1917] - -[Illustration: THE REGIMENTAL MESS] - -“We have quite transformed the ancient capital of the Caliphs. It is -now a modern Eastern town, quite a different place to what it was six -months ago.” - -The following extract is from the diary of Lance-Corporal Bowie, -continued from the extract in Chapter XVI. - -“On the conclusion of this[57] we marched back to our camp at Chaldari, -and here commenced our summer routine and the training of remounts, and -drafts of men from England for the next operations. - -“On the 31st May the Cavalry Brigades were inspected by Lieut.-General -Sir Stanley Maude, who, after making us a very stirring speech -congratulating us on the splendid work we had done during the advance -on Baghdad, presented the awards which had been won by men of our -machine-gun squadron at Baghela in our action of the 25th February, -S.Q.M.S. Luff, Sergeant Bush, and Lance-Corporal Lonsdale all receiving -the Military Medal for gallantry there. - -“On 16th August we held a boxing competition at Chaldari for the -Cavalry, the most notable event being the fight between Private Wells, -Thirteenth Hussars, _versus_ Private Harriss, Fourteenth Hussars, when -Wells added greatly to his reputation by gaining the verdict over -Harriss, who was at one time the Bantam Champion of India. - -“Some little time after this, the Regiment was invited by the Sheikh -of a neighbouring Arab village to beat up his estate for wild boar. -This we accepted, and all ranks had a most enjoyable day’s sport in -consequence. - -“It was during our stay here that the first Baghdad Racing Meeting was -held. It was on September 1st, and this proved a great day for us, -some of our own horses winning some most exciting races. Six races -there were, numerous entries, big fields, and a band to enliven the -proceedings. There were twenty runners for the Kut Cup, which was won -by ‘Whiskers,’ belonging to Lieutenant Ormrod, and ridden by Lieutenant -Hartigan, both of the Thirteenth Hussars, and almost as many for the -Baghdad Cup, a two-mile steeple-chase, which was won by ‘Venus,’ owned -and ridden by Lieutenant Ormrod. For the Lajj Cup another big field -turned out; this was won by ‘Flying Heckle,’ owned by Major Daniels, -and there were more than a score of runners for the Deli Abbas Cup. -This was won by ‘Percival,’ a horse owned and ridden by Lieutenant -Denning. Dearly, indeed, are these cups prized by their fortunate -possessors, who were presented with them by Lieutenant-General Sir -Stanley Maude at the conclusion of the day’s sport. - -“Shortly after this, on September 10th, we held our first Baghdad -Regatta. This was a very small affair, but contained many popular -events, such as pontoon races, launch races, gufa races, dinghy races, -and tilting competitions. One race in particular which we were very -proud to carry off was the gufa race. In this we gained both first and -second place, beating all other competitors by several hundred yards. -It should be here explained that a gufa is nothing more or less than -a large circular basket about 3 feet in depth and 8 feet in diameter, -covered with skin. This race was really the tit-bit of the day’s sport, -much amusement being caused by our frantic efforts to propel such an -unwieldy craft on such a river as the Tigris.” - -So ends Lance-Corporal Bowie’s diary for the summer. It must be -admitted that if the Thirteenth had shown themselves forward in action -they were not behindhand in sport. The two things do not perhaps always -go together, but it is remarkable how often they do. - -[Illustration: Lieut. W. G. NEWMAN] - -[Illustration: S.S.-M. (afterwards Lieut.) C. M. DORTHWAITE] - -[Illustration: Lieut. G. F. EARLE] - -[Illustration: Lieut. J. W. BIGGAR] - -[Illustration: Lieut. C. W. JEMMETT] - -[Illustration: R.Q.-M.S. H. J. EDWARDS - -(_Wounded at Iman Mahdi, 25th February 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. A. H. WOOD] - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -AUTUMN OF 1917--RAMADIE, MENDALI, TEKRIT. - - -When the summer of 1917 drew towards an end, and the weather began to -grow more suitable for action in the field, General Maude had worked -out his scheme for further operations, and was ready to move. - -His force was now facing due north, towards the distant Turkish base -in Asia Minor, and it was evident that this must be the main line of -warfare during the ensuing winter--the line of the Tigris still, but -the Upper Tigris as it comes down from the Northern Highlands. For -the moment, however, the Turks on this line were giving no trouble. -Hard hit by the fighting in April, they had remained for some months -content to hold the river down to Tekrit, more than a hundred miles -above Baghdad; and before committing himself to an advance upon this -position, which was strong and well prepared for defence, General Maude -decided to secure both his flanks so as to be quite free from trouble -when delivering his main blow. - -Facing his left, on the Euphrates, the enemy had a considerable body -of troops at Ramadie, a few miles beyond the British advanced posts; -and on his extreme right the Turkish 13th Corps, falling back before -the Russians from Persia, but not closely pressed, seemed inclined to -assume a threatening attitude. In September he struck simultaneously in -both directions. - -On the Euphrates a considerable force of Infantry with one of his -Cavalry Brigades, including the Fourteenth Hussars, advanced on -Ramadie and carried out a very successful attack. The end of it was -that the Turkish force was not only beaten but completely surrounded, -the Cavalry getting round into their rear and cutting their line of -retreat. In these circumstances they were forced to surrender, and more -than three thousand prisoners fell into General Maude’s hands. - -At the same time another force, with the Cavalry Brigade to which the -Thirteenth belonged, pushed out eastward and seized Mendali, close to -the Persian border. They made no large capture there, for the enemy -did not attempt to hold it, but they drove him off and established -themselves right up to Persian territory. - -It will be seen from the map on page 201 that in this part of the -country, to the north-east of Baghdad, a range of hills, the Jebel -Hamrin, cuts across the district lying between the Tigris and the Diala -rivers, and even extends beyond the Diala southward. This range, a mass -of difficult highlands, was held by the Turks, and was a formidable -obstacle to any advance against them, while from its lower spurs issued -a great system of canals upon which depended the fertile tracts below. -To complete the expulsion of the Turks from these tracts, rich in -supplies, and to prepare for a further advance in the future, General -Maude’s right-hand force now pushed on and seized the head works of -the canals, penetrating some way into the Jebel Hamrin. There they -established themselves, opening up the country with great labour by -bridging the canals and making roads. General Marshall, who commanded -the force, writes that “seventy-five bridges of various sizes were -built in this area alone, and the Jebel Hamrin, which prior to our -occupation was a roadless tangle of hills, was gradually pierced by -a very complete and convenient number of roads suitable for wheeled -traffic.”[58] - -Thus both on the Euphrates and on the Diala, to left and right, General -Maude had freed himself from immediate enemy pressure. It remained to -deal with the Turks to the north on the Tigris. - -These, consisting of his old enemy the 18th Corps, greatly reinforced, -had not been passive spectators of the British movements on the two -flanks. They did not move in time to prevent or hamper these movements, -but in the middle of October 1917 they pushed down the Tigris for a -considerable distance below their strong intrenched position at Tekrit, -and assumed a threatening attitude. General Maude at once struck -at them in front, and bringing in the Cavalry from his wings, tried -at the same time to work round their flanks, the result being that -they retired again to Tekrit, and there gave battle. It was a strong -position--“an intricate system of trenches, many of which had been well -and deeply dug, with numerous machine-gun emplacements”; and, as every -one knows, the Turks in such a position are among the most tenacious -soldiers in the world. - -Nevertheless, on the 5th of November they were attacked and completely -defeated, losing 2000 men, of whom 300 were killed and though the brunt -of the trench-fighting fell of course upon the Infantry, the Cavalry -did their share. General Marshall, who was in immediate command, -records that in the afternoon “a spirited attack by the Infantry -coupled with a charge by the Cavalry Brigade on the flank, threw back -the Turks in disorder, who fled panic-stricken.” Most of them got away -under cover of strong rearguard positions, prepared beforehand, which -held up the British pursuit. Still, it was a very successful action, -and during the night the Turks, after burning a large quantity of -ammunition and stores, withdrew the whole of their forces to a point -forty miles up the river. - -At Tekrit, for the second time in the Mesopotamian campaign, the -Thirteenth, or two squadrons of them, got an opportunity of attacking -on horseback, sword in hand, which is always the chance the Cavalry -soldier longs to get. They lost an excellent officer, Captain Robinson, -who was commanding the two squadrons concerned, and was killed in -the charge. Another officer, Lieutenant Williams-Taylor, was wounded -and taken prisoner. Their total loss was six killed and twenty-two -wounded--only a fourth of the loss sustained at Lajj eight months -before, but still a sensible one for two weak squadrons. It was a fine -affair, and the Regiment was proud of itself. - -After the action, and the rapid retreat of the Turks, the main portion -of the troops on this line were brought back to a better position, but -Tekrit was held and was never again in Turkish hands. - -Unhappily, this was the last battle fought by the army of Mesopotamia -while under the command of General Maude. On the 18th of November, -at the height of his success and reputation, he died of cholera in -Baghdad, and not only for the troops he had led to victory, but for -the nation, his death was a real misfortune. Few men have been more -beloved by those who served under him, or more trusted as a bold -and yet careful commander. He was no doubt more fortunate than his -predecessors, in that he was given a large and thoroughly equipped -force to do the work demanded of him, while they had been called upon -to achieve victory with troops insufficient in number and very badly -equipped, but this in no way detracts from his merits. He was not like -them, asked to do impossibilities, but what he was asked to do was not -easy, and he did it thoroughly well. - -The following extracts are from papers bearing upon the fight at Tekrit -from the point of view of the Thirteenth Hussars. - - -_By Lieutenant T. Williams-Taylor._ - - “TEKRIT, _November 5th, 1917_. - -“In the afternoon we advanced under fairly heavy shell-fire, but with -few casualties, and dismounted in a depression of the ground about -half a mile from the Turkish position. There was plenty of firing, but -we were under good cover. The Infantry were attacking on our right -nearer the river and town of Tekrit. At first we were ordered to -attack dismounted, and had just prepared to do so when the order was -countermanded. - -“We sat about smoking and watching the progress of the fight to our -right and half right. Then ‘B’ Squadron was ordered to mount. Robinson -told me he had orders to go in with the sword. We formed up under -cover, the composition of the squadron being roughly as follows:-- - -“Three troops (2nd, 3rd, and 4th) less the Hotchkiss guns and gunners -not armed with the sword. - - Captain Robinson Squadron leader. - Mr Hartigan Second troop. - Mr Jones Third troop. - and myself Second in command. - -“The total strength could not have been more than forty swords (this -total I have arrived at after discussing it with Sergeant-Major Potter, -who was then S.S.M. of ‘B’ Squadron). - -“We trotted out in squadron column, and soon came under heavy but -inaccurate rifle and M.G. fire. We then formed line and extended. It -was impossible to see what was going on in front owing to the smoke -and dust. Captain Robinson brought the squadron to a walk, while -Alston and I went out to see what was in front of us. We had only to -gallop a short way to see the enemy position. It looked formidable -with well-made trenches and machine-guns, and more Turks than we -could count. We also saw our own Infantry to our right. I reported to -Robinson, who galloped off half left to see what was going on there. -He soon disappeared into the dust. Our position was now unpleasant, -advancing at a walk over perfectly flat ground under heavy and -increasing fire from rifles, machine-guns, and guns, so I brought the -right shoulders up until we were following Robinson’s line, and gave -the order to charge. This was the last I saw of the squadron, as I -was a considerable distance in front trying to keep in touch with the -squadron leader. - -“I crossed the front-line trench and found that the Turks were very -demoralised, and I could not get near any of them. I then went on and -crossed another trench (a communication trench) and had a go at a Turk -who was half in and half out of the trench. He was very low down, -and my horse jumped, so though I got him I don’t suppose it killed -him. I found Robinson surrounded by some thirty or forty Turks. They -apparently had been paralysed with fear, which was now working off when -they saw only two of us. Robinson turned his horse and galloped at -them, but was shot down point-blank. I followed him when he started to -gallop, but my horse was shot and came down (just by Robinson, who died -almost instantly), pinning me down underneath him. We exchanged shots -with each other for some time at a range of about five yards, and I got -a bullet through the shoulder, and shortly afterwards a clout on the -back of the head from a rifle-butt, and some minor injuries. - -“I was unconscious for a time, and came to, to find the Turks looting -me. They got my pistol, glasses, &c., when a Turkish officer came -running up firing his revolver off in the air and shouting at them. -They departed into the trench under a shower of what I suppose was -abuse from the officer, who was now firing at them, but did not seem -to hit anybody. The Turk then came up to me and asked in bad French if -I was an officer. He then made me a long speech, and told me he was a -captain most distinguished of the M.G. Corps, and that he was pleased -to meet me, and that he was a Socialist from Constantinople, &c., &c. -I thanked him and told him I was glad to meet him, and that I was also -very distinguished, but would be able to chat better if he took my dead -horse off me, which he did under a very heavy fire from our people. -He was very good indeed, and had my various damages seen to there and -then in the trench. He subsequently took me back to the Turkish C.O. of -the Regiment, where I had coffee and cigarettes before going on to the -Field Ambulance. I found out that there were some four thousand Turks -at the point where we charged.” - - -_Lance-Corporal Bowie’s Diary._ - -“On September 25th we marched out to commence operations again, our -first march being to Conningham Post, some 12 miles distant. The next -day we marched on to Baquba. Here we took the opportunity of giving -our horses a good swim in the Diali river, which runs by the side of -the village. Early the following morning we moved on to Belad-Rus and -after resting here for a few hours we made a night march at about 8.30 -P.M. on to Mandali, a village situated right at the foot of -the Jabel Hamrin hills. This place we attacked at dawn, and speedily -discovered that it was held by a very small force of Turkish Cavalry, -about one squadron, who, needless to say, did not waste any time with -us, but took to their heels and succeeded in escaping through the pass -into Persia, where, as we discovered later, they fell into the hands of -the Kurds, those very fierce tribesmen who never lose an opportunity -of revenging themselves for former outrages they have suffered at the -hands of the Turks. Our chief capture here was some 300 camels, which -are the enemy’s chief means of transport in this country. - -[Illustration: F.S.M. A. BALD] - -[Illustration: R.S.M. S. F. SEEKINS, M.C.] - -[Illustration: S.S.M. A. POTTER] - -[Illustration: Sgt. W. H. TETHERIDGE, D.C.M.] - -[Illustration: Cpl. J. STEVENS, D.C.M.] - -[Illustration: Cpl. G. RAYNER, D.C.M.] - -“We went into bivouac near this village and remained there for about 14 -days, while at the same time we made daily reconnaissances well into -the surrounding country. During this period we were forced to live on -the country, our transport failing to arrive with our much-needed -rations for some unaccountable reason, and our fare consisted mainly of -dates and oranges, which, fortunately for us, were very plentiful in -that district. Even our horses had to be rationed with these dates. - -“On October 18th we left Mandali and made a forced march on to -Kizil-Robart, making a short halt at the Salt Water Lake in the Jabel -Hamrin hills, some 23 miles distant, to refresh our horses; we marched -again at dawn and covered another 17 miles at a very fast pace. We -came into contact with the enemy a few miles south of the village. We -at once deployed for action and engaged them, and at the conclusion -of a very severe day’s fighting we had driven them back on to the -village. Renewing our attack early the following morning, we succeeded -in driving them out of it, and finally captured the village at about -11.45 A.M. on the 20th instant. Leaving our Infantry to occupy -this place, the following three days we devoted to reconnoitring the -surrounding country. - -“On the 23rd instant the following names appeared in our Regimental -Orders for conspicuous gallantry in our action at Lajj on March 5th: -S.S.M. Brearly, Cpl. Bowie, L.-Cpl. Stevens, L.-Cpl. Watkins, and S.S. -Couch. All were awarded the D.C.M., and a very proud Regiment we were -on this day. - -“The following morning we left bivouac and marched through the pass, -leading our horses owing to the very rough nature of the ground. -Mounting at the farther end we marched on to Sharaban, where we -bivouacked for the night. The following day we moved off to Baquba, -where we arrived at about 4 P.M. It was whilst here that -we celebrated the anniversary of the Balaclava Charge, in which the -Regiment took part. Making an early start the next morning, we marched -on to Sadiyah. Crossing the river Tigris at midday, we bivouacked at a -spot which afterwards proved to be the site of our winter camp. We were -not destined to rest here very long, however, as two days later we were -ordered out to take part in some operations on this side of the river. -We marched out on the 29th instant, and bivouacked at Sinajah some 15 -miles distant. From this place all our movements had to be made under -cover of darkness. Marching again on the night of the 30th, we rested -at Istabulat, from which we made another night march on to Samarrah, -arriving there at about 10 A.M. on November 1st. Here we -rested until 8 P.M., when we marched again to a point some -12 miles west of Daur. We waited here until dawn, when we commenced -an elaborate demonstration, whilst our Infantry were attacking Daur -from the south. During this day we came under a considerable amount -of shell-fire, and here the Regiment was subjected to a very severe -test, while our Colonel displayed the utmost coolness and courage in -manœuvring us at the walk in the very face of the enemy’s Artillery, -in order to draw their fire and thereby enable our observers to locate -their batteries. - -“Our casualties during the demonstration amounted to 1 killed[59] and -5 wounded, whilst later on the same evening an enemy airman tried hard -to inflict further casualties amongst us by bombing, but fortunately -without success. - -“On reaching bivouac that night we received the stimulating news that -our Infantry, under General Cobb, had succeeded in capturing Daur; -after attacking a strong trench system of a 9-mile perimetre encircling -Tekrit, they had defeated the Turks after heavy fighting, capturing -some 319 prisoners and the river boat _Julnar_, which was aground near -by. This steamer was captured from us by the Turks in our attempt to -reach Kut with provisions for General Townshend and his heroic force in -April 1915. - -“The following day, November 3rd, whilst resting in bivouac, we were -again bombed by the enemy airmen, but, luckily for us, the majority -of our horses were being watered at the river at the time, and this -undoubtedly saved us from a stampede, our casualties this time being 10 -of our transport mules which were killed outright, and one man slightly -wounded. - -“On the night of the 4th we again moved up, marching on to Tekrit, -which is on the river, some 5 miles north of Daur. Here the Turks -had installed themselves in a very strong position. Whilst ‘standing -to’ at dawn awaiting the order to attack, we were once more bombed -by enemy airmen, but luckily without result. A short time after this -we commenced our attack against the enemy’s right flank, whilst our -Infantry engaged them frontally. We fought our way by a succession of -bounds up to a large hollow, which afforded us excellent cover, and -was situated some 1500 yards from the enemy’s main position. Having -a short breather here to refresh both man and horse, we suddenly -received the order to mount, and galloping over the top we, under a -splendid moving curtain of fire from our Artillery, drew our swords -and charged straight into the enemy’s trenches, passing through our -own Infantry on the way, who cheered us madly. We took their first and -penetrated into their second line of defences, where we dispersed a -considerable number of their reinforcements who were being massed for -a counter-attack, inflicting on them heavy losses. An incident which -enraged us beyond measure was the tactics which the Turks resorted to -on this and previous occasions when we had attacked them in a similar -manner. Immediately on us charging their front line, they would throw -down their arms and cry for quarter, which on us lifting our swords -and granting, thus leaving them to surrender to our supports while we -charged on to their second line, they would deliberately regain their -rifles and fire into our backs. On realising this treachery again, we -wheeled about and literally cut our way through this treacherous mass, -and it is thought that any who may have escaped our avenging swords -were brought down by our Hotchkiss gunners, who maintained a steady -fire on our left flank throughout the action. - -“On regaining the deep nullah from which we commenced our charge, the -roll was called and it was found that our total casualties were 6 -killed and 22 wounded. Amongst the killed was one of our most popular -officers, Captain S. O. Robinson, the leader of ‘B’ Squadron, whilst -Lt. Williams-Taylor, being wounded, was captured, together with Pte. -Kasper of ‘C’ Squadron. - -“Having secured sufficient horses from the native Regiments to replace -our heavy casualties, we rejoined the 6th Brigade and bivouacked some -10 miles back on the right bank of the river, which we were more than -glad to sight again, men and horses having fought and worked for over -70 hours on the desert without any fresh water. We had a well-earned -rest here the following day, and we received many congratulations from -various Corps and Divisional commanders for the work we had done and -its moral effect on the enemy. We commenced our march back to Sadiyah -on the morning of the 7th instant, doing easy marches owing to the -exhausted condition of our horses. We arrived at Sadiyah at noon on the -12th instant, whilst on the 18th the following names appeared in our -Regimental Orders for gallantry in our last engagement: Lts. Norton and -Jones both winning the M.C., Sgt. Tetheridge the D.C.M., whilst Sgt. -Matthews, Pte. Corbyn, and Pte. Mortimer all won the M.M.” - - -_From Lieutenant Chrystall, October 7, 1917._ - -“We are out on operations again now, as I expect you will have seen; -a good show has been managed, and Johnny Turk is not feeling too well -just now. We have practically wiped out one of their divisions, and -how he is going to do anything more in this part I don’t know, except -perhaps beyond raids on communications, &c. - -“We are living on the country now, and very rough fare it is -too--sand-grouse, dates, and rough grass, with a little bhoosa, sort of -chaff barley.” - - -_Operations leading up to the battle and capture of Tekrit, November -1917._ - -_By Colonel J. J. Richardson._ - -“After continuous trekking since the 17th October, including the -enveloping manœuvres, which resulted in the evacuation by the Turks -of the Jeb-el-Hamrin on the left bank of the Diala river, and of -Kizil Robart, we reached Sadiyah on the Tigris on Friday, October -26th, and encamped on the right bank about a mile from the remainder -of the Division. Owing to smallpox--contracted by men who had been -assisting the L.P.O. at Mandali--having broken out in the Brigade, -we were segregated, and we were looking forward to a well-earned and -much-needed rest, to making up our equipment and to getting our winter -clothing. - -“But on Sunday the 28th we received orders to proceed by night marches -to Samarra. We were joined by the Division at Istabulat on the 31st, -and marched that night for Samarra and bivouacked for the day in the -old Izakhi Canal. - -“On the night of the 1st-2nd November we marched to a position west of -Daur, co-operating with the 7th Division in driving the enemy out of -this place, and bivouacked that night at Daur. - -“Daur is a very strong natural position, being protected by the broken -and undulating ground rising to the plateau some 50 feet high to -the westward, and having, owing to the same ground, a covered way of -retreat to Tekrit, some ten miles to the north. - -“At 7 A.M. on the morning of the 3rd the Division marched -out to reconnoitre Aujah-Tekrit, and came under artillery fire at the -former place; the 7th Brigade continued its march to carry out its -task of testing the strength in which the trenches to the west and -north-west were held by the enemy, and drew sufficient fire to enable -the G.O.C. to report them held in strength. The Regiment suffered -some seven casualties, of which one proved fatal, from shell-fire. We -returned to bivouac at Daur that evening, reaching camp about 7.30 -P.M. - -“On the night of the 4th-5th the Division made a night march to a -position west of Tekrit to co-operate on the 5th with the Infantry in -their assault at that place. - -“The Brigade was detailed to work close on the left flank of the -Infantry, and the Regiment was held in reserve all day. This gave us -an opportunity of watching from a good point of vantage the systematic -advances of the Infantry behind an intense artillery barrage, and it -was good to see them (in this case Punjabi Infantry) advancing shoulder -to shoulder, slowly and deliberately, to the assault. What most struck -me as a spectator was the apparent immunity from casualties of this -system, although next day we learnt that they had had their fair share -of casualties. - -“The two native Cavalry Regiments of the Brigade--with the exception of -two squadrons--had been operating on foot against the trenches to the -west of Tekrit, and the 6th Brigade had been acting as a flank-guard -some way to the north and north-west, and by its presence there had -prevented an enemy Division, which had been marching presumably from -Khanal Kharninah, from joining hands with the force holding the Tekrit -position. - -“About 4.45 P.M. General Norton decided that the time had -come when we could materially assist the Infantry, and ordered me to -send a squadron mounted to find the enemy first-line trench at a point -about 1½ miles to the north-west of Imam Arbain, which was almost -the only conspicuous landmark, and from there to sweep right-handed -up the trench towards the left flank of our Infantry, who appeared -to be assaulting the trenches between them and the Imam, from a -south-westerly direction. I accordingly ordered Captain Robinson to -take his Squadron (‘B’) for this duty, and Lieutenant Norton to hold -his Squadron (‘C’) in readiness to support ‘B.’ When ‘B’ was well under -way, ‘C’ Squadron was ordered out, and soon afterwards the Brigadier -ordered me to take out the two remaining Squadrons in support. This I -did, ‘D’ Squadron leading, and as we approached the trench line swords -were drawn. I had meantime lost sight in the dust, and in the failing -light, of the two leading squadrons, but saw about 100 or 150 men on -foot on some rising ground, whom I took to be Turks who had held up -their hands to the two leading squadrons, and I turned towards them, -intending to round them up and prevent them from taking up their rifles -again, as our experience at Lajj taught me they were apt to do. As I -drew nearer, however, I saw they were our own Infantry, and seeing a -British officer I rode up to him and asked him the situation. - -“He told me that the two squadrons had gone on to our left front, and -that there was a party of about 50 or 100 Turks some 200 yards straight -ahead. I decided to go for these, and we passed a squadron of Indian -Cavalry (13th Lancers) on our left as we advanced at a slow gallop with -our left on a communication trench running much in the same direction -I was pursuing. A good deal of rifle fire was being poured into us, -and, from the sound of it at very close range, probably from the -communication trench, but personally I saw no body of Turks nearer than -1000 yards. - -[Illustration: Lieut. T. WILLIAMS-TAYLOR - -(_Wounded at Shumran Bend, 4th February 1917; wounded and taken -prisoner at Tekrit, 5th November 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. M. G. HARTIGAN, M.C.] - -[Illustration: Capt. S. O. ROBINSON - -(_Wounded at Shumran Bend, 4th February 1917. Killed at Tekrit, 5th -November 1917_)] - -[Illustration: S.S.-M. F. J. TEGG - -(_Killed at Tekrit, 5th November 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Pte. F. G. JASPER - -(_Killed at Tekrit, 5th November 1917_)] - -“Meanwhile we had crossed some three lines of fire trenches in which -a few wounded Turks were lying, and on my left I saw the two leading -squadrons returning from their ride. They were then about 400 yards -away, and the light had become so bad that I distinctly saw the flashes -from the enemy artillery some 2000 yards ahead of us. I had already -gone far beyond the objective given us by the Brigadier, and now that I -had found the two leading squadrons, I was chiefly concerned in getting -the Regiment out of action whilst the light remained. I accordingly had -‘Rally to the Right’ sounded on the trumpet, in the hope of drawing ‘B’ -and ‘C’ Squadrons to me, but they were too far off to hear the sound -in the din of the firing, so I wheeled to the right again and returned -to the neighbourhood of the first-line trench. I was then in rear -of the squadrons, and seeing a few men struggling back with wounded -comrades and wounded horses, I sent out a message to Major Twist to -retire the horses out of range, then to dismount the men and bring them -up dismounted to cover the retirement of any stragglers who had been -wounded or unhorsed. I myself stayed with the R.S.M. (Seekins), the -Trumpet-Major, and a few men to give a hand to a few men who had got -left with wounded comrades and horses. - -“After allowing about half an hour for any stragglers to rejoin, -I retired the men on to their horses and we rejoined the Brigade. -Here I learned that Captain Robinson had been killed, Lieutenant -Williams-Taylor and some seven N.C.O.’s and men were missing. ‘C’ -Squadron had 22 horses killed and ‘B’ 9; in addition, we had about 19 -men wounded; my orderly was hit in the chin, and his horse through the -neck. One man, Pte. Thomson, died of wounds _en route_ to bivouac at -Aujah Nullah, which we reached about midnight. - -“Here I will interpose an account of the doings of ‘B’ and ‘C’ -Squadrons, as gathered from reports by officers and men. - -“‘B’ Squadron rode straight to the point to which they were directed -without opposition, and Captain Robinson, finding our Infantry in -position, there halted and waited until ‘C’ Squadron came up; then -he explained the situation to Lieutenant Norton, and his decision to -lead the two squadrons against a mass of Turks, 300 to 400 in number -(estimated), who could be seen some 1000 or 1200 yards away to his left -and left front,--and I may say here in parenthesis, that his decision -to go beyond the objective given by the Brigadier was eminently -the right one, if not the only one: our mission was to assist the -Infantry, and that was the only way in which he could do it under the -altered circumstances, so the two squadrons wheeled to the left and -rode to the north-west, one on either side of a long--and I think the -first-line--trench. They went through the Turks, and in this advance -Captain Robinson was killed, shot through the head by one of the four -Turks whom he was trying to take on with his sword. His Trumpeter, -Maguire, claims to have shot this particular Turk with his revolver. -Having gone through the mass of the Turks, they turned about 1200 or -1500 yards from where they started, and rode through the Turks again, -and they claim to have accounted for at least a man per man. It was -soon after this that I saw them returning, and they pulled up near -our Infantry and came under Major Twist’s orders. The men were much -elated with their ‘ride,’ and our losses were, comparatively speaking, -extremely light, as the rifle and machine-gun fire was very heavy, and -as they returned, they came under fire from two or three batteries--at -a low estimate. At one time when I was looking, I saw the sky thick -with bursting shrapnel, but it was all very high, and the gunners must -have been firing wildly. It must be remembered, too, that by this time -the dusk was becoming the dark. - -“Next day, the 6th November, we learnt that the Turks had completely -evacuated Tekrit during the night, so I sent an officer’s patrol, -under Lieutenant Stirling, to go over the battlefield and to gather -what information they could about our dead and wounded. On its return -I learnt that our Infantry had buried six dead, presumably belonging -to the Regiment, although they could not be identified, as the Turks -had stripped them completely, even to their identity discs; so on the -following day, the 7th, I obtained permission to take a party for the -purpose of burying all our men together, and succeeded in getting the -Divisional Padre--Ryan--to accompany it. We only succeeded in finding -four bodies--viz., those of Captain Robinson, Sergeants Gray and -Newman, and Private Francomb, and these we collected and buried, and -the Padre read the burial service over them. We also found Lieutenant -Williams-Taylor’s horse, dead, where it fell, and from its position, -and from the report of the man who saw him lying under it, pinned by -its weight to the ground, I felt confident in assuming that he had been -taken prisoner by the Turks. - -_Note added on 6th February 1918._--“This assumption has been confirmed -by wire received to-day from London, and I have every hope of hearing -soon that S.S.M. Tegg is also alive, but a prisoner of war. - -[Illustration: 13th HUSSARS. - -The Charge of Squadrons B and C at Tekrit in Mesopotamia on Monday, the -5th of November, 1917. - -S.S.M. F. J. TEGG. - -Capt. S. O. ROBINSON. - -Sergt. A. S. NEWMAN. - -Sergt. JOHN GRAY. - - IN - UNFADING - MEMORY - -Pte. F. G. JASPER. - -Pte. WM. THOMSON. - - 1914 Staff. - - 13224 Pte. - - MICHAEL MACDONNELL - - Served with the 6th Dragoon - - Guards in S. Africa, - - 1900-1902. - - (_No portrait available._) - -Pte. WM. FRANCOMB. - - “Then the cavalry came in on the extreme left. They went in with - the point, jumped the trenches and scattered the Turks who were - fleeing in confusion after being driven from their trenches in the - assaults by the infantry. This charge was carried through 1,000 - yards beyond the trench held by our infantry when machine-gun and - field-gun fire was encountered at close range. The cavalry wheeled - about and covered their withdrawal by dismounted action.” - - _The Times_, 15th Nov., 1917. - -Extract from a letter of one who took part in the charge: - - “The most pleasant part was to hear our infantry cheering us as we - cleared the trenches and galloped between them and the Turks.”] - -“I will conclude this short account of an incident which deserves a -prominent place in the annals of the Regiment, by giving a list of the -‘immediate rewards’ which were bestowed by the Commander-in-Chief on -individuals for various acts of gallantry performed on the afternoon of -the 5th November. These were:-- - - Lieutenant D. J. E. Norton } - ” H. R. Jones } _The Military Cross._ - Sergt. Tetheridge _Distinguished Conduct Medal._ - Sergt. Matthews } - Pte. Corbyn } _The Military Medal._ - ” Mortimer } - - -LIST OF CASUALTIES FOR THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW. - -_Killed._ - - Captain S. O. Robinson November 5, 1917. - Pte. Tunnicliffe, J. November 3, 1917. - Sergt. Newman, A. S. November 5, 1917. - ” Gray, J. November 5, 1917. - Pte. Francomb, A. W. November 5, 1917. - -_Died of Wounds._ - - Pte. Thomson, W. November 5, 1917. - -_Missing._ - - Lieut. T. Williams-Taylor November 5, 1917. - (Who has since been reported Prisoner of War in Turkey.) - S.Q.M.S. (Atg. S.S.M.) Tegg, F. J. November 5, 1917. - Pte. Jasper, F. G. November 5, 1917. - ” MacDonnell, M. November 5, 1917. - -_Wounded._ - - November 3, 1917. - - L.-Cpl. O’Connor, J. - Pte. Liddle, A. - ” Miller. - ” Barker, J. H. - ” Beales, H. J. - - November 4, 1917. - - Pte. Bell. - ” Bennett, W. - - November 5, 1917. - - L.-Cpl. Reaves, A. E. - ” Lindsey, H. - Cpl. Hudson, H. - Pte. Stubbs, R. - ” Jeffrey, J. - ” Halstead, C. - ” Manby, E. - ” Byrne, J. - ” Williams, D. G. - Cpl. Leutchford, W. - Tpr. Burder, H. A. - Pte. Viney, A. V. - ” Taylor, C. E. - ” Delaney, C. - ” Ward, A. J. F. - ” Andrews, F. - ” Hibbett, A. - ” Wilson. - ” Stewart, H. W. - - - _Extract from letter from Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Richardson to - General Symons, C.M.G., dated 7th Cavalry Brigade, M.E.F., November - 9, 1917._ - -“DEAR SYMONS,--Altho’ this letter may seem to you to be -rather belated you must make allowances, for we have been on trek ‘on -operation scale’ continually since the 17th of last month.... By great -good fortune we bivouacked at Baghdad on Balaclava Day, and I was able -to get (from the E.F. canteen) a bottle of beer a man and ½ a bottle of -‘pop’ per officer. - -“We have just completed, and are returning to our base from, the -operations against Tekrit, where the Rgt. again distinguished itself in -a mounted charge against the Turks entrenched, and enabled the complete -capture of the strong position to be consummated before nightfall. -Our losses, altho’ they include the loss of Bob Robinson (killed), -were extraordinarily--and to me unaccountably--light, being 1 officer -and 5 O.R. killed, 1 officer and 2 O.R. missing, and 16 O.R. wounded. -The missing include Williams-Taylor and S.S.M. Tegg, but I have very -great hopes that the former and possibly the latter will prove to -be prisoners of war. Two days later I was able to collect and bury -together and hold a service over the corpses of Robinson, Sgts. Gray -and Newman, and Pte. Francomb. We claim to have accounted for at least -100 Turks, and Sgt. Gray’s sword was thick with blood up to the hilt. - -“Please let General B.P. and as many present and past 13ths know -this, and that I feel confident they will hear nothing but good of -the Rgt. The men were simply splendid, and _ipso facto_ the officers -also.--Yours sincerely, - - (Signed) - J. J. RICHARDSON.” - - -_From Colonel Richardson to Sir Frederick Williams-Taylor._ - - “7TH CAVALRY BRIGADE, M.E.F., - _12th November 1917_. - -“DEAR SIR FREDERICK,--Many thanks for your kind letter of -August 27th, which has been forwarded to me from home, and reached me -last night; many thanks also for your kind offer to help financially -in the publication of the record of the Regiment in this War; I have -noted this, although I do not--at present--anticipate that any appeal -with this object will be made. - -“We arrived back from the operations which resulted in the capture of -Tekrit yesterday, and I was on the point of writing you an account -of our share in them and of the charge in which your son Travers was -wounded. The Army Commander has interested himself personally in the -case of your son, and will, I have no doubt, have cabled you fully and -given you the reasons why we think we are justified in thinking his -fate to be no worse than that of a prisoner of war. - -“Well, about 4.45 P.M. on the 5th November, the Regiment was -being held in reserve, so that should an opportunity arise to assist -the Infantry who had been assaulting the Turkish trenches all day, we -might be put in without delay, and our Brigadier evidently thought the -moment had arrived, so he ordered me to send out a squadron to find the -first line of trenches and to sweep up it towards the Imam, which was -the most conspicuous mark; ‘B’ Squadron was the first for duty, so I -gave Captain Robinson his orders, and the squadron went out. No sooner -were they started than I received orders to send a second squadron, -and ‘C’ Squadron, under Lieutenant Norton, was sent out. I at once -received orders to take out the remaining two squadrons in support; -this I did, but the first two squadrons had got such a good start of -me that what followed I had to learn from the survivors of the charge. -It seems that on approaching that point of the first-line trench which -had been given him as an objective, Robinson realised that it had been -evacuated by the enemy, who had retired in a N.W. direction, and that -the left flank of our Infantry were also approaching that point; he -therefore halted his squadron, and when ‘C’ Squadron had overtaken -him, he explained to Norton the situation, and his decision--which -incidentally was the true soldier’s instinct, and from a military point -of view quite correct--to attack the mass of the enemy, a few hundred -in number, who could be seen retiring in the open about 1200 yards to -his left flank. Accordingly the two squadrons wheeled to the left, and -almost in line, galloped along, one on either side of a long trench, -which had several strong points, at one of which Robinson was killed, -shot through the back of the head; and your son was last seen pinned -to the ground by his horse, which had been shot, and trying to load -his automatic pistol, and surrounded by a number of Turks. The man who -saw this said he also thought that Travers was wounded, but there is -only his evidence on this point. When the squadrons had got back to the -neighbourhood of our Infantry line they were dismounted and advanced -about 200 yards, with a view to covering the escape of any of our -men who had been unhorsed or slightly wounded; but it was now almost -quite dark, and after allowing a reasonable time for any stragglers to -rejoin, I ordered a retirement on the Brigade. - -“The Turks retired during the night, and our Infantry next morning went -over the ground, and buried six bodies, including Robinson’s; they were -unable to identify these as the Turks had stripped them of everything, -including identity discs; I however sent a party that day, Tuesday, -to ascertain what was possible about our missing, and they identified -the bodies of Captain Robinson, Sergts. Newman and Gray, and Pte. -Francomb. Two bodies, buried by our Infantry, they were unable to find, -and so remained unidentified; but I think we are more than justified -in presuming, under the circumstances, that Travers was made prisoner -of war by the Turks, wounded perhaps but not necessarily so, and -personally I have every hope of hearing in course of time through our -Red Cross and the Red Crescent Associations that he is safe and well in -the hands of the Turks. - -“I will say no more at present beyond expressing our universal regret -at losing so popular and so capable an officer, and our great sympathy -with you in the painful suspense which the uncertainty of Travers’ fate -must impose upon you.--Believe me, yours sincerely, - - (Signed) - J. J. RICHARDSON.” - - -_Extracts from letter from Lieutenant Guy Pedder to his Sister, 15th -November 1917._ - -“At last we are back at rest, so I will try and give you a sort of -account of our doings of late. We have been on the go now for just on 8 -weeks, so you can imagine how topping it is to get back into a decent -camp with a tent to yourself, &c. This morning I had a cup of tea and a -biscuit when I was called, followed by a boiling-hot bath and a change -of clothes--what luxury!... The mail goes out to-night.... - -“Our Brigade left Childari about Sept. 25th, a week after the other -Brigade had gone out on the Ramadie stunt, which was a great success, -the Fourteenth doing very well, but losing their C.O., and Medd Bridges -is now commanding them. - -“After four long marches during very hot weather (Robinson went down -with heat-stroke, but rejoined a fortnight later), we took Mandali, -some 100 miles N.E. of Childari up on the Persian boundary, after very -little opposition and no casualties. - -“We stayed there almost three weeks, during which time we had a certain -amount of patrol-work, &c., to do. Then, after two long marches N.W., -we took part in an affair in the right flank to kick the Turks out of -a pass over the Jubal Hamrin--it was quite a relief to get among some -hills, and away from miles and miles of flat desert. We had very few -casualties, and kicked the Turks out more by surprise and rapidity -of movement than by fighting. The last morning the Brigade covered -15 miles in 1¼ hours!!--a pretty hot and uncomfortable pace in full -marching order over rough ground. We then denied Qusil Robart to the -Turks for three days, and got shelled a bit; however, it was all very -chusie until we were suddenly hustled back to the Tigris, _viâ_ Bacuba, -to a more central camp, so we don’t know what happened on the right -flank since we left. - -“We took about five days to get here, and were then told that we should -be here for 21 days, the Brigade having covered some 400 miles in under -five weeks. Our three weeks’ rest developed into two days, when the -Division which had reassembled were hustled up N. on the right bank; -we reached Samara after three very cold and unpleasant night marches, -and were very weary, so we lay hidden in a nullah all the fourth day -without any shade. We moved again at 7 P.M. for our fourth -night march, and after covering some 27 miles found ourselves right out -on the left flank [of the Infantry], who captured Daur that day, whilst -we demonstrated only on the flank and got a bit shelled; however, we -underwent a new experience to us, but a very old one to Londoners, as -Fritz came over and dropped some bombs--very unpleasant being bombed by -an aeroplane; you feel so helpless standing in an open desert holding -your horse’s head. We camped just S. of Daur, and next day had to go -right out on the Infantry’s left flank whilst they captured Aujah, -and there we had to reconnoitre the enemy’s position at Tekrit--a -long march there and back; we were shot at a good deal, but were very -lucky, and had under a dozen casualties in the Rgt., and only one man -actually killed. We got back late that night, and were woken up at 7 -A.M. next morning by Fritz dropping bombs on our Div. camp, -which he repeated again that evening, when luckily nearly all the -horses were down at the river watering. The Rgt. had only three or four -casualties from these bombs, but it was a horrid sensation hearing the -bomb come tearing through the air, and not knowing where to expect the -crash. That night we moved at 10 P.M. (another night march) -for the battle of Tekrit. - -“We were sent well out on the left flank, where we stayed all the -morning, and from where we saw our Infantry take two lines of trenches -under cover of a heavy artillery barrage, and also where we were -bombed again twice. This time I actually could see the bombs leave the -aeroplane, and watch them drop right up to the moment of exploding -on striking the ground. About 3 P.M. we were moved right up -on the Infantry’s flank, and stayed in some hidden ground. At 4.39 -the Infantry attacked, and a ¼ hour later we were galloping through -our Infantry, who cheered us like mad, towards the Turks. Robinson’s -squadron led, followed by ‘C’; then about 1000 yards behind ‘C’ the -Colonel took us--‘D’ followed by ‘A.’ ‘B’ and ‘C’ got right into the -Turks and beyond, or as much into them as you can expect, considering -the place was full of deep trenches (we who were some way behind ‘B’ -and ‘C’ crossed four lines of trenches), and Bob was killed at the -farthermost point reached by the charge--instantaneously--shot through -the head. We got his body and buried it the next day after the Turks -had cleared off. Williams-Taylor, also in ‘B,’ was last seen lying -wounded under his dead horse. However, as his body was nowhere to be -found next day, we hope, and have reason to, that he is alive and a -prisoner. ‘D’ was the third squadron in the charge, and though we -crossed four trenches we never actually reached the Turks, whom we saw -just in front; and when the Colonel, who was leading us, saw ‘B’ and -‘C’ galloping back, he gave the order to retire and took us some way -back where we got into dismounted action. My horse (not Matches, whom -I was resting) was badly cut through the stifle, just as we got the -order to retire--however, he just managed to get me back and out of it, -altho’ he had to jump four trenches; he was a very good young horse, -and I was sorry to lose him. The Rgt. was again very fortunate, as the -rifle-fire, altho’ of course (why, I don’t know) not at all on the same -scale as at Lajj, was quite unpleasant enough. We only had some 28 -casualties and 60 horses. Personally, I don’t think the game was worth -the candle, especially when you think of Bob, the best fellow in the -Rgt.; but other people don’t all seem to agree with me, and the Corps -Commander gave the Division great praise for our assistance all that -night, and the Rgt. got it doubly from the Brigade Division. The most -pleasant part was to hear our Infantry cheering us as we cleared the -trenches, and galloped between them and the Turk. - -[Illustration: - - SACRED TO THE MEMORY - OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS, MEN - OF THE - 13TH HUSSARS - WHO FELL IN ACTION AT THIS SPOT ON THE - 5TH NOVEMBER 1917 - CAPTAIN S. O. ROBINSON - N^{O.} 6993 SERGT. J. GRAY - -- 4791 -- A. H. NEWMAN. - -- 5882 P^{TE} A. W. FRANCOMBE. - -THE GRAVE AT TEKRIT] - -“Now we are back in that central position, for a few weeks’ rest, I -hope, I mentioned before on the Tigris. - -“We charged at 4.45 P.M. on 5th Nov., exactly three years -since I left for the 11th, and didn’t get back into a camp, having -collected wounded, &c., until 2 in the morning. We took six days to get -back here, and the last night I had a tragedy, as the Arabs came into -our camp and stole my saddle-bags, which were full of kit. - -“Robinson was far and away the best fellow in the Rgt., and it’s a -tremendous blow to me.... - -“Hind has just joined us--also two new officers with a draft.” - - -_From Colonel Richardson, 7th Brigade, M.E.F., 13th November 1917._ - -“I must just write you a short line to let you know how your brother, -Captain S. O. Robinson, or Bob as we all loved to call him, died. I -shall hope later on to send you a more detailed account of the action, -but in the meantime an abbreviated account must suffice. - -“On November 5th the Cavalry Division was co-operating with the -Infantry in the attack on Tekrit, and at 4.45 or thereabouts in the -afternoon, I received orders to send a squadron to charge the Turkish -trenches on the left of our Infantry. Bob’s squadron, ‘B,’ was the -first for duty, and I sent it, and soon afterwards sent ‘C’ Squadron -in support; these two squadrons rode up to the Turkish front-line -trench, found it evacuated, found the left flank of our Infantry, with -a mass of Turks estimated at 3 or 4 hundred retiring in the open to the -N.W. or left front. Bob at once, with the instinct of a true soldier, -decided to charge these Turks, and proceeded to do so with the two -squadrons. - -“When they reached the big mass of Turks, a mêlée naturally occurred. -Bob was seen taking on four Turks with his sword, and was shot through -the head by one of them; he was killed instantaneously (incidentally -his trumpeter, Maguire, from whom we gather this description, claims to -have shot this particular Turk with his revolver). The squadron went -on a couple of hundred yards or so, then turned, and came through the -Turks again, and eventually reached our lines in safety. By this time -it was dusk, and after dark the Turks retired; next day our Infantry -came up, and found several bodies stripped, even of their identity -discs, and buried them lightly in the trenches. We had gone back that -night to bivouac some miles, but on Tuesday (6th) I sent a small party -to go over the ground to ascertain what they could; this party found -and identified Bob’s body and that of three others of our men, and next -day, the 7th, I went myself with the C. of E. Padre, Lt. Stirling, and -5 men, collected all the bodies, buried them deep, and the Padre read -the burial service over them. We could not mark the spot, but we took -records of the exact position where they were buried. - -“Major Twist is writing, and will see to his effects in the Regiment. - -“In offering you all my deepest sympathy in your loss, I should like -to add that his loss will be most keenly felt in the Regiment, and by -many outside of it. If his brother officers loved him for his kindness -and simplicity of character, his men adored him for the same qualities -and for his justness, and I personally mourn the loss of a true friend; -but he died the death of a gallant soldier fighting sword in hand -against superior odds, a death that few Cavalry officers can ever hope -to meet--to so few is it given,--an end that will live long in the -history of the Regiment, if not in the history of the Army. R.I.P.” - -[Illustration: Sergt. JOHN GRAY - -(_Killed at Tekrit, 5th November 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. D. J. E. NORTON, M.C.] - -[Illustration: Capt. F. NORMAN PAYNE - -(_Died of cholera in Baghdad, 14th November 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Sergt. A. S. NEWMAN - -(_Killed at Tekrit, 5th November 1917_)] - -[Illustration: Pte. WM. THOMSON - -(_Killed at Tekrit, 5th November 1917_)] - - -_From Captain Chrystall, 14th November 1917._ - -“I herewith send you a short account of the part of the battle of -Tekrit, Nov. 5th, 1917, which deals with the Cavalry, and showing -how co-operation with the Infantry can be carried out even in a flat -country. - -“Our troops consisted of-- - - 1 Cav. Div. of 2 Brgds. - 1 Inf. Div. - 1 Inf. Brgde. - The usual division of corps artillery. - -“The enemy had-- - - 2 Inf. Div. in trenches round Tekrit. - 250 sabres. - 1 Inf. Div. in reserve, some 12 miles to the north. - The usual artillery and heavy guns, and 5.9’s and heavy howitzers. - -“The Cav. Div. had the task of protecting the W. flank, and early in -the morning of the 5th had gained touch with the whole of the enemy’s -entrenched flank, a distance of some 6 miles. The Infantry, meanwhile, -were marching into position for an assault on the line Z-X. Owing to -the heat, and telephone wires being continually cut, this attack had -not reached farther than the first line of trenches. - -“However, at 4.30 P.M., Nth Div., Nth Bde. leading, attacked, -under a heavy barrage by our guns, the trenches Z-X, 2nd and 3rd -lines. Immediately, on Infantry’s left, was the Cav. Div.--2 Regiments -of Nth Bde. at point B in position of readiness (Point B was a deep -water-course, with a bluff on the N. side), and 1 Regt. slightly N.W. -on the left, with the Nth Bde. to the N. - -“On the right of these two Regiments was a subsection of M.G.’s, ‘R,’ -and on the left one section ‘L.’ These M.G.’s were, until the Infantry -attack came off, firing on enemy’s trench-line X-Y, and covering the -advance of dismounted Cavalry patrols, enabling the latter to approach -to within 800 yds.--1000 yds. of enemy’s trench. During the whole -day the Turkish gunners were busy ranging on the Cavalry with heavy -field-guns, and a number of casualties resulted both in men and horses. - -“As the Infantry attacked the ‘R’ section, (sub) ‘R,’ was able to bring -heavy fire in enfilade on trench at point Z, and this had the effect -of completely protecting the flank of our attacking Infantry, and it -was significant that during the whole advance to X-Z, no enemy fire -was opened from Z flank. The Infantry remarked that this co-operation -undoubtedly saved many casualties. A few moments later the Infantry had -carried the 2nd line of trenches, the Hussars and a squadron of Lancers -(Ind. Cav.) having been collected at Point B, emerged from cover, and -proceeded to push in a mounted attack on the left of our Infantry -against the enemy, who appeared to be massing (behind the 3rd and 4th -lines) for a counter-attack. - -“The right subsection, M.G.’s ‘R,’ was able to cover the advance of the -Cavalry, until it crossed the trench-line, and a little beyond it. The -two left subsections covered the left flank. Ranges from 1000 to 2000 -yards. - -“Another subsection, ‘T,’ followed the Hussars, mounted and wheeling to -the left, came into action under very hot fire about 1500 yards from -enemy’s line, and pushed forward, its guns dismounted, the horses being -sent right back. This subsection was able to bring covering fire to -bear on the flanks of the advancing Hussars. - -“During the mêlée no fire action was feasible, owing to the large -amount of dust and general compression which was inevitable. - -“The whole of this action was carried out on more or less open ground, -and under continuous gun and rifle fire from enemy’s rear positions. -The enemy machine-gun fire was fairly heavy, and fired at extreme -range, as the angle of descent testified, causing casualties behind -fairly good cover to our M.G. subsections. - -“No. of rounds fired, 10,500. - -“Men and horses were all day without water, and did not obtain same -until midnight, at which time the Infantry had taken over from the -Cavalry. Please find attached sketch of position.” - -[Illustration] - - - _Extract from letter written by Private Hugh H. Mortimer, M.M., - relating to the charge at Tekrit, 5th November 1917, for which he - received the M.M._ - -“I must have the luck of the devil, as my horse got a -flesh-wound--bullet--in the leg, but is practically all right again now. - -“We’ve got six honours in the Regt., my squadron leader and a Lt. in -B--M.C.’s, a sergt. in my troop D.C.M., 2 M.M.’s in other sqdns., -and--hold your breath--they’ve given me one--Military Medal. So I -suppose you’ll have to put that in ‘The Times’ now--eh! what! It -seemed to be nothing to me when I was in it. We charged about 300 -Infantry on the road and in the trenches, with machine-guns and -artillery behind ’em. We caught ’em weak--just about 100 of us--2 weak -sqdns.--in the mist of dusk--and, my God! it seemed as if we were -riding into Hades. Funny thing tho’, I didn’t have wind up then, was -feeling rather elated cos we’d waited, and moved about, practically all -day, for a real rut at them, and been bombed from aeroplanes, shelled -and sniped, till we were just itching to get at ’em. Well, they got -pukka wind up when we got in amongst ’em, and started firing wildly, -some trying to use bayonets, others holding up their mitts and shouting -‘Kamerad.’ Then we got order to rally as we weren’t strong enough for -pursuit. Starting to come back, I spotted a youngster badly wounded in -the foot and horse shot, so I dismounted and put him up on my steed, -which was too bobbery to carry the two of us. He got back O.K. Then my -fun started. I had my revolver and about 14 rounds and began to think -about getting back somehow myself, when I spotted a chum of mine lying -about 60 yards from the trenches. Well, two of us tried to get him out -of it, but he would not have it--thigh shattered, blood in spurts, mad -with pain. J. Turk, seeing us retiring, heartened up again and potted -at us like blazes, shrapnel, machine-guns, and every bally thing. At -the finish I had to leave him, to my sorrow, altho’ we got him away -afterwards. Still he suffered a hell of a lot from exposure, as the -devils came out and stripped him--he’d be unconscious by then--in the -dark. I hear that he’s very bad in hospital, but likely to recover. - -“I haven’t got the gong yet, owing, I suppose, to Gen. Maude’s death, -but they’ve made as much fuss over it as if we were--millions of -V.C.’s. I’ve shaken hands with two Generals, and been in about half a -dozen parades till I’m fairly fed up, and nearly said, ‘Keep the old -gong and let’s have a bit of peace.’ - -“Well, I’ll think about drying up now. Am in the pink and quite fit; -hope you are all the same, and that you, dear mother, are carrying on.” - -[Illustration: BAGHDAD CEMETERY] - -[Illustration: CAPT. F. NORMAN PAYNE’S GRAVE IN BAGHDAD CEMETERY] - - -_Extract of letter from Colonel Richardson, dated 7th Cavalry Brigade, -M.E.F., 15th November 1917._ - -”... We have just got back into camp for a short rest to re-equip, -reclothe, and rehorse after two months of continuous trekking--we -estimate that we have covered at least 500 miles since September -22nd--which culminated in a big battle on the 5th of this month, in -which the Regiment again charged Turkish trenches, and two of the -squadrons did very brilliant work. - -“I have to report with great regret the death yesterday in Baghdad -from cholera of Captain Payne, who last winter, you may remember, -was in Billy’s squadron, and whose letters to his wife were of great -interest.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -WINTER OF 1917-18. - - -After the lamented death of General Maude the command of the British -army in Mesopotamia devolved upon Lieut.-General Sir W. R. Marshall, -K.C.B., K.C.S.I., who had been one of the two corps commanders during -the advance on Baghdad. - -In a despatch giving an account of the operations of the force during -the winter which followed General Maude’s death, General Marshall -explains in a few words the situation with which he had to deal when -he took over charge. After paying a warm tribute to the work and -character of his dead Chief, he writes: “When, therefore, I had the -honour of being appointed as his successor, the _moral_ of the army was -magnificent, while organisation and training had reached a high level -of efficiency. The Turkish army, on the contrary, was low in _moral_, -and desertions from it were numerous and frequent; on the Tigris and -Euphrates they had retreated out of rapid striking distance, and only -on our right flank was there a good opportunity of hitting them.” - -[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. A. C. BARRINGTON] - -[Illustration: Lieut. M. R. FARRER] - -[Illustration: Lieut. F. G. LAWRENCE] - -[Illustration: Lieut. E. GOODMAN] - -[Illustration: Lieut. W. W. N. DAVIES] - -[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. E. P. BARRETT] - -[Illustration: Lieut. H. G. KESWICK] - -General Marshall does not take up at this point the consideration of -any general questions outside the immediate purview of the Mesopotamian -force, but it may be observed here that the state of affairs in the -various theatres of war had of late greatly altered. The collapse -of Russia had made an immense difference in Europe, and also in -Asia, where Great Britain was now left practically alone in face of -the Turkish military power; and on the left of the great Turkish -battle-line the enemy had made a notable advance, threatening the -Caucasus and Northern Persia. On the other hand, it had now become -fairly clear that the long strain of the war was telling on the Turks, -who, it must be remembered, had entered into it when still shaken -by their recent defeat at the hands of Bulgaria. The defence of the -Dardanelles, too, though successful, had tried them more than the -world suspected, and they had not shown themselves capable of throwing -forward from their base in Asia Minor, either against General Allenby -in Palestine on their right, or against General Maude on their centre, -such masses of troops as some had expected. Indeed, on both these -fronts, the British now seemed to be numerically superior. But to -revert to the operations on the latter front. - -In the circumstances presented to General Marshall he decided to attack -at once, while the weather was favourable, the Turkish 13th Corps, in -the country north-east of Baghdad, which had been so roughly handled -earlier in the year. The attack was successful; the Turks in this part -of the country were driven northwards with loss through Kara Tepe and -Kifri, and the British hold on the great main road into Persia was -securely established, whilst further progress was made in the Jebel -Hamrin range. The Turks gave considerable trouble by flooding some -tracts of land, and they, of course, resisted the British columns; but -the fighting was not very severe, and it was soon over. On the 8th of -December the bulk of the troops on this side were withdrawn into winter -camps. It will be understood that they had now reached high rough -country, where winter campaigning was not easy, and the enemy in this -quarter also had got out of reach. - -The winter months were spent by General Marshall in developing supply -districts, in thoroughly opening up and establishing military control -over the Lower Euphrates, from the neighbourhood of Baghdad to the sea, -in relieving the state of famine to which the Turks had reduced some -of the western provinces of Persia, and in numerous minor operations -at various points of his widely extended charge. These, he writes, -consisted generally of reconnaissances by Cavalry and light-armoured -motor-cars, and of bombing raids by the Flying Corps. It was a winter -of consistent rain in the lowlands, with snow on the higher ground, -which made military movements difficult and threw a heavy strain on the -lines of communication. - -On the other hand, as General Marshall reports, “by the middle of -December 1917 ... the military position had completely changed owing to -the magnificent successes gained by General Allenby in Palestine,” and -this greatly strengthened his hands. Much, therefore, was accomplished. - -Finally, when the weather began to improve with the early spring, -it was decided that another blow must be struck at the Turks on the -left--that is, on the Upper Euphrates. In this quarter they had been -reinforced, and during the months of December and January they began -pushing their patrols down stream from Hit, where the bulk of their -troops were concentrated. General Marshall gave orders that a column -should march on Hit and drive away the Turks, and that it should be -aided in doing so by a Brigade of Cavalry. Hit was occupied on the 9th -of March, and the Turks fell back to a stronger position some miles -up the river. Here again they were attacked, and this time with great -effect. As at Ramadie, in September, the Cavalry succeeded in getting -right round into the Turkish rear and cutting off their retreat. By the -30th of March the Turkish force had been completely beaten, and the -remains of it had fled to a great distance, leaving over five thousand -prisoners in British hands. - -The Thirteenth Hussars had no share in what General Marshall calls -“the magnificent work done by the Cavalry Brigade” on this occasion. -After their exertions in the autumn and early winter they were given -a rest, and remained from the middle of December 1917 until April -of the following year at a winter camp on the Tigris forty miles -above Baghdad. There they found plenty to do in training drafts and -remounts and other work of the kind, for the Regiment had suffered -considerable loss in men and horses and equipment; but for about four -months they saw no more fighting or marching, and were able to enjoy a -comparatively quiet time with some sport and amusement. - -A few extracts relating to this period are given below. - - * * * * * - -_Extract from letter from Lieutenant G. R. Pedder, dated 4th December -1917._ - -“We are very messed about again--right on the right flank, and are at -[? Chai Khanna]. I am very fit. It’s pretty cold at night now on these -stunts, and I shan’t be sorry when we get back to our permanent camp. - -“There are lots of geese, duck, and grouse up here; but you get no time -to go out shooting, but get shot at yourself most of the time. - -“I expect Jeffrey is well on the way back by now. The daytime is -perfect now, and it is scarcely necessary to wear a topee.” - - * * * * * - -_From Captain Chrystall._ - - ”_5th December 1917._ - -“We have been out on operations nearly a week, after a few days’ rest -in camp. As I write this we are on outpost against the Turks in the -hills, and our R.H.A. is shelling their positions, and we are getting -a few in R.S.V.P.! I am feeling very fit now in spite of the cold, -which has been very severe the last two or three nights. We are being -relieved some time this afternoon by another Brigade, and shall be back -into camp and have a little more comfort. Whilst out here, miles away -from Baghdad, a wireless message came for me, making an appointment at -the dentist!--in Baghdad to-day, a thing I had asked for about a week -ago. A great thing war is now; fancy receiving this about 120 miles out -in the blue and whilst in action.” - - * * * * * - - ”_29th December 1917._ - -“I spent a very happy Xmas, and was able to arrange quite a decent -dinner for the men. We are now in winter quarters, refitting and -training again: it is so nice to have a comfortable tent to sleep in -and on a bed. The weather has been very cold, 12 degrees of frost on 2 -days last week, and snow down to the bottom of the foot-hills. The army -is very well done out here now. We had frozen beef and plum-pudding and -even potatoes in rations for Xmas day. We ourselves managed to secure -a real live turkey from a neighbouring village. All you people at home -must be far worse off for food than we are, and your experiences of -air-raids cannot be any too pleasant. - -“I have been playing football this afternoon for the Indian ranks of -the squadron, and got a severe kick on the ankle for my pains; it will -lay me up for a day or two.” - - * * * * * - -_Extract from letter from Lieutenant G. R. Pedder, dated 18th December -1917._ - -“We have been back here about a fortnight now, and I don’t think -we shall move again till after Xmas, at least I hope so, as it is -frightfully cold at night now, much colder than this time last year; -also, I am riding in the Baghdad Plate on the 27th and the Grand -Handicap, also 7 furlongs, on the 29th, and I am showing ‘Matches’ -in the Horse Show on the 30th. There’s absolutely no news whatever. -Moreover, we haven’t got an English mail for over a month now. It must -have been sunk. - -‘A’ and ‘D’ have amalgamated messes, and it is much pleasanter than -having a squadron mess. - -“Fitzgibbon and Le Patourel have gone into Baghdad for a week, as only -eight officers are allowed to go there for Xmas, and those eight are -all competitors--Hartigan, Keswick, Self, Welstead, Stirling, Ormrod, -Norton, Twist. - -“I am riding ‘The Witch’ in two races, the horse my servant rode and -won on during the first meeting. Box (Lieutenant Jeffrey) hasn’t got -back yet.” - - * * * * * - -_Extract from letter from Lieutenant G. R. Pedder, dated 19th December -1917._ - -“Here we are back again after what ended up in quite a mild show, -although at first we all thought it was going to be a very murky -business. - -“It has turned frightfully cold. This morning I woke up to find a thick -layer of ice on the water in my water-bucket inside the tent. Thank -goodness we are back here in our standing camp, with tents galore and -plenty of clothes and food to help keep out the cold. Personally I like -it, although you have got to wear a thick greatcoat all day. - -“The Colonel is down river, sick with an ulcer or something, so Twist -is commanding. - -“There is a tremendous show on in Baghdad for Xmas this year. Two days’ -racing, 26th and 27th--I am entering two horses for three races,--a -duck shoot, which I shall also attend, or hope to, golf tournament, -cricket, footer, hockey, &c., &c. Of course, if the rain comes it will -all probably be off.” - - * * * * * - -_Extract from Lance-Corporal Bowie’s Diary._ - -“Some 12 days later, on the 30th instant, we received sudden orders -to intercept a force of the enemy who were advancing through the -Sakaltutan Pass. After having covered some 60 miles in that direction -we came into contact with the 13th Turkish Army Corps again at about -6 P.M. on the evening of the 2nd December. We immediately -deployed and attacked them, and, after having driven in their outposts, -we succeeded in advancing close up to the mouth of the Pass, where the -Brigade held them until about 12 noon the following day, when we were -relieved by the 6th Cavalry Brigade who had been resting in bivouac -some 10 miles back. Simultaneously with this action our Infantry, -under Lieut.-General Egerton, had advanced up the right bank of the -Diala river and had cleared the whole area south of Qarah Tappah, and -were advancing to attack the Turks at the other end of the Pass. The -following morning we crossed the Shatt-el-Adhaim river and advanced up -the right bank as far as Abu-Ghuraib, where we threatened the Turkish -right flank, after which we returned in the afternoon and relieved the -6th Cavalry Brigade, who were still holding the Pass. This Brigade were -bombed in their bivouac early the next morning by two enemy airmen; -this prevented them from relieving us for some hours. Meanwhile, -General Egerton’s force, co-operating with us, had attacked the enemy -in the rear, inflicting heavy casualties among them. The enemy thus -being attacked at both ends, he succeeded in escaping over the hills -(no small feat in itself), under cover of the night. The Russian force -of Cossacks under Lieut.-Colonel Bicharakoff co-operated with us on the -right flank throughout these operations. The total British captures -were 6 Turkish officers, including a Brigadier Commander, 121 other -ranks, and 2 guns. - -“On the morning of the 6th we commenced our march back to Sadiyah, -going into bivouac for the night after doing some 12 miles. The -following morning we sent out patrols to attack and disperse some -small enemy detachments who were reported to be in the vicinity by -our airmen. An exceptionally bad sand-storm raged the whole of this -day, during which we remained in bivouac. On our patrols returning -and reporting all clear, we continued our march for some 25 miles, -bivouacking for the night at Sinajah. Crossing the Tigris early -the following morning, we arrived at our former camp at about 2 -P.M. on the 9th instant. - -“A few days later we were issued with our winter clothing, and about -this time, too, the enemy airmen became very active, and bombed in turn -Sammara, Akab, Baghdad, and many of our camps in between these places. -They inflicted so many casualties among our troops that elaborate -precautions were taken against surprise attacks. A system of trenches -was connected all round the Cavalry horse lines, which enabled us in -the event of attack to untie our horses from the lines, turn them -about, and take cover ourselves in the trenches whilst holding them. -These precautions undoubtedly saved us from a stampede when the enemy -airmen paid us New Year Day’s visit and bombed us incessantly until -their supplies became exhausted. They then flew merrily away in spite -of all our batteries’ efforts and the 2 Archies, which were dug in down -by the river bank to protect us from these raids. - -“Just previous to this raid, towards the end of December, we received -the good news that our Infantry had occupied Khaniquin without -opposition on the 7th December, and also that our troops in Palestine, -under General Allenby, had captured Jerusalem on the same date. -Whilst on January 2nd we received word that our troops had occupied -Qasr-i-Shirin without opposition. - -“On January 15th the Fourteenth Hussars left the 6th Cavalry -Brigade which was with us at the time, under the command of General -Dunsterville, to operate in the neighbourhood of Baku, which is -situated on the borders of the Black Sea. - -“On the 19th instant the Regiment held some sports, which were the -commencement of a series of sports and games, organised to help break -the monotony of camp life in this country, which so depresses one’s -spirit, especially at this time of the year. On this day some excellent -sports were witnessed, everybody doing their utmost to be left in for -the finals, which were to be held on the 27th instant, whilst in the -evening our Concert Party gave a show which proved a great success. -The following day our football team played the team of the monitor -_Mantis_, which was anchored close to our camp at the time, the result -of the match being 1 goal to _nil_ in our favour. We invited the -whole of the crew to dinner at our camp in the evening, every one -spending a jolly time in consequence. - -[Illustration: Capt. G. W. ROSE, R.A.M.C.] - -[Illustration: Capt. E. WORDLEY, R.A.M.C.] - -[Illustration: Capt. D. M. METHVEN - -(21st Lancers)] - -[Illustration: Lieut. A. C. J. ELKAN] - -[Illustration: Lieut. J. HAMPSON] - -“The following day we were again visited by enemy airmen, but our -batteries and Hotchkiss guns opened such a rapid and effective fire -that after vainly trying to bomb us for some time they finally flew off -in disgust, amidst the frantic cheers of the boys who were interested -spectators. - -“Soon after this we commenced our sports, in which every event was most -keenly contested, and at the conclusion of the two days the results -were as follows: Individual Tent-Pegging was won by our R.S.M., Mr -Seekins; Skill at Arms by S.Q.M.S. Higgs; the best troop-horse was C98, -ridden by Pte. Shaw; Officers Jumping went to Mr Macdonald; the Section -Tent-Pegging to ‘B’ Squadron. In the dismounted events, the 100 yards -was won by L.-Cpl. Carter in very good time, while the 1½ mile relay -race was won rather easily by the team of ‘C’ Squadron, which included -Sgt. Burgess, Sgt. Moss, L.-Cpl. Carter, L.-Cpl. Smithers, L.-Cpl. -Bush, and Pte. Bowie. The tug-of-war was won by the ‘D’ Squadron team -after an exceptionally fine pull, which concluded the programme. At -about 8 P.M. the same evening our party gave another concert, -this time to the whole Division, being assisted in their efforts by -some of the crew of the monitor. This show proved a great success, -every one thoroughly enjoying a good evening’s entertainment. On -January 26th some Divisional races were held on a course we had made -some 2 miles west of our camp, the ground here being splendidly suited -for our purpose, being as flat as a billiard-table for many miles. - -“On January 27th General Dunsterville’s force left Baghdad, the -following officers and N.C.O.’s from our Regiment accompanying the -force: Captain Annett, Lt. Cochrane, Sgt. Vernon, Sgt. Taylor, and Sgt. -Saunders. - -“Commencing on February 22nd, a 3-days’ race meeting was held at Akab -by the 17th Infantry Division. The Regiment entered several horses, -only one of which was successful--namely, Captain Blythe’s Army -Pattern; while our Concert Party gave a show there on the nights of the -22nd and 23rd, which were greatly admired by all who witnessed them, -the G.O.C. of that Division sending a letter of congratulation to our -Colonel in having such a talented party. Shortly after this, on the -28th inst., the Cavalry Division held some athletic sports, in which -several of the events were open to all comers. In this the Regiment -secured several prizes--namely, 1st in the 100 yards for officers, Mr -Osmond; the team of ‘C’ Squadron, L.-Cpl. Carter, L.-Cpl. Bush, Pte. -Jones, and Pte. Bowie gaining 2nd prize in the Relay Race. L.-Cpl. -Bush also 2nd in the Obstacle Race, while another 2nd prize was won by -Pte. Bowie in the Open Mile, our tug-of-war team of ‘C’ Squadron being -knocked out in the semi-final after a very game struggle. On March 4th -we turned out a Rugby 15 to play the Australian Wireless Section’s 15, -who had played so far an unbeaten record, and after a most exciting -game the match ending in a draw, neither side being able to score. - -“The following day being the anniversary of our charge at Lajj, the -Regiment held a singing competition in the evening. This proved to -be highly amusing, judging by the vociferous cheering which greeted -the competitors’ efforts, the first prize for sentimental songs being -won by Sgt. Burgess, and the first for comic by Pte. Bowie. At the -conclusion of this, our Colonel made a speech in honour of our comrades -who fell in the ‘Charge.’ On reading the names out the Colonel was -almost overcome with emotion, and it was only with difficulty that he -was able to complete. - -“About this time we received the news that our forces operating on the -Euphrates river had captured Hit on the 7th inst., and on the night of -the 9th the enemy had evacuated Sahilijah, abandoning 2 mountain guns -and much ammunition. - -“On the 14th the 2nd Baghdad Race Meeting was held, also the -semi-finals and finals of football, hockey, polo, golf, and boxing -tournaments were contested during the week. Our football team was -knocked out in the third round by the 25th Machine-gun Squadron, by one -goal to _nil_, after a hard-fought game. The outstanding feature of -this tournament was the match between the Worcesters and the Buffs, the -first game they played being of 60 minutes’ duration; but as neither -side was able to score extra time was allowed, and they played on for -three periods of 20 minutes each, and again neither side was able to -gain the advantage. The match was then postponed until the following -day. On the replay, which lasted with extra time, some 2 hours and 40 -minutes with still no score being registered, both teams withdrew -from the tournament. The Regiment ran several horses in the racing, -Lt. Ormrod’s ‘Venus’ again winning the Baghdad Cup. This time she was -ridden by Frank Wootten, the famous jockey, who happened to be in -Baghdad at the time. - -“Some little time after this we received the news that our Column, -commanded by Major-General Brooking, operating on the Euphrates -river, had, on the 26th inst., attacked the 50th Turkish Division at -Khan Baghdadi. The Cavalry cutting off the enemy’s retreat along the -Aleppo Road, they surrendered with their Commander, the total captures -being 18 Germans, including 2 officers, 212 Turkish officers, and -5236 Turkish other ranks, 12 guns, 57 machine-guns, 2 German wireless -stations. During the six days’ fighting they pursued the fugitives -of this force to a point some 73 miles north of Awah, destroying in -this village some 300,000 rounds of gun ammunition and some 3¼ million -rounds of rifle ammunition. - -“On April 9th some Divisional Races were held on the racecourse near -our camp, and in these several of our horses proved successful, Lt. -Ormrod’s ‘Venus’ winning the ½-mile steeple-chase, and ‘Whiskers’ -by the same owner was first past the post in the 6 furlongs, but -on an objection being raised was disqualified later. Mr Welstead’s -‘Nightshade’ with its owner up won the sixth race, while Mr Jones’ -‘B3,’ ridden by Sgt. Holloway, won the Novices’ Flat Race. - -“On the following day we received the welcome news that leave to India -was granted, and a party consisting of 2 officers and 12 men left the -same day _en route_ for India to enjoy a well-earned 28 days’ furlough. - -“A few days later, on April 14th, we commenced an Inter-Football -Tournament. The first game was between ‘B’ and ‘D’ Squadrons; this -resulted in a win for ‘B’ by 2 goals to _nil_. The next match was -between ‘A’ and ‘C’ Squadrons, and this was a win for ‘A’ by 2 goals to -1, while the following day ‘B’ played ‘A.’ This match was very keenly -contested and aroused great excitement, the result, after extra time -had been allowed, being a draw of 1 goal each. Replaying again the -following day, the result this time was a draw of 2 goals, and this -also after extra time.” - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -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.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE AUTUMN OF 1918--LAST BATTLE WITH THE TURKS--CLOSE OF THE WAR IN -MESOPOTAMIA. - - -The summer of 1918 having come to an end, the British army in -Mesopotamia prepared for another advance. - -The general aspect of the Great War had by that time undergone a -sudden and promising change, for the Germans had failed in their -fierce offensive against the Allies on the Western Front, Austria had -shattered herself against their lines in Northern Italy, and Bulgaria -was firmly held by the Salonika force, while in Asia the exhaustion -of the Turks was now very evident. They had completely failed to stop -General Allenby’s victorious advance in Palestine and Syria, and -were hastily withdrawing troops from the Persian frontier and the -Caucasus. In Mesopotamia they were still trying to show a bold front, -but it seemed clear that they were no longer in strength sufficient -to withstand a determined attack by the large and eager British army -opposed to them. - -“This, then,” says General Marshall, “seemed the moment to take the -offensive against the Turkish 6th Army, covering the approaches to -Mosul, and it was with great pleasure that on the 7th October I -received orders to carry out this movement.” - -The main body of the enemy’s troops, now reduced from long fighting -and other causes to about 9000 men with 59 guns, held a formidable -position astride the Tigris, at the Fatha Gorge--some thirty-five miles -above the British railhead at Tekrit. The position had been thoroughly -prepared for defence during the past eighteen months, and was of great -natural strength. The Turkish right flank rested securely on two -ranges of rugged hills which projected into the waterless desert, -and therefore could not be turned by slow-moving Infantry. Their left -extended for about five miles along the crest of the Jebel Hamrin, and -was strongly entrenched. - -[Illustration: _APPROXIMATE SKETCH OF RICHARDSONS BLUFF POSITION_] - -To attack such a position by direct advance up the Tigris was a -difficult matter, and General Marshall would have preferred to move his -main force by way of Kirkuk in the north-east, but this was impossible. -A large part of his transport had been taken away by the operations -in Northern Persia and the necessity for collecting the harvest, so -that there was not enough to subsist a large body of troops at such -a distance from the railway. The only available route for the main -force, therefore, was the line of the Tigris, by which supplies could -be pushed up, and this was perforce the one selected. Even so there was -only transport enough to make mobile his Cavalry and half his Infantry. - -[Illustration: LT.-COL. T. T. RICHARDSON, D.S.O. SEPTEMBER 1918] - -The plan adopted was to work up the eastern bank of the river and turn -or force the enemy’s left. If that could be done, the intention -was to cut his line of retreat on Mosul by means of Cavalry working -round his left, and light-armoured motor-cars moving round his right -through the desert. A small column was sent up towards Kirkuk under -Brigadier-General Lewin to keep off any attack upon the British right. - -But the reduction of the Turkish position proved to be an easier task -than any one had expected. On the night of the 23rd October, when -all was ready for the general attack on the Fatha Gorge, a British -column pushed along the crest of the Jebel Hamrin against the enemy’s -left, while the 7th Cavalry Brigade, to which the Thirteenth had now -returned, moved round the north of the range. “The vigorous action -of these two columns,” says General Marshall, “caused the Turks to -abandon the very strong Fatha position before daylight,” and to retreat -up-stream. - -Then followed some days of manœuvring and fighting, the Infantry -pressing steadily upon the retreating Turks in spite of great -difficulties, for the enemy had destroyed the road through the hills on -both banks of the river, and a Brigade of Cavalry under General Cassels -trying to work round into the enemy’s rear. In this attempt the Cavalry -were successful. Moving wide of the Tigris, they rode right round the -enemy’s left, and on the 26th October, coming back to the river, they -struck a ford opposite Hadraniya, fifteen miles above Shergat, the -point where the Turks intended to make their real stand. This movement -was masked by the other Brigade, the 7th, under Brigadier-General -Norton, who demonstrated on the line of the Tigris. - -The Hadraniya ford was a bad one, for it crossed three channels of the -river, one of which was nearly five feet deep, with a strong current; -but Cassels got his regiments over, and, directly he had done so, sent -one of them at a gallop to seize an important gorge five miles down -stream, between him and the Turks, who were retreating upon him. By -the morning of the 27th October the bulk of the Brigade had taken up a -strong position blocking the road to Mosul, and it had been joined by -the light motor-cars, which had got round through the desert. - -It was a daring move, for Cassels had only three weak regiments of -Cavalry and a battery of Horse Artillery, while below him was the -retreating Turkish force, and above him to the north an unknown number -of Turkish reinforcements from Mosul coming down to join it. But this -was the one chance of capturing the main body of the enemy, and the -Brigade meant to hold its position at all costs until supported. - -For the next two days, the 27th and 28th October, Cassels was in -serious danger, for though to conceal his weakness he boldly attacked, -he was soon attacked himself from the south by a very superior force -of Infantry and guns, which made repeated attempts to break through, -while the Turkish reinforcements from Mosul moved against his rear. But -though hard pressed he managed to hold his ground, and on the afternoon -and evening of the second day support began to arrive. First came a -battalion of Infantry which had made a forced march of thirty-three -miles from the eastward, and then after dark the 7th Cavalry Brigade, -which after a march of forty-three miles crossed the Tigris by the -difficult Hadraniya Ford. In doing so they lost several men and horses -drowned, but their arrival made all the difference. Cassels was now too -strong to be easily overwhelmed. - -Still the position was critical, for the main body of the Turks, though -retreating, had not been beaten, and the British troops were nearly -worn out. The Infantry “had been marching and fighting for four days -under most arduous conditions,” while Cassels and his own Cavalry -Brigade had been continuously in action for seventy-two hours, and all -the force now at his disposal had made long marches. But if the Turkish -force was to be held, there must be no rest for the troops, in spite -of exhaustion and darkness, for the enemy saw that he was trapped, and -would be sure to fight desperately for freedom. - -He certainly did so. During the night of the 28th he tried again and -again to break out northwards, and though he did not succeed, he fought -on all through the 29th, and all through the night that followed; and -some of his counter-attacks against the British Infantry who were -pressing him from the south were by no means easily stopped. It was -a splendid defence, and rightly called forth the admiration of his -assailants. - -The end of the battle may best be told in General Marshall’s words:-- - -“Meanwhile a serious threat from Turkish reinforcements (5th Division -troops) moving down from the Mosul direction developed against Cassels’ -right flank. These troops established themselves with guns and -machine-guns on the high bluffs near Hadraniya, but were promptly dealt -with by the 7th Cavalry Brigade. The Thirteenth Hussars galloped across -the open, dismounted under the bluffs, and, led by their Colonel, -carried the position by assault, many Turks being accounted for with -the bayonet. - -“Mounted pursuit by the remainder of the 7th Cavalry Brigade cleared -away further menace from the north, and resulted in the capture of 1000 -prisoners, with 2 guns and 12 machine-guns. - -“The enemy’s avenues of escape northwards were now effectively blocked, -thanks to the skilful and resolute handling of his detachment by -General Cassels, and the firm determination of his troops, who repulsed -every attempt by the enemy to break through. - -“Gripped as in a vice, with his men packed in ravines which were -raked by our guns from across the Tigris, Ismail Hakki, the Turkish -Commander, found himself in a hopeless position. All attempts to break -through had failed, communication with the Turkish Commander-in-Chief -at Mosul had been rendered impossible, and no relief was in sight. -At dawn on October 30th, just as our troops were about to renew the -attack, white flags appeared all along the Turkish lines, and later on -Ismail Hakki surrendered in person.” - -So ended the last battle fought in the Great War by a Turkish army. -It had been gallantly contested, but the victory was as complete as a -victory could be. The Turkish 6th Army had been not only defeated but -captured. - -Immediately after the surrender, the 7th Cavalry Brigade and armoured -cars pushed rapidly along the Mosul road and made a considerable -addition to the number of prisoners. The 14th (Indian) Lancers, -charging with the lance, captured a convoy and 500 men, while the -13th Lancers captured a Turkish battalion. Altogether the Turks lost -on the 30th October over 11,000 prisoners and 51 guns, besides great -quantities of machine-guns, animals, and military material of all kinds. - -By the first of November both Cavalry Brigades had got within twelve -miles of Mosul, when they were met by a flag of truce informing them -that an armistice had been concluded between Great Britain and Turkey. -Hostilities ceased, and the long campaign in Mesopotamia had closed -with a dramatic success. - -At Shergat, as elsewhere, the bulk of the close fighting had of -course been done by the Infantry, but General Marshall reported that -“the daring and brilliant leadership of the Cavalry Brigades under -Brigadier-Generals Cassels and Norton contributed largely to the final -result,” and it may safely be affirmed that no Regiment in those -Brigades had more right to be proud of its share in the work than the -Thirteenth Hussars. - -The extracts appended give details of its movements during the last -period of the campaign, and especially of the affair at “Richardson’s -Bluff,” as the scene of the fight at Hadraniya came to be called. - - -_Account by General Norton, commanding 7th Brigade._ - -“The Brigade left Fathah at one o’clock on the night of the 27th-28th -October, crossed the Lesser Zab at about 8 A.M., and reached -the Hadrani-Yah Ford over the Tigris at 4.30 P.M. on the 28th, -having marched about 50 miles since 1 A.M., the last 30 under -a very hot sun, and about 70 miles in the last 36 hours. - -“The leading Regiment (13th Lancers) immediately commenced to cross to -the right bank, and got over without accident, but as the ford was a -difficult one, there was considerable delay, and, by the time it came -to the turn of the 13th Hussars, it was practically dark. The ford, -which had been difficult in daylight, became positively dangerous after -dusk, and a number of men, particularly those leading pack-horses, got -into difficulties, and were carried down-stream. Hampered as they were -by their ammunition and other equipment, their situation was a very -precarious one, but most of them fortunately managed to scramble out on -one bank or the other. - -“When the roll was eventually called, it was found that three men, -viz.:-- - - No. 8267, Lance-Corpl. Bartlett, - 9196, Private Donoghue, - 31571, Private Newman, - -and two horses, were missing. With the exception of Private Newman, -whose dead body was found by the Infantry several days later some -distance down-stream, no trace of these men has ever been found. - -“In the whole Brigade, 21 men were carried away by the strong current, -and drowned while crossing this ford. - -“Only three squadrons of the Regiment crossed on this night, the -remaining squadron (‘A’ Squadron, under Lieutenant H. C. D. FitzGibbon, -M.C.) being ordered to remain on the left bank as escort to the -Battery, which could not be got across in the dark. - -“The Brigade, less the battery, this squadron, and the 13th D.C. -Lancers, bivouacked on the river bank; the 13th Lancers, as soon as -they were across, had been sent forward to support the right of the -11th Brigade, which was occupying a ridge of hills S.W. of the ford, -parallel to the river, and about 3000 yards away from it. - -“The night passed without incident, although there was a considerable -amount of firing from the position occupied by the 11th Brigade and the -13th D.C. Lancers. - -“Before daybreak on the 29th, the Brigade was moved into a covered -position under the river bank, and orders were issued for the battery -and the remaining squadron of the 13th Hussars to cross to the right -bank as soon as there was sufficient daylight. - -“The moment the squadron commenced to cross, the Turks shelled the ford -heavily and accurately from 2 guns on high ground about 3000 yards to -the N.W. - -“The squadron managed to get across, fortunately without casualties, -but it was obviously impossible for the battery to do so until the -hostile fire had been subdued. - -“About 7 A.M., V Battery, R.H.A., came into action on the left -bank, and the Turks shortly afterwards withdrew their guns. - -“About this time a squadron of the 13th D.C. Lancers, which had been -ordered to push up the Mosul road at daybreak, encountered heavy shell -and M.G. fire, and was compelled to fall back to the Cemetery, where it -held its own with difficulty. - -“It was clear now that the enemy were holding the high ground to the -N.W. in considerable force, and did not consist, as reported by aero -reconnaissances, of merely a few scattered groups of Infantry. - -“Their position was on a range of hills approximately parallel to the -river, and at about 3000 yards from it. At the southern extremity of -this range was a high bluff, which will be referred to as Hadraniyah -Bluff. Farther to the south again was the range held by the 11th -Brigade and 13th D.C. Lancers, and between Hadraniyah Bluff and the -river, and some 1000 yards to the S.E. of the former, was a fair-sized -isolated hill on which was a Mahomedan cemetery. - -“After a personal reconnaissance of the position, so far as was -possible, the Brigadier at 8.15 A.M. issued orders for the -13th Hussars, supported by the 24th Jat Lancers, and covered by the -fire of V Battery, R.H.A., from across the river, and the Vickers guns, -a subsection of which was now in action on the Cemetery Hill, to gallop -across the open from their covered position near the river, dismount -under the Bluff, and carry the position by a dismounted attack. - -“It should be explained that the contour of the hill made it obvious, -that unless the Turks came out of their trenches, which were none too -well sited, and advanced a short distance down the hill, there must be -a considerable amount of dead ground at the foot of the slope, which -would give cover to the horses, and enable the troops to form for -the dismounted attack. It was hoped that the gun-fire would make it -impossible for the Turks to leave their trenches for the purpose of -covering this dead ground. - -“On debouching from their covered position on the river bank, in -accordance with the above orders, the leading squadron at once came -under a hot fire from the Turkish machine-guns on the hill, and the -squadron leader (Captain Evans, 21st Lancers) fell severely wounded. - -“This caused the squadron to lose its direction: it inclined slightly -to its left, and halted under the cover of Cemetery Hill. - -“The remaining squadrons followed it, and eventually the whole Regiment -was concentrated behind this hill. - -“By this time, it was clear that the guns had not yet succeeded in -subduing the Turkish fire, and the further prosecution of the attack -was held up to allow a further artillery preparation. - -“Brigade Headquarters was now on Cemetery Hill, and the F.O.O. of the -Battery was also established there with his signallers. - -“About this time--viz., 10 A.M.--a Field Battery, No. A/33, -R.F.A., having crossed the ford, was placed at the disposal of the -Brigadier, and came into action some 2000 yards to the S.E. of Cemetery -Hill. - -“At 12.30 P.M. the Brigadier personally gave orders to -Lieut.-Colonel Richardson to renew the attack on the Bluff at 1.20 -P.M., and detailed arrangements were made for the attack to be -closely supported by both Batteries and all available Vickers guns. - -“In accordance with these orders, the Regiment, in column of wings -with extended files, debouched from under cover of Cemetery Hill, and -galloped straight for the Bluff. The ground was flat and open, the -only obstacle being a rather deep dry nullah about half-way, which -caused a little crowding and delay. The moment the leading squadron -debouched, the Turks opened a heavy fire with all their machine-guns, -but the accurate fire of our two batteries and the Vickers guns made it -impossible for them to leave their trenches, and the squadrons soon got -into the dead ground under the Bluff. - -“During this phase of the attack, although these galloping squadrons -were absolutely exposed for at least 500 yards to the fire of 12 -machine-guns and 1000 Infantry, at ranges from 1500 to 500 yards, not a -single man was hit, and only one or two horses. - -“Had the Turks put down a machine-gun barrage on some point, such as -the afore-mentioned nullah, and kept it there, our casualties must -have been considerable; but they were evidently disconcerted by the -heavy shelling, and there appeared to be no central control, each -machine-gunner firing as he pleased. - -“Having reached the foot of the Bluff, the Hussars lost no time in -dismounting and forming for attack. Having fixed bayonets, they swarmed -up the almost precipitous hill, gallantly led by their Commanding -Officer. - -“All this time, both batteries, using ‘gun-fire,’ were bursting their -shells with beautiful accuracy along the crest of the Hill, and the -Vickers guns were also keeping up a heavy fire on the trenches. - -“This barrage did not lift until the Hussars were within a few yards -of the crest, and there is no doubt that the splendid accuracy and -rapidity of fire of these guns was a most important factor in making -the attack the success it was. - -“From Brigade Headquarters on Cemetery Hill, it was clear that the -Turks in the trenches, having seen the squadrons moving towards them at -a gallop, and being unable to see what was happening at the foot of the -hill, were becoming anxious. Individual men and small parties could be -seen getting out of the advanced trenches and moving to the rear, many -being caught by the barrage as they did so. - -“As the barrage lifted, the Hussars, still led by their Colonel, -charged over the crest, shot or bayoneted such Turks as still -confronted them in the trenches, and then rapidly forming line to the -right, swept along the crest to deal with the Turks who were still -holding their position at the north end of the hill. - -“As soon as the Hussars’ attack had gained the crest, the 13th D.C. and -14th Jat Lancers quickly mounted, and galloped round to the west and -north, captured the enemy’s two guns, and cut off the retreat of the -Infantry retiring before the attack of the 13th Hussars. - -“Seeing their retreat entirely cut off, the whole Turkish force -surrendered. - -“In this successful operation, 2 mountain-guns, 12 machine-guns, and -982 unwounded prisoners were taken, and there was a considerable number -of Turkish dead and wounded on the hill. - -“This enemy force consisted of the whole of the 13th Regiment which had -been sent from the 5th Division in Persia to reinforce the army of Haqi -Bey.” - - -_Extract from Colonel Richardson’s letter to Sir R. S. Baden-Powell._ - - ”7TH CAVALRY BRIGADE, - IN CAMP OUTSIDE MOSUL, - _4th Nov. 1918_. - -”MY DEAR GENERAL,--I must send you a line to tell you of -another fine performance by the Regiment--a performance which our -Brigadier (Gen. Charles Norton), the Commanding Officers of the other -Regiments of the Brigade, and other eye-witnesses describe to me as -the finest thing they have ever seen. I myself agree that not only as -a spectacle but in its complete and immediate success it is the finest -performance put up by the Regiment during the war, but as a test -of discipline and tenacity I would place Lajj first: there we were on -the verge of annihilation, and yet managed to put up a fighting front -to the enemy; here it is true we were foiled in our first attempt, -but the sqdns. reached cover in perfect order, and the failure of the -early morning only made them the keener to score in the afternoon. I -enclose a copy of the dry sober account of the day, which I made in my -note-book two days after the occurrence, so I will only give you here -a brief outline of the events which led up to our being where we were, -and of the few days after the 29th which led us to the occupation of -Mosul. - -[Illustration: Sergt. R. HOLLOWAY - -(_Killed at Hadraniyeh, 29th October 1918_)] - -[Illustration: L.-Sergt. WM. LEEMAN - -(_Killed at Hadraniyeh, 29th October 1918_)] - -[Illustration: S.-Sergt. J. F. COUCH, D.C.M. - -(_Died at Chaldari, 4th July 1918_)] - -[Illustration: 2nd Lieut. G. R. RUSSELL - -(_Wounded at Hadraniyeh, 29th October 1918_)] - -[Illustration: Cpl. A. VINALL, D.C.M. - -(_Died of wounds, 31st October 1918_)] - -“Since an armistice, in the nature of a complete military surrender by -Turkey, has been arranged and signed, I hardly suppose that the censor -will seriously object to numbers of Brigades and Divisions being given, -but I will not risk more deletion than is necessary for the tale. - -“Well, the original objective was the reduction of the Fathah -position--a very strong natural position formed by the passage of the -Tigris through the range of hills known on the left bank as the Jebel -Hamrin and on the right bank as Jebel Makhul--about thirty miles N. of -Tekrit, held on both banks by some 3000 rifles and 40 guns. Two Cavalry -Bgds., ours and Cassels’, had made a long turning movement over the -Hamrin, and were in position to the N. and N.E. of the Turkish position -by dawn of day, and our feelings were rather mixed when we learnt -about 8 A.M. that Johnny Turk had evacuated the position a -day or two earlier, and retired mostly along the main road to Mosul -on the right bank, which ran through a series of strong natural -defensive positions against which the Infantry could make only slow -progress against the Turk, who is a past-master in the art of rearguard -fighting: so obstinate was he in holding on to a position opposite the -confluence of the Lesser Zab river with the Tigris that we were hurried -one night to the Fathah Gorge, which we bridged with a pontoon, to go -up the right bank and create a diversion in favour of our Infantry; on -arriving at Fathah, however, the position had changed--the Turk had -retired, and we were no longer required on the right bank; but in the -meantime Cassels’ Bgde. had crossed the Tigris some twenty-five miles -north of the Lesser Zab, and had taken up a position astride the line -of retreat of the Turks, and reinforcements to the latter were said to -be closing on Cassels’ rear, so after a few hours’ halt we were hurried -back to the Zab and beyond it to the ford, which we reached at dusk -on the 28th, having covered 40 miles since 1 A.M. that day. -The ford was deep and unmarked; I was riding my biggest horse, and the -water was over my knees; on many men it was up to the waist, and we -were unfortunate in losing three men, of whom no trace could be found -in the dark. - -“The events of the 29th I have described in the attached account. The -Bgde. that night (29th) bivouacked on its fighting ground, and next -morning moved S.W. to a position on Cassels’ right, where about 10 a.m. -we learnt that the Turks caught between the Infantry and Cassels had -surrendered: we therefore turned our heads northward, and about 2.30 -P.M. came up with the Turkish rearguard, who surrendered after -a few rounds from the battery, and the 13th Lancers pursuing brought -back a lot more, making the total captures of the Bgde. up to about -2500 for the two days. - -“Next day we continued our advance northward toward Mosul, but about 11 -A.M. met Turkish envoys in a car, who came to tell us that an -armistice had been signed. - -“We have been on half rations or less for many days, and hardly get -a scrap of outside news, but these days must be fraught with intense -interest and excitement at home, and these details must in comparison -fade into insignificance; but, hereafter, they will be of interest -to all concerned with the Regiment, so I will not labour at further -excuses for writing.” - - -_Enclosure in Colonel Richardson’s letter to Sir R. S. Baden-Powell, of -the 4th November 1918._ - - “THE STORMING OF THE CLIFF AND PLATEAU NEAR HADRANIYAH, - AFTERWARDS CALLED (IN BRIGADE ORDERS) RICHARDSON’S BLUFF, BY THE - THIRTEENTH HUSSARS, ON THE 29TH OCTOBER 1918. - -[Illustration: THE STORMING OF RICHARDSON’S BLUFF - -29TH OCTOBER 1918] - -“The night of the 28th-29th passed rather cheerlessly, most of the -men having got wet to the waist, and in many cases their blankets and -warm coats also having been soaked in fording the river the previous -evening, and before dawn we moved down under cover of the river -bank, where we were practically immune from the shell-fire which -was opened on us soon after daylight and continued until about 7 -A.M. About this time I received orders to gallop the Regiment -and get a footing on a plateau rising almost sheer from the plain, -on which several emplacements could be seen. I asked for and got the -co-operation of V Battery, which put a strong barrage on the plateau -from 8 A.M. to 8.15 A.M., at which hour we emerged -from the river bank, supported on either flank by a subsection of 18 -M.G.’s, commanded respectively by Lt. Noel and Lt. Foley. The following -is a rough sketch showing disposition of Regiment and ground to be -covered. - -“As the Regiment reached the open, the four squadrons took up a diamond -formation--‘B’ Squadron under Capt. Evans, 21st Lancers, leading, ‘C’ -on left flank, ‘D’ on right flank, and ‘A’ Squadron (Lt. Fitzgibbon) -bringing up the rear. I rode in the centre, and on either flank were -the Hotchkiss guns of two squadrons co-operating with the subsection of -machine-guns--_i.e._, ‘B’ and ‘D’ on right, under Lt. Parkes, and ‘A’ -and ‘C’ on left, under Lt. Hartigan, M.C. - -“As soon as the Regiment came into sight in the open a very hot fire -from M.G.’s, rifles, and camel guns (9-pounders) was opened on it, and -when about 1000 yds. from its objective, Capt. Evans was very seriously -wounded, and the troop leaders of the Leading Squadron led their -troops to the cover of the Cemetery Hill, where the remainder of the -Regiment quickly concentrated. I quite agreed with their action at the -time, and looking back two days afterwards with the knowledge gained -since, I am convinced that it was the right course to take. The crest -of the plateau was very much more strongly held than had ever been -anticipated, and sufficient time had not been allowed for the artillery -barrage. - -“We occupied the Cemetery Hill and tried to gain ground to the west, -but the glacis was quite bare and exposed to M.G. fire from the plateau -and from trenches to the west. The Brigadier visited us about 11.30 -A.M., and I suggested to him that we should try again to get -the hill if the artillery would plaster the plateau and the known -trenches until we had gained a footing on the crest. This they did with -great effect at intervals until 1.30 P.M., at which time I led -the Regiment from the cover of Cemetery Hill in two waves, ‘A’ and ‘D’ -Squadrons (Mr Fitzgibbon and Capt. Jeffrey, M.C.) in the first, and -‘C’ (Mr Norton) and ‘B’ (Capt. Howey) in the second under Capt. Godfree. - -“The first wave reached the foot of the bluff with only one casualty, a -man whose horse fell in jumping a deepish nullah which lay across part -of our course--dismounted to climb the almost precipitous cliff-side, -the footing on which was made the worse by the loose rolling gravel -surface; how the men scaled that cliff carrying their Hotchkiss guns -and ammunition-bags will always remain a marvel to me. - -“Meantime the second wave had reached the hill, also without -casualties, and taken position on the right of the first. As we -appeared on the crest fire broke on us from all sides, but the _moral_ -of the Turks had been so severely shaken by the Artillery that our -casualties were very slight, and by bringing our right forward we were -soon able to bring enfilade fire on the trenches to our front, and -about 1.45 the first white flag was hoisted. The other trenches did not -take long to follow their example, and in less than half an hour after -leaving Cemetery Hill we were in complete possession of the plateau, -and prisoners, whose numbers eventually mounted to 722, were being -marched in batches from every side to a central spot. A few undoubtedly -escaped, but the Indian Cavalry Regiments took up the pursuit and -brought back 200 or 300 and a camel gun. The booty in arms was very -large, at least 20 machine-guns and several thousands of rounds being -taken. - -“Our casualties were one, Sergt. Holloway, killed, and the following -N.C.O.’s and men wounded--viz., Sergt. Barnard, Cpls. Vinall and Hill, -Ptes. Little, Patrick, and Tranter (Cpl. Vinall has since died of -wounds). - -“Sergt. Leeman had been killed with the following wounded whilst we -were on Cemetery Hill: 2nd Lt. Russell, Ptes. Powell, Gerrard, and -Winter. - -“Pte. Harvey was wounded by shell-fire at the ford early in the -morning, and the following were drowned whilst crossing the river on -the previous evening--viz., L.-Cpl. Bartlett, Ptes. Newman and Donoghue. - -“It transpired later that the Turkish troops opposed to us on the Bluff -were the three Battns. of the 13th Regiment who had recently come down -from Lake Urmia to reinforce the troops on the Fathah position, and -that they were preparing to attack the ford at 4 P.M. that -afternoon, when our assault destroyed their plans. - -“The fight was short and sharp and the victory complete; we owed our -almost complete immunity from loss to the excellent shooting of V -Battery and A 337, and it was, I must admit, some consolation to know -that the troops which brought off the coup were all British.” - - -_Letter from Colonel Richardson to Sir R. S. Baden-Powell, dated Mosul, -12th November 1918._ - -”MY DEAR GENERAL,--Herewith the sketch (from memory) of the -position assaulted by the Regiment on October 29th and the numbers of -the Regiment taking part in the assault; these were omitted from my -letter of last week; I hope before we leave these parts to get a proper -surveyed sketch of the position,--for the purposes of history. - -“We heard to-day that the Armistice with the Huns had been signed -and commenced yesterday, as we take it that this is tantamount to a -surrender which is practically unconditional on their part. I hope -it may not be long before we say good-bye to this God-forgotten -country.--Yours sincerely, - - (Signed) J. J. RICHARDSON. - -“The numbers of the squadrons:-- - - Officers. N.C.O.’s and Men. Hotchkiss guns. - A 4 64 4 - B 3 52 4 - C 6[60] 63 4 - D 4 60 4 - --- --- --- - 17 239 16” - - -_Letter from Colonel Richardson to Sir R. S. Baden-Powell, dated Zacho, -75 miles N. of Mosul, 30th November 1918._ - -”MY DEAR GENERAL,--Just a line in continuation of my letter of -the 12th to tell you that we have been given the following Immediate -Rewards in recognition of our work on the 29th October, viz.:-- - - Myself a bar to the D.S.O. - Capt. D. W. Godfree . . M.C. - Lieut. G. H. Parkes . . M.C. - Corporal Vinall (since died of wounds) . . D.C.M. - Corporal Raynor . . . D.C.M. - Lance-Corporal Viner . M.M. - Corporal Aukett M.M. - Corporal Whitington M.M. - Private Humphrey M.M. - -“A batch of honours of which any Regiment may well be proud, as I think -you will agree; and indeed we are all very proud of them, and myself -not the least proud! - -“We were pushed off here with 2 guns of V Battery and a subsection -of M.G. at short notice on Monday last to stop reported rioting by -retiring Turks and to see them over the border, which is only some 7 or -8 miles from here, and we did the 75 miles in 31 hours. The Turks had -heard of our coming and quitted--very wisely; we are well in the hills -here in a pretty valley, and snow-covered hills are less than 50 miles -away. Rather a change from the Baghdad temperature of July! - -“On the 26th we heard that the M.M. had been awarded to Sergt. W. H. -Burgess and L.-Cpl. Lomas: these I gather are the outcome of the last -despatch.--With all good wishes, yours sincerely, - - (Signed) J. J. RICHARDSON.” - - _Letter from Lance-Corporal George Costello (56799) of - 15th Squadron M.G.C., 7th Cavalry Brigade, to Mr and Mrs - Wallace--parents of James Wallace._ - - M.E.F., - _14th November 1918_. - -”DEAR MR AND MRS WALLACE,--It is with a sad heart, and with -the deepest sympathy, that I write to you of Jim’s presumed death. -Jim and I were staunch friends together ever since we were in France, -and shared one another’s hardships and joys all the way through. Some -time back ‘A’ Section was split up; Jim went to ‘C’ and I to ‘B,’ so -at the actual time of crossing the river (Tigris) we were apart, as my -section was about one hundred yards in front. From 12 midnight the -night previous to crossing, we had been marching, and crossed at 6.30 -P.M. the following evening, and during that period we had -covered a distance of 57 miles, which was a pretty stiff march, and men -and horses were feeling a bit done up. When we got in the water some -of the horses were restless and started plunging and rearing. This is -what happened to Jim: I learnt it from men who were near him at the -time. His horse reared and Jim came off. The current of the river was -very swift at the time, and it was also dark. We have lost four men in -the squadron in the same way, and nothing has been heard of any of them -since. The next morning we got into action! The 13th Hussars formed -line and charged up a hill at the Turks. The hill was too steep to get -up, so when they got half-way up they did a dismounted action, and -within a quarter of an hour the Turks on the top of the hill showed the -white flag, and over one thousand surrendered; by late in the afternoon -the 7th Cavalry Brigade had beat the whole of that force, capturing -nearly three thousand prisoners. The finest piece of work the Brigade -has done during the war. I am sure poor Jim would have delighted in -it. We then proceeded on towards Mosul, and came in contact with, and -captured, two hundred and fifty reinforcements with 7 machine-guns -and some big guns. Towards the evening, with one Regiment of Indians -(14th Lancers) and one section of 16th Squadron M.G.C., we overtook and -captured between two and three miles of convoy and thirteen hundred -prisoners. We are now in Mosul. When about 20 miles from Mosul an -aeroplane dropped a message which said that the Turks had surrendered -Mosul, and that hostilities with Turkey had ceased. Jim has left behind -him a memory which one can never forget. Loved and respected by all -who knew him, as he was always ready to offer his help and sympathy -to any one in trouble. And you have cause to be proud of having had a -son who kept up the traditions of a Britisher to its highest level, -and was a true and noble soldier to the core. You might please write -to Mr Justice Eve and let him know, as I am sure that Jim would wish -it, as he held his late squadron leader, Capt. Eve, 13th Hussars, in -the highest esteem, and I know that a short time ago Jim wrote to Mr -Justice Eve thanking him for the photo. I hope that Jim’s brother who -was wounded has quite recovered by now. Well, bear up, and try and -look on it for the best, as I know that all your trouble has come in a -heap lately. I unfortunately lost my mother in an air-raid since I have -been out here.--From Jim’s old Chum, 56799, GEORGE COSTELLO. - -”_P.S._--If I should gather any information I will write and let you -know at once. - - “56799 L.-Cpl. COSTELLO, - 15th Squadron M.G.C., - 7th Cav. Brigade, - Mesopotamia.” - - -_Extracts from letter from Private E. Cleary (6759 “B” Squadron) to -Miss E. FitzPatrick of Accrington, Lancashire._ - - ”MESOPOTAMIA, - _25th November 1918_. - -”DEAR LIZZIE,--I don’t know how to start answering your -letters--I have received that many from you for the last 4 days; they -all came of a rush, the reason of it was they were in the country, and -could not reach us on account of the shortage of transport.... - -“Well, we had some hard fighting for about a fortnight, but we managed -to get round them and capture the lot; we were very lucky, for they -nearly captured us instead, but we managed to get a good mounted charge -in on them, and that was the turning-point of our last battle out here. -Our Regt. alone captured 1300 prisoners, but it was a good job they -did surrender to us, for they could have wiped out every man of us if -we fought on, because our Regt. was not near up to strength: we lost a -good many. It was hard lines on them, for it was our last fight; they -surrendered Mosul to us the next day, and a good job too, for we were -about done; we went 2 and 3 days at a time with no rations except a -pound of dry flour per man, and you may know what a big feed one can -get out of a pound of flour (I don’t think), and that flour was ground -barley. You would laugh to see us cooking it: we used to get a bit of -tin, make a fire under it, then mix the flour up with some water into -a dough, then roll it out into little flat cakes and put it on a tin -and bake it, so you may know what nice bread it was (I don’t think), -but still I was glad of it; they kept us going all right, and even now, -although we are in Mosul, all we are living on is what we buy off the -inhabitants, but of course everything will come right again as soon as -we get settled down a bit. We were within 15 miles of Mosul when word -came through that they had surrendered the place, so we stopped where -we were until next day, and then news came through that Turkey had -packed up altogether; it was taken very quietly, every one was that -fed up, not even a cheer was given. Then we marched into the City and -took over all that was there: they had plenty of stuff--food, guns, and -men: it seemed so strange we were fighting them a few hours before, -and then all that was to be seen was our officers and their officers -shaking hands and making much of one another; but it wasn’t so in the -case of the men--if our fellows had their way they would have been -scrapping them, for we haven’t forgotten some of the tricks they done -to our fellows; but still, thank God! it is all over. Well, we had been -in Mosul for about a week when the news came through of Germany packing -up: even that was taken very quietly, for it was raining as hard as it -could, and we didn’t have a bit of shelter, so the only remarks that -were passed was, it’s a bloody good job it’s over; so that is how we -enjoyed the good news: of course every one was delighted but didn’t -show it. Well, Lizzie, you will think I have gone mad on the war, so -I will change the subject. I don’t know if you have heard much about -Mosul or not; well, it is supposed to be one of the great Sacred Cities -out here--they say it’s mentioned several times in the Bible (but as I -don’t know much about the Bible I cannot say); it is much the same as -Baghdad, but a little more up to date: there is a couple of Catholic -Chapels here; of course all Armenians are Catholics, and besides, -there is some French here too, but give me one corner of Accrington -and they can keep all this country. Just outside Mosul is the ruins -of Ninevah, the great city in olden days that was swallowed up by the -great earthquake: it is a big mound now, but there is big holes made -in it that a man can crawl through, and you can see the ruins of the -City beneath: I have been in them many a time, for we find Guards on it -every day; so that is how we pass the time away going through it. If -you ask one of the Priests they may be able to tell you about it (but -I shall be glad to see the back of it). The climate up here is just -like England--in fact it feels colder to me: it has rained ever since -we’ve been here, and I can tell you it’s none too comfortable, for -all we’ve got is one blanket and no other shelter of any kind. Well, -Lizzie, it’s time now I came to thank you for all the trouble I have -put you to; first of all, I don’t know how to thank you for getting me -that Roll of Honour, as you say it is a nice thing, but the reason I -wanted it mostly was because I had a good few mates who were on there. -God rest them! Mr Rolfe was my Troop Officer, he led us in the charge, -and the Turk that killed him was also killed by one of our fellows, so -that was one consolation; if you look on there you will see Private -Stones’ name; he came from Whally. Pte. M‘Nulty came from Birkenhead, -Pte. Cole from Halifax, and Tpr. Spicer from Dublin: he was only about -18 years old. I shall tell you all about them when I go to see you at -No. 41. It was very kind of Mr Eve for writing such a nice letter; his -son was a nice fellow and a fine leader. I seen him get killed, he was -shot right through the head. It was good of you getting them framed. -Again I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now I must thank you for -sending Xmas card, and above all, I was most delighted at getting poor -Dan’s Memory Card. God rest his soul. It’s the only thing that grieves -me, is he did not live so as to have the pleasure of meeting him again. -I was always looking forward to having a good time with him if both of -us had the luck, but as you say God knows best.” - - -_Extracts from letter from Captain H. C. D. FitzGibbon, Thirteenth -Hussars._ - - ”FIELD. - -”MY DEAR OLIVE,--Well, my goodness, a lot of things have -happened since my last letter to you. Peace! what an extraordinary -word: it is hard to believe the whole thing is over. I will try and -tell you all since my last letter. - -“The Brigade was in its summer camp, just a few miles north of Baghdad, -when I got back from leave. You remember I sent you a word saying we -were going out once more. The idea was to take the Fahta position. -The Turkish forces were then holding the gorge where the Tigris runs -through the Jebel Hamrin. It was supposed, and is, a very strong -position, with a desert on one side and a range of hills on the other. -He, however, did not hold all the passes, enabling us (the Cavalry) -to get over and behind his position. We night-marched round, and at -dawn attacked, but to find he did not like the look of the thing and -had gone in the night. We next met him on a rather strong position he -had taken up on the Lesser Zab. He held us up there for about three -days, and started to retreat on Mosul. We, or rather Cassels and his -Brigade (with the 7th Hussars) were rather too quick for him, and had -got between him and Mosul, dug themselves in, and held them up. A most -gallant performance. We were then hurried up to reinforce him as he was -not strong enough for the job, and would undoubtedly have failed had -we not come up. Two days after we had the lot prisoners, about 10,000. -My Regiment had rather a fine chance. About 900 Turks were holding a -fairly strong position on some hills with a very large field of fire -in front of them. We got Archies to clear up that position. The only -way to do it was mounted at the gallop over the open and dismount under -the crest of the hills. We formed up in two lines, Jeffrey’s and my -squadrons in the first line and the other two in the rear, and off we -went. Those who saw it said it was as fine a show as they had ever -seen. The line was as good as on parade. We crossed the open at full -gallop, dismounted under the crest, fixed bayonets, and before you -could say knife had a good footing on the crest. The whole thing was -so quick that the Turk was rather taken unawares, and we had cleared -up the whole position and taken the lot in no time. My squadron at the -time, the same as the others, was only sixty strong--that is to say, -about 40 dismounted men. The Colonel led the first line himself, and -got a bar to his D.S.O. for it--not bad!!! - -“After that we were hurried up the Mosul road. We took another 1800 -prisoners, reached a place called Hammam Ali about 15 miles south -of Mosul, and for the first time heard of the Turkish Armistice. I -then had a rather interesting time, as I went into Mosul with General -Cassels to interview the Turkish Commander. It was rather a unique -experience, the whole thing in French. To cut a long story short, they -were obliged by the terms to evacuate the Mosul Villayat. We marched -into the town, a very dirty but rather interesting place. A lot of -people speak French. We were camped outside with very few tents and a -very wet and cold climate, and no warm clothes to put on. The Regiment -was then detailed to send a squadron up to a place on the border called -Zakho, about 80 miles north of Mosul, to keep order, and here I am Lord -and Master of my little Kingdom. - -“It is rather funny being so far away from everybody, but rather nice -in a way. I have got two officers with me, Stirling and Hartigan. The -first you know of, and the other, also, is one of the best. We are -living for the first time for 2½ years in a house, not a bad one at -all, and even my men have got them into a large building, so on the -whole we are rather comfy. It is very pretty; the village is in a -beautifully fertile valley, with high snow-capped mountains in front -of me. Plenty to eat and lovely _water_ to drink, and so good for -one!!! and I am the Lord and Master of the district. We are well out of -Mesopot, and well into Kurdistan. Kurdish is an extraordinary language, -but quite a lot of people speak French. Their dress is quite pretty, in -a way rather like the Dutch with big trousers. The day before I left -Mosul, news came in that Germany had thrown in. It was early in the -morning, we were in a very small tent; I was shaving at the time: it -was received with great calm and indifference. News came in later the -same day that owing to the rain carts could not get up to us, and we -were put on half rations. Less indifference was shown to this bit of -news. - -“I can’t send this letter for a day or two, so will go on with it -to-morrow. Me voila encore une fois!... - -“It is extraordinary to think war is over! though I am afraid it will -be a long time before they let us all go. What a lot of mothers and -wives must be thankful. I suppose the sights at home must have been -wonderful. - -“I had a very interesting time yesterday. The mine only just started is -full of coal, and if worked with method I should say worth any amount -of money. The tribes in the hills are the most extraordinary thing in -the world: they know no law, and obey no master but the chief of their -tribe. Every man is armed with a rifle, and a modern one at that. Their -villages are in such places that only a goat can get at them, so they -can laugh at the whole world in general. The chief I had lunch with is -a well-known brigand who robs everybody who passes anywhere near him. - -“I had rather a funny complaint last night: A man came round most -beautifully dressed, started off with a long-winded speech about the -British and how just they were, &c., ending up by saying that the -headman’s servants had found his wife in the bazaar and soundly beaten -her, and did the British allow that sort of thing?” - - -_The Thirteenth Hussars’ Charge at Hadraniyah, by an Eye-Witness._ - -“It can be given to few to watch from a vantage-point, in near -vicinity, a spirited cavalry charge. All cavalrymen live for the day -when they may take part in this most exhilarating of all the movements -of war, and next to being a participator is the privilege of seeing a -charge take place. - -“At midday on October 29th, 1918, the situation near Hadraniyah was -critical--to the south, Cassels’ Brigade was still engaged delaying the -retreat of Haqui Bey’s Army; linked with him 2½ miles to the north, -Norton’s Brigade had, since dawn, been opposing the advance of the -reinforcements that were hurrying to the Turkish Commander’s assistance. - -“Almost due west of Hadraniyah Ford, in crossing which at nightfall on -the 28th the Brigade had lost twenty men drowned, stands ‘Richardson’s -Bluff.’ This Bluff is the culminating point of the ridge which forms -the old bank of the Tigris; it lies some 2000 yards from the present -river bank, and rises almost precipitously from the plain to the height -of some 150 feet. Just to the south of the Bluff there is a re-entrant -in the ridge, sweeping round which the latter continues to the south, -at first at a lower elevation, but gradually rising till it reaches -Huwaish Gorge, along the edge of which was Cassels’ position. The plain -between the Bluff and the river is as flat as the palm of the hand, -save for two mounds to the south and south-east, on the nearer of -which, some 900 yards distant, is a Mahommedan cemetery. At dawn the -reconnoitring squadron of the 13th Lancers had been driven back by gun -and machine-gun fire from the Bluff, and had taken cover on Cemetery -Hill. - -“At 8.15 A.M. the Thirteenth Hussars had endeavoured to gallop -the Bluff, but owing to the leading Squadron Commander, Captain Evans, -having fallen severely wounded, his squadron had lost direction and, -inclining to the left, had arrived at Cemetery Hill and relieved the -squadron of the 13th Lancers, and there it was joined by the remainder -of the Regiment. - -“Shortly after this the left was prolonged by the 14th Lancers, who -were disposed so as to intercept a junction between the enemy that were -opposing the 7th Brigade and those that were engaged with Cassels. - -“In support, in rear of the centre of our position, the 13th Lancers -were placed, while on the farther bank of the river, 3000 yards to -the east, was V Battery, R.H.A., in action against the enemy guns. -At 10 A.M., having forded the river, 337 A Battery, R.F.A., -came into action in our support, from about 2000 yards to the south of -Cemetery Hill. The combined fire of the two batteries soon silenced the -enemy guns, and General Norton, realising that the Bluff was the vital -point, decided to make a further attempt to wrest it from the enemy. - -“It was evident by this time that the hostile force on the Bluff was -considerably stronger than had been previously reported. Our position -on the lower ground was very precarious, and a successful decisive -attack by the Turks would have driven us into the open, rolled up -Cassels’ flank, and taken him in the rear. The terrain prevented an -accurate reconnaissance of the enemy’s position being made. It remained -for General Norton to take the responsibility of ordering a direct -attack to be made on the Bluff, supported by the guns. - -“Orders were issued, the Thirteenth Hussars concentrated on their -right, while both batteries heavily shelled the enemy’s position. - -“The concentration of the Thirteenth Hussars was evidently seen by the -enemy, and occasioned a heavy outburst of fire, which revealed the -fact that they were in possession of more machine-guns than up to then -had been calculated. In consequence of this General Norton ordered the -attack to be postponed while further artillery preparation took place. - -“At 12.45 P.M. the General decided that further delay would be -dangerous, and that the effort must be made. Our helio winked a message -to the batteries that the Thirteenth Hussars were to attack at 1.20 -P.M.; and that they were to increase their rates of fire. Both -batteries redoubled their efforts--admirably directed by Lt. Sutton (V -Battery, R.H.A.), both ranging and fuses being beautifully accurate; -they plastered the Bluff with H.E. and shrapnel. A slight delay in the -arrangements made it impossible for the attack to take place till 1.30 -P.M. In the interval the Thirteenth Hussars quietly formed up -in column of wings under cover of Cemetery Hill. - -“As the zero time approached urgent messages came from Major -Greenshields, commanding V Battery, that his ammunition was running -low. It was an anxious moment: on the crest of Cemetery Hill the -Brigade Headquarters Staff lay, taking what cover they could behind the -gravestones--down below the Hussars were quietly falling in, resolute -but serious, as all knew that much depended on the coming assault, -while its result was in the hands of the gods--on our left the 13th -and 14th Lancers were ready to ‘Mount’ and ‘Pursue,’ if the attack was -successful, or extricate their comrades if it was a reverse. - -“On the Bluff was a veritable inferno--the H.E. bursting in black -clouds, the shrapnel in fleece-like puffs, both hurling death on the -doomed Turks--one continuous and awful roar swept the threatened area. - -“Deafened by the noise and rendered dizzy by the concussion, Turks in -the advanced trenches on the crest of the hill could be seen getting -up and running in a drunken manner to the rear; some caught by bullets -while _en route_, fell; others disappeared in the burst of an H.E. -shell, and nothing remained when the black cloud cleared away. - -“And then the Hussars advanced; it was a glorious sight--the first line -led by their gallant Colonel, in perfect order, as if one on a drill -parade, swept round the edge of Cemetery Hill--the pace increased--on -they went with a loud inspiring cheer. Then equally steady followed the -second line. - -“The enemy’s machine-guns rattled furiously--ours replied -viciously--on, on went the Hussars--then to our horror we saw a check, -and we realised that, straight across the front of the Hussars, between -them and the Bluff, ran a nullah. - -“What is going to happen? Is it too wide? Can they cross it? Another -Omdurman or Shabkadr? were among the agonising thoughts that flashed -through our minds. - -“A little crowding--a horse down--then a cheer rose to our lips as -we saw the Colonel thread his way across, and then, on his heels, -scrambling, hustling, thrusting, scarcely checking, the first line -crossed and went on. - -“By this time the onlookers on the Cemetery Hill were mad with -excitement, and quite oblivious of the bullets still whistling over -them, they were standing up wildly cheering on the gallant Hussars. Now -they had reached the foot of the Bluff--so close was it to us that we -could distinguish individuals. - -“Off they get--fix bayonets--up the hill they scrambled, with their -Colonel still at their head; the barrage lifts beautifully in time--and -the Hussars clear the crest and, spreading like a fan, on they go. A -machine-gun is rushed--then a Hussar was seen to fall--bayonet work -begins.... - -”‘By God, they are counter-attacking!’ bursts from the Brigade Major’s -lips, as a party of Turks drive back a troop of the Hussars; but, -steady as rocks, the Hussars meet the new attack--a few shots, and -then the bayonet. On our left there is a thunder of hoofs--a host of -lance-pennons dotted o’er the countryside shows the 13th and 14th -Lancers are hurrying forward in support, lance in rest ready for the -pursuit. This is the final act in the drama, and then all sobriety is -forgotten; our helmets fly in the air as we cheer and cheer again, as -on all sides white flags of surrender are raised by the defeated Turks. - -“From every direction, in a few minutes, small bodies of the enemy, -marshalled by the gallant Hussars, can be seen marching in--and the -affair was over. - -“It was with a choke in the throat that, a few minutes later, we shook -hands with the gallant ‘Jimmy,’ and congratulated him on his splendid -success, and ourselves on having been privileged to watch and in some -way partake of it.” - - -_Transport fording the Tigris, 1918. Major A. Cooke, Q.M._ - -“On October 31st, the transport, which had been left at Huwaish on -the left bank of the river Tigris, received orders to march at 6 -A.M. and join the Brigade at Quayirah. - -“After marching about 4 miles the ford was reached--apparently the one -described in Lieutenant-General Sir W. R. Marshall’s despatch of 11th -April 1919, by which the 11th Cavalry Brigade, under Br.-General R. A. -Cassels, C.B., D.S.O., had crossed. - -“Two channels of the river had to be crossed before reaching the -main stream. Entering the latter, the ford followed a narrow ledge -in mid-river (the water here was about 4½ feet deep) which ran for -a distance of about 500 yards up-stream; it then turned to the left -through fairly shallow water to the right bank. To the right of the -ledge the water was at least 5½ feet deep, to the left flowed the rapid -and deep main stream of the Tigris. - -“If a vehicle got off the ledge into the deeper water on the right, it -was extremely difficult to get the animals to start again; but if they -got off to the left there was little or no hope of recovery. - -“The crossing was commenced, taking about 15 yards interval between -vehicles. Soon there came a check; the animals of one waggon, tired of -pulling against the rush of ice-cold water, came to a standstill. The -next waggon tried to pass to the right, but got into the deeper water, -and stayed there until extra animals could be hitched in--this, in -itself, proving a most difficult task. - -“The column was again got moving, but several similar stops occurred, -until a limbered waggon and a water-cart of the 14th Lancers got off -the ledge to the left and were lost, two of the four drivers and all -the mules being drowned. - -“All the transport of the Regiment, except the mess-carts, crossed -without trouble; these, being very light, had great difficulty in -stemming the swift current, and one was carried off the ledge and swept -down-stream. - -“The driver of this cart was Pte. Harding, a good old soldier who -was mentioned in despatches during the South African War for great -gallantry (‘Regimental History,’ volume ii. pp. 129 and 207). He was -accompanied in the cart by an Indian cook. - -“Every one who saw them carried away thought they were certainly -lost. Harding, however, kept his head, and, whilst being floated down -the river at a great pace, sat and handled his reins as though he -were driving along a hard road. The horse swam with the stream, the -well-laden cart floated evenly on the water, and the whole lot went -down-stream for about 800 yards before coming to a standstill. While in -deep water, Harding gradually steered towards the bank, and at length -guided the horse to where he could just scrape his feet along the -shingly bottom, and come to a halt, standing. - -“The horse was dead-beat, and it was feared that they would again be -carried away by the rush of water, when an Indian Artillery driver -rode into the river and reached the cart-horse’s head. By seizing the -rein and assisting and encouraging the horse, he eventually got it to -shallower water, where aid was forthcoming to get the cart ashore. - -“It was a most daring and gallant feat on the part of the Indian -driver, and his conduct was brought to the notice of the Army -Commander. Private Harding received the cheers and congratulations of -all assembled there, and was recommended for a reward. - -“This may not appear very exciting in print, but when it is remembered -that the Tigris is about 300 yards wide, with such a volume of water -rushing down that no communication by shouting is possible, except at -very short distances, and that men and animals were struggling and -drowning at the time, the writer thinks that all who read this account -will agree that fording the Tigris with the transport afforded not the -least of the many thrilling incidents of the closing days of the war.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -SCOPE AND MEANING OF THE MESOPOTAMIAN CAMPAIGN. THE SHARE IN IT OF THE -THIRTEENTH HUSSARS. - - -The bearing of the campaign in Mesopotamia upon the issues of the Great -War has already been examined in the course of the narrative; but at -the risk of some repetition it seems desirable to sum up here the -achievements of the British in this part of the world, and to see what -effect they had upon the general situation. - -No one was in a better position to give a correct view of the subject -in a few words than the Commander who had the thoroughly deserved good -fortune to complete the overthrow of the Turks and the conquest of the -country. General Marshall, in his despatch of the 1st February 1919, -writes as follows:-- - -“The campaign in Mesopotamia has lasted just four years. From small -beginnings, when Fort Fao was captured on November 6th, 1914, the -ration strength of the force when Mosul was occupied had grown to some -420,000, including labour battalions. - -“The area of territory of the Turkish Empire which has been conquered -and occupied amounts to 114,000 square miles. The sphere of operations -has included Trans-Caucasia and Trans-Caspia, and detachments furnished -by the force are being employed over territory extending from -Deir-as-Zor on the Euphrates, 330 miles north-west of Baghdad, to Merv -in Trans-Caspia, some 1450 miles north-east of Baghdad. - -“Actual captures since the beginning of the campaign amount to 45,500 -prisoners and 250 guns, together with vast quantities of war material -of all descriptions. - -“These results have been achieved in a country destitute of shade -in summer, and impassable owing to floods in wet weather, and are a -lasting record of the gallantry and endurance of the officers and men, -both British and Indian, who have fought uncomplainingly in spite of -heat, thirst, rain, and discomfort, for four years in Mesopotamia.” - -This no doubt is a true and in some respects a striking presentment of -the case; but it is a modest one, and more might have been said without -exaggeration. - -Mention has been made in earlier chapters of the scheme of world -dominion conceived by the Germans, and of the part which Turkey was to -play in it. Germany aimed not only at becoming the Paramount Power in -Europe, but at the supreme control of the East. The two things were -parts, and equally important parts, of the great conspiracy. They were, -so to speak, the twin pillars upon which the whole vast superstructure -of German dominion was to rest. For the Eastern part of the scheme -Turkey was essential. Upon the geographical situation and the military -power of Turkey, supported by German gold and German military science, -supported also by the Sultan’s influence as the spiritual head of -Islam, everything depended. Through their vassal Turkey, the Germans -were to strike down their most formidable enemy--England, whose fleet -stood between them and the dominion of the world. This is not mere -surmise. Germany made little secret of her intentions, or of the means -by which they were to be fulfilled. - -When Turkey proceeded to declare war against the Allies and to carry -out her part in the German scheme, she was very soon able, after -beating off an attack on the Dardanelles, to throw her whole weight -into Asia. From the nature of things her military effort then resolved -itself into an advance upon three fronts. On her left she struck at the -Russians in the Caucasus, in the centre she struck at both Russians and -English in Persia, and hoped to work through Persia upon Afghanistan -and India. On her right she struck at England in Egypt. All these -countries--the Caucasus, Persia, Afghanistan, the Indian Frontier, -Egypt--were mainly or largely Mahomedan, and the Koran was to give -weight to the blows of the Turkish sword. - -Before very long Russia broke up, and England stood practically alone, -so that in Western Asia it became a duel between her and Turkey. The -struggle was fought out on all three of the Turkish fronts, but mainly -in the centre and on the Turkish right. On both these fronts England, -though dangerously weak at first, grew stronger and stronger as time -went on, until eventually she overwhelmed her enemy. Instead of being -attacked and beaten in Egypt, she advanced from Egypt and crushed -the Turkish armies in Palestine and Syria. Instead of being attacked -and beaten in Persia and India, she advanced into Mesopotamia, and -planted the British flag upon the citadels of Baghdad and Mosul. Under -these tremendous blows the Turkish military power collapsed, and with -it collapsed the Eastern part of the German world-scheme. Perhaps -more than this might be said; for the fall of Turkey was no doubt a -heavy shock and discouragement to Turkey’s masters, struggling hard -themselves to carry out their conquest of Europe. But it is enough -to know that the British armies in Mesopotamia and Palestine brought -Turkey to her knees. - -It is not necessary to inquire which of the two had the leading share -in this great feat of arms. They were portions of one Imperial Army, -and though fighting hundreds of miles apart, with a vast desert between -them, they were enabled, through England’s command of the sea, to -afford each other some support. The Mesopotamian Army more than once -sent large forces round by sea to join the army in Palestine, and -Allenby’s victories in Palestine reacted with immense effect upon the -situation in Mesopotamia. It was a signal instance of the influence of -sea power in war, for it did much to neutralise the great advantage -given to Turkey by her central position against her widely-parted -enemies. The two of them, striking separately, yet in a sense together, -from their common base, the sea, overthrew and ruined her. - -It was the same sea power that enabled England to make each of them -efficient in itself. Not only did the sea bring them their hundreds of -thousands of fighting men, but the sea brought them everything needed -to let their men fight with success. As to the Mesopotamian campaign, -it was, as its very name implies, a river campaign, and the utilisation -of the Turkish rivers, especially the Tigris, was the first essential -of success. Nothing was so remarkable in all the history of the -campaign as the way in which the Tigris was broken in and transformed -from an almost insuperable obstacle into a great military highway. By -a hard and sustained effort, impossible for any nation but the mistress -of the seas, the turbulent undisciplined river was tamed and enlisted -in the service of the invaders, and its carrying power was increased -nearly a thousandfold. When Maude began his advance, its surface was -swarming with steamboats that had found their way, thanks to the daring -and skill of British seamen, from the Hughli and the Irawadi and the -Thames, until they were numerous enough to carry a large army into -the heart of the Turkish Empire, and to keep it supplied with all the -multitudinous necessities of modern war. - -The river steamers were supported by rapidly constructed railways and -roads, and all manner of engineering works; new irrigation channels -were made or ancient channels reopened; many of the wild Arab tribes -were gradually brought to see the advantages of order and service; -crops were raised and gathered; altogether the activities of our people -were innumerable, and the conquest of a country almost as large as the -United Kingdom went hand-in-hand with the measures necessary for making -it prosperous and contented. - -What its future will be no one can say. To take over such a country, -with its turbulent population and unsettled frontiers and outlying -responsibilities of many kinds, is a formidable task; but in any case -the conquest of it, from such an enemy as the Turk, was no small -contribution to the work done by the British Empire in the Great War. -It was performed at a distance from England, among scenes unfamiliar to -Englishmen, and, partly owing to Press restrictions, it did not greatly -appeal to the country’s attention, which was naturally enough fixed -upon the progress of the conflict in Europe; but it was none the less -a great achievement, and one of which all concerned in it may well be -proud. - -Among those concerned in it was the Regiment whose history forms the -subject of this book, and there remains to be considered now the part -which the Regiment played in the campaign. - -The Thirteenth were perhaps fortunate in that they did not come to -Mesopotamia until 1916, when the first half, and the most trying -half, of the Mesopotamian Campaign was over. They had no part in the -earlier fighting, when the British force was small and ill-found, and -its difficulties great. They were spared the troubles and sufferings -endured by the troops who conquered the lower part of the country; -they did not march up with Townshend to the bloody field of Ctesiphon, -or share in the desperate efforts to break through to his relief when -he was shut up in Kut. When they landed at Basra all that was over. -Horrified at the losses and sufferings entailed by its attempt--one of -its customary attempts--to make a small force do the work of a large -one, the nation had suddenly woken up to the needs of Mesopotamia; and, -blaming every one but those chiefly to blame, itself and its statesmen, -was now pouring in without stint Regiments and guns and river steamers -and every kind of war material. It could not bring back to life the -thousands of men sacrificed, or undo the injustice done to some of its -best soldiers, but it was determined that the Mesopotamian force should -for the future fight with reasonable chances of success; and though its -attention was soon diverted again, it certainly made a fine effort, the -result of which was to endure. The Thirteenth came in on the turn of -the tide, and though they had before them two years of hard work and -hard fighting, they were never to know the bitterness of defeat. - -Nevertheless the work was severe, and the issue of the fighting was -often doubtful for a time. That it uniformly ended in success, and -eventually in complete triumph, was proof of very high qualities in the -men who led and the men who followed. For the Turk is a stubborn enemy. -He was once acknowledged, by general consent, as the best soldier in -Europe; and if time has deprived him of some of his reputation, it -still stands deservedly high. - -As in the Palestine campaign, so in Mesopotamia, the Cavalry found its -chance. There, as in all modern war, it was no doubt the Infantry and -guns which mainly decided the fate of battles; but the Cavalry had much -to do for the armies both before and after battle, in reconnaissance, -in sweeping the country for supplies, in pursuit, and in the turning -movements which at times brought about the enemy’s ruin. Even in the -actual shock of battle they were not wholly excluded from a share of -fighting and honour. Some tributes to the value of their services in -Mesopotamia have already been recorded in earlier chapters. There is -one service which perhaps has not been sufficiently brought out. The -whole plan of General Maude’s attack upon the Turkish army which faced -him on the north bank of the Tigris, when he began his advance in -December 1916, was to push up the south bank, and keep threatening -their rear from that side until they had so extended the line held by -their troops that they were no longer strong enough to hold it all -securely--to prevent his forcing a passage at some point and getting -in behind their main body. As he put it in a letter to General Symons: -“The Turks were very sticky and would not go for a long time, but -we gradually stretched them and stretched them till owing to their -casualties they were much weakened, and then we struck boldly at their -tail across the Tigris. I had been hammering at this for two months, -and the fact that they would not give up Sannaiyat, and consequently -placed themselves in the dangerous position of having a line of -communication in prolongation of their battle front, was their undoing.” - -And the Cavalry had much to do with this stretching process. In his -despatch giving an account of the whole advance to Baghdad, General -Maude writes:-- - -“The work of the Cavalry had been difficult. The flat terrain -intersected with nalas obstructed movement without providing cover, and -the state of the country after heavy rains made progress even for short -distances laborious. The absence of water, too, away from the river, -limited its radius of action. Nevertheless its reconnaissance work and -the blows delivered against the enemy’s communications helped in no -small way to bring about that dissipation of his forces which was so -essential to our success, and the pressure applied after the passage of -the Tigris to the retreating enemy was instrumental in completing his -final rout.” - -The Thirteenth, working from their camp on the Hai river, did their -full share of the Cavalry work so described. - -During the subsequent march on Baghdad, to quote again General Maude’s -letter to General Symons: “Your old Regiment did splendidly,” and in -the course of it, at Lajj, they had their first chance, while pressing -the pursuit, of delivering a real Cavalry charge, mounted and sword in -hand. - -This charge, “a brilliant charge,” as General Maude called it, was -the first of several which have been described in earlier chapters. -At Tekrit, at Kulawand, and at Tuz Kermatli the Regiment got in with -the sword; and if the final onslaught at Hadraniya was made on foot -with the bayonet, it was none the less a hand-to-hand attack, after -a gallop across the open to the foot of the bluff on which were the -Turkish trenches. Nor is an assault with the bayonet less creditable -than a mounted charge. Naturally a Cavalry Regiment will always long -for that, and rejoice in it if it comes; but, as many leading soldiers -have now recognised, Cavalry under present conditions, to be thoroughly -efficient, must be able to fight on foot as well as on horseback. Ever -since the American Civil War this has become clearer and clearer. The -Thirteenth in Mesopotamia, as other Cavalry Regiments in this war, -have in a measure reverted to their old rôle as Dragoons, to whom the -firearm of the Infantry is as familiar as the sword. - -Far from lessening the honour due to them, the fact that both at Lajj -and at Hadraniya the Thirteenth showed they could fight either way, is -very much to their credit. There was no lack of the Cavalry spirit. -Their whole inclination was to charge on horseback, sword in hand. But, -if necessary, they could do something more. - -To conclude, perhaps the most valuable singly of all the services -rendered by the Cavalry during the campaign, was the one of which the -Hadraniya charge was only a part--namely, the long march round into the -enemy’s rear and the closing of his line of retreat, which led to the -surrender of his whole force. The credit of this daring feat is due -in the first place to Cassels and his own 11th Brigade, but the 7th -Brigade too deserved much credit, for it may be doubted whether without -their timely help Cassels and his men could have held their own against -the repeated and desperate attacks of an enemy so superior in numbers. - -Altogether, the Thirteenth Hussars did their duty well from the -beginning to the end of their stay in Mesopotamia, which lasted for -two years and a half. During that time they gained much honour at a -heavy cost. Of their officers, eight were killed in action or died -on service, two were disabled and taken prisoners, and fourteen were -wounded. In other ranks the numbers were 90, 2, and 176. It is an -honourable record. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -RETURN TO ENGLAND--CONCLUSION. - - -The Thirteenth remained in and about Mosul throughout the months of -November and December 1918; but early in January 1919 they were ordered -to return to Baghdad, and marching on the 11th of the month, arrived in -Baghdad on the 29th. - -There they remained in camp for some weeks, when the welcome order -was received to embark for England. On the 10th March, the Regiment -went on board a river steamer, and started on their journey down the -Tigris. It was a large vessel, and with them were their old comrades -of the Fourteenth Hussars. Trans-shipping at Basra to the _Etna_, and -at Bombay to the _City of Sparta_, they arrived on the 29th April in -the Mersey, and on the following day went ashore at Liverpool. On the -5th May they marched into the Cavalry Barracks at Aldershot, where they -were to be quartered. - -Here this History of ‘The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War’ -naturally comes to an end, for though the war was not formally -concluded, the Regiment was now in England again, and its share in the -military operations was over. - -But so much has been written and spoken during the last few years -regarding the value of Cavalry in modern war that, as remarked in the -introductory chapter, it seems desirable, before leaving the subject of -the services performed by the Regiment, to say a few words upon this -question. It is one about which professional soldiers only can have an -opinion of any value, and I therefore confine myself to quoting the -opinion of professional soldiers. - -[Illustration: ON THE WAY HOME - -THE “CITY OF SPARTA” PASSING A JAPANESE DESTROYER IN THE SUEZ CANAL] - -The authorities whose views have been most definitely stated are Lord -Haig, Lord Allenby, and the two Generals who commanded in Mesopotamia, -Maude and Marshall.[61] The last two have been already quoted as to the -Cavalry work in the advance to Baghdad, and beyond. General Allenby has -written as follows regarding the operations in Palestine:-- - -“The Desert Mounted Corps took some 46,000 prisoners during the -operations. The complete destruction of the VIIth and VIIIth Turkish -armies depended mainly on the rapidity with which their communications -were reached, and on quick decision in dealing with the enemy’s columns -as they attempted to escape. The vigorous handling of the Cavalry by -its leaders, and the rapidity of its movement, overcame all attempts to -delay its progress. The enemy’s columns, after they had out-distanced -the pursuing Infantry, were given no time to reorganise and fight their -way through.” - -Of course, the Cavalry did not effect their work alone. General -Allenby says that the breaking of the enemy’s entrenched lines by the -Infantry enabled the Cavalry to accomplish its mission. But this is -no detraction from the merit of either. Both arms did their duty, and -the result, in Palestine as in Mesopotamia, was what Henderson calls -the most important operation of grand tactics--the surrounding and -destruction of an enemy’s army. - -General Haig is perhaps the most important witness of all, not only -because of the greatness of his command, but because the Western Front, -with its immense system of trenches, stretching from end to end of the -theatre of war, was the one where Cavalry was at special disadvantage. -In his final despatch, summing up the features of the war, he -deliberately takes up the question, and gives his answer. I quote the -following words:-- - - -”_The Value of Cavalry in Modern War._ - -“17. From time to time, as the war of position dragged on, and the -enemy’s trench systems remained unbroken, while questions of man-power -and the shortage of shipping became acute, the wisdom or necessity of -maintaining any large force of mounted men was freely discussed. In -the light of the full experience of the War, the decision to preserve -the Cavalry Corps has been fully justified. It has been proved that -Cavalry, whether used for shock effect under suitable conditions, or -as mobile Infantry, have still an indispensable part to play in modern -war. Moreover, it cannot safely be assumed that in all future wars, the -flanks of the opposing forces will rest on neutral states or impassable -obstacles. Whenever such a condition does not obtain, opportunities for -the use of Cavalry must arise frequently.” - -General Haig proceeds to justify his opinion by examples, and concludes -with a reference to the position of the British Cavalry on the morning -of the Armistice which closed the war. “There is no doubt that, had -the advance of the Cavalry been allowed to continue, the enemy’s -disorganised retreat would have been turned into a rout.” In fact, the -Armistice deprived the British Cavalry of the certainty of striking, in -the last and greatest of all wars hitherto fought, and in that theatre -of the war where they were at special disadvantage, the most stupendous -blow ever struck by a body of armed horsemen since the history of the -world began. - -The British Cavalry consisted of Regiments similar to the Thirteenth -Hussars. The story of such a Regiment is not therefore, as some think, -the story of one unit of an arm which is now useless in war--as -useless, it has been said, as bows and arrows. On the contrary, Cavalry -has proved its usefulness up till now, and we may be sure that in the -near future at all events, whether used on horseback for battle-shock, -or as mobile Infantry, or in any other way of duty, it will still do -good service to its country, as it has done in the past. The Cavalry -spirit, please God, will never die in our people so long as war endures -in the world, nor is there any reason to fear that we shall soon see -the last of the famous squadrons in which that spirit is so gloriously -embodied. - -[Illustration: A GROUP OF OFFICERS OF THE REGIMENT TAKEN IN OCTOBER -1920 BY ELLIOTT & FRY - -BACK ROW (Left to Right)--Lieut. A. H. WOOD, 2nd -Lieut. H.R.H. PRINCE HENRY, Lieut. W. P. MADGIN, -Lieut. M. C. KENNEDY, Lieut. W. W. N. DAVIES, Lieut. -A. C. HARRINGTON, Lieut. C. F. COLLINS, Lieut, C. -E. C. BOVEY. - -SITTING (First Row)--Major and Quartermaster A. -COOKE, Bt. Major H. LL. JONES, D.S.O., Major E. H. -STOCKER, Bt. Lt.-Col E. F. TWIST, Lt.-Col. J. J. -RICHARDSON, D.S.O., Bt. Lt.-Col. T. H. S. MARCHANT, -D.S.O., Capt. J. H. HIND, Capt. J. G. OAKES, Capt. -S. V. KENNEDY, M.C. - -SITTING (Second Row)--Lieut. E. V. DUNBAR, Australian -Forces; Lieut. W. H. HILLESS, Australian Forces.] - - - - -APPENDIX I. - - ROLL OF OFFICERS WHO BELONGED TO OR SERVED WITH THE REGIMENT - BETWEEN AUGUST 1914 AND NOVEMBER 1918. - - - Lieutenant A. E. Annett. - ” R. R. Anson. - ” W. G. Baker. - ” E. P. Barrett. - ” J. L. M. Barrett. - 2nd Lieutenant A. C. Barrington. - Lieutenant Hon. J. F. Best.[62] - ” J. W. Biggar. - Captain W. E. Bigge (Northumberland Hussars). - Captain W. Blyth. - Lieutenant E. Bristol. - ” F. H. Butler. - Major (Bt. Lieut.-Col.) E. J. Carter. - Lieutenant D. A. C. Chamberlain (R.A.M.C.) - 2nd Lieutenant G. W. Cheeseman.{62} - Lieutenant J. I. Chrystall, M.C. - ” J. O. P. Clarkson. - ” B. W. D. Cochrane. - Captain G. G. Collett (R.A.M.C.) - Lieutenant C. F. Collins. - 2nd Lieutenant R. C. Constable.{62} - Major and Q.M. A. Cooke. - Rev. H. Cooke, M.C. - Lieutenant E. G. Corner. - Captain F. C. Covell. - Major R. F. Cox. - Lieutenant W. P. Crawford-Greene. - Captain J. Cullenan (R.A.M.C.) - 2nd Lieutenant W. W. N. Davies. - Major J. V. Dawson. - 2nd Lieutenant H. G. Deerham.{62} - Captain M. H. C. Doll. - Lieutenant G. F. Earle. - ” A. J. C. Elkan. - Captain W. A. Elliott (R.A.M.C.) - ” J. W. D. Evans (21st Lancers). - ” W. H. Eve. - Lieutenant M. R. Farrer. - ” H. C. D. FitzGibbon, M.C. - 2nd Lieutenant A. H. F. Fletcher.[63] - Lieutenant G. R. Foster.{62} - ” C. W. Gardner. - 2nd Lieutenant W. R. Gibbons.{62} - Captain D. W. Godfree, M.C. (21st Lancers). - Lieutenant E. Goodman. - ” R. Gore. - ” C. H. Gowan, M.C. - Major R. S. Hamilton-Grace. - Lieutenant J. Hampson. - 2nd Lieutenant W. B. Harrison.{62} - Lieutenant M. G. Hartigan, M.C. - 2nd Lieutenant H. R. Hawkins.{62} - Captain R. C. Hill. - Captain J. H. Hind. - Lieutenant J. H. Hirsch. - ” E. T. Hollingdale. - Captain A. L. Horner (R.A.V.C.) - ” J. E. P. Howey (Bedford Yeomanry). - Captain Lord Huntingfield.[64] - ” T. K. Jackson. - ” J. A. Jeffrey, M.C. - Lieutenant C. W. Jemmett. - ” H. H. Johnson, M.M. - Captain L. C. Johnston (R.A.M.C.) - Major H. Ll. Jones, D.S.O. - Lieutenant H. R. Jones, M.C. - ” B. E. H. Judkins. - Major W. A. Kennard, D.S.O.{64} - Lieutenant M. C. Kennedy. - Captain S. V. Kennedy, M.C. - Lieutenant H. G. Keswick. - ” F. G. Lawrence. - ” T. E. Lawson-Smith.[65] - ” A. M. Le Patourel. - ” J. A. Lord. - ” J. H. Lucas. - Captain J. N. Lumley, M.C. - 2nd Lieutenant G. Lynch-Staunton. - Captain H. MacDonald, M.C. - Lieutenant C. A. G. M‘Lagan. - 2nd Lieutenant W. Madgin.[66] - Major (Bt. Lieut.-Col.) T. H. S. Marchant, D.S.O. - Captain D. M. Methven (21st Lancers). - Lieutenant R. J. V. Michell. - ” N. L. Moon. - 2nd Lieutenant H. A. Moore.{66} - Lieutenant J. F. Munster. - Captain N. Neill.[67] - Lieutenant W. G. Newman. - Captain H. G. T. Newton. - Lieutenant D. J. E. Norton, M.C. - ” W. J. L. Norwood. - Captain J. O. Oakes. - Lieutenant L. A. Ormrod. - Lieutenant L. Osmond. - ” L. G. Owen. - ” R. B. Pardon. - ” G. H. Parkes, M.C. - Captain F. N. Payne. - Lieutenant W. R. Pearson. - ” G. R. Pedder. - Lieut.-Col. W. Pepys. - Lieutenant E. F. Pinnington. - ” W. J. C. Pook. - Lieut.-Col. J. J. Richardson, D.S.O. - Lieutenant W. Riley-Smith. - Captain S. O. Robinson. - Lieutenant F. G. Roche (R.A.M.C.) - 2nd Lieutenant E. V. Rolfe. - Captain W. G. Rose (R.A.M.C.) - Lieutenant G. R. Russell. - ” C. F. Ryder.{66} - Captain A. M. Sassoon, O.B.E., M.C. - ” V. H. Seeker (14th Hussars). - Lieutenant T. Shanley.{66} - ” P. H. J. Sheil. - 2nd Lieutenant A. J. R. M. Sibson. - ” R. W. M. G. Smith-Sligo.{66} - Major C. Steele. - Lieutenant D. A. Stirling. - Captain E. H. Stocker. - Lieutenant V. F. Symondson.[68] - Brig.-Gen. A. Symons, C.M.G. - Lieut.-Col. E. F. Twist. - Captain A. Vlasto (R.A.M.C.), M.C. - Lieutenant G. R. Watson-Smyth. - ” G. L. M. Welstead. - 2nd Lieutenant C. A. Whitchurch.{66} - Lieutenant A. Williams. - Captain B. H. Williams. - Lieutenant T. Williams-Taylor. - ” C. A. F. Wingfield. - ” A. H. Wood. - Captain E. Wordley (R.A.M.C.) - 2nd Lieutenant G. F. Wrigley. - Lieutenant E. Wright. - - - ROLL OF WARRANT OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND MEN, WHO - SERVED WITH THE REGIMENT DURING THE WAR. - -Those marked with an asterisk (*) did not serve in Mesopotamia with the -Regiment. - - 7324 Private Abbott, W. - 46265 ” (Sad.) Adams, J. - 24407 ” Adams, J. N. - 16435 ” Adams, R. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 3, - 1917). - 321371 ” Adderley, J. - 15709 ” Adrian, F. - 4721 ” Adrian, H. - 21791 ” Aiken, G. N. - 10889 ” Akers, G. - 11030 ” Alexander, A. - 4763 S.S.M. Allan, W. J. (_twice - mentioned in despatches_, - Dec. 29, 1916, and Jan. 4, - 1917; gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, - Lincolnshire R., Nov. 3, 1917). - 13940 Private Allaway, W. - 24483 ” Allen, A. - 2336 Lance-Corporal Allidine, F.* - 255670 Private Allot, W. - 33146 ” Allsop, E. - 46238 ” Allston, J. (_mentioned - in despatches_, Aug. - 27, 1918). - 10659 ” Allum, C. E. - 21526 ” Ames, F. T. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 3499 ” Ammon, W.* - 27712 ” Amphlett, W. S. - 6859 Lance-Corporal Anderson, F.* - 4770 Sergeant Anderson, G. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 1298 Private (S.S.) Anderson, W.* - 15773 ” Andrews, F. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 23136 ” Andrews, J. L. N. - 6507 ” Angier, W. B. - (_wounded in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 3884 ” Annand, G. - 22369 ” Annibal, G. L. - 3939 ” Ansell, J. G.* - 1952 ” Ansell, T. S. - 16393 ” Archer, F. - 10942 Corporal Arlotte, E.* - 46187 Sergeant Arnott, W. H. - 5720 S.S.Far. Arthur, R. - 46220 Private (S.S.) Ashcroft, A. - 5574 ” Ashdale, F.* - 7815 Lance-Corporal Ashwood, T. - 27837 Private Atkins, E. - 255951 ” Atkins, F. - 3254 Lance-Sergeant Aukett, H. - H. L. (_awarded_ M.M., Dec. - 1, 1918). - 6613 Private Austin, J.* - 4421 Lance-Corporal Austin, V.* - 22509 Private Ayres, J. (_wounded in - action_, July 18, - 1915).* - 16561 ” Bache, H. - 325891 ” Baggott, A. E. - 16289 Private Baker, A.* - 255687 ” Baker, J. E. - 2715 ” Baker, W. - 3774 F.S.M. Bald, A. (_mentioned - in despatches_, Aug. 27, - 1918; _awarded_ L.S. and - G.C. Medal, April 1, 1917). - 3130 Private Ball, D. - 13660 ” Ball, R. H. - 4388 Corporal (S.S.) Ballard, - A. C. W. (_died_ Sept. 27, - 1918). - 4606 Sergeant Barham, W. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. 4, - 1917). - 18943 Private Barker, J. H. - (_wounded in action_, Nov. 3, - 1917). - 46254 Lance-Corporal Barling, F. - 8809 Private Barlow, B. - 4712 Sergeant Barnard, G. A. - (_wounded in action_, Oct. - 29, 1918). - 23684 Lance-Corporal Barnfield, E. - 32808 Private Barrett, A. S. - 46250 Lance-Sergeant Barron, J. - 8267 Lance-Corporal Bartlett, F. - (_drowned in Tigris_, Oct. - 28, 1918). - 3117 Lance-Sergeant Bartlett, W. - G. (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917)· - 19975 Private Bartley, J. - 5300 Lance-Sergeant Batchelor, D. - 5301 Corporal Batchelor, E. - 281957 Private Bath, T. - 27888 ” Batten, A. - 11694 ” Beadle, A. - 3977 Corporal Beadle, W. (_died_, - Mar. 6, 1917, _of wounds - received in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 27907 Private Beales, G. - 276662 ” Beales, H. J. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. - 3, 1917). - 4837 Private Bean, C.* - 8138 ” Beaty, W. - 2712 ” Beauchamp A. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 25, 1917; - _mentioned in despatches_). - 32800 ” Beaver, E. F. - (_wounded in action_, - May 10, 1918). - 6991 ” Beaver, J. - 41218 ” Bedder, E. - 24741 ” Beesley, J. (_died_, - May 20, 1917). - 6871 Sergeant Bell, E. C. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, 1917). - 3973 Private Bell, H. (_wounded in - action_, Feb. 25, 1917; _died_ - Oct. 30, 1918). - 4000 Lance-Corporal Bennett, D. - 22761 Private Bennett, S. B. - 325228 ” Bennett, W. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 4, 1917). - 7566 ” Benoit, F. T. - 281959 ” Bent, A. - 8564 ” (S.S.) Berry, F. - 15652 ” Berry, F. (_wounded - in action_, Dec. 3, - 1917). - 11959 ” Berry, M. W. - 22301 ” Bertwistle, G. - 10331 Sergeant Bettis, J. A. - 11595 Private Bexon, L. - 21481 ” Biddiscombe, A. - 10957 ” Biggs, J. H. (_awarded_ - M.S.M., Dec. 24, - 1918). - 8894 ” Birchenough, E. - 325383 ” Bird, H. H. - 4430 ” Bird, I.* - 206277 ” Bishop, A. - 301559 ” Blackburn, J. H. - 3470 ” Blake, J. G. A. - 46209 ” (S.S.) Blanchard, F. - H. - 1551 Private Blaney, J. - 1130 Corporal (S.S.) Block, R.* - 325366 Private Blundell, G. A. - 31718 ” Bocking, J. - 1357 Lance-Corporal Bolton, W. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 3928 Sergeant Bond, W. - 37866 Private Bone, J. - 1327 ” Boorman, G. - 12910 ” Botfield, E. J. - 15605 ” Boulton, W. G. - 4600 Lance-Corporal Bowie, G. W. - (_awarded_ D.C.M., Aug. 29, - 1917). - 32811 Private Bowley, C. - 5718 Sergeant Bradley, W. - 255016 ” Bradshaw, A. - 300436 Private Bramall, H. - 9183 Corporal Bray, W. - 1150 R.Q.M.S. Brearley, J. (_mentioned - in despatches_, Aug. - 14, 1917; _awarded_ D.C.M., - Aug. 29, 1917; _awarded_ - L.S. and G.C. Medal, April - 1, 1918). - 255770 Private Bree, D. - 2711 Sergeant Brencher, L. P. - 29343 Private Briston, J. - 6893 ” Bristow, W. F.* - 41590 ” Britnell, A. L. - 3688 S.S.Far. Brockway, G.* - 321377 Private Brookshaw, W. - 27714 ” Broomfield, F. - (_drowned at sea_, - April 15, 1917). - 4112 ” Brown, G. F. - 23362 ” Brown, G. W. - 1176 ” Brown, J.* - 11458 ” Brown, J. G.* - 255875 ” Brown, J. L. - 24069 ” Brown, N. - 8475 Corporal (Sad.) Brown, W. R. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 31902 Private Browning, W. - 1404 Private Brunton, F.* - 24751 ” Buckland, E. - 1710 ” Buckley, J. - 15801 ” Bullen, E. R. - 24739 ” Bullock, T. - 7514 Lance-Corporal Burder, H. A. - (_wounded in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 8575 Sergeant Burgess, G. - 46196 Lance-Corporal Burgess, J. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 6618 Private Burgess, T.* - 6894 ” Burgess, W. - 46184 Corporal Burgess, W. - 6918 Sergeant Burgess, W. H. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. - 5, 1917; _wounded in action_, - May 10, 1918; _awarded_ - M.M., June 2, 1918). - 9385 Private Burns, J.* - 15316 Lance-Corporal Bush, F. K. - 22850 ” Bush, J.* - 4794 Private Bushell, B. H. - 29114 Lance-Corporal Butcher, R. A. - 6768 Private Butler, F.* - 41251 ” Butler, H. - 3259 ” Butters, C. - 6262 ” Buttle, W.* - 46253 ” Byrne, J. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 453 Sergeant Byrne, P. - 13605 Lance-Corporal Calder, J. - 32820 Private Callery, T. - 6554 ” Calver, F.* - 24682 ” Calvert, M. - 3433 ” Cameron, D. - 595 ” Campbell, P.* _alias_ - Devlin, P. - 7135 Lance-Corporal Candy, R.* - 382 Corporal Carlile, J. H. - 3960 Sergeant Carnegie, T. - (_awarded_ M.S.M., April 29, - 1917; _awarded_ L.S. and - G.C. Medal, April 1, 1917). - 6177 Corporal Carpenter, J. (_mentioned - in despatches_). - 11281 Private Carradine, J.* - 6913 ” Carter, G. - 46246 Lance-Corporal (Tptr.) Carter, - W. P. - 9206 Private Cartwright, A. - 300025 ” Cartwright, W. A. - 285137 ” Cave, N. P. - 13516 ” Challiner, H.* - 860 ” Chamberlain, A. V. - 4509 ” Chambers, H.* - 31923 ” Chamley, D. - 6519 ” Chapman, J.* - 15828 ” Chapman, J. T.* - 46205 ” Chapman, P. - 1854 ” (S.S.) Chapman, T.* - 285444 Lance-Corporal Chaundy, E. - G. - 1970 Private Chinery, W. H. - 3938 Sergeant Chipperfield, P. - (_died_ Mar. 6, 1917, _of - wounds received in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 3974 Private Chisholm, T. - 6427 Sergeant Christie, H. - 16094 Private Christie, J. G.* - 256498 Lance-Corporal Church, W. G. - 5886 R.S.M. Churchhouse, M.* - (gazetted 2nd Lieutenant - Lincolnshire R., June 16, - 1915). - 1018 Lance-Corporal Clancy, J. - (_wounded in action_, April - 27, 1918). - 4275 Private Clare, J. - 8270 Far.S. Clark, A. E. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 2337 Private (S.S.) Clark, D. W. - 6637 Sergeant Clark, S.* - 24488 Private Clarke, C. - 235368 ” (Tptr.) Clarke, F. J. - W. - 276664 ” Clarke, G. W. - 1666 ” Clarke, W.* - 15594 ” Clarke, W. A. - 6759 Private Cleary, E. - 3132 Sergeant Clement, J. H. - 9009 Private Cleveland, J. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917; - _awarded_ M.S.M., April 29, - 1917). - 5791 Corporal (Tptr.) Coakes, J.* - 10657 Private Cochrane, A. L.* - 8769 ” Coker, R. C. - 24495 ” Cole, J. (_died_ Mar. - 14, 1917, _of wounds - received in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 15846 ” Cole, J. B. G.* - 29633 ” Cole, R. G. - 46178 Far.Staff-S. Colenutt, A. - (_awarded_ L.S. and G.C. - Medal, Oct. 1, 1918). - 4851 Private Coles, S.* - 6244 ” Collard, E. - 3628 ” Collier, C. - 1915 Sergeant Collins, P. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 8395 Private Collins, S. - 41414 ” Comery, J. - 6084 ” Conolly, T. - 9432 ” Conroy, M. C. - 24489 Corporal Cook, F. - 11165 Private Cook, F. J. - 6897 Sergeant Cook, G. (_died_ July - 27, 1916). - 24753 Private Cook, H. - 18130 ” Cook, T. P. - 29113 ” Cooke, G.* - 4226 ” Cooke, J. - 13739 ” Cooper, C. (_wounded - in action_, Oct. 19, - 1917). - 41111 ” Cooper, J. - 5577 Lance-Corporal Corbin, W. G. - (_awarded_ M.M., Nov. 16, - 1917). - 13599 Private Cordey, H.* - 497 ” Cornell, F. - 4724 ” Cornish, R.* - 5805 ” Corton, C.* - 7409 Private Costello, D. - 32832 ” Cottrell, F. B. - 4504 ” (S.S.) Couch, J. F. - (_awarded_ D.C.M., - Aug. 29, 1917; - _died_ July 4, 1918). - 2351 ” Course, R.* - 5815 ” Cox, E. J. - 32822 ” Cox, F. - 14775 ” Cozens, P. - 10939 ” Crabtree, E. - 4523 ” Craven, T. S. - (_awarded_ M.S.M. - Dec. 24, 1918). - 21486 ” Creene, F. J. - 32695 ” Creeper, F. W. - 16106 ” Cressey, S. W.* - 5801 ” Crocker, S. - 5079 ” Croft, G.* - 255719 ” Crook, H. - 21135 ” Cross, G. - 24421 ” Crossinggum, B. - 2898 ” Crouch, T. (_killed in - action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 10992 ” Crowder, H.* - 6731 ” Cubitt, C. (_awarded_ - M.M., June 2, - 1918). - 24500 ” Culleton, M. - 255788 ” Culpin, R. - 21532 ” Cumins, S. H.* - 18285 ” Cunningham, E. - 6473 Sergeant Cunningham, J. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 15, 1917; _awarded_ M.M., - May 18, 1918). - 255640 Private Cuthbert, A. G. V. - 27842 ” Cutler, H. J. - 21206 ” Danter, C. H. - 5513 ” Darby, J. - 13176 ” Dardis, R. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 15830 ” Davies, J. W. - 21837 Private Davies, W. J. - (_wounded in action_, - Oct. 19, 1917). - 9213 ” Davis, H. - 16942 ” Davis, H. G. (_killed - in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 6505 ” Davis, R. J.* - 10971 ” Davis, W. F. - (_wounded in action_, - Oct. 19, 1917). - 2129 Lance-Corporal Day, G. A. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 4, 1917; _wounded in action_, - Nov. 3, 1917). - 281974 Private Deamon, E. - 4117 Lance-Corporal Debman, S.* - 46219 Lance-Sergeant Deeley, H. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 22488 Private Dehner, F.* - 3544 ” Delaney, C. (_wounded in - action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 205497 ” Dent, W. D. (_died_ - Nov. 15, 1918). - 8560 ” Derry, F. - 32841 ” Dickens, J. - 32838 ” Dimblebee, G. - 9221 ” Disley, W.* - 32842 ” Dismore, A. H. - 23179 ” Dixey, W. - 493 Lance-Sergeant Dobbie, C. - 9369 Private Dobson, J. - 6265 ” Dolton, H.* - 520 Corporal (S.S.) Donald, J. - 3258 Private Donnachie, W.* - 9116 ” Donoghue, J. - (_drowned in Tigris_, - Oct. 28, 1918). - 46182 S.S.M. Douthwaite, C. M. - (_mentioned in despatches_, - April 15, 1918). - 5528 Private Dowdall, W. - 3549 ” Downie, A.* - 3491 Private Downie, D. (_died_ - Oct. 3, 1916). - 9038 ” Doyle, J. - 18361 ” Driscoll, J.* - 1984 ” Drury, H. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 26444 ” (S.S.) Duckett, F. - 24088 ” Duke, S. - 2169 ” Dumbrill, G. J. - 24073 ” Dutton, B. - 11124 Lance-Corporal Dutton, J. C. - 21995 Private Dyer, E. - 5440 ” Dymock, J. E. - 46216 ” Dyne, H. A. - 325214 ” Dyson, H. - 11899 ” (S.S.) Earl, A. - (_wounded in action_, - May 10, 1918). - 41427 ” Earnshaw, A. - 798 ” Eaves, J.* - 16463 ” Edmunds, R.* - 1173 O.R.Q.M.S. Edwardes, E. V.* - 9634 Private Edwards, A. C. - 46223 R.Q.M.S. Edwards, H. J. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917; _mentioned in - despatches_). - 5444 Private Edwards, J. - 9199 ” Edwards, W. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. - 5, 1917). - 3124 ” Ellis, P. - 21611 ” Elphick, H. R.* - 235756 ” Elsworthy, A. - 16845 ” Enstone, C. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 46239 Sergeant Ethell, J. R. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 5447 Private Etherington, A.* - 18185 ” Evans, G. G. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 424 ” Ewen, H. M.* - 206279 ” (Tptr.) Ewing, R. C. - 6957 Private Fahey, F.* - 13840 ” Fairbairn, F. (_wounded - in action_, July - 18, 1915). - 4603 ” Farmer, A.* - 11749 ” Farmer, R. S. - 3855 S.S.Far. Farnden, H.* - 8223 Private Faulkner, R. - 321443 ” Fear, C. J. - 31943 ” Fegan, J. G. - 205407 ” Fendom, A. S. - 3252 Lance-Corporal Fenn, S. - 32848 Private Fern, W. (_accidentally - drowned_, July 17, - 1918). - 1530 Lance-Corporal Ferns, E. - 9020 Private Fewell, J. E. - 7012 Lance-Corporal Field, C.* - 6881 Private Field, E. - 206290 ” Filewood, F. - 18245 ” Finch, F. - 255654 ” Fisher, W. - 41 Sergeant Fitzpatrick, I.* - 46235 Private Flanagan, F. - 18343 ” Flindell, D. (_died_ - Mar. 6, 1917, _of - wounds received in - action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 2052 ” Flynn, M.* - 3925 Corporal Forbes, J. - 41598 Private Ford, F. G. - 13531 ” Ford, R. - 4723 ” Foreman, A. - 321448 ” Forsdick, B. H. - 2263 Lance-Sergeant Foster, J. H. - (_mentioned in despatches_, - April 15, 1918). - 27586 Private Fowler, E. - 23463 ” Fox, J.* - 3964 Cook Sgt. Francis, A.* - 21068 Private Francis, S. H. - 5882 ” Francomb, A. W. - (_killed in action_, - Nov. 5, 1917). - 46192 Sergeant Fraser, C. J. - 8803 Private Free, S. W. - 13062 ” Freeman, G. H. - 1137 ” Freeman, O. - 8119 ” Freeman, W. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. - 5, 1917)· - 22872 ” French, C.* - 3940 ” (Tptr.) French, H.* - 32851 ” French, R. - 24368 ” Frost, J. - 5808 ” Froud, A. G. - 5703 Sergeant Frudd, E.* - 1828 Cook Sgt. Fryer, E. H. - 41678 Private Gabell, A. J. - 5072 Sergeant Gage, F. R. - 21316 Private Gage, H. J. - 6229 ” Gair, W. H. - 4004 ” Galbraith, D. - 22803 ” Galley, W. G. - 5957 Lance-Corporal (Tptr.) Galloway, - A. O. - 5612 Private Garrod, E.* - 1339 Lance-Corporal Garrod, G. A. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 8268 Sergeant Garrod, S.* - 6361 Lance-Corporal Garton, G. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 4852 Lance-Corporal Gates, J.* - 32855 Private Geaney, C. - 15670 Lance-Corporal Gee, A. - 13604 Private Gent, J. H. - 3887 ” George, A.* - 8392 Lance-Corporal (S.S.) George, - J. (_wounded in action_, April - 29, 1918). - 11879 Private George, J.* - 5802 Lance-Corporal George, R.* - 6590 ” George, W. - S. (_died_, Mar. 16, 1917, _of - wounds received in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 24728 Private Gerrard, H. D. - (_wounded in action_, Oct. 29, - 1918). - 46218 Sergeant Gilbert, W. (_prisoner - of war_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 6215 Sergeant Gilbert, W. J.* - 325514 Private Giles, H. J. - 30555 Sergeant (Tptr.) Gill, S. - (_mentioned in despatches_, - April 15, 1918). - 46203 Private Gillies, R. - 3545 Lance-Corporal Gilliver, F. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 41255 Private Gilman, C. E. - 23199 ” Ginks, G. - 2221 ” Girling, F.* - 29238 ” Glass, A. W. - 3113 ” (Sad.) Glenister, A. - E. - 276670 ” Glenn, G. - 281980 ” Glew, E. - 8552 ” Glover, W. - 5417 S.Q.M.S. Goddard, D. F. B. - 46199 Sergeant Goddard, E. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 4507 Lance-Corporal Gold, A. F. - 6471 Sergeant Gold, F.* - 276669 Private Goodall, F. - 6615 ” Goodland, E. W. - 3398 ” Goold, H. H. - 24568 ” Goulding, E. - 24569 ” Goulding, T. - 7612 Lance-Corporal Gowing, C. - H. - 4972 Lance-Corporal Grahame, I. - C. J. (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 25, 1917). - 4850 Private Grant, J.* - 6579 Sergeant Grant, R.* - 46240 ” Gray, J. (_mentioned - in despatches_, Aug. 14, - 1917; _killed in action_, - Nov. 5, 1917). - 13622 Private Gray, W. - 32858 ” Green, A. - 4426 ” Greene, P. C. - 325325 ” Greening, D. - 255693 Private Grieff, R. - 15736 ” Griffen, H. - 32857 ” Griffen, H. H. - 1534 ” Griffin, -- - 15013 ” Griffiths, J. E. - 16505 ” Grivell, C. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 46175 ” Groves, J. - 13612 Lance-Corporal Gull, F. - 24303 Private Gunton, T. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 4, - 1917). - 24494 ” Guthrie, J. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 7539 ” Gutsell, S. - 2004 Far.S. (S.S.) Gutsell, T. - 15788 Private Habbitts, W. J. - 10168 ” Hack, B. G. - 24456 ” Haigh, J. - 1128 S.Q.M.S. Haines, J.* - 2348 ” Haines, S. B. (_mentioned - in despatches_; - _awarded_ D.C.M.) - 21195 Private Haley, E. - 46204 ” Hall, E. A. - 6263 ” Hall, H. - 24449 ” Hall, J. - 11416 ” Hall, V. - 18198 ” Halstead, C. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. - 5, 1917). - 4790 Lance-Corporal Ham, G. - 2899 ” (Tptr.) Hamilton, - H. A. (_wounded in - action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 301163 Private Hammond, W. (_accidentally - drowned_, June 19, - 1918). - 6472 Sergeant Hammond, W. J. R. - 27700 Private Hancock, T. F. - 5808 ” Hanglin, H.* - 6708 ” Hannah, I.* - 5809 ” Hanslip, W. (_wounded - in action_, May - 13, 1915). - 19409 Private Harding, F. - 22968 ” Harding, H. J. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 25, 1917). - 13902 ” Harding, J. T. - (_awarded_ M.S.M.) - 301071 ” Hardyman, A. C. - 24321 ” Harker, T. E. - 9277 ” Harman, A. - 21238 ” Harris, C. (_wounded - in action_, July 14, - 1915; _wounded in - action_, Dec. 5, - 1917) - 46243 Corporal Harris, E. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 24577 Private Harris, L. - 6667 Sergeant Harrison, A. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 2270 Private Hart, A.* - 1138 ” Hart, G. (_wounded in - action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 46230 Corporal Hart, W. - 8799 Private Hartopp, W. - 6542 ” Harvey, F. (_wounded - in action_, Oct. 29, - 1918). - 16791 ” Harvey, J. L. (_wounded - in action_, April - 28, 1918). - 285650 ” Hatwell, H. J. - 1160 ” Haughey, M. J. - 16555 Lance-Corporal Hawkes, J. S. - 32881 Private Hay, J. - 14632 ” Hayden, W. H. - 7417 ” Hayes, F.* - 2352 Sergeant Hayes, J. - 1637 Private Haynes, A. - 15680 ” Hayter, C. F.* - 32863 ” Hayworth, F. (_died_ - Nov. 14, 1918). - 510 ” Hazeltine, J. A. - 13711 ” (S.S.) Heard, A. - 6550 ” Heathman, A. E. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 25, 1917). - 46227 Private Helme, N. - 31946 ” Hembrow, H. - 7006 ” Hemmings, H. - 6523 Corporal (S.S.) Hemsworth, P. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 425 Corporal Henderson, W. - 4234 Private (S.S.) Henley, W.* - 4605 ” Henn, W. H. - 13001 ” Herbert, P. H. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 7846 ” Hetherington, J. - 5830 ” Heyburn, G. E. - (_wounded in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 16431 ” Hibbert, A. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 24271 ” Hickingbotham, J. - 32872 ” Hickles, G. - 13043 ” Higgs, A. F. - 24382 ” Higgs, J. W. - 8269 S.Q.M.S. Higgs, W. - 2897 Sergeant Hill, A. E. - 4114 Private Hill, G. A. (_wounded - in action_, Jan. 29, - 1917). - 9607 ” Hill, H. - 10802 R.S.M. Hill, R. C. (gazetted - 2nd Lieutenant, Mar. 19, - 1916). - 1195 Sergeant Hill, W. J. (_mentioned - in despatches_; - _wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917; _wounded in - action_, Oct. 29, 1918). - 46479 Private Hilton, G. A. - 18718 ” Hirons, G. W. - 1971 ” Hiscox, S.* - 5921 Corporal Hobbs, J. (_died_ - Aug. 1, 1916). - 46256 S.S.M. Hockey, R. G. - 301069 Private Hodder, C. H. - 3859 Corporal Hodge, A. - 31949 Private Hodge, F. - 31950 ” Hogan, J. - 16668 Private Hogarth, F. W. - 10385 ” Hogben, A. S.* - 2653 ” Hogg, A. W. T. - 22954 ” Hogg, C. - 32865 ” Holbrook, W. J. - 32869 ” Holdsworth, J. W. - 46226 ” Holland, A. H. - 13959 ” Holland, F. - 4608 ” Holland, W. - 1162 ” Hollaron, J.* - 46191 Sergeant Holloway, H. S. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 15, 1917; _mentioned in - despatches_, April 15, 1918). - 3978 Sergeant Holloway, R. (_killed - in action_, Oct. 29, 1918). - 5306 Private Homer, H. A. - 32880 ” Hone, R. - 46237 ” Hooper, S. - 32879 ” Hopcroft, T. E. - 4422 ” Hopkins, A. (_wounded - in action_, Dec. - 14, 1916). - 24613 ” Horrex, G. A. - 8554 ” Howard, H. - 4913 Lance-Corporal Howard, J. - (_died_ July 22, 1915, _of - wounds received in action_, - July 22, 1915). - 11912 Private Howard, J. S. - 301122 ” Howard, O. - 256561 Lance-Corporal Howden, H. - 5812 Private Howland, S. M. - 5305 ” Howlett, S. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 4, - 1917). - 24051 ” Howlett, T. H. - 4148 ” Hows, W. E. (_died_ - July 28, 1916). - 15779 ” Hubbard, H. - 6768 ” Hudson, A. E. - (_wounded in action_, - April 29, 1918). - 206282 ” Hudson, B. - 46247 Lance-Sergeant Hudson, H. - (_wounded in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 8796 Private Humphrey, E. - (_awarded_ M.M., - Dec. 1, 1918). - 305706 ” Humphrey, H. L. - 15572 ” Hunt, C. W. - 13616 ” Hunt, W. F. (_died_ - July 19, 1915, _of - wounds received in - action_, July 18, - 1915). - 4113 ” Hunter, E. - 32877 ” Hurley, D. - 4695 ” Hurn, W. - 6543 ” Ives, W. - 22420 ” Jackson, G. W.* - 255696 ” Jackson, H. W. - 8895 ” Jackson, J.* - 41457 ” Jackson, J. - 24493 ” Jackson, W. - 15628 ” Jacobs, I. H. - 22967 Lance-Corporal James, E. - (_killed in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 13828 Private James, H. - 9021 ” James, S., _alias_ - Roberts, H. - 13417 ” James-Moore, J. H. - (_awarded_ M.S.M., - April 29, 1917). - 24882 ” Jarrett, S. W. - 32884 ” Jasper, F. G. (_killed - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 18983 ” Jeffrey, J. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 3123 ” Jelley, G. - 285607 ” Jiggins, W. F. - 255905 ” Johnson, A. - 26790 ” Johnson, G. - 2717 Sergeant Johnson, J. (_wounded - in action_, March 5, - 1917). - 9182 Private (S.S.) Johnson, W. - 797 ” Johnston, G.* - 46255 Sergeant Johnstone, T. - 9285 Private Jones, A. (_awarded_ - D.C.M., Mar. 5, 1917; - _killed in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 6154 Lance-Corporal Jones, C.* - 11626 Private Jones, D. E. - 9363 ” Jones, J. - 1163 ” Jones, L. - 18064 ” Jones, R.* - 285674 ” Jones, S. - 16995 ” Jones, T. R. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 325391 ” Jones, W. G. - 3850 ” Jordan, C. W. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 9283 ” Jordan, M. (_wounded - in action_, Dec. 17, - 1916). - 9247 ” Jowett, R.* - 255700 ” Jukes, J. E. - 13216 ” Kane, M. - 13242 ” Keaney, P. (_prisoner - of war_, April 23, - 1917). - 13460 ” Keely, J. - 206283 ” Keeton, G. - 41461 ” Kelly, F. E. - 7303 ” Kelly, H.* - 16533 ” Kemp, J. W. - 26448 ” Kendall, R. - 6164 Sergeant Kennard, F. - 300482 Private Kennings, G. - 11936 Lance-Corporal Kennington, - C. H. (_killed in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 3920 Private Kenny, J. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, 1917). - 46188 Corporal Kent, G. F. S. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 24478 Private Kerr, C. (_wounded in - action_, April 28, 1918). - 276631 Lance-Corporal Keyworth, - J. H. - 6850 Private Killacky, T. (_died_ - July 28, 1916). - 6866 ” Killick, A. (_killed in - action_, Feb. 4, - 1917). - 1200 ” Kimberley, W. - 25067 ” King, A.* - 2038 ” King, F. - 15664 ” King, G. W. - 6436 Sergeant King, J. - 16228 Private King, W. - 23059 ” Kingstone, F. C. - 4792 ” Kirby, J. H. - 27989 ” Kirby, T. L. - 9156 ” Kirk, W. H. - 7548 ” Kirkham, J. - 11417 ” Kirkham, W. - 4976 Lance-Corporal Kitcher, F. C. - (_awarded_ M.M., May 18, - 1918). - 3126 Sergeant Knapman, H. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 24308 Private Knight, A. - 9945 ” Knight, B. - 281994 ” Knight, L. - 11641 ” Knight, W. G. - (_wounded in action_, - May 6, 1918). - 4798 ” Kyte, A.* - 4799 ” Kyte, F. - 46213 Lance-Corporal Lacey, E. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 46252 Private Ladley, A. E. - 26789 ” Laggett, H.* - 46172 S.S.M. (Rough Rider) Laing, - H. (_awarded_ L.S. and G.C. - Medal, April 1, 1918). - 11973 Private Lamb, W. - 2511 Sergeant Lamb, W. F. - 16936 Private Lambert, L. J. - 4520 ” Landells, D.* - 9739 ” Langford, J. - 6253 ” Langley, A. - 6882 S.S.M. Langley, W. J. - 2513 Private Lapham, B.* - 24502 Private Lapham, W. E. - 2900 ” Larner, J. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 4085 Sergeant Larter, E. L.* - 46190 Corporal Lawless, T. G. - 22591 Private Lawrence, G. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 6899 ” Leddy, F.* - 3493 ” Lee, A.* - 26309 Lance-Corporal Lee, A.* - 6630 Private Lee, F.* - 276632 Lance-Sergeant Leeman, W. - (_killed in action_, Oct. 29, - 1918). - 18749 Private Legge, S. T. - 2713 ” Leplea, W. - 21528 ” Levy, L. V. - 2650 ” (S.S.) Lewin, H.* - 2159 ” Lewis, J. W. (_wounded - in action_, Jan. - 14, 1917). - 11629 ” Liddle, A. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 3, - 1917). - 4348 Lance-Corporal Lindsey, H. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917; _wounded in - action_, Nov. 5, 1917). - 9627 Lance-Corporal Lingley, H.* - 3929 Private Linton, J. - 32892 ” Little, P. W. (_wounded - in action_, Oct. - 29, 1918). - 24075 ” Llewellyn, J. - 4796 ” Lock, F.* - 3858 ” Locker, J. E. H. - 6765 ” Lockerty, J.* - 22903 Lance-Corporal Lomas, F. - (_awarded_ M.M., June 2, - 1918). - 6572 Sergeant Long, E. A.* - 32893 Private Longstaff, J. G. - 22450 Lance-Corporal Lonsdale, - R.* - 27616 Private Lovejoy, S. A. - (_drowned at sea_, - April 15, 1917). - 1565 ” Lovell, C.* - 4609 Lance-Sergeant Lowder, E. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 10809 Lance-Corporal (Tptr.) Lowe, - J. - 26310 Corporal Luetchford, W. J. - (_wounded in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 9567 Sergeant Luff, H.* - 24902 Private Lyman, F. (_killed in - action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 12158 ” M‘Allister, W. - 10649 ” M‘Auliffe, J. G. - 6240 S.Q.M.S. M‘Bride, F. A. - (_awarded_ D.C.M.) - 1183 Private M‘Cardy, P. - 13537 ” M‘Cormick, A. - 3807 ” M‘Creadie, W. (_died_ - Mar. 6, 1917, _of - wounds received in - action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 46207 ” M‘Donald, J. - 13224 ” M‘Donnell, M. (_killed - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 2563 ” M‘Dougall, M. - 11253 ” M‘Govern, J. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. - 5, 1917). - 1809 ” M‘Grath, E. - 24900 ” M‘Gregor, E. - 11636 ” M‘Ilwrath, J. C. - 206284 ” Mack, R. J. - 32897 ” M‘Kay, J. - 11958 ” (S.S.) M‘Kee, W. F. - 5075 ” M‘Kenna, I.* - 24845 ” M‘Kenzie, A. E. - 11967 ” Mackenzie, J. - 13632 ” M‘Kirdy, J. - 13099 ” M‘Nulty, P. (_killed in - action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 3439 Private M‘Queen, H. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. - 24, 1917). - 31956 ” M‘Queen, R. C. B. - (_wounded in action_, - April 29, 1918). - 256554 ” Madelin, A. - 9339 Acting-Sergeant Madge, C. J. - 32909 Private Maggs, H. V. - 7066 Lance-Corporal (Tptr.) Maguire, - W. F. (_mentioned in - despatches_). - 8372 Private Mahoney, T.* - 24886 ” Main, D. (_wounded in - action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 1908 ” Mallindine, J. T. - 24082 ” Manby, E. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 13704 ” Mant, A. - 27487 ” Markham, H. J. - 46179 ” Marney, J. R. - 5316 ” Marr, W. J. - 6624 ” Marsh, E.* - 4797 ” (S.S.) Marsh, F. A. - (_wounded in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 31776 ” (S.S.) Marshall, A. W. - 6517 ” Marshall, E. - 41003 ” Marshall, P. - 9189 Lance-Corporal Martin, F. - (_wounded in action_, July - 18, 1915). - 32898 Private Martin, J. - 5581 ” Martin, W. F. - (_wounded in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 15841 ” Mason, B. F. - 13541 ” Mason, R. - 6791 ” Mason, Reuben (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 13106 ” Massey, C. - 13112 ” Massey, C. T. - 3782 ” Masters, W.* - 32907 ” Maton, L. - 46224 Sergeant Matthews, W. - (_awarded_ M.M., Nov. 16, - 1917; _killed in action_, - April 28, 1918). - 41723 Private Matthews, W. J. - 46183 S.S.M. Medhurst, A. - 22892 Private Mellanby, G. B. - 13200 Lance-Corporal Mellor, A. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917; _wounded in - action_, May 10, 1918). - 8605 Private Mercer, D. - 24735 ” Mercer, L. - 15353 ” Messenger, T. J. - 7611 Lance-Corporal Metcalfe, I.* - 301128 Private Miles, J. - 1165 ” Millar, T. A. - 206305 ” Millard, W. G. - 8588 ” Miller, C. A. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 11960 ” Miller, H. H. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. - 3, 1917). - 3801 Lance-Corporal Miller, T. R. - (_killed in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 24892 Private Millican, S. (_accidentally - shot_, Oct. - 27, 1916). - 41167 ” Millis, S. H. - 1554 ” Mills, H. - 23055 ” Mills, J. - 8587 ” Minton, E. B. - 6643 Corporal Mitchell, G.* - 235634 Private Moaby, B. - 8232 ” Moggeridge, T. - 5811 ” Moir, F. (_wounded in - action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 3128 Corporal Molyneux, F. - 3852 Private Montague, F. - 18767 ” Moody, G. A. - 27853 ” Moon, J. - 6880 ” Moore, A.* - 281999 ” Moore, A. E. - 15630 ” Moore, E. - 29866 Private Moore, J. - 235344 ” Moore, J. - 32908 ” Moore, J. T. T. - 6705 Corporal Moore, L. J. - 6397 Private Moore, P. (_died_, Nov. - 22, 1918). - 46228 ” Morgan, A. M. - 1664 ” Morgan, P. W. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 25, 1917). - 1663 ” Morgan, S. G. - 3001 ” Morgan, W.* - 13135 ” (S.S.) Morrey, J. - 5432 ” Morris, E.* - 7561 ” Morris, E. - 6830 Corporal Morris, J. (_killed in - action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 276679 Private Morris, J. E. - 11916 ” Morrison, J. (_prisoner - of war_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 3541 ” Morrison, W.* - 16961 ” Mortimer, H. H. - (_awarded_ M. M., - Nov. 16, 1917). - 5317 Sergeant Moss, E. E. (_awarded_ - M.M.) - 24725 Private Moss, J. A. - 15746 ” Mothers, C. - 46229 Corporal Mott, E. - 46211 Private Moule, -- - 13219 ” Mulcahy, P. - 31825 ” Munday, W. - 9566 S.S.M. Mushett, E. - 32914 Private Nash, T. E. - 4857 Lance-Corporal Neal, G. C. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 4435 Corporal Neale, A.* - 31790 ” Neale, A. C. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 16407 Private New, A. J.* - 4171 Corporal Newman, A. S. - (_killed in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 235478 Private Newman, F. A. - 6989 Sergeant Newman, M. - 31751 Private Newman, W. H. - (_drowned in Tigris_, - Oct. 28, 1918). - 11259 ” Newton, B.* - 46234 ” (Tptr.) Newton, W. J. - 3809 ” Nicholls, J. - 27732 ” Noone, W. F. - 41566 ” Norledge, F. G. - (_drowned at sea_, - April 15, 1917). - 3490 ” Norman, J.* - 27798 ” North, L. (_drowned - at sea_, April 15, - 1917). - 27919 ” Nunney, G. N. - 9382 Lance-Corporal O’Connor, J. - (_wounded in action_, Nov. 3, - 1917). - 11438 Private O’Connor, T. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. - 4, 1917). - 31835 ” O’Shea, M. - 23686 ” Owen, A. (_died_ May - 10, 1918, _of wounds - received in action_, - April 29, 1918; - _awarded_ M.M., May - 18, 1918). - 13090 ” Owen, F. - 11633 ” Packer, W. H. - 799 Sergeant Page, C. W. - 13510 Private Palk, F. R. - 4009 ” (S.S.) Pankhurst, J. - (_killed in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 5522 Lance-Corporal Parker, A.* - 41492 Private Parker, C. - 29857 ” Parker, J. E. - 5302 ” Parkes, C. - 695 ” Parr, J.* - 3924 ” Parsons, A.* - 6161 ” Parsons, F. G. - 3125 Lance-Corporal Parsons, R.* - 32918 Private Parton, J. A. - 26121 ” Partridge, W. J.* - 18681 ” Pate, A.* - 23432 Private Patrick, V. (_wounded - in action_, Oct. 29, - 1918). - 49091 ” Pay, W. W. (_mentioned - in despatches_). - 7009 Corporal Payne, A. E. - 32926 Private Payne, C. - 1969 ” Payne, F. - 15676 ” Payne, R.* - 18332 ” Payton, W. J. - 7929 ” Pearce, J. - 2518 ” Pearson, H.* - 206306 ” Pease, S. W. - 22518 ” Peet, G. (_wounded in - action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 46249 ” Penny, B. - 7927 Far.S. Perkins, F. - 24492 Private Perkins, G. - 13082 Lance-Corporal Perkins, W. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 24138 Private Peronne, B. R.* - 26893 ” Perrott, J. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 4527 Corporal (Sad.) Perry, J. - 10888 Private Peters, W. - 46181 ” Petman, R. D. - 24553 ” Petre, W. - 3967 ” Pettifor, H. - 33312 ” Phelps, H. - 31959 ” Phillips, J. - 46245 ” Pierce, J. - 4420 ” Piggott, J. C. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 1, - 1917). - 3744 Lance-Corporal Pinner, G. - 27471 Private Piper, J. W. - 1201 ” Pitman, D. (_killed in - action_, July 12, - 1915). - 4289 Corporal (Sad.) Plumbly, S. - (_wounded in action_, Dec. 15, - 1916). - 24988 Private Plumbridge, E. W. - 5811 Private Plumridge, C. F.* - (_wounded in action_, Aug. - 18, 1915). - 5514 Lance-Corporal Poile, W.* - 7746 Private Pomeroy, W. H. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. - 5, 1917). - 26127 ” Pook, A. F.* - 46222 S.S.M. Popham, E. L. (_mentioned - in despatches_, Aug. 14, - 1917). - 235772 Private Pople, C. - 6838 Corporal Pople, G. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 6221 Private Porter, R. - 6235 ” Posford, C. - 46200 S.S.M. Potter, A. (_mentioned - in despatches_, Aug. 14, - 1917). - 27823 Corporal Potter, S. (_wounded - in action_, April 28, 1918). - 6410 Private Powell, W. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 4, - 1917; _wounded in - action_, Oct. 29, - 1918). - 4505 ” Pratt, F. W. (_wounded - in action_, Dec. 17, - 1916). - 46180 ” Pretsell, J. - 240125 ” Price, R. - 80 ” Pringle, W. - 18089 ” Prior, E. W. - 2856 ” Proctor, W. - 2341 ” Prosser, A. P. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 25, 1917). - 4111 ” Pullen, E. L. - 13703 ” Pullen, V.* - 675 ” (Tptr.) Purchase, J. - 29262 ” Purser, A. - 24061 ” Purvis, W. - 16783 ” Quinney, J. - 11991 ” Radford, W. C. N. - 1801 ” Raggett, A.* - 4405 ” Rainbird, L. - 4429 Lance-Corporal Rainbird, W.* - 6762 Private Raines, J. - 16300 ” Ralls, W. J. - 6876 ” Ralph, A. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 4360 ” Randall, F. E. - 5319 ” Randell, C. - 1167 ” Rapple, T.* - 13476 Lance-Corporal Ratcliffe, J. - 13436 Private Ratcliffe, R.* - 4524 Lance-Corporal Ratty, G. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 8885 Private Ratty, W. - 9202 ” Rawbone, S.* - 18235 ” Rawlinson, R. - 46248 Corporal Rayment, J. W. - 423 ” Rayner, G. (_mentioned - in despatches_; - _awarded_ D.C.M., Feb. 1, - 1918). - 4422 Lance-Corporal Reaves, A. E. - (_wounded in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 24931 Private Reaves, T. - 41502 ” Redman, R. G. A. - (_drowned at sea_, - April 15, 1917). - 13865 ” Rees, C. V.* - 300480 ” Reeves, G. - 235876 ” Reeves, W. - 11127 ” Reid, C. W.* - 2253 Lance-Sergeant Reid, J. - 235715 Private Rendle, A. R. C. - 205542 ” Revolta, G. R. E. - 15784 ” Reynolds, F. G. - (_wounded in action_, - July 18, 1915). - 3808 Lance-Sergeant Richards, A. - N. (_awarded_ M.S.M., Oct. - 16, 1918). - 11436 Private (S.S.) Richards, J. - 46187 Sergeant Richardson, A. - 22931 Lance-Corporal Richardson, - R. W. - 28341 Private Ricketts, W. - 46242 Private Ridley, G. E. - 206307 ” Risdon, A. - 32933 ” Roberts, A. - 16278 ” Roberts, F. - 9014 ” Roberts, G.* - 8076 ” Roberts, J. H. - 6166 ” Roberts, J. L. - (_awarded_ D.C.M., - 1917; _died_ April - 10, 1917, _of - wounds received - in action_, April 8, - 1917). - 7821 Corporal Roberts, W. H. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 11911 Private Robertson, J. - 8551 ” Robertson, N. - 1198 ” Robins, F. - 31771 ” Robinson, W. H. - 11504 Lance-Corporal Rochester, - L. M. - 27991 Private Rockcliffe, F. W. - 32939 ” Rogers, F. R. - 1947 ” Rogers, H. - 4118 Sergeant Rogers, J. H. (_mentioned - twice in despatches_; - _awarded_ M.S.M., Dec. 24, - 1918). - 32937 Private Rogers, W. - 276683 ” Rook, E. - 1361 ” Rostron, J. - 31960 ” Rowley, L. (_wounded - in action_, April 28, - 1918). - 206114 ” Rubins, H. - 2936 ” Russell, G. - 9045 ” Ryan, M. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 9191 Lance-Corporal Ryder, J. W. - 27739 Private Salter, W. A. - 49118 ” Sambrook, T. W. - 32954 ” Sampson, C. P. - 6170 ” Saunders, E. - 1188 Lance-Corporal Saunders, J. - 25010 Private Savill, A. G. - 10656 ” Sawyer, F. J. - 41804 ” Sawyer, J. G. - (_drowned at sea_, - April 15, 1917). - 4343 Lance-Corporal (Tptr.) Scarr, - C. H. T. - 11937 Private Schofield, L. B. - 3704 ” Schubert, H. - 1426 ” Schubert, J. (_died_ - July 26, 1916). - 4570 ” Scobell, -- - 5970 ” Scott, A. C. - 46197 ” Scott, J. - 4342 ” Scott, S. A. - 13567 ” Scott, W. J. - 1576 ” Seagull, G. A. - 24316 ” Searing, H. - 10972 ” Searle, E. - 26261 ” Sebiour, F. - 9026 ” Seekins, H. - 46186 R.S.M. Seekins, S. (_awarded_ - M.C., Feb. 7, 1918). - 1189 Corporal Sexton, L. - 6753 Private Shadgeth, H.* - 41785 ” Shannon, J. - 5785 ” Shaw, A. J. (_wounded - in action_, May 6, - 1918). - 24071 ” Sheen, W. (_wounded in - action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 321441 ” Shepherd, S. W. - 4344 ” Sheppard, J. O. - 32964 ” Sheppard, T. G. - 32955 ” Sherlock, S. - 5585 ” Shoebridge, J. - 6202 ” Shorter, A. E. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 1, 1917). - 46241 Lance-Corporal Shrimpton, - W. J. - 5734 Sergeant Sidwell, W. V. - 46185 Private Sims, W. H. - 751 Lance-Corporal Singleton, - J. E. - 32963 Private Sinnott, H. - 282017 Private Sisson, J. M. - 285535 ” Slatter, J. H. - 4858 ” Slaughter, W.* - 30441 ” Slavin, R. (_drowned - at sea_, April 15, - 1917). - 255710 ” Sleath, F. A. - 46231 Corporal Smith, A. - 46206 Private Smith, A. C. - 655 Sergeant (Sad.) Smith, B.* - 9024 Private Smith, C. J. - 46221 Sergeant Smith, C. W. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. 4, - 1917). - 5582 Private Smith, E. H. - 3855 ” Smith, G. - 6249 ” Smith, H.*, _alias_ - Parsons. - 5606 Corporal (S.S.) Smith, J.* - 2058 Private Smith, J.* - 5803 ” Smith, J. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 8294 ” (S.S.) Smith, J. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 4, 1917). - 41524 ” Smith, J. W. - 7037 ” (S.S.) Smith, P. - 276688 ” Smith, S. (_died_ - Oct. 8, 1918). - 5572 ” Smith, T. - 10252 ” Smith, T. S. - 531 ” Smith, W.* - 41669 ” Smith, W. J. - (_drowned at sea_, - April 15, 1917). - 24355 ” Smith-Mutlow, P. - 6392 ” Smithers, J. (_mentioned - in despatches_). - 256178 ” Snell, A. S. - 301229 ” (S.S.) Snell, G. - 4105 ” Soley, A. - 32944 ” Solomon, E. - 18825 ” Soper, R. (_died_ - July 27, 1916). - 256557 Private Souter, G. - 46212 Lance-Sergeant Spanton, F. - (_prisoner of war_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 2174 Private Sparrow, A. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. 1, - 1917). - 32960 ” Spear, F. - 24363 ” Spenceley, T. J. - 10861 Sergeant Spencer, F. - 8050 Private Spicer, C.* - 6010 Lance-Corporal (Tptr.) Spicer, - J. A. (_killed in action_, Mar. - 5, 1917). - 5315 Private Spicer, W. E. - 3851 Sergeant Spokes, H. S. - 5512 Private Stacey, W.* - 6608 ” Stamp, W. G. - 5573 ” Stannett, G. - 46173 S.S.Far. Stanton, W. (_mentioned - in despatches_). - 2207 Lance-Corporal Starbrook, - W. D. - 282027 Private Starbuck, F. - 13470 ” Steedman, P. - 6217 ” Steer, F. (_accidentally - killed_, Feb. 9, - 1916). - 5721 Corporal Stent, C. J. - 4115 Private Stephens, E.* - 23500 ” Stephens, W. P. - 6495 ” Stephenson, F. (_died_ - Dec. 19, 1917). - 2901 Lance-Corporal Stevens, J. - (_mentioned in despatches_, - Aug. 14, 1917; _awarded_ - D.C.M., Aug. 29, 1917). - 23537 Private Stevens, W. G. - 7009 Sergeant Stevenson, E.* - 5586 Private Steward, H. W. - (_wounded in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 4939 Lance-Corporal Stewart, J.* - 29236 Private Stewart, W. A. E. - 10970 Lance-Corporal Stillwell, F. - 24680 Private Stobbs, H. - 1190 Acting-Sergeant Stoneham, - D. (_wounded in action_, - July 18, 1915). - 13583 Private Stoneman, S. H. - 18206 ” Stones, J. L. K. - (_killed in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 16213 ” Strange, C. A. - 8765 ” Strange, G. E. - 4859 Sergeant Strawbridge, S. G. - (_awarded_ D.C.M., Aug. 26, - 1918). - 46225 Private Street, H. J. - 3620 ” Stroud, G. - 9039 ” Stubbs, R. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 24490 ” Sturgess, J. - 2135 Lance-Corporal Styles, F. - 16808 Private Styles, H. - 10722 Sergeant (Tptr.) Styles, J. - (_killed in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 6624 Lance-Corporal Sullivan, --* - 46166 Private Swaddling, J. - 26138 ” Swindell, W. - 3702 Lance-Corporal Swindle, F. - 49090 Private Sykes, T. - 256531 ” Sykes, T. - 26039 Corporal Taber, A. - 27902 Private (S.S.) Tait, A. - 3715 S.Q.M.S. Tarr, S. (_awarded_ - M.S.M.) - 16508 Private Tarr, W. G. (_died_ - July 27, 1916). - 255891 ” Tarry, G. - 46194 S.Q.M.S. Tassie, W. D. - (_awarded_ D.C.M., Feb. 11, - 1917). - 19433 Private Tatner, J. G. (_wounded - in action_, April 29, - 1918). - 1998 Lance-Sergeant Taylor, A. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 1871 Private Taylor, A. F. - 13900 Private Taylor, A. J.* - 15661 ” Taylor, B. G. - 18475 ” Taylor, C. E. (_wounded - in action_, Dec. - 17, 1916; _wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917; - _wounded in action_, Nov. 5, 1917). - 3127 Lance-Sergeant Taylor, J. A. - 796 Lance-Corporal Taylor, M. - 9218 Private Teague, P. J. (_died_ - Sept. 25, 1918). - 6514 S.Q.M.S. Tegg, F. J. (_killed - in action_, Nov. 5, 1917). - 9479 Private Tell, N. E. - 3515 R.Q.M.S. Tennant, G. F. - 18737 Private Terry, A. E. - 4428 Sergeant Tetheridge, W. H. - (_awarded_ D.C.M., Nov. 16, - 1917). - 11642 Private Thackray, G. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 27566 ” Thatcher, A. - 325624 ” Thatcher, C. - 46208 Corporal Thomas, F. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 24897 Private Thomas, H. G. - 1562 ” Thomas, W.* - 3804 Corporal Thomas, W. H. W. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 206170 Private Thomason, F. - 8220 ” Thompson, G. - 13419 ” Thompson, J.* - 24726 ” Thompson, J. W. - (_wounded in action_, - May 10, 1918). - 3883 ” Thomson, W. (_died_ - Nov. 6, 1917, _of - wounds received in - action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 4703 S.Q.M.S. Thomson, W. K. - (_died_ July 25, 1916). - 10989 Private Thorne, A. E.* - 32971 ” Thornell, S. V. (_died_ - May 8, 1918, _of - wounds received in - action_, May 6, - 1918). - 31992 ” Thornton, J. - 27644 ” Thornton, T. - 3002 Lance-Corporal Thorogood, - G.* - 9044 Private Thorpe, J.* - 276691 ” Thorpe, J. W. - 7918 ” Thrackay, B. - 41539 ” Thresher, W. - 3494 ” Thursbly, C. B. - 20705 ” Thurston, T. - 11553 ” Tilling, S.* - 32968 Lance-Corporal Tindale, J. - 13692 Private Tindle, W. H. (_killed - in action_, May 3, - 1917). - 5309 ” Tipper, W.* - 3853 ” Titmus, A.* - 23138 ” Tolman, S. F. - 235403 ” Tombs, H. H. - 3131 ” Tooke, A. E. - 9286 Lance-Corporal Tookey, E. F. - 27808 Private Towers, B. - 10887 Corporal Townsend, J. - (_wounded in action_, May - 10, 1918). - 11254 Private Tracey, J. (_killed in - action_, July 12, - 1915). - 5439 ” Trafani, A. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 7549 ” Tranter, R. (_wounded - in action_, Oct. 29, - 1918). - 13978 ” Treanor, J. - 33313 ” Tribe, E. - 6596 ” Trowbridge, F.* - 13832 ” Tucker, E. - 11139 ” Tucker, J. P. - 205691 ” Tull, V. - 22535 Private Tunnicliffe, J. (_killed - in action_, Nov. 3, - 1917). - 3129 ” (S.S.) Tuppin, T.* - 13685 ” Turner, C. - 5074 ” Turner, E. - 8218 ” Turner, E. Y. (_wounded - in action_, Feb. - 25, 1917). - 13474 ” Turner, G. - 9145 ” Turner, G. T. - 15619 Lance-Corporal Turner, H. E. - (_mentioned in despatches_) - 27910 Private Turner, J. - 2992 ” Turner, T. - 5861 ” Turpin, B. G. - 206158 ” Tutte, E. - 26806 ” Twigg, D. (_killed in - action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 21527 Lance-Corporal Tyler, L. I. - 13529 Private Ullock, W.* - 235489 ” (S.S.) Vaughan, A. S. - (_wounded in action_, - May 10, 1918). - 235451 ” Vaughan, R. - 4855 ” Venning, J. - 4424 Lance-Sergeant Venning, J. C. - (_wounded in action_, Dec. 14, - 1916). - 6248 Sergeant Vernon, W. - 8224 Private Vickers, J. (_died_ Nov. - 6, 1918). - 1171 ” Vigus, F. G. - 4003 Acting-Sergeant Vile, W. H. - 6915 Lance-Corporal Vinall, A. - (_awarded_ D.C.M.; _died_ Oct. - 31, 1918, _of wounds received - in action_, Oct. 29, 1918). - 7394 Private Vincent, J. H. - 4491 Lance-Corporal Viner F. - (_awarded_ M.M., Dec. 1, - 1918). - 5516 Private Viney, A. V. (_wounded - in action_, Nov. 5, - 1917). - 3232 Private Wade, G. - 2357 ” Walker, A. - 18347 ” Walker, S. - 276623 ” Wall, C. N. - 4529 ” Wallace, J.* - 22635 ” Waller, E. - 3786 Lance-Corporal Waller, H.* - 9568 Private Walley, W.* - 5303 ” Wallhead, A. (_killed - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 4423 ” Walmsley, F. - 26067 ” Walsh, M. - 15861 ” Walters, S. - 2116 Arm.S.S. Walton, H. - 5453 Private Ward, A.* - 24863 ” Ward, A. J. F. - (_wounded in action_, - Nov. 5, 1917). - 5912 Sergeant Ward, B. J. - (_awarded_ M.S.M.) - 281934 Corporal Wardle, S. - 4107 Sergeant Ware, H.* - 41665 Private Warner, S. B. - 6582 ” Warner, W. J. - 27755 ” Watchman, A. E. - 11514 ” Watkins, A. H. - 9192 Lance-Corporal Watkins, A. - W. (_wounded in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917; _awarded the_ - D.C.M., Aug. 29, 1917; - _mentioned in despatches_, - Aug. 14, 1917). - 46214 Private Watson, H. - 1938 ” Way, F. W. - 20919 ” Wearing, W. - 16847 ” Webb, A. - 1548 Lance-Corporal Webb, A. F. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. 1, - 1917). - 5614 Private Webb, C. A. - 16517 ” Webb, F. - 18727 ” Webb, H. J. - 6378 ” Webber, G.* - 16707 ” Webber, W. - 276624 Private Webster, W. W. - 23453 ” Wedd, A. - 24435 ” Welch, A. - 10982 ” Wells, A. V. - 9234 Lance-Corporal Went, A.* - 32976 Private Wernham, J. - 4922 ” West, W. W. - 2177 ” Westall, F.* - 5551 Sergeant Westbrook, A. - (_wounded in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 325502 Private Westbury, A. - 15683 Sergeant Westerman, R. A. - (_awarded_ M.S.M., Dec. 24, - 1918). - 6746 Private Weston, A.* - 23501 ” Wheatcroft, P. - 10646 ” Wheatley, A. W.* - 27481 ” Whebby, G. H. - 4900 Sergeant Wheeler, A. - 1907 Lance-Corporal White, E. - 6247 Private White, E. J. - 16441 ” White, H. N. - 2282 ” White, H. W. - 21954 ” White, J. - 1148 ” White, S.* - 1416 ” Whitelock, S. D. - 5433 Lance-Corporal Whitington, - F. (_awarded_ M.M., Dec. 1, - 1918). - 9282 Private Whitmore, C.* - 9227 ” Whitney, W. - 2519 ” Whittington, W. - 9279 Lance-Corporal Whittle, J. - (_wounded in action_, April 8, - 1917). - 3710 Sergeant Whyte, R.* - 15087 Private Wickham, W. F. - (_wounded in action_, - Feb. 25, 1917). - 206298 ” Wilkins, W. L. - 4349 ” Wilkinson, F.* - 24614 ” Williams, D. G. - (_wounded in action_, - Nov. 5, 1917). - 276627 Private Williams, E. - 2256 ” Williams, G. - 13120 ” Williams, J. - 31990 ” Williams, J. - 24756 ” Williams, W. J. - 3350 Sergeant Willis, J. - 30615 Private Willis, J. - 6956 ” Willoughby, P.* - 41778 ” Wilson, D. J. - 13061 ” Wilson, F. (_wounded - in action_, Mar. 5, - 1917). - 7464 ” Wilson, J. - 3501 Sergeant Wiltshire, T. - 10965 Private Wimpey, W. A. - 2902 ” Winfield, J. W. - 1192 ” Winter, F. (_wounded - in action_, Oct. 29, - 1918). - 6493 ” Wiseby, A. W. - 46202 S.S.M. Wood, S. - 205786 Private Woodhead, F. - 27440 ” Woodland, W. J. - 1172 ” Woods, J. - 8228 Lance-Corporal Woollaston, - A.* - 282045 Private Woolley, L. - 8240 ” Wordley, C. - 7003 Private (Tptr.) Wren, F M. - (_died of wounds_, - Mar. 5, 1917, _received - in action_, - Mar. 5, 1917). - 13611 ” Wren, P. (_wounded in - action_, Mar. 5, 1917). - 6604 Lance-Corporal Wright, D. C. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. 4, - 1917; _awarded_ M.S.M., - April 29, 1917). - 10668 Private Wright, F.* - 24907 ” Wright, F. - 18363 ” Wright, H. C. - 1753 ” Wright, L.* - 2710 ” Wright, W.* - 573 S.S. (Sad.) Wykes, W. - 206086 Lance-Corporal Wyncoll, C. - H. A. (_mentioned in despatches_). - 8352 Private Yates, T. W. - 13614 ” Yelverton, D. - 2200 Corporal (Sad.) Youells, J. W. - (_wounded in action_, Feb. 25, - 1917). - 2042 Private Young, H. (_died_ May - 11, 1918). - 26955 ” Young, J. A. G.* - - - - -APPENDIX II. - -CASUALTIES. - -_All the casualties occurred with the Regiment unless otherwise stated_ - - -OFFICERS. - - -KILLED. - - Lieutenant T. E. Lawson-Smith Near Messines Nov. 1, 1914. - (With 11th Hussars.) - Captain Norman Neill At Zwarteleen Nov. 6, 1914. - (Brigade-Major, 7th British - Cavalry Brigade.) - 2nd Lieutenant J. F. Munster At Shumran Bend Feb. 4, 1917. - Captain William H. Eve At Lajj Mar. 5, 1917. - 2nd Lieutenant G. Lynch-Staunton ” ” - ” E. V. Rolfe ” ” - ” J. O. P. Clarkson Near Jaffer’s Tomb Mar. 10, 1917. - (Attached 16th M.G. Squadron, - 7th Cavalry Brigade.) - Captain S. O. Robinson At Tekrit Nov. 5, 1917. - ” H. Macdonald, M.C. At Amadia, Kurdistan July 14, 1919. - (Assistant Political Officer.) - - -DIED OF WOUNDS. - - Captain H. A. de P. O’Kelly. At Meteren May 19, 1915. - (With 18th Hussars.) - - -OTHER CAUSES. - - Brevet Major R. S. Hamilton-Grace. At Burgues Aug. 4. 1915. - (Result of a motor accident, - G.S.O. 2nd Hqs. Cav. Corps.) - Captain H. G. T. Newton In River Tigris April 25, 1917. - (Accidentally drowned.) - Captain F. Norman Payne At Baghdad Nov. 14, 1917 - (Cholera. Staff Captain to - Military Governor, Baghdad.) - Major W. A. Kennard, D.S.O. At Etaples Dec. 1918. - (Of Pneumonia.) - - -WOUNDED. - - Brevet Major H. Ll. Jones, D.S.O. In France. Oct. 28, 1914. - (With 4th Dragoon Guards.) - Lieutenant B. H. Williams ” Oct. 31, 1914. - (With 11th Hussars.) - Lieutenant G. R. Watson-Smyth Near Lillers July 14, 1915. - ” M. H. C. Doll Near Authuille Sept. 11, 1915. - Captain S. O. Robinson. At Shumran Bend Feb. 4, 1917. - Lieutenant T. Williams-Taylor ” ” - ” J. A. Lord At Imam Mahdi Feb. 25, 1917. - Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Richardson, D.S.O. At Lajj Mar. 5, 1917. - Brevet Lieut.-Colonel E. F. Twist. ” ” - Brevet-Major J. V. Dawson ” ” - Lieutenant G. L. Welstead ” ” - ” G. R. Pedder ” ” - ” H. C. D. FitzGibbon, M.C. Near Deli Abbas April 8, 1917. - 2nd Lieutenant C. A. G. M‘Lagan At Tuz Kermatli April 21, 1918. - ” G. R. Russell. At Hadraniyeh Oct. 29, 1918. - Captain J. W. D. Evans. ” ” - (21st Lancers) Attached. - - -WOUNDED AND PRISONERS. - - Lieutenant E. F. Pinnington At Lajj Mar. 5, 1917. - ” T. Williams-Taylor At Tekrit. Nov. 5, 1917. - - -OTHER RANKS. - - -KILLED. - -_France._ - - 11254 Private J. Tracey At Noyelles les Vermelles July 12, 1915. - 1201 ” D. Pitman ” ” ” - -_Mesopotamia._ - - 6866 Private A. Killick At Shumran Bend Feb. 4, 1917. - 26806 ” D. Twigg At Imam Mahdi Feb. 25, 1917. - 16942 ” H. G. Davis ” ” - 10722 Sergeant J. S. Styles At Lajj Mar. 5, 1917. - (Tptr.) - 4770 ” G. Anderson ” ” - 3126 ” H. Knapman ” ” - 6667 ” A. Harrison ” ” - 6830 Corporal J. Morris ” ” - 22967 Lance-Corporal E. James ” ” - 11936 ” C. H. Kennington ” ” - 3801 ” T. R. Miller ” ” - 6791 Private Reuben Mason ” ” - 11642 ” G. Thackray ” ” - 2898 ” T. Crouch ” ” - 9285 ” Alfred Jones, D.C.M. ” ” - 13099 ” P. M‘Nulty ” ” - 16995 ” T. R. Jones ” ” - 13692 ” W. H. Tindle ” ” - 13001 ” P. H. Herbert ” ” - 5303 ” A. Wallhead ” ” - 3850 ” C. W. Jordan ” ” - 24902 ” F. Lyman ” ” - 4009 ” J. Pankhurst (S.S.) ” ” - 18206 ” J. L. K. Stones ” ” - 22535 ” J. Tunnicliffe Near Daur Nov. 3, 1917. - 46240 Sergeant J. Gray At Tekrit Nov. 5, 1917. - 4171 ” A. S. Newman ” ” - 5882 Private A. W. Francomb ” ” - 46224 Sergeant W. Matthews, M.M. At Tuz Kermatli April 28, 1918. - 3978 ” R. Holloway At Hadraniyeh Oct. 29, 1918. - 276632 Lance-Sergeant W. Leeman ” ” - - -DIED OF WOUNDS. - - 13616 Private W. F. Hunt At Nœux les Mines. July 19, 1915. - 4913 Lance-Corporal J. Howard In France July 22, 1915. - 7003 Private F. M. Wren (Tptr.) In Mesopotamia Mar. 5, 1917. - 3977 Corporal W. Beadle ” Mar. 6, 1917. - 3938 Sergeant P. Chipperfield ” ” - 3807 Private W. M‘Creadie ” ” - 18343 ” D. Flindell ” ” - 24495 ” J. Cole ” Mar. 14, 1917. - 6590 Acting Corporal W. S. George ” Mar. 16, 1917. - 6166 Private J. L. Roberts, D.C.M. In Mesopotamia April 10, 1917. - 3883 ” W. Thomson ” Nov. 6, 1917. - 32971 ” S. V. Thornell ” May 8, 1918. - 23686 ” A. Owen, M.M. ” May 10, 1918. - 6915 Corporal A. Vinall, D.C.M. ” Oct. 31, 1918. - - -DEATHS ACCEPTED FOR OFFICIAL PURPOSES. - - 6010 Tptr. J. A. Spicer At Lajj Mar. 5, 1917. - 6514 S.S.M. F. J. Tegg At Tekrit Nov. 5, 1917. - 13224 Private M. M‘Donnell ” ” - 32884 ” F. G. Jasper ” ” - - -DROWNED IN THE RIVER TIGRIS DURING OPERATIONS. - - 31751 Private W. H. Newman At Hadraniyeh Oct. 28, 1918. - 8267 Lance-Corporal F. Bartlett ” ” - 9116 Private J. Donoghue ” ” - - -OTHER CAUSES. - - 6217 Private F. Steer At Le Plouy, France Feb. 9, 1916. - 4703 S.Q.M.S. W. K. Thomson At Basrah July 25, 1916. - 1426 Private J. S. Schubert ” July 26, 1916. - 6897 Sergeant G. Cook ” July 27, 1916. - 16508 Private W. G. Tarr ” ” - 18825 ” R. Soper At Makina ” - 6850 ” T. Killacky At Basrah July 28, 1916. - 4148 ” W. E. Hows ” ” - - 5921 Corporal J. Hobbs ” Aug. 1, 1916. - - 3491 Private D. Downie ” Oct. 3, 1916. - - 24892 ” S. Millican Accidentally shot at Oct. 27, 1916. - sea, “H.T.” _Huntsgreen_ - 27798 ” L. North At sea, “H.T.” April 15, 1917. - _Cameronia_ - 41566 ” F. G. Norledge ” ” ” - 41699 ” W. J. Smith ” ” ” - 41502 ” R. G. A. Redman ” ” ” - 27616 ” S. A. Lovejoy ” ” ” - 27714 ” F. Broomfield ” ” ” - 30441 ” R. Slavin ” ” ” - 41804 ” J. G. Sawyer ” ” ” - 24741 ” J. Beesley At Baghdad May 20, 1917. - 6495 ” F. Stephenson In Mesopotamia Dec. 19, 1917. - 2042 ” H. Young ” May 11, 1918. - 301163 ” W. Hammond In River Tigris June 19, 1918. - 4504 Private J. F. Couch, D.C.M. At Chaldari July 4, 1918. - (S.S.) - 32848 ” W. Fern ” July 17, 1918. - 9218 ” P. J. Teague In Mesopotamia Sept. 25, 1918. - 4388 Corporal A. C. W. Ballard At Baghdad Sept. 27, 1918. - (S.S.) - 276688 Private S. Smith In Mesopotamia Oct. 8, 1918. - 3973 ” H. Bell At Basrah Oct. 30, 1918. - 8224 ” J. Vickers In Mesopotamia Nov. 6, 1918. - 32863 ” F. Hayworth At Baghdad Nov. 14, 1918. - 205497 ” W. D. Dent ” Nov. 15, 1918. - 5397 ” P. Moore ” Nov. 22, 1918. - - -WOUNDED. - - 21238 Private C. Harris Nœux Les Mines July 14, 1915. - 22509 ” J. Ayres ” July 18, 1915. - 13840 ” F. Fairbairn ” ” - 9189 Lance-Corporal F. Martin ” ” - 15784 Private F. G. Reynolds ” ” - 1190 Acting Sergeant D. Stoneham ” ” - 5811 Private C. F. Plumridge ” Aug. 18, 1915. - 4422 ” A. Hopkins Kalahaji Fahan Dec. 14, 1916. - 4424 Lance-Corporal J. G. Venning ” ” - 4289 Sad. Corporal S. Plumbly Atab Dec. 15, 1916. - 9283 Private M. Jordan Bassouia Dec. 17, 1916. - 4505 ” F. Pratt ” ” - 18475 ” C. E. Taylor ” ” - 2159 ” J. W. Lewis Sheik Suliman Jan. 14, 1917. - 4114 ” G. A. Hill Bassouia Jan. 29, 1917. - 4420 ” J. C. Piggott Reconnaissance, Feb. 1, 1917. - Bassouia - 6202 ” A. E. Shorter ” ” - 2174 ” A. Sparrow ” ” - 1548 ” A. F. Webb ” ” - 4606 Sergeant W. Barham Shumran Bend Feb. 4, 1917. - 2129 Lance-Corporal G. A. Day ” ” - 24303 Private T. Gunton ” ” - 11438 ” T. O’Connor ” ” - 6410 ” W. Powell ” ” - 46221 Sergeant C. W. Smith ” ” - 8294 Lance-Corporal (S.S.) J. Smith ” ” - 6604 Lance-Corporal D. C. Wright ” ” - 6473 Sergeant J. Cunningham Nahr Massag Feb. 15, 1917. - 46191 ” H. S. Holloway ” ” - 3439 Private H. M‘Queen Imam Mahdi Feb. 24, 1917. - 3117 Lance-Sergeant W. G. Bartlett ” Feb. 25, 1917. - 2172 Private A. Beauchamp ” ” - 6871 Sergeant E. C. Bell ” ” - 3973 Private H. Bell ” ” - 8475 Corporal Sad. W. R. Brown ” ” - 13176 Private R. Dardis ” ” - 1984 ” H. Drury ” ” - 46223 S.S.M. H. J. Edwards ” ” - 46199 S.Q.M.S. E. Goddard ” ” - 4972 Lance-Corporal I. C. J. Grahame ” ” - 16505 Private C. Grivell ” ” - 22968 ” H. J. Harding ” ” - 1138 ” G. Hart ” ” - 6550 ” A. E. Heathman ” ” - 1195 Sergeant W. J. Hill ” ” - 3920 Private J. Kenny ” ” - 46213 Lance-Corporal E. Lacy ” ” - 22591 Private G. Lawrence ” ” - 4348 Lance-Corporal H. Lindsey ” ” - 4609 Sergeant E. Lowder ” ” - 13200 Lance-Corporal A. Mellor ” ” - 8588 Private C. A. Miller ” ” - 4857 Lance-Corporal G. C. Neal ” ” - 31790 Corporal A. C. Neale ” ” - 13082 Lance-Corporal W. Perkins ” ” - 2341 Private A. P. Prosser ” ” - 6876 ” A. Ralph ” ” - 7821 Lance-Corporal W. H. Roberts ” ” - 5803 Private J. Smith ” ” - 46208 Corporal F. Thomas ” ” - 8218 Private E. Y. Turner ” ” - 15087 ” W. F. Wickham ” ” - 2200 Corporal Sad. J. W. Youells ” ” - 21526 Private F. T. Ames Lajj Mar. 5, 1917. - 6507 ” W. B. Angier ” ” - 1357 Lance-Corporal W. Bolton ” ” - 46196 ” J. Burgess ” ” - 6918 Sergeant W. H. Burgess ” ” - 8270 Farrier Sergeant A. E. Clark ” ” - 9009 Private J. Cleveland ” ” - 1915 Sergeant P. Collins ” ” - 46219 ” H. Deeley ” ” - 9199 Private W. Edwards Lajj Mar. 5, 1917. - 16845 ” C. Enstone ” ” - 46239 Sergeant J. R. Ethell ” ” - 18185 Private G. G. Evans ” ” - 8119 ” W. Freeman ” ” - 1339 Lance-Corporal G. A. Garrod ” ” - 6361 Lance-Corporal G. Garton ” ” - 3545 ” F. Gilliver ” ” - 24494 Private J. Guthrie ” ” - 2899 Lance-Corporal (Tptr.) ” ” - H. A. Hamilton - 46243 Corporal E. Harris ” ” - 6523 ” (S.S.) P. Hemsworth ” ” - 5830 Private G. E. Heyburn ” ” - 2717 Sergeant J Johnson ” ” - 46188 Corporal G. F. S. Kent ” ” - 2900 Private J. Larner ” ” - 11253 ” J. M‘Govern ” ” - 24886 ” D. Main ” ” - 4979 ” (S.S.) F. A. Marsh ” ” - 5581 ” W. F. Martin ” ” - 5811 ” F. Moir ” ” - 1664 ” W. P. Morgan ” ” - 22518 ” G. Peet ” ” - 26893 ” J. Perrott ” ” - 7746 ” W. H. Pomeroy ” ” - 6838 Corporal G. Pople ” ” - 4524 Lance-Corporal G. Ratty ” ” - 9045 Private M. Ryan ” ” - 24071 ” W. Sheen ” ” - 1998 Lance-Sergeant A. Taylor ” ” - 18475 Private C. E. Taylor ” ” - 3804 Corporal W. H. W. Thomas ” ” - 5439 Private A. Trafani ” ” - 9192 Lance-Corporal A. W. Watkins ” ” - 5551 Sergeant A. Westbrook ” ” - 13061 Private F. Wilson ” ” - 13611 ” P. Wren ” ” - 9279 ” J. Whittle Deli Abbas April 8, 1917. - 13739 ” C. Cooper Kurdarrah River Oct. 19, 1917. - 21837 ” W. J. Davies ” ” - 10971 ” W. F. Davis ” ” - 16435 ” R. Adams Tekrit Nov. 3, 1917. - 18943 ” J. H. Barker ” ” - 276662 ” H. J. Beales ” ” - 2129 Lance-Corporal G. A. Day Tekrit Nov. 3, 1917. - 11629 Private A. Liddle ” ” - 11960 ” H. H. Miller ” ” - 9382 Lance-Corporal J. O’Connor ” ” - 3973 Private H. Bell ” Nov. 4, 1917. - 325228 ” W. Bennett ” ” - 5305 ” S. Howlett ” ” - 15773 ” F. Andrews ” Nov. 5, 1917. - 7514 Trumpter H. A. Burder ” ” - 46253 Private J. Byrne ” ” - 3544 ” C. Delaney ” ” - 18198 ” C. Halstead ” ” - 16431 ” A Hibbert ” ” - 46247 Lance-Sergeant H. Hudson ” ” - 18983 Private J. Jeffrey ” ” - 4348 Lance-Corporal H. Lindsey ” ” - 26310 Corporal W. J. Luetchford ” ” - 24082 Private E. Manby ” ” - 4422 Lance-Corporal A. E. Reaves ” ” - 5586 Private H. W. Steward ” ” - 9039 ” R. Stubbs ” ” - 18475 ” C. E. Taylor ” ” - 5516 ” A. V. Viney ” ” - 24863 ” A. J. F. Ward ” ” - 24614 ” D. G. Williams ” ” - 15652 ” F. Berry Chai Khana Dec. 3, 1917. - 21238 ” C. Harris ” Dec. 5, 1917. - 1018 Lance-Corporal J. Clancy Khastradalah or Tuz April 28, 1918. - 16791 Private J. L. Harvey ” ” ” - 24478 ” C. Kerr ” ” ” - 27823 Corporal S. Potter ” ” ” - 31960 Private L. Rowley ” ” ” - 8392 Lance-Corporal (S.S.) J. George ” ” April 29, 1918. - 6768 Private A. E. Hudson ” ” ” - 19433 ” J. G. Tatner ” ” ” - 31956 ” R. C. B. M‘Queen ” ” May 1, 1918. - 1164 ” W. G. Knight Kirkuk May 6, 1918. - 5785 ” A. J. Shaw ” ” - 32800 ” E. F. Beaver Daramah May 10, 1918. - 6918 Sergeant W. H. Burgess ” ” - 11899 Private (S S.) A. Earl ” ” - 13200 Lance-Corporal A. Mellor ” ” - 24726 Private J. W. Thompson ” ” - 10887 Corporal J. Townsend ” ” - 235489 Private (S.S.) A. S. Vaughan ” ” - 4712 Sergeant G. Barnard Hadraniyeh Oct. 29, 1918. - 24728 Private H. D. Gerrard Hadraniyeh Oct. 29, 1918. - 1195 Sergeant W. J. Hill ” ” - 32892 Private P. Little ” ” - 23432 ” V. Patrick ” ” - 6410 ” W. Powell ” ” - 7549 ” R. Tranter ” ” - 1192 ” F. Winter ” ” - 6542 ” F. Harvey Crossing Ford at ” - Hadraniyeh - - -PRISONERS OF WAR. - - 46218 Sergeant W. Gilbert Lajj March 5, 1917. - 46212 Lance-Sergeant F. Spanton ” ” - 11916 Private J. Morrison ” ” - 13242 ” P. Keaney Dishdari April 23, 1917. - - - - -APPENDIX III. - -HONOURS AND REWARDS. - - -_Companion of the Bath._ - - Brig.-General J. T. Wigan. - - -_Companion of St Michael and St George._ - - Brig.-General J. T. Wigan. - Colonel Sir A. Leetham. - ” A. Symons. - - -_Commander of British Empire._ - - Brig.-General W. C. Smithson, D.S.O. - Lieut.-Colonel H. Phillips. - Colonel H. J. Blagrove. - - -_Distinguished Service Order._ - - Brig.-General J. T. Wigan. - ” E. A. Wiggin. - Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Richardson. - Bt. Lieut.-Colonel T. H. S. Marchant. - ” J. G. Rees. - Bt. Colonel W. Pepys. - Bt. Major H. Ll. Jones. - Captain W. A. Kennard. - - -_Bar to Distinguished Service Order._ - - Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Richardson. - Bt. Lieut.-Colonel J. G. Rees. - - -_2nd Bar to Distinguished Service Order._ - - Bt. Lieut.-Colonel J. G. Rees. - - -_Member of British Empire._ - - Lieutenant R. C. Hill. - - -_Military Cross._ - - Captain C. C. Dangar. - ” J. N. Lumley. - ” D. W. Godfree, 21st Lancers (_attd._) - Lieutenant A. M. Sassoon. - ” S. V. Kennedy. - ” J. A. Jeffrey. - ” J. I. Chrystall. - ” D. J. E. Norton. - ” H. C. D. FitzGibbon. - ” H. R. Jones. - ” M. G. Hartigan. - ” B. H. Williams. - ” C. H. Gowan. - 2nd Lieutenant H. MacDonald. - ” G. H. Parkes. - 46186 R.S.M. S. F. Seekins. - - -_Legion of Honour (French)._ - - Brig.-General E. A. Wiggin, D.S.O. - Bt. Major R. S. Hamilton-Grace (_deceased_). - ” H. Ll. Jones, D.S.O. - - -_Croix de Guerre (French)._ - - Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Richardson, D.S.O. - Lieutenant D. A. Stirling. - - -_Silver Medal for Military Valour (Italian)._ - - Lieutenant H. C. D. FitzGibbon, M.C. - - -_Distinguished Service Medal (American)._ - - Captain F. C. Covell. - - -_St Stanislaus, 2nd Class (Russian)._ - - Brig.-General A. H. M. Taylor, D.S.O. - Lieut.-Colonel H. Phillips. - - -_Order of St Anne, 3rd Class (Russian)._ - - Captain H. E. Spencer. - - -_Order of Star of Roumania (with Swords)._ - - Major (Bt. Lieut.-Colonel) E. J. Carter. - - -Errata - - Page 363. 4504. _For_ “Crouch” _read_ “Couch.” - - -_Order of the White Eagle, 5th Class with Swords (Serbia)._ - - Lieut.-Colonel J. H. Tremayne, D.S.O. - - -_Distinguished Conduct Medal._ - - 46194 S.Q.M.S. W. D. Tassie. - 9285 Private Alfred Jones (_killed in action_). - 4600 Acting Corporal G. W. Bowie. - 1150 S.S.M. J. Brearley. - 4504 S.S. J. F. Couch (_deceased_). - 6166 Private J. L. Roberts ” - 2901 Lance-Corporal J. Stevens. - 9192 ” A. W. Watkins. - 4428 Sergeant W. H. Tetheridge. - 4859 ” S. G. Strawbridge. - 423 Corporal G. Rayner. - 6915 ” A. Vinall (_died of wounds_). - 6240 S.Q.M.S. F. A. M‘Bride. - 2348 ” S. B. Haines. - - -_Military Medal._ - - 46224 Sergeant W. Matthews (_killed in action_). - 5577 Lance-Corporal W. G. Corbin. - 16961 Private H. H. Mortimer. - 6473 Sergeant J. Cunningham. - 4976 Lance-Corporal F. Kitcher. - 23686 Private A. Owen (_died of wounds_). - 6731 ” C. Cubitt. - 6918 Sergeant W. H. Burgess. - 22903 Corporal F. Lomas. - 3254 Sergeant H. H. L. Aukett. - 8796 Private E. Humphrey. - 4491 Lance-Corporal F. Viner. - 5433 Corporal F. Whitington. - 5317 Sergeant E. E. Moss. - - -_Meritorious Service Medal._ - - 3960 Sergeant T. Carnegie. - 9009 Private J. Cleveland. - 13417 ” J. H. James-Moore. - 6604 Lance-Corporal D. C. Wright. - 3715 R.Q.M.S. S. Tarr. - 3808 Lance-Sergeant A. N. Richards. - 4523 Sergeant T. S. Craven. - 10937 Private J. H. Biggs. - 46198 S.Q.M.S. B. J. Ward. - 4118 Sergeant J. H. Rogers. - 15683 ” R. A. Westerman. - 13902 Private J. T. Harding. - 9714 Sergeant W. Holden. - - -_Bronze Medal for Military Valour (Italian)._ - - 46200 S.S.M. A. Potter. - 15619 Lance-Corporal H. E. Turner. - - -_Croix de Virtute Militara, 2nd Class, for Bravery (Roumanian)._ - - 46258 Private J. Allston. - - -_Medaille Barbatie se Credente, 3rd Class (Roumanian)._ - - 4523 Sergeant T. S. Craven. - - -MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. - - [69]Colonel A. Symons, C.M.G. - [70]Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Richardson, D.S.O. - [71]Bt. Lieut.-Colonel E. F. Twist. - {69}Major R. F. Cox. - {69}Captain A. M. Sassoon, M.C. - Major (Bt. Lieut.-Colonel) F. G. Bayley. - Brig.-General J. T. Wigan, D.S.O. - {69}Captain S. O. Robinson (_killed in action_). - Bt. Major C. Steele. - Captain J. N. Lumley, M.C. - ” J. A. Jeffrey, M.C. - Acting Captain C. H. Gowan, M.C. - Lieutenant J. L. M. Barrett. - ” J. I. Chrystall, M.C. - ” A. Williams. - ” D. A. Stirling. - ” G. L. Welstead. - ” B. H. Williams. - Major and Quartermaster A. Cooke.[71] - Lieut.-Colonel W. Pepys. - Major T. R Farquhar. - Captain and Quartermaster R. W. F. Ashworth. - {69}Bt. Major R. S. Hamilton-Grace (_deceased_). - {71}Major W. A. Kennard, D.S.O. - {71}Bt. Major H. Ll. Jones, D.S.O. - {71}Bt. Lieut.-Colonel T. H. S. Marchant, D.S.O. - Captain S. V. Kennedy, M.C. - Lieutenant M. H. C. Doll. - Captain D. W. Godfree, M.C., 21st Lancers (_attd._) - Lieutenant A. Le Patourel. - Captain J. H. Hind.[72] - {71}Bt. Lieut.-Colonel J. G. Rees, D.S.O. - - 46223 R.Q.M.S. H. J. Edwards. - 1150 S.S.M. J. Brearley, D.C.M. - 46222 ” E. L. Popham. - 46200 ” A. Potter. - 46240 Sergeant J. Gray (_killed in action_). - 9192 Lance-Corporal A. W. Watkins, D.C.M. - 2901 ” J. Stevens, D.C.M. - [73]4118 Sergeant J. H. Rogers. - 46258 Private J. Allston. - 3774 Far.S.M. A. Bald. - 46182 S.S.M. C. M. Douthwaite. - 2263 Sergeant J. Foster. - 30555 Sergeant-Trumpeter S. Gill. - 46191 Sergeant H. S. Holloway. - 2348 S.Q.M.S. S. B. Haines. - 423 Corporal G. Rayner. - 46173 Acting F.Q.M.S. W. Stanton. - 206086 Lance-Corporal C. H. A. Wyncoll. - 6177 Corporal J. Carpenter. - 6392 Private J. Smithers. - 1195 Sergeant W. J. Hill. - 7066 ” W. M‘Guire. - 15619 Corporal H. E. Turner.[73] - 4763 S.S.M. (A/R.S.M.) W. J. Allan (11th Hussars). - 2712 Private A. Beauchamp. - 49102 ” (A./Farr.-Sergeant) W. W. Pay (attached R.A.V.C.) - - -PROMOTION. - - Lieut.-Colonel A. Symons, C.M.G. Brevet Colonel. - Major E. F. Twist Brevet Lieut.-Colonel. - ” T. H. S. Marchant, D.S.O. ” - Captain R. S. Hamilton-Grace (_deceased_) Brevet Major. - Major E. J. Carter Brevet Lieut.-Colonel. - ” F. G. Bayley ” - Captain H. Ll. Jones, D.S.O. Brevet Major. - ” C. Steele ” - ” H. E. Spencer ” - ” J. V. Dawson ” - ” J. G. Rees, D.S.O. Brevet Lieut.-Colonel. - Lieutenant and Quartermaster A. Cooke Hon. Captain. - Hon. Major. - Captain and Quartermaster R. W. F. Ashworth ” - - - - -APPENDIX IV. - -OFFICERS WHO LEFT INDIA FOR FRANCE WITH THE REGIMENT ON 17TH -NOVEMBER 1914. - - - Lieut.-Colonel A. Symons, _Commanding_. - Major R. F. Cox. - ” T. H. S. Marchant. - Captain W. H. Eve. - ” C. Steele. - ” J. N. Lumley, _Adjutant_. - Lieutenant H. G. T. Newton. - ” A. M. Sassoon. - ” S. V. Kennedy. - ” J. V. Dawson. - ” J· A. Jeffrey. - ” G. R. Watson-Smyth. - 2nd Lieutenant R. Gore. - ” M. C. Kennedy. - ” J. L. M. Barrett. - ” A. E. Annett. - ” C. H. Gowan. - ” J. I. Chrystall. - Lieutenant and Quartermaster A. Cooke, Quartermaster. - - Other Ranks, 499. - - -ATTACHED. - - Captain A. L. Horner, A.V.C. - ” G. G. Collett, R.A.M.C. - - - THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS WERE IN ENGLAND AT THE OUTBREAK OF WAR AND - REJOINED THE REGIMENT ON THE DATES AGAINST THEIR NAMES. - - Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Richardson, D.S.O. May 1, 1915. - Bt. Lieut.-Colonel E. F. Twist December 18, 1914 - Temporary Lieut.-Colonel W. Pepys ” ” - ” ” E. J. Carter ” ” - Bt. Major H. Ll. Jones, D.S.O. June 22, 1915. - Captain J. H. Hind December 20, 1914. - ” S. O. Robinson July 26, 1915. - ” J. O. Oakes June 21, 1915. - - -THE FOLLOWING SERVING OFFICERS WERE ATTACHED TO UNITS OTHER THAN THE -REGIMENT. - - Major W. A. Kennard, D.S.O. Northumberland Hussars. - Bt. Major R. S. Hamilton-Grace Staff of 2nd Cavalry Brigade. - ” H. Ll. Jones, D.S.O. 4th Dragoon Guards (13th Hussars, - June 22, 1915). - Captain E. H. Stocker Staff of Yeomanry Brigade. - ” N. Neill Staff of 7th B. Cavalry Brigade. - ” J. H. Hind 2nd Life Guards (13th Hussars, - December 20, 1914). - ” S. O. Robinson 5th Dragoon Guards (13th Hussars, - July 26, 1915). - ” J. O. Oakes 11th Hussars (13th Hussars, - June 22, 1915). - Lieutenant T. E. Lawson-Smith 11th Hussars. - ” C. A. F. Wingfield 2nd Life Guards (13th Hussars, - January 2, 1915). - ” V. F. Symondson 11th Hussars, and R.A.F. - ” G. R. Pedder 11th Hussars (13th Hussars, January - 2, 1915). - - - THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS WHO HAD LEFT THE REGIMENT REJOINED THE - REGIMENT OR OTHER UNITS AS FOLLOWS. - - Brig.-General E. A. Wiggin, D.S.O. Commanding Mounted Brigade. - ” A. H. M. Taylor, D.S.O. Commanding London Mounted Brigade. - Brig.-General T. T. Wigan, C.B., Commanding Yeomanry Brigade. - C.M.G., D.S.O. - ” W. C. Smithson, C.B.E., Commanding 2nd Line Mounted - D.S.O. Brigade. - ” E. N. Pedder Commanding 2nd Line Mounted - Brigade. - ” C. Williams Commanding Mounted Brigade. - Colonel Sir F. Maclean Special Appointment. - ” Sir A. Leetham War Office. - ” H. J. Blagrove, C.B. Commanded Prisoners of War Camp. - Lieut.-Colonel H. Phillips Special Appointment. - ” A. W. B. Spencer Tank Corps. - ” W. Pepys, D.S.O. 5th Dragoon Guards, Yorkshire - Hussars, and Tank Corps. - Bt. Lieut.-Colonel F. G. Bayley E.S.O. - ” ” J. G. Rees, D.S.O. Welsh Horse. - Major J. F. Church 1st Indian Field Squadron, Indian - Cavalry Corps. - ” H. E. Spencer 11th Hussars. - ” E. W. Denny, D.S.O. Brigade Major, Yeomanry Brigade. - ” J. H. Tremayne, D.S.O. Derbyshire Yeomanry. - ” F. H. Wise (_deceased_) Remount Department. - ” H. J. Jeddere-Fisher Queen’s Regiment. - ” J. C. Metcalfe (_killed in action_) Cheshire Regiment. - Captain C. C. Dangar, M.C. (_deceased_) 12th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, - E.E.F. - ” Hon. M. F. S. Howard 8th Hussars. - ” G. Halswelle 1st Life Guards. - ” J. D. Lyons Royal Horse Guards. - ” E. W. M‘Arthur 12th Reserve Cavalry Regiment. - ” H. A. de P. O’Kelly (_killed in_ 18th Hussars. - _action_) - ” S. Wybrants Brigade Major, Yeomanry Brigade. - ” R. W. F. Ashworth Adjutant, No. 1 Base Remount Depot. - ” T. K. Jackson 11th Hussars, 13th Hussars, - December 18, 1914. - ” G. H. Hodgkinson Staff Captain, Yeomanry Brigade. - ” L. S. Battye Bristol Cavalry Depot. - ” G. Rupert Special Appointment. - ” Lord Huntingfield 3rd Reserve Cavalry Regiment. - ” R. H. J. M. Bolton 3rd Reserve Cavalry Regiment. - Lieutenant W. V. Holt 3rd Signal Squadron R.E. - ” B. H. Williams 11th Hussars, 13th Hussars, - December 18, 1914. - ” E. W. Anderson (_killed in_ Scottish Rifles. - _action_) - ” H. Norfolk (_killed in action_) Worcester Yeomanry. - - - THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS OF THE SPECIAL RESERVE THIRTEENTH HUSSARS - JOINED THE REGIMENT AS FOLLOWS. - - Lieutenant M. H. C. Doll from Dec. 18, 1914, to May 1, 1917. - ” H. C. D. FitzGibbon, M.C. ” April 11, 1916, ” Nov. 11, 1918. - ” F. C. Covell ” Feb. 3, 1916, ” June 27, 1916. - ” B. E. H. Judkins ” June 2, 1916, ” Sept. 15, 1916. - ” J. A. Lord ” Dec. 28, 1916, ” June 24, 1917. - ” N. L. Moon ” Feb. 6, 1916, ” July 18, 1916. - ” J. F. Munster (_killed in_ ” Feb. 3, 1916, ” Feb. 4, 1917. - _action_) - 2nd Lieutenant H. G. Keswick ” May 5, 1917, ” Nov. 11, 1918. - ” C. A. G. M‘Lagan ” Dec. 22, 1917, ” April 28, 1918. - ” B. W. D. Cochrane ” Nov. 18, 1917, ” Jan. 11, 1918. - - -THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS OF OTHER UNITS JOINED THE REGIMENT FOR DUTY. - - Captain G. G. Collett R.A.M.C. - ” A. L. Horner R.A.V.C. - ” J. Vlasto, M.C. R.A.M.C. - ” D. M. Methven 21st Lancers. - ” D. W. Godfree, M.C. ” - ” J. W. D. Evans ” - ” W. E. Bigge Northumberland Hussars. - ” J. E. P. Howey Bedford Yeomanry. - ” V. H. Secker 14th Hussars. - ” E. Wordley R.A.M.C. - ” W. A. Elliott ” - ” W. G. Rose ” - ” J. Cullenan ” - Lieutenant L. C. Johnston ” - ” F. G. Roche ” - ” D. A. C. Chamberlain ” - The Rev. H. R. Cooke, M.C. A.C.D. - - - THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY OFFICERS WERE ATTACHED TO THE THIRTEENTH - HUSSARS AND JOINED THE REGIMENT. - - Lieutenant E. Bristol December 18, 1914. - ” J. W. Biggar May 24, 1917. - ” W. P. Crawford-Greene July 27, 1915. - ” G. F. Earle March 12, 1917. - Lieutenant A. C. J. Elkan August 17, 1917. - ” M. G. Hartigan, M.C. February 19, 1917. - ” H. R. Jones, M.C. May 5, 1917. - ” C. W. Jemmett October 17, 1917. - ” A. Le Patourel March 12, 1917. - ” R. J. V. Michell March 26, 1916. - ” H. MacDonald, M.C. November 12, 1917. - ” W. J. L. Norwood February 16, 1918. - ” W. G. Newman November 23, 1918. - ” L. J. Owen May 5, 1917. - ” L. Osmond November 12, 1917. - ” G. H. Parkes, M.C. January 9, 1918. - ” W. C. J. Pook February 16, 1918. - ” W. R. Pearson October 25, 1915. - ” R. B. Pardon December 23, 1916. - ” E. F. Pinnington February 19, 1917. - ” P. H. J. Shiel March 12, 1917. - ” E. Goodman June 2, 1918. - ” H. H. Johnson, M.M. December 19, 1917. - ” F. G. Lawrence March 29, 1918. - ” M. R. Farrer February 27, 1918. - ” F. H. Butler December 19, 1917. - 2nd Lieutenant F. Norman Payne (_deceased_) December 23, 1916. - ” E. V. Rolfe (_killed in action_) February 19, 1917. - ” R. R. Anson December 23, 1916. - ” J. H. Lucas January 9, 1918. - ” E. P. Barrett February 10, 1918. - ” G. R. Russell February 27, 1918. - ” E. Wright March 7, 1918. - ” W. G. Baker June 2, 1918. - ” C. W. Gardner. May 1, 1918. - ” E. T. Hollingdale June 2, 1918. - ” E. G. Corner June 18, 1918. - ” G. Lynch-Staunton (_killed in_ February 21, 1917. - _action_) - - -THE FOLLOWING COMMISSIONED OFFICERS JOINED THE REGIMENT DURING THE WAR. - - Captain D. J. E. Norton, M.C. July 28, 1915. - Lieutenant C. A. F. Wingfield August 12, 1914. - ” J. H. Hirsch October 14, 1915. - ” D. A. Stirling October 14, 1915. - ” L. A. Ormrod December 18, 1914. - ” T. Williams-Taylor October 16, 1915. - ” W. Blyth, D.C.M. August 27, 1915. - ” A. Williams February 4, 1916. - Lieutenant R. C. Hill March 19, 1916. - ” G. L. M. Welstead February 21, 1917. - ” J. Hampson February 21, 1917. - 2nd Lieutenant J. O. P. Clarkson (_killed in_ October 25, 1915. - _action_) - ” A. H. Wood April 6, 1918. - ” C. F. Collins April 6, 1918. - ” A. C. Barrington February 19, 1919. - ” A. J. R. M. Sibson February 19, 1919. - ” W. W. N. Davies February 19, 1919. - -During the period of the War--_i.e._, from August 4, 1914, to November -11, 1918--108 officers and 1348 other ranks did duty with the Regiment. - - - - -APPENDIX V. - -All Saints’ Garrison Church, Aldershot. - -2nd AUGUST 1920. - -Service held at the - -DEDICATION AND UNVEILING OF THE MEMORIAL TABLET - -In Memory of the Officers, N.C.O.’s, and Men of the 13th Hussars who -gave their lives in the Great War, 1914-1918. - - -“=Dead March=” (_Chopin_). - -OPENING SENTENCES. - -I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith the Lord; he that believeth -in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and -believeth in Me, shall never die. (John xi. 25, 26.) - -Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for -his friends. (John xv. 13.) - -I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, From henceforth -blessed are the dead that die in the Lord: even so, saith the Spirit, -for they rest from their labours. - -[Illustration: - - (_Photograph by Gale and Polden Ltd., Aldershot_) - -THE MEMORIAL TABLET IN ALL SAINTS’ GARRISON CHURCH, ALDERSHOT - -DEDICATED AND UNVEILED, 2ND AUGUST 1920] - - -PSALM XXIII. - -_Dominus regit me._ - -1. The Lord is my Shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing. - -2. He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me forth beside the -waters of comfort. - -3. He shall convert my soul: and bring me forth in the paths of -righteousness, for His Name’s sake. - -4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will -fear no evil: for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. - -5. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me: -Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. - -6. But Thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my -life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. - -(_Gloria._) - - -THE LESSON. - -WISDOM iii. 1-6. - -But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall -no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die; -and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be -utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be punished -in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality. And having -been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded; for God proved -them and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace hath He -tried them, and received them as a burnt-offering. - - -HYMN. - - “Fight the good fight.” (A.M. 540.) - - -PRAYERS. - -Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of them that depart hence -in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are -delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We -give Thee hearty thanks, for that it hath pleased Thee to take our -brethren into Thy merciful keeping: beseeching Thee that we, with -all those that are departed in the true faith of Thy Holy Name, may -have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in -Thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. -AMEN. - -Almighty God, we commend to Thy loving kindness the souls of Thy -servants, the men of this Regiment, whom we now commemorate before -Thee. Accept, O Lord, the offering of their self-sacrifice, and grant -to them with all Thy faithful servants a place of refreshment and peace -where the light of Thy countenance shines for ever, and where all tears -are wiped away; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. - -Comfort, O Lord, we pray Thee, all who are mourning the loss of those -near and dear to them. Be with them in their sorrow. Support them with -the knowledge of Thy love. Teach them to rest and lean on Thee. Give -them faith to look beyond the troubles of this present time, and to -know that neither life nor death can separate us from the love of God -which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom with the Father and the Holy -Ghost be all honour and glory, now and for ever. AMEN. - - -THE GRACE. - - -Rehearsal of the Names of those to be Commemorated. - - -Unveiling Ceremony. - -By Lieut.-Col. J. J. RICHARDSON, D.S.O., Commanding 13th -Hussars. - - -Dedication of the Memorial Tablet. - -By the Rev. F. I. ANDERSON, C.M.G., S.C.F., C. of E., -Aldershot, Chaplain to the King. - -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we -dedicate this Memorial to the glory of God, and in memory of the Men -of this Regiment who have fallen in the great War. May their example -inspire us to courage in the greater war against all evil. May their -memory ever burn brightly in those who here or elsewhere remember their -deeds, and, strengthened by their fellowship, look forward to reunion -with them in the inheritance of the saints in light. - -We give Thee thanks, O Lord, Father Almighty, for all those Thy -servants who waxed valiant in fight and wrought righteousness, and -counting not their life dear unto themselves, laid it down for their -friends; and we pray Thee that, having fought a good fight and finished -their course with joy, they may rejoice evermore with them that have -come out of great tribulation, and, having washed their robes and made -them white in the blood of the Lamb, stand before Thy Throne and serve -Thee day and night for ever; through Him that overcame and is set down -on Thy Throne, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee -and the Holy Ghost now and ever and world without end. AMEN. - - -The Address. - -Most merciful Father, Who hast been pleased to take unto Thyself the -souls of those whom we now commemorate before Thee, grant unto us who -are still in our pilgrimage and who walk as yet by faith that, having -served Thee with constancy on earth, we may be joined hereafter with -Thy blessed saints in glory everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. -AMEN. - - -THE LORD’S PRAYER. - - -THE BENEDICTION. - -The Lord grant to us, together with all His faithful servants, rest and -peace in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN. - - -The National Anthem. - - -The Last Post by Massed Trumpeters. - - -HYMN. - - O GOD, our help in ages past, - Our hope for years to come, - Our shelter from the stormy blast, - And our eternal home; - - Beneath the shadow of Thy Throne - Thy Saints have dwelt secure; - Sufficient is Thine Arm alone - And our defence is sure. - - O God, our help in ages past, - Our hope for years to come, - Be Thou our guard while troubles last, - And our eternal home. AMEN. - - -Reveille by Massed Trumpeters. - - - - -APPENDIX VI. - -REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS. - - -Thirteenth Hussars Association. - -92 VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER, S.W. 1. - -TELEPHONE: 3708 VICTORIA. - -_Cheques and Postal Orders to be made payable to the Secretary, -Thirteenth Hussars Association, and crossed Cox & Co._ - - _Secretary_-- - MISS FLORENCE CROSS. - - _President_-- - LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL, BART., K.C.B., C.V.O. - - * * * * * - -The objects of the Association are:-- - - To relieve distress amongst ex-men of the Regiment or their - dependants. - - To assist and advise them as to establishing themselves in civil - life on discharge from the Army. - - To advise them with regard to the care and education of their - children. - - To help them or their families to obtain hospital or convalescent - treatment when required. - - To provide a centre in London to which they may apply when in need - of help or advice. - -The Association is controlled by a Committee composed of past and -present officers and non-commissioned officers of the Regiment, and all -applications made to it are treated as confidential. - -Application may be made either personally or by letter to the Secretary -at the above address. - -Donations and Subscriptions to the Funds of the Association will be -gratefully received, and should be sent to the Secretary. - - -Thirteenth Hussars Old Comrades Association. - -This Association--originally called the “Old Comrades Dinner Club”--was -formed in accordance with a suggestion made at a meeting held at the -Office of the 13th Hussars Association, on Saturday, 1st March 1913, -under the Presidency of Lieut.-Colonel E. A. Wiggin, when a large -number of past and present officers of the Regiment were present, also -a good number of late N.C.O.’s and men. A committee was formed, and it -was decided to start a Club of Old Comrades of the Regiment under the -title of “The Old Comrades Dinner Club,” for the purpose of holding an -Annual Dinner. - -The Annual Dinner is held on the fourth Saturday in October. - -All retired officers, non-commissioned officers, and men whose -addresses are known have been invited to enrol themselves as members. - -Men of the Regiment of good character on taking their discharge are -eligible for election, and are requested to send their names and -addresses to the Hon. Secretary. - -The Annual Subscription is 2s. 6d. - -Invitations to the dinner are sent to members and (amongst others) -to all Chelsea Pensioners of the Regiment who come as guests of the -Association. - -The Association has been the means of assisting many past members of -the Regiment to obtain employment, and is very largely resorted to by -men in need of help and advice. - -Donations and subscriptions to the funds of the Association should be -sent to the Hon. Secretary, from whom all particulars as to membership -and otherwise can be obtained. - - _Hon. Secretary_-- - MR FRED. E. M. THOMPSON, - 14 BLANDFORD STREET, MANCHESTER SQUARE, LONDON, W. 1. - - - - -INDEX. - - -A Battery, R.F.A., 314 - -A Squadron (Thirteenth Hussars)--in France, 87; Kut, 167; Lajj, 174, -175, 181, 190, 192, 196; Baghdad, 206, 212, 214; Tekrit, 254; Kulawand, -275, 276; Tuz, 284-86; Guk-Tappah, 288; Hadraniyah, 297, 303, 305; -mentioned, 111, 271 - -Abbeville, 92 - -Abraham, 105, 129 - -Abu-Ghuraib, 267 - -Abu-Haiar, 282 - -Abu-Jisrah, 281 - -Accrington, 308, 309 - -Adam, 124 - -Aden, 60 - -Adhaim, river, 289 - -Aeroplanes, 1, 174, 175, 187, 196, 225, 254, 260, 283; German, 62; -Turkish, 211, 242 - -Afghan War, second, 40 - -Afghanistan, 104, 134; condition of (1914), 102; religion of, 102, 320 - -Africa, South, 40, 41, 56, 100, 277; war in (1899-1900), 16, 91, 100, -317 - -Agincourt, battle of, 7 - -Agra, 46 - -Akab, 268, 269, 289 - -Ain-Lailah, 282 - -Ain-Nakhailah, 289 - -Aire, 80 - -Alalou, Doctor, 185 - -Albert, King of the Belgians, 81 - -Albuera, battle of, 30 - -Aldershot-- Cavalry Barracks at, 326 Dedication Service at, 372-75 -Otherwise mentioned, 144, 191 - -Aleppo Road, the, 271 - -Alexander the Great, armies of, 104; cavalry, 4, 5, 8 - -Allan, Squadron-Sergt.-Maj. W. J., 331, 365 - -Allenby, Gen. Lord, 205, 217, 263, 268, 291, 321; quoted on operations -in Palestine, 327, and _note_ - -Allston, Pte. J., 331, 364, 365 - -Alma, battle of, 37 - -Alps, 5 - -Altum Kupri, 280, 287 - -Alva de Tormes, 30 - -Amadia, 352 - -Amara, 121, 122, 126, 127, 128, 130; hospital at, 190 - -America-- Civil War in (1861-65), 14, 325 War of Independence in -(1775-82), 16, 27 - -American Cavalry, 14, 15 - -American Medal, 362 - -Amiens, Peace of, 25 - -Ancre, 170 - -Anderson, Lieut. E. W., 368 - -Anderson, Rev. F. L., 374 - -Anderson, Sergt. G., 331, 354 - -Andrews, Pte. F., 249, 331, 359 - -Annett, Capt. A. E., 87, 269, 329, 366 - -Anson, Lieut. R. R., 329, 370 - -Appomattox, battle of, 15 - -Aqsu, 284 - -Arab village, 131, 132, 141 _note_, 143, 150 - -Arabia, 99 - -Arabian Sea, 61 - -Arabs-- Auxiliaries to the Turks, 106 Baghdad looted by, 203, 207, -210, 211 Barbarity of, 171, 207, 208 British survey party murdered by, -223 Bullets of, 143 Cavalry of, 142 Expeditions against, 220, 230, 233 -_note_ Mahomedan rising of, 35 Pacification of, 216, 232 Treachery of, -208 - -_Arme blanche_, the, 8, 14, 18 - -Armenia, 103 - -Armenians, 309 - -Armentières, 75 - -Armistice (1918)--with Turkey, 295-96, 301; with Germany, 302, 305, -325, 328 - -“Army Pattern” (horse), 269 - -Artillery-- German, 62 Horse, V Battery, 50, 195, 196, 198, 297, 303, -305, 306, 314, 315 Invention of, 5 - -Ashar, hospital at, 115 - -Ashworth, Capt. and Q.-M. R. W. F., 348, 349, 352, 364, 365, 368 - -Asia-- British power in, 98; prestige, 107, 204, 205; reverses, 133; -position (1917), 262, 320-21 Christians and Mahomedans in (1914), 102 -Turkey’s military power in, 132, 262, 320; defeat of Turks, 204, 264 -War in (1916), 91 - -Asia Minor-- Germany’s line of communication in, 99 Turkish base in, -217, 235, 263; Turkish recruiting ground, 103 - -Assaye, battle of (1803), 35 - -Associations, Regimental, 376, 377 - -Assyrian carvings, 3 - -Atab, 140, 356 - -Athens, 4 - -Attila, 6 - -Auction Bridge, 282 - -Augier, Doctor, 83 - -Aujah, 254 - -Aujah-Nullah, 247 - -Aujah-Tekrit, 245 - -Aukett, Sergt. H. H. L., 306, 331, 363 - -Austerlitz, battle of (1805), 11 - -Australia, contingent from, 66 - -Austria-- Ally of Germany, 98, 132, 291 War of, with Prussia (1866), 12 - -Authuille, 353 - -Awah, 271 - -Azizieh, 158, 160, 161, 174, 190 - - -B Battery, Royal Field Artillery, 284 - -B Squadron, Thirteenth Hussars--at Kut, 167; Lajj, 174, 175, 190, 192, -196; Baghdad, 206, 212, 214; Tekrit, 238, 243, 246, 247, 251, 254; -Kulawand, 275, 276; Tuz, 284, 285; Guk-Tappah, 288; Hadraniyah, 303-5; -mentioned, 269, 27 - -“B 3” (horse), 271 - -Babylon, 105 - -Badajos, battle of (1810), 28, 30 - -Baden-Powell, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Robert, visits the regiment in France, -78; letters to, 277, 300, 302, 305; letter from, 290; otherwise -mentioned, 44, 250, 280, 376 - -Bagh, 206 and _note_ - -Baghdad-- Advance on (map), 159 Arab looting of, 203, 207, 210, 211 -Black Watch entry of, 208, 215 Capital of Mesopotamia, 104, 204, 305 -Cavalry Barracks at, 210, 212, 215, 217, 220 City Military Police at, -225 Club at, 232 Cup, 232-34, 271 Description of, 210-11. Fall of, 192, -203, 204 Field of operations around (map), 201 General Townshend’s -Expedition to, 104-7 Importance of, 105, 321 Plate, 266 Race meeting -at, 233, 270 Railway, 99, 104, 205, 217 Regatta at, 232, 234 Thirteenth -Hussars’ entry of, 181, 215; garrison, 189, 208, 212, 225 Turkish base, -104, 134, 136 Otherwise mentioned, 137, 165, 166, 169, 172, 173, 188, -206 _note_, 207 _note_, 217, 225, 231, 261, 264-65, 268, 273, 277, 310, -319, 324, 326, 327, 353, 355, 356 - -Baghela, 233 - -Baker, Lieut. W, G., 329, 370 - -Baku, 268, 274 - -Balaclava, battle of, 37, 39, 41, 43, 51, 199 - -Balaclava Day, 39, 50, 54, 86, 122, 241, 250 - -Balaclava veterans, 50 - -Balban, 286 - -Balcarres, 7th Earl of, 23 - -Bald, Q.-M.-Sergt. A., 332, 365 - -Ballard, Cpl. A. C. W., 332, 356 - -Baltic Sea, 99 - -Bangalore, 35, 36 and _note_ - -Baquha, 217, 218, 240, 241, 258 - -Baqubah, 281, 290 - -Barbadoes, 24 - -Barnard, Sergt. G., 304, 332, 359 - -Barker, Pte. J. H., 249, 332, 358 - -Barrett (historian of the Thirteenth Hussars), 1, 41; quoted, 22, 23, -153 - -Barrett, Lieut. E. P., 329, 370 - -Barrett, Lieut. J. L. M., 153, 290, 329, 364, 366 - -Barrington, 2nd Lieut. A. C., 329, 371 - -Bartlett, Lce.-Cpl. F., 296, 304, 332, 355 - -Bartlett, Lce.-Sergt. W. G., 332, 357 - -Basra, 92, 97, 110, 111, 117, 123, 124, 231, 232, 326, 355, 356; map, -124 - -Basrajiyeh, 140 - -Bassouia, 224 and _note_, 356 - -Battye, Capt. L. S., 368 - -Bawi, 201, 205, 206, 211 - -Bayley, Lt.-Col. F. G., 364, 365, 368 - -Beaconsfield, Earl of, 56 - -Beadle, Cpl. W., 332, 354 - -Beales, Pte. H. J., 249, 332, 358 - -Beauchamp, Pte. A., 332, 357, 365 - -Bedford Yeomanry, 330, 369 - -Bedouin Arabs, 223 (_see also_ “Arabs”) - -Beesley, Pte. J., 332, 355 - -Belad-Rus, 240 - -Belgian soldiers, 93 - -Belgians, Albert, King of the, 81 - -Bell, Sergt. E., 163, 168, 332, 357 - -Bell, Pte. H., 249, 332, 356, 359 - -_Bellum_ (native boat), 122 - -Beluchistan, 101 _note_ - -Bengal cavalry system, 52 _note_ - -Bennett, Pte. W., 332, 359 - -Beresford, Marshal, 28, 29, 30 - -Berguette, 65, 75 - -Berlin, 108 - -Bernhardi, Von, quoted, 13, 15 - -Best, Lieut. the Hon. J. F., 329 and _note_ - -Béthune, 68, 69 - -Bible--quoted, 3; cited, 309 - -Bicharakoff, Lieut.-Col., 267 - -Biggar, Lieut. J. W., 329, 369 - -Bigge, Capt. W. E., 329, 369 - -Biggs, Pte. J. H., 332, 363 - -Billy, _see_ Eve - -Black Sea, 268 - -Black Watch, 208, 215 - -Blagrove, Col. H. J., 361, 368 - -Blenheim, battle of, 9 - -Blücher, Marshal, 32 - -Blyth, Capt. W., 269, 329, 370 - -Boer Republics, 41 - -Boer War, _see_ Africa, South - -Boers, 14, 15, 16 - -Bolton, Capt. R. H. J. M., 368 - -Bolton, Col., 26 - -Bombay-- Description of, 57, 97 Ladies of, 110 Royal Yacht Club at, 97 -Thirteenth Hussars at, 93, 95, 326 - -Bosphorus, 98, 103, 204 - -Bowie, Lce.-Cpl. G. W., quoted--on horses, 94; on voyage to -Mesopotamia, 111; on pursuit of Turks, 220-23; on winter (1917-18), -267-71; diary quoted, 64, 67, 68, 90, 211-12, 233, 234, 240-44, 269, -270, 281-90; otherwise mentioned, 333, 363 - -Box, _see_ Jeffrey - -Boyse, Lieut.-Col., 32, 33 - -Brearley, Reg. Q.-M.-Sergt. J., 241, 333, 363, 365 - -Brencher, Sergt. L. P., 276, 333 - -Brevet promotion, 365 - -Bridge, Col., 280 - -Bristol, Lieut. E., 329, 369 - -British Empire, Order of, 361 - -British Museum, 3 - -Brook, Ronnie, 279 - -Brooking, Maj.-Gen., 271 - -Broomfield, Pte. F., 333, 355 - -Buffs, the, 270 - -Bulgaria, 98, 132, 263, 291 - -Buffer, Gen. Sir Redvers, 15, 41 - -Burder, Lce.-Cpl. H. A., 249, 333, 359 - -Burgess, Lce.-Cpl. J., 333, 357 - -Burgess, Sergt. W. H., 269, 270, 279, 306, 333, 357, 359, 363 - -Burgues, 353 - -Busaco, battle of (1810), 28 - -Bush, Lce.-Cpl. F. K., 269, 270, 331, 333 - -Bush, Sergt., 233 - -Butler, Lady, 184 - -Butler, Lieut. F. H., 329, 370 - -Byng, 33 - -Byrne, Pte. J., 249, 333, 359 - - -C Squadron, Thirteenth Hussars--at Kut, 163, 167; Lajj, 175, 186, 190, -194, 196; Baghdad, 206, 214; after Baghdad, 220, 225; Imam Arbain, 246, -247; Tekrit, 251, 254, 256; Hadraniyah, 303-5; Tuz, 284; Kirkuk, 286 - -Caley, Gen., 285 - -Caliphs, 232 - -Camberley, staff college at, 49 - -Camels, capture of, 240 - -_Cameronia_ torpedoed, 227, 228, 355 - -Campo Mayor, 28 - -Canada--Contingent from, 66 Thirteenth Hussars in, 40, 41, 207 - -Candler, 280 - -Cannæ, battle of, 5 - -Canterbury, 36 - -“Caprice” (horse), 94, 119 and _note_, 156, 168, 169, 178 and _note_ - -Cardigan, 7th Earl of, 37, 39 - -Carnegie, Sergt. T., 333, 363 - -Carpenter, Gen., 18 - -Carpenter, Cpl. J., 334, 365 - -Carter, Maj. E. J., 329, 362, 365, 367 - -Carter, Lce.-Cpl. W., 269, 270, 334 - -Carthage, 104 - -Cartwright, Pte., 224, 334 - -Caspian Sea, 274 - -Cassels, Brig.-Gen., 293-96, 301, 302, 311, 313, 314, 317, 325 - -Casualties, 192, 198, 249, 352-60 - -Catherine of Braganza, 57 - -Caucasus, 132, 133, 136, 262, 291 - -Cavalry-- Alexander the Great, of, 4, 5, 8 American, 14, 15 Arab, 142 -Barracks at Baghdad, 210, 212, 215, 217, 220 Bengal system, 52 _note_ -British-- Awards to (1917), 233 Camp of, 231 Chinese Campaign of, 12 -Corps in France, 76, 81, 328 Desert Mounted Corps, 327 Dragoons, _see -that heading_ Eleventh Brigade (Cassels’), 293-96, 301, 302, 311, 313, -314, 317, 325 Indian Mutiny, in (1857), 12 Infantry work of, 67-86 -Inferiority of (1777), 22; (1805), 27 Light Brigade, _see that heading_ -Maude’s inspection of, 233 Peninsular War, in, 26-33 Persian force -destroyed by (1856), 235 Race Meeting at Baghdad, 232 Seventh Brigade -(Norton’s), 132, 176, 195-99, 217, 245, 293-95, 300-2, 306-7, 313-14, -325, 352 Sikh War, in (1846-49), 12 Sixth Brigade, 132, 176, 197, 198, -245, 274-76, 282 Early use of, 4 ff.; in 19th century, 12, 15 European, -8, 9, 11 Frederick the Great, of, 10, 12, 18, 22 French, 8, 9, 11, 28 -German, 9, 11, 62 and _note_ Greek, 4, 5 Haig’s, 75 Hannibal’s, 5, 9 -Horses, 62, 156 and _note_, 192 (_see also their names_) Indian, 57, -92, 132, 246, 258, 275, 278, 279, 282, 304, 368 Indian Cavalry Corps in -France, 75, 76 78, 80 and _note_, 83, 89-91, 119; value of (1915), 91 -_note_ Marlborough’s, 9 Persian, 4, 5 Portuguese, 29 Russian, 9, 37, 38 -Soult’s, 31 Swedish, 9 Turkish, 9, 142, 240 Value of, question as to, -1, 13, 14, 16, 90, 91 and _note_, 326-28 Xenophon’s Treatise on, 4 - -Cawnpore topees, 111, 117 - -Cemetery Hill, 298, 299, 303, 304, 313, 314, 315, 316 - -Centaurs, 3 - -Chágal, 117 - -Chai-Khanna, 264, 359 - -Chaldari, 220, 222, 223 and _note_, 230, 233, 274, 275, 290, 356 - -Chaliyeh, 222 - -Chamberlain, Lieut. D. A. C., 329, 369 - -Chanan-Keurri, 283 - -Channel Ports, the, 65 - -Chariots in War, 3, 4 - -Charles, _see_ Steele - -Charles the Second, King, 57 - -Charles the Twelfth, King of Sweden, 9 - -Charlie, Bonnie Prince, 20 - -Cheeseman, 2nd Lieut. G. W., 329 and _note_ - -Chelsea pensioners, 377 - -Chéradame, 98 - -Cheshire Regiment, 368 - -Chessy, 92 - -Cheviot Hills, 236 - -Chichester, 26 - -“Chicko” (horse), 179 - -Childari, 253 - -_Chilka_, 97 - -China, 56, 100 - -Chinese junks, 7 - -Chinese, the, 12 - -Chipperfield, Sergt. P., 171, 334, 354 - -Chivalry, 6, 7 - -Cholera, 36, 114, 238, 261, 353 - -Christians in Asia (1914), 102 - -Chrystall, Capt. J. I., quoted, 75, 80, 81, 84, 118, 120, 121, 122, -129, 143, 148, 265; on charge at Tekrit, 244, 256-58; otherwise -mentioned, 286, 329, 362, 364, 366 - -Church, Maj. J. F., 368 - -Cithæron, Mount, 4 - -_City of Sparta_, 326 - -Clarkson, Lieut. J. O. P., death of, 203, 213, 214; quoted, 121, 144, -145, 149, 166; otherwise mentioned, 329, 352, 371 - -Cleary, Pte. E., 334; quoted, 308 - -Cleveland, Pte. J., 334, 357, 363 - -Cobbe, Lieut.-Gen., 119 and _note_, 139, 140, 223, 242 - -Cobham’s Dragoons, 21 - -Cochrane, Lieut. B. W. D., 269, 329, 369 - -Colaba, camp at, 94 - -Cole, Pte. J., 310, 334, 354 - -Colenso, battle of, 41 - -Collett, Capt. G. G., 329, 366, 369 - -Collins, Lieut. C. F., 329, 371 - -Colonels, proprietary, 22 - -_Concord_, 24 - -Condé, the Prince of, 9 - -Conningham Post, 240, 290 - -Constable, 2nd Lieut. R. C., 329 and _note_ - -Constantinople, 99, 104, 166, 205, 240 - -Cook, Sergt. G., 334, 355 - -Cooke, Maj. and Quartermaster A., 329, 364, 365, 366; quoted, 316 - -Cooke, Rev. H. R., 207, 329, 369 - -Coraedes, 154, 211 - -Cope, Gen. Sir John, 20 - -Coracles, 154, 211 - -Corhin, Pte. W. G., 244, 249, 334, 363 - -Corner, Lieut. E. G., 329, 370 - -Corsica, 395 - -Cossacks, 9, 10, 267 - -Costello, Pte. D., 335 - -Costello, Lce.-Cpl. G., 306, 308 - -Couch, Pte. J. F., 241, 335, 356, 363 - -Covell, Capt. F. C., 96, 329, 362, 369 - -Cox, Maj. R. F., 329, 364, 365, 366; diary quoted, 74, 77 - -Cox, Pte., 223 - -Craven, Sergt. T. S., 335, 363, 364 - -Crawford-Greene, Lieut. W. P., 329, 369 - -Crécy, battle of, 7, 8, 10 - -Crete, 95 - -Crimea, 12, 41, 56, 61; campaign in (1854-56), 37-40 - -Crocker, Brig.-Gen., 132 - -Croix de Guerre, 86, 232, 362 - -Croix de Virtute Militara, 364 - -Cromer, Lord, 98 - -Cromwell, Oliver, 8, 9 - -Cross, Miss Florence, 376 - -Cross, the Military, 241, 244, 249, 289, 306, 362, 364 - -Crouch, Lce.-Cpl. J. F., _see_ Couch - -Crouch, Pte. T., 335, 354 - -Crusaders, 7 - -Ctesiphon, 105, 172, 174, 201, 206, 211, 323; arch of, 207 - -Cubitt, Pte. C., 335, 363 - -Cullenan, Capt. J., 329, 369 - -Culloden, battle of (1746), 21 - -Cumberland, Duke of, 21 - -Cunningham, Sergt. J., 290, 335, 357, 363 - -Curzon, Lord, 144 - -Custozza, battle of, 12 - -Cut-Throat Bridge, 282 - - -D Squadron, Thirteenth Hussars--in the Gulf, 109, 111; Kut, 163, 167; -Lajj, 175, 190, 191, 192, 196; Baghdad, 206, 208, 214; after Baghdad, -220, 224; Tekrit, 246, 254; Kulawand, 275-76; Tuz, 284-86; Guk-Tappah, -288; Hadraniyah, 303, 305; otherwise mentioned, 269, 271 - -Dahra Barracks, 161, 162 - -Dahra Ridge, 150 - -Dan, 310 - -Dangar, Capt. C. C., 362, 368 - -Daniell, Capt., 97 - -Daniels, Major, 234 - -Daraman, 287, 288, 359 - -Dardanelles, 102, 103, 104, 263, 320 - -Dark Ages, 6 - -Daur, 242, 244, 245, 253, 254, 289, 354 - -Davies, Maj., 234 - -Davies, 2nd Lieut. W. W. N., 329, 371 - -Davis, Pte. H., 335 - -Davis, Pte. H. G., 163, 335, 354 - -Dawson, Maj. J. V., wounded, 185; sufferings of, 186 and _note_; -courage of, 187; escape, 188; robbed by Turks, 192; otherwise -mentioned, 64 _note_, 175, 191, 197, 198, 329, 353, 365, 366 - -Day, Lce.-Cpl. G. A., 335, 356, 359 - -Decanville Railway, 203 - -Dedication of Memorial Tablet to Thirteenth Hussars, 372, 374 - -Deerham, 2nd Lieut. H. G., 329 - -Deir-as-Zor, 319 - -Delaney, Pte. C., 249, 335, 359 - -Delhi, 43, 45, 46 - -Deli Abbas, 208, 220, 221, 222, 224, 353, 358 - -Deli Abbas Cup, 234 - -Della Marmora, Gen., 40 - -Deltawa, 221, 222 - -Denison, Col., quoted, 10, 13 - -Denning, Lieut., 234 - -Denny, Maj. E. W., 368 - -Dent, Pte. W. D., 335, 356 - -Deolali, 111 - -Derbyshire Yeomanry, 368 - -Desert Mounted Corps, the, 327 - -Despatches, mentioned in, 331-51, 364, 365 - -Diala river, 202, 203, 206, 207, 214, 221, 223, 224, 236, 240, 267 - -Diary, Thirteenth Hussars’ Regimental, 49, 50, 93, 192, 205, 206, 223 - -Digby, Capt. E. Wingfield, quoted, 180 - -Dishdari, 360 - -Distinguished Conduct Medal, 151, 153, 154, 189, 222, 241, 244, 249, -259, 306, 363 - -Distinguished Service Medal, 362 - -Distinguished Service Order, 232, 306, 311, 361 - -Doherty, Capt., 31, 33 - -Doherty, Lieut., 31, 33 - -Doherty, Lieut.-Col. Patrick, 26, 31, 32 - -Doherty, Lieut.-Col. (second), 37, 40 - -Doll, Lieut. M. H. C., 329, 353, 364, 369 - -Dominions, the, strategic position of (1914), 100 - -Donoghue, Pte. J., 296, 304, 335, 355 - -Dormer’s Regiment of Dragoons, 19 - -Douthwaite, S.S.-M. C. M., 335, 365 - -Dover, 33 - -Downie, Pte. D., 336, 355 - -Dragoon Guards, 353, 367, 368 - -Dragoons-- Cobham’s, 21 Inniskilling, 20, 68 Jamaica, 25 Munden’s, -17, 18, 19 Regiments of, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Thirteenth, former -title of Thirteenth Hussars, 19; sent to Ireland, 19; under Col. -Gardiner (’45), 20; under Col. Ligonier, 21 - -Twelfth, 26 - -Dunbar, 20 - -Dundonald, Lord, 41 - -_Dunluce Castle_, 58 - -Dunsterville, Gen., 268, 269, 274 - -Dupleix, 58 - -_Dupleix_, 58, 60 - -Durbar, Indian (1911), 45, 47 - - -E. P. Tents, 114, 115 and _note_ - -Earle, Lieut. G. F.. 329, 369 - -Early (American officer), 14 - -East India Company, 57 - -Eden, Garden of, 105, 118, 125, 126, 129 - -Edinburgh, 20 - -Edward the Seventh, King, 42 - -Edwards, Squad. Q.-M.-Sergt. H. J., 163, 167, 336, 357, 365 - -Egerton, Lady Mabelle, 83 - -Egerton, Lieut.-Gen., 267, 285 - -Egypt, 56, 91, 95, 103, 133, 320, 321 - -Elba, 32 - -Elkan, Lieut. A. J. C., 329, 370 - -Elliott, Capt. W. A., 329, 369 - -England, Civil War in, _see_ Great Britain, 8 - -Enquin-les-Mines, 65, 75 - -Enquingatte, 68 - -Equites, the Roman, 5 - -Estrée Blanche, 68 - -Etaples, 353 - -Etna, 326 - -Eupatoria, 37 - -Euphrates river, Maude’s command of, 217, 236; Marshall’s operations -on, 263-64, 270; otherwise mentioned, 104, 125, 134, 216, 230, 235, -262, 319 - -Evans, Capt. J. W. D., 298, 303, 314, 329, 353, 369 - -Eve, Capt. W. H., plan of camp of, 125; courage of, 151, 152 and -_note_; squadron of, 170, 172, 175, 200; at Lajj, 184, 186; killed -at Lajj, 177-81 and _note_; estimate of, 177, 178, 179, 180, 192, -307, 310; letters quoted, 63, 75, 81, 83-88, 89, 90, 94, 95, 111-13, -114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 125, 128, 130, 142, 143, 145, -149, 152, 153, 155, 156, 166-172; diary quoted, 78, 79, 80; otherwise -mentioned, 46, 97, 115, 138, 188, 189, 191, 197, 198, 329, 352, 366 - -Eve, Mr Justice, 152 and _note_, 177, 307, 310; letter to, 177 - -Ezra, tomb of, 121, 125, 129 - - -Falkirk Muir, battle of, 21 - -Fao, Fort, 319 - -Farmer, Pte., 74, 336 - -Farmer, Pte. R., 336 - -Farquhar, Maj. T. R., 364 - -Farrer, Lieut. M. R., 329, 370 - -Fatha Gorge, 291, 293, 296, 301, 305, 311 - -Feluja, 217 - -Fenian conspiracy in Canada (1866), 40 - -Fern, Pte. W., 336, 356 - -Festubert, 68, 69 - -Feuquières-en-Vimes, 90 - -Fever, yellow, 24 - -Fifty-sixth Foot, 24 - -Firearms, power of, increased, 11 - -_Firefly_, 141, 165, 169 - -Fitzgibbon, Capt. H. C. D., 221, 222, 232, 266, 297, 303, 329, 353, -362, 369; quoted, 180, 181 and _note_, 310-13 - -FitzPatrick, Miss E., letter to, 308 - -Fletcher, 2nd Lieut. A. H. F., 329 and _note_ - -Flindell, Pte. D. G., 336, 354 - -_Floreat Etona_ (picture), 184 - -Flying Corps, the, 263 - -“Flying Heckle” (horse), 234 - -Foley, Lieut., 303 - -“Follow Me” (horse), 156, 168, 169 - -Ford cars, 283 - -Ford vans, 275 - -Foster, Lieut. G. R., 329 and _note_ - -Foster, Sergt. J. H., 131, 336, 365 - -Fowke, Brigadier, cited, 21 - -Fortescue (historian), quoted, 29, 46, 47 - -France-- Campaigns in (1914-16), 65-88 Campaigns of--with Austria -(1859), 12; with Prussia (1870), 12; with Great Britain in the West -Indies (1794, 1795), 23; in the Peninsula (1810-14), 25-32; at Waterloo -(1815), 32-33; in the Crimea (1854-55), 37 Cavalry of, 8, 9, 11, 28 -Chivalry of, 6, 7 Continental power of (1914), 19, 100, 101 Otherwise -mentioned, 51, 57, 59, 170, 353, 366 - -Francomb, Pte. A. W., 248, 249, 250, 252, 305, 336, 354 - -Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, cavalry system of, 10, 12, 18, 22 - -French spoken in Mosul, 312 - -French, Field-Marshal Lord, 62, 327 _note_ - -Fry, Major, 157 - - -Galloway, Pte., 194 - -Garden of Eden, the, 105, 118, 125, 126, 129 - -Gardiner, Lieut.-Col. James, commands Thirteenth Dragoons (1743), 20; -killed at Prestonpans, 21 - -Gardner, Lieut. C. W., 329, 370 - -Geale, Lieut., 33 _note_ - -George the Fifth, King, 64-65; his visit to India, 42-46 - -George the First, King, 17 - -George, Cpl. W. S., 337, 354 - -German Cavalry, 11, 62 and _note_ - -‘German Plot Unmasked, The,’ 98 - -Germans made prisoners, 171, 271 - -Germany-- Cavalry of, 9, 11, 62 and _note_ Designs of, 98-100, 132, -205, 320 Failure of, 291, 312 Map of Germany and Confederates, 99 -Persian intrigues of, 372 Turkey’s communications with, 99 War with, -outbreak of, 51 Otherwise mentioned, 204, 309 - -Gerrard, Pte. H., 304, 337, 360 - -Gibbons, 2nd Lieut. W. R., 329 - -Gilbert, Sergt. W., 182, 184, 185, 337, 360 - -Gill, Sergt.-Trumpeter S., 337, 365 - -Goddard, Sergt.-Major E., 163, 167, 337, 357 - -Godfree, Capt. D. W., 275-76, 285-87, 304-6, 329, 362, 364, 369 - -Goldie, Maj., 75 - -Goodman, Lieut. E., 329, 370 - -Goorkha Infantry, 157 - -Gore, Lieut. R., 329, 366 - -Goths, 6 - -Gowan, Capt. C. H, adventures of, 211; quoted, 275, 276; otherwise -mentioned, 279, 290, 329, 362, 364, 366 - -Grant, Major-Gen., 32 - -Gray, Sergt. J., 248-50, 252, 337, 354, 365 - -Great Britain-- Asia, position in, 98, 107, 133, 204-5 Boer Republics’ -ultimatum to (’99), 41 German menace to (1914), 51, 100, 320 Indian -army of, _see under_ India Sea power of, 104, 321-2 Wars of, 1; Civil -War, 8 - -Greece, 4, 5 - -Greenshields, Maj., 315 - -Griffiths, Gunner, 20 - -Guards, 367, 368 - -Gubbins, Capt., 33 _note_ - -Gufa race, 234 - -Guk-Tappah, 287, 288 - -Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, 9 - - -H. V. Rifle, 67 - -Hadraniyah, Thirteenth Hussars charge at (1918), 293-96, 299, 305, 307, -311, 313-16, 324-25, 353-55, 359, 360 - -Hadraniyah Bluff, 298 - -Hadraniyah Ford, 296, 313 - -Hai river, 138-41, 146, 224 _note_, 324 - -Hai Town, 146, 149 - -Haig, Field-Marshal Lord, 87 quoted; on Cavalry, 327 and _note_, 328 - -Haig’s Cavalry, 75 - -Haines, Squadron Q.-M.-Sergt. S. B., 338, 363, 365 - -Halstead, Pte. C., 249, 338, 359 - -Halswelle, Capt. G., 368 - -Hamilton, 190 - -Hamilton, Col., 20 - -Hamilton-Grace, Maj. R. S., 329, 353, 362, 364, 365, 367 - -Hammam Ali, 311 - -Hammond, Pte. W., 338, 355 - -Hampson, Lieut. J., 329, 371 - -Hannibal, 5, 6 and _note_, 9 - -Hanover, House of, 19 - -Haqui Bey, 300, 313 - -Harding, Pte. J. T., 317, 318, 357, 364 - -Hardinge, Viscount, 49 - -Harrington, Earl of, 19 - -Harrison, Sergt A., 338, 354 - -Harrison, 2nd Lieut. W. B., 329 and _note_ - -Harris, Pte, C., 338, 356, 359 - -Harriss, Pte., 233 - -Hartigan, Lieut. M. G., 232, 233, 238, 266, 303, 312, 329, 362, 370 - -Harvey, Pte. F., 304, 338, 360 - -Hastings, battle of, 8 - -Hawkins, 2nd Lieut. H. R., 329 and _note_ - -Hayworth, Pte. F., 338, 356 - -Hazebrouck, 33 - -Head, Col., 26 - -Heathman, Cpl. A. E., 168, 338, 357 - -Heavy Brigade, the, at Balaclava, 38, 39 - -Henderson, Col., quoted, 12, 13, 14, 15, 46, 56, 62 _note_, 327 - -Herbert, Pte. P. H., 339, 354 - -Herodotus, cited, 4 - -Hibbert, Pte. A., 249, 339, 359 - -Higgs, Squadron Q.-M.-Sergt. W., 269, 339 - -Highlanders, Ninety-Third, 38 - -Hilawiyni, 212 - -Hill, Sergt. A. E., 339 - -Hill, Pte G. A., 339, 356 - -Hill, Pte. H., 339 - -Hill, Capt. R. C., 143, 144, 153, 329, 339, 361, 371 - -Hill, Sergt. W. J., 114, 163, 168, 304, 339, 357, 360, 365 - -Hind, Capt. J. H., 255, 330, 365, 367 - -Hindustan, 40, 43, 45 - -Hirsch, Lieut. J. H., 227, 330, 370; quoted, 227, 228 - -‘History of the Peninsular War,’ 29 - -Hit, 264, 270 - -Hobbs, Cpl. J., 339, 355 - -Hodgkinson, Capt. G. H., 368 - -Hogg, Pte. C., 178 _note_, 339 - -Holden, Sergt. W., 364 - -Holland, Brig.-Gen., 274 - -Hollen-Prior, Gen., _see_ Pryor - -Hollingdale, Lieut. E. T., 330, 370 - -Holloway, Sergt. H. S., 339, 357, 365 - -Holloway, Sergt. R., 271, 304, 339, 354 - -Holt, Lieut. W. V., 368 - -Holt, Miss, 83 - -Honours and Rewards, 361-65 - -Horner, Capt. A. L., 330, 366, 369 - -Horse Artillery, _see under_ Artillery - -Horse Guards, 368 - -Horse, Poona, 85 - -Horse, Skinner’s, 52 and _note_, 96 - -Horse, Watson’s, 183 - -Horse, Welsh, 368 - -Horses (_see also_ Cavalry)-- Bible mention of, 3 Care of, 112, 114, -126 Casualties among, 62, 156 and _note_, 192 Cavalry, 62, 156 and -_note_ Names of, 94, 114, 119 and _note_, 156, 168, 169, 178, 179, -191, 232, 233, 234, 266, 269 Size of Greek, 4 Sufferings of, 58, 61, -62, 64, 156 and _note_, 224 - -Hotchkiss guns, 125, 148, 161, 188, 193, 207, 221, 238, 243, 269, 283, -284, 305 - -Hougomont, 33 - -Howard, Lce.-Cpl. J., 339, 354 - -Howard, Capt. the Hon. M. F. S., 368 - -Howey, Capt. J. E. P., 304, 330, 369 - -Hows, Pte. W. E., 339, 355 - -Hudson, Lce.-Sergt. H., 249, 339, 359 - -Humphrey, Pte. E., 306, 340, 363 - -Hunt, Pte. W. F., 340, 354 - -Huntingfield, Capt. Lord, 330 and _note_, 368 - -_Huntsgreen_, 355 - -Hussars, The-- Eighth, 39, 52, 54, 342, 368 Eighteenth, 340, 352, 368 -Eleventh, 39, 353, 365, 367, 368 Fifteenth, 32 Fourth, 39 Fourteenth, -19, 32, 132, 268, 274, 275, 276, 326, 330, 369 Northumberland, 367, 369 -Thirteenth (for squadrons of, _see_ A, B, C, D)-- Barrett’s history -of, 1; service of, 1, 2, 17; summary of early history of, 17-41; -known as Munden’s Dragoons, 17, 18, 19; become Light Dragoons (1777 -_circa_), 22; first called Hussars (1861-62), 40; in India, 45-60; -attitude towards war (1914), 51, 52; campaign in France (1915-16), -67-84; campaign in Mesopotamia (1916-18), 124, 131, 132, 140, 141, -158, 159, 173-77, 199, 216, 217, 218, 220, 237, 238, 264, 273-75, -293-96, 322, 323, 324, 325; return to England, 326; roll of officers, -329, 330; roll of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, 331-51; -casualties, 352-60; honours and rewards, 361-65; dedication service and -unveiling of memorial tablet, 372-75; Old Comrades Association, 376, -377 Regimental Diary, quoted, 49, 50, 93, 192, 205, 206, 223 Squadrons -of, _see_ A, B, C, D Yorkshire, 368 - -Huwaish Gorge, 313, 316 - -Hyderabad, 42 - - -‘Illustratte Zeitung,’ 166 - -Imam Arbain, 245 - -Imam Mahdi, 160, 241, 352, 353, 354, 357 - -‘In Mesopotamia,’ 231 - -India-- Army of, 44, 55-57, 91-92, 102 (_see also_ Cavalry--Indian) -Attitude towards war (1914), 51 and _note_ Capital of (Delhi), 44-45 -Contingent from, 65 Durbar in (1911), 45 Empire of, 55 Government of, -54 Hindustan, 40 Karnul, insurrection in (1839), 35, 36 King George’s -visit to (1911), 44, 45 Map of, 34 Military value of (1914), 100, 101, -103 Moghuls the conquerors of, 43, 44 Mutiny in (1857), 43 Peninsula -of, 43 Punjabi Infantry of, 245 Thirteenth Hussars in (1819-40), 34, -35, 36; (1870-84), 40; (1904), 41; quartered at Meerut (1910), 43; take -part in Durbar (1911), 45; reviewed by King George, 46; life in India, -47-58; attitude towards war (1914), 51, 52; voyage to England, 60-63 -Otherwise mentioned, 49, 133, 134, 229, 271, 306 - -Indian Cavalry, _see under_ Cavalry-- Expeditionary Force, 97 Soldiers, -138, 320; driver mentioned for gallantry, 317-18 - -Infantry-- British-- Wellington’s, 27; in Mesopotamia, 170, 202, 251, -254, 255, 257, 258, 323 German, 62 Goorkha, 157 Mobile, 328 Oxford and -Bucks Light, 68 Punjabi, 245 Roman, 6 Swiss, 8 Turkish, 174, 176, 177 - -Inkerman, battle of, 39 - -Inniskilling Dragoons, 20, 68 - -Inverness, 20 - -Irawadi river, 121, 322 - -Ireland, Thirteenth Hussars in (1718-42), 19, 20; (1748-95), 22-24 - -Iron rations, 78, 80 - -Ironsides, 8 - -Islam, 102 - -_Islanda_, 99, 109, 110 and _note_ - -Ismail Hakki, 295 - -Istabulat, 241, 244 - -Italian Medal, the, 232, 362, 364 - -Italy-- Ally of Germany (1914), 99, 291 Hannibal’s invasion of, 5, 6 -and _note_ - -Izakhi Canal, 244 - - -Jackson, Stonewall, 46 - -Jackson, Capt. T. K., 330, 368 - -Jacobite Rebellions, 19-21, 26 - -Jaffer’s Tomb, 212, 352 - -Jamaica, 23-25 - -James, Lce.-Cpl. E., 340, 354 - -James-Moore, Pte. J. H., 340, 363 - -Japan, 100 - -Jasper, Pte. F. G., 249, 340, 355 - -Jat Lancers, 298, 300 - -Jebel Hamrin Range, 240, 241, 242, 244, 263, 273, 280, 281, 293, 301, -311; description of, 220, 222, 224, 236 and _note_ - -Jebel Makhul, 301 - -Jeddere-Fisher, Maj. H. J., 368 - -Jeffrey, Capt. J. A., 127, 152, 156, 188, 191, 208, 265, 266, 286, 303, -311, 330, 362, 364, 366 - -Jeffrey, Pte. J., 249, 340, 359 - -Jemmett, Lieut. C. W., 330, 370 - -Jervis, Adm., 136 - -Jews, 129, 209 - -Jibuti, 60 - -Johnson, Lieut. H. H., 330, 370 - -Johnston, Capt. L. C., 330, 369 - -Jones, Gen., quoted, 227 - -Jones, Pte., 270 - -Jones, Pte. Alfred, 178, 189, 340, 354, 363 - -Jones, Major H. Ll., 330, 353, 361, 362, 364, 365, 367 - -Jones, Lieut. H. R., 238, 249, 271, 330, 362, 370 - -Jones, Pte. T. R., 340, 354 - -Jordan, Pte. C. W., 340, 354 - -Joseph Bonaparte, King, 30, 36 - -Judkins, Lieut. B. E. H., 330, 369 - -_Julnar_, 242 - - -Kabul, 40 - -Kadhimain, 203, 206 - -Kaiser, the, 101, 102, 205 - -Kalahaji, Fahan, 356 - -_Kalyan_, 93 - -Kandahar, 40 - -Kara Tepe, 263, 273 - -Karnul, insurrection at (1839), 35, 36 - -Karnul, Nawab of, 35 - -Kasper, Pte., 243 - -Kazimain, 208-210, 212, 214 - -Keaney, Pte. P., 222, 340, 360 - -Kelly’s Canal, 235 and _note_ - -Kennard, Major W. A., 330 and _note_, 353, 361, 364, 367 - -Kennedy, Lieut. M. C., 96, 330, 366 - -Kennedy, Capt. S. V., 330, 362, 364, 366 - -Kennington, Lce.-Cpl. C. H., 340, 354 - -Kerbela, 272 - -Keswick, Lieut. H. G., 266, 330, 369 - -Khair-el-Kharabeh, 206 - -Khalifs, City of the, 202 - -Khan Baghdadi, 271 - -Khan Mifraji, 289 - -Khanal Kharninah, 245 - -Khaniquin, 268 - -Khasradalah, 284, 359 - -Kifri, 263, 273 - -Kifri-ain-Faris, 283 - -Kifri-Tuz Road, 276, 284 - -Killacky, Pte. T., 117, 341, 355 - -Killick, Pte. A., 341, 354 - -King, Lieut., 30 - -Kirkuk, 273, 274, 286, 288, 292, 293, 359 - -Kitchener, Field-Marshal Lord, 81 - -Kitchener’s Men, 81, 116, 138 - -Kitcher, Lce.-Cpl. F. C., 290, 341, 363 - -Kizil-Robart, 241, 244 - -Knapman, Sergt. H., 188 _note_, 341, 354 - -Königgratz, battle of, 12 - -Koran, the, 184, 320 - -Kruger, President, 16 - -Ktuwair, 289 - -Kulawand, Cavalry charge at, 274, 275, 276, 283, 284, 324 - -Kurdarrah river, 358 - -Kurdish language, 312 - -Kurds, 203, 240, 283, 312, 313 - -Kurna, 126 - -Kut Cup, 232, 233, 234 - -Kut-el-Amara, occupied by Townshend (1915), 104; surrender of (1916), -107; recapture of (1917), 158-171, 204; mentioned, 92, 113, 126, 132, -133, 135, 137, 140, 141, 150, 162, 216, 231, 242, 323 - - -La Bassée, 75 - -La Source, 64 - -La Valentine, camp at, 93 - -Ladysmith, siege of, 15, 41 - -Lajj, battle at, 173-75; Thirteenth Hussars’ charge at, 176-78; -casualties at, 181-88, 191, 192; Colonel Richardson’s account of, -195-98; General Maude’s view of, 199, 324; mentioned, 200, 241, 246, -270, 279, 325, 352-55, 357-58, 360 - -Lajj, sketch of battlefield at, 175 - -Lajj Cup, 232, 233, 234 - -Lake, Gen., 119, 132 - -Lancaster, 18 - -Lancers-- Fourteenth, 160, 196, 197, 314, 315, 316, 317 Fourteenth -Indian, 96, 258, 295, 307 Jat, 298, 300 Seventeenth, 39, 43, 174 -Thirteenth, 196, 246, 295-97, 300, 314-16 Thirteenth Indian, 96 -Twenty-First, 297, 353, 364, 369 - -Latour Maubourg, 28 - -Lawrence, Maj., 33 - -Lawrence, Lieut. F. G., 330, 370 - -Lawson-Smith, Lieut. T. E., 330 and _note_, 352, 367 - -Le Patourel, Lieut. A. M., 266, 330, 365, 370 - -Le Plouy, 355 - -Leeman, Lce.-Sergt. W., 304, 341, 354 - -Leetham, Col, Sir A., 361, 368 - -Legion of Honour, 362 - -Legions, Roman, 5, 6 - -Leutchford, Cpl. W., 249, 342, 359 - -Lewin, Brig.-Gen., 293 - -Lewis guns, 275, 283 - -Liddle, Pte. A., 249, 341, 359 - -Life Guards, 367, 368 - -Light Brigade, charge of the, 37, 38, 39, 122, 199 - -Ligonier, Col., 21 - -Lille, 76 - -Lillers, 353 - -Lindsey, Lce.-Cpl. H., 249, 341, 357, 359 - -Lisbon, 26-29, 31 - -Little, Pte. P. W., 304, 341, 360 - -Lomas, Lce.-Cpl. F., 306, 341, 363 - -Lonsdale, Lce.-Cpl. R., 233, 341 - -Lord, Lieut. J. A., 143, 144, 160, 164, 168, 171, 330, 353, 367 - -Los Santos, 30 - -Lovejoy, Pte. S. A., 342, 355 - -Loyal North Lancashire Regt., 202 - -Lucas, Lieut. J. H., 330, 370 - -Lucknow, 36, 43 _note_ - -Luff, Squadron Q.-M.-Sergt. H., 233, 342 - -Lumley, Capt. J. N., 330, 362, 364, 366 - -Lyman, Pte. F., 342, 354 - -Lynch-Staunton, 2nd Lieut. G., 177, 185, 186, 190, 191, 197, 198, 330, -352, 370 - -Lyons, Capt. J. D., 368 - - -MacArthur, Capt. E. W., 368 - -M‘Bride, Squadron Q,-M.-Sergt. F. A., 342, 363 - -Macdonald, Capt. H., 269, 330, 352, 362, 370; leads charge at Tuz, 274, -276, 279, 280, 285, 290 - -Macdonnell, Pte. M., 249, 342, 355 - -Machine-gun Squadron, 25th, 270 - -M‘Creadie, Pte. W., 342, 354 - -M‘Lagan, Lieut. C. A. G., 330, 353, 369 - -Maclean, Col. Sir F., 368 - -MacMunn, Gen., quoted, 125 - -M‘Nulty, Pte. P., 147, 163, 193, 195, 310, 342, 354 - -Madgin, 2nd Lieut. W., 330 and _note {66}_ - -Madras, 36 - -Madrid, 30 - -Maguire, Sergt. (Trumpeter) W. F., 247, 256, 342, 365 - -_Mahailla_ (Arab boat), 144 - -Mahan, Adm., 6 _note_ - -Mahomedan cemetery near Kirkuk, 288, 297, 298, 313 - -Mahomedans-- Holy cities of, 272 India, in: chiefs, 35, 42; soldiers, -102 Power of, in Asia, 101, 102, 320 Rules of, 184 - -Makina, 180, 355 - -Malta, 95 - -Manby, Pte. E., 249, 342, 359 - -Mandali, 240, 241, 244, 253 - -_Mantis_, 268 - -Maps-- Advance from Basra, 124 ” on Baghdad, 159 Baghdad and Field of -Operations (1917-18), 201 British Position on the Tigris, 137 Germany -and her Confederates, 99 India, 34 - -Marathas, 35 - -Marathon, 4, 104 - -Marchant, Maj, T. H. S., 87, 330, 361, 364, 365, 366 - -Marengo, battle of, 11 - -Marival, 87 - -Marlborough, 1st Duke of, 1, 9, 10, 17, 19, 21, 22 - -Marne, battle of the, 65 - -Maroons, the, rebellion of, 23-25 - -Marseilles, 57, 63, 65, 93, 94, 96 - -Marshall, Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. R., marches to Zeur, 173, 174; commands -in Mesopotamia, 262; winter work of (1917-18), 263; attacks Turks, -263, 264; plan of campaign (1918), 273; quoted, on the armies in -Mesopotamia, 262; on cavalry work in Mesopotamia, 273, 274; otherwise -quoted, 236, 237, 262-64, 291, 293-96, 319, 320; otherwise mentioned, -139, 140, 327 and _note_ - -Mary, Princess, 64, 65 - -Mary, Queen, 64-65; visit to India (1911), 46 - -Masistius, 4 - -Mason, Pte. Reuben, 342, 354 - -Masséna, Marshal, 28 - -Massey, Pte. C. T., 342; quoted, 92, 93, 109-11, 115, 139, 143, 146, -154, 161-64, 192-95, 214, 215, 223, 342; cited, 140 - -Masson, 164 - -“Matches” (horse), 191, 232, 255, 266 - -Matthews, Sergt. W., 244, 249, 343, 354, 363 - -Maude, Gen. Sir Stanley, commands in Mesopotamia, 107, 108; plan of -campaign, 135-38, 235-37, 323-24; attacks Turks, 157; takes Baghdad, -203-5; plan of operations beyond Baghdad, 216, 217; Lajj Cup given -by, 232; inspects cavalry, 233; presents Cups, 234; death of, 237, -238, 260, 262; estimate of, 238; despatch quoted, 136-37, 160-61, 173; -quoted, 7; on fight at Lajj, 199; otherwise quoted, 201, 203, 218, 219, -229, 230, 323, 324; cited, 138, 175, 218; otherwise mentioned, 119 -_note_, 131, 132, 140, 155, 232, 260, 262, 263, 322, 327 - -Maxim guns, 167 - -Medaille Barbatie se Credente, 364 - -Médaille Militaire, 86 - -Medals-- American, 362 Distinguished Conduct, 241, 244, 249, 289, 306, -335-48, 363 Italian, 232, 262, 364 Meritorious service, 332-51, 363 -Military, 233, 241, 244, 249, 259, 333-50, 362 Roumanian, 364 - -Medd Bridges, 253 - -Mediterranean Sea, 56, 63, 95, 97, 227 - -Meerut, 43, 47; Club, 52 - -Meerut Cavalry Brigade, 57, 92, 96 - -Meerut Division, 52 - -Mellor, Lce.-Cpl. A., 343, 357, 359 - -Memorial Tablet to Thirteenth Hussars, 372, 374 - -Mendali taken by British, 236, 281 - -Meritorious Service Medal, 332-51, 363 - -Merv, 319 - -Mesopotamia-- Baghdad, _see that heading_ Campaign in -(1914-18)--Townshend’s expedition to Kut (1915), 104; position of -British force (autumn 1915), 106; surrender of Kut (1916), 107; Maude -succeeds Lake in command of British Army, 132; his position, 132-38; -Kut recaptured (1917), 158-171; engagement at Lajj, 173-88; fall of -Baghdad, 200-4; Baquha occupied, 217; Russians join British, 218; -engagements at Ramadie, 235, 236; at Mendali, 236; at Tekrit, 245-48; -255-58; Marshall in command of Army, 262; engagements at Kulawand -(1918), 274, 278; Tuz Kermatli, 279, 280-285; Hadraniyah, 293-99; -313-16; review of, 319-20; enemy losses in, 319; British casualties in, -352-60 Description of, 105, 106, 319, 320 Navigation in, 120, 121, 122, -135, 321, 322 Thirteenth Hussars’ voyage to, 109-13 - -Mesopotamian Field Force, 96, 262 - -Messines, 352 - -Messing, English system of, in India, 49 - -Metcalfe, Maj. J. C., 368 - -Meteren, 352 - -Methven, Capt. D. M., 330, 369 - -Michell, Lieut. R. J. V., 330, 370 - -Military Cross, 222, 232, 241, 244, 249, 259, 290, 306, 363 - -Military Medal, 226, 233, 244, 249, 289, 306, 333-50, 362 - -Miller, Pte. C. A., 249, 343, 357 - -Miller, Lce.-Cpl. T. R., 343, 354 - -Millican, Pte. S., 343, 355 - -Moghuls, 43, 44 - -Monitors, 131, 144, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 268 - -Mons, retreat from, 46 - -Montecuculi, 9 - -Moon, Lieut. N. L., 330, 369 - -Moore, 2nd Lieut. H. A., 330 and _note_ - -Moore, Pte. P., 343, 356 - -Morris, Cpl. J., 343. 354 - -Morrison, Pte. J., 182, 184, 185, 343, 360 - -Mortimer, Pte. H., 226, 244, 249, 343, 363; quoted, 147, 148, 224-226, -259 - -Moss, Sergt. E. E., 163, 269, 343, 363 - -Mosul--description of, 309, 312; surrender of, 311, 312; otherwise -mentioned, 185, 280, 291, 293, 295, 301, 305, 308, 319, 321, 326 - -Mosul Villayat, 312 - -Motor-buses, London, 68 - -Mounted Brigade, the, 367 - -Moustaches, permission to shave, 139 - -Munden, Brig. Richard, 17, 18, 19, 22; Dragoons, 18, 19 - -Munster, Lieut. J. F., death and estimate of, 150; quoted, 117, 120, -144; otherwise mentioned, 96, 116, 118, 152, 153, 330, 352, 369 - -Murat, Marshal, 11 - -Mushada, 223 - -Mushaidi, 217 - - -Naffdach, 284 - -Nahr Massag, 357 - -Nahrin, 282 - -Nalas, 173 and _note_ - -Napier, Major-Gen. Sir W. F. P., 29-31 - -Napoleon Bonaparte--Cavalry of, 11; Marshals of, 11, 26; Peninsular -campaign of, 26-31; otherwise mentioned, 12, 25, 26, 31, 32, 35, 56, -98, 101, 105, 139 and _note_ - -Nasariyeh, 137 - -Natal, 40, 41, 46, 56 - -Navy, British, 26; as affecting Mesopotamia, 104, 165, 171 - -Nawab of Karnul, 35 - -Neill, Capt. Norman, 49 and _note_, 330 and _note_, 340, 352, 367 - -Nejef, 272 - -Neuve Chapelle, 75, 77, 80 - -New Zealand, 66 - -Newman, Sergt. A. S., 248, 249, 250, 252, 343, 354 - -Newman, Lieut. W. G., 330, 370 - -Newman, Pte. W. H., 296, 297, 304, 344, 355 - -Newton, Capt. H. G. T., death and estimate of, 226, 227; quoted, -185-87, 212-14; otherwise mentioned, 151, 175, 181, 186, 195, 330, 353, -366 - -Nicholson’s Nek, battle of, 15 - -“Nightshade” (horse), 271 - -Nineveh, 105, 309 - -Nizam of Secunderabad, 42 - -Noel, Lieut., 303 - -Nœux les Mines, 354, 356 - -Norfolk, Lieut. H., 368 - -Norledge, Pte. F. G., 344, 355 - -North, Pte. L., 344, 355 - -_Northbrook_, 60 - -Northumberland Hussars, 367, 369 - -Norton, Brig.-Gen. Charles, 245, 293, 300 313, 314; quoted, 296 - -Norton, Capt. D. J. E., 244, 246, 247, 249, 251, 266, 304, 330, 362, 370 - -Norwood, Lieut. W. J. L., 330, 370 - -Noyelles les Vermelles, 353 - -Numidians, 5 - - -Oakes, Capt. J. O., 87, 89, 330, 367 - -Oazah Chia, 286 - -O’Connor, Lce.-Cpl. J., 249, 344, 359 - -O’Connor, Pte. T., 152 and _note_, 344, 356 - -Oisemont, 90 - -O’Kelly, Capt. H. A. de P., 352, 368 - -Old Comrades Dinner, 50, 377 - -Oldham, Capt., 39 - -Olive, letter to, 310 - -Omdurman, 315 - -Omnibuses for troops, 68 - -Orders and Decorations, 361-64 - -Orleans, 63, 64, 65 - -Ormrod, Lieut. L. A., 143, 144, 190, 232, 233, 266, 271, 330, 370 - -Orthes, 31 - -Osmond, Lieut. L., 270, 330, 370 - -Ostend, 32 - -Ottoman Turks, 103 - -Owen, Pte. A., 290, 344, 355, 363 - -Owen, Lieut. L. G., 330, 370 - -Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, 68 - - -Paardeberg, battle of, 15 - -Palestine-- Campaign in (1914-18), 103, 205, 217, 263, 264, 268, 291, -321 Cavalry in, 91, 108, 323, 327 - -Pankhurst, Pte. J., 344, 354 - -Pappenheim, Count, 9 - -Pardon, Lieut. R. B., 155, 330, 370 - -Paris, 33, 65 - -Parkes, Lieut. G. H., 303, 306, 330, 362, 370 - -Parthenon, the, 4 - -Parthians, 6 - -Pathans, 35 - -Patrick, Pte. V., 304, 344, 360 - -Pay, Pte. W. W., 344, 365 - -Payne, Capt. F. N., character of, 167, 207; death of, 261; quoted on -fight at Lajj, 187-90; on Capt. Eve’s death, 189; on Baghdad, 207-11; -on Kazimain, 208, 209; otherwise mentioned, 157, 162 and _note_, 167, -169, 171, 180, 182, 224, 231, 330, 353, 370 - -Pearson, Lieut. W. R., 114, 141, 155, 320, 330, 370 - -Pedder, Brig.-Gen. E. N., 368 - -Pedder, Lieut. G. R., 185, 186, 188, 198, 231, 330, 353, 367; quoted, -96, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123, 126, 141, 143, 164-65, 180, 190, 192, 231, -232, 252, 253, 255, 264, 265, 266 - -Peep-o’-Day Boys, 23 - -Peat, _see_ Peet - -Peet, Pte. G., 232, 344, 358 - -Pélissier, Marshal, 40 - -Peninsular Badge, 32 - -Peninsular War, the, 26-31, 36, 41, 51, 56, 132 - -Pennington, _see_ Pinnington - -Pepys, Lieut.-Col. W., 330, 361, 364, 367, 368 - -“Percival” (horse), 234 - -Persia-- Alexander the Great’s invasion of (334 B.C.), 4 Baku -expedition through, 274 Conditions in (1916-17), 101-4, 132-34, 263 -German influence in, 272, 273 Oilfields of, 104 Russians in, 217, 230, -235, 320 Turkey’s reverses in, 217, 218, 236, 240, 291 - -Persian Gulf, 99, 104, 109 - -Persians, 4, 102, 136 - -Peter the Great of Russia, 9 - -Philippon, Gen., 30 - -Phillips, Lieut.-Col. H., 361, 362, 368 - -Pinnington, Lieut. E. F., 182 _note_, 183, 185, 186, 191, 197, 198, -330, 353, 370; quoted on fight at Lajj, 183-85 - -Pitman, Pte. D., 82 and _note_, 344, 353 - -Platæa, battle of, 104 - -Poictiers, battle of, 7 - -Poles, 168 - -Polo, 42, 43, 47, 49, 52, 53, 120, 123, 231, 232 - -Pont Rémy, 92 - -Pook, Lieut. W. J. C., 330, 370 - -Poona Horse, 85 - -Popham, Squadron Serg.-Maj. E. L., 345, 365 - -Portugal, campaign in, 26-30 - -Potter, Squadron Sergt.-Maj. A., 238, 363, 364, 365 - -Powell, Pte. W., 304, 345, 356, 360 - -Preston, battle of (1715), 18, 19 - -Prestonpans, battle of (1745), 20, 21 - -Prisoners of war, 183, 353, 360, 368 - -Prussia, 10, 12, 18 - -Prussians, 33 - -Pryor, Gen. Holland, 274, 285 - -‘Punch,’ 157 - -Punic Wars, 5 - -Punjabi Infantry, 245 - -Pushtikuh Mountains, 149 and _note_ - -Pymm, Lieut., 33 and _note_ - -Pyrenees, battles of, 31 - - -Qarah Tappah, 267 - -Qasr-i-Shirin, 268 - -Quatre Bras, battle of, 32 - -Quayirah, 316 - -Queen’s Regiment, 368 - -Qusil Robart, 253 - - -Ragged Brigade, the, 32, 36, 132 - -Ramadie, surrender of, 235, 236, 253, 264 - -Ramillies, battle of, 9 - -Rayner, Cpl. G., 306, 345, 363, 365 - -Reaves, Lce.-Cpl. A. E., 249, 345, 359 - -Red Crescent Associations, 252 - -Red Cross, the French, 63, 252 - -Red Cross Hospital at Rouen, 82 - -Red Sea, 61, 63, 93 - -Redman, Pte. R. G. A., 345, 355 - -Rees, Lieut.-Col. J. G., 361, 365, 368 - -Regimental Associations, 376 - -Regimental Diary of Thirteenth Hussars, 49, 50, 93, 192, 205, 206, 223 - -‘Regimental History,’ cited, 1 - -Remington, Gen., 90 - -Remount Department, 368 - -Repton, 164 - -Reuter, 280 - -Rhine, river, 108 - -Richards, Lce.-Sergt. A. N., 345, 363 - -Richardson, Lieut.-Col. J. J., commands Thirteenth Hussars in -Mesopotamia, 97; wounded at Lajj, 176, 177, 181, 185, 191, 195; courage -at Lajj, 188; decorations of, 189; leads charge at Hadraniyah, 315, -316; estimate of, 195; quoted, 115; on advance to Baghdad, 159, 160, -161; on fight at Lajj, 195-98; on operations at Tekrit, 244, 261; -letter to Gen. Symons, 250; to Sir Frederick Williams-Taylor, 250-52; -letter on Capt. Robinson’s death, 255-57; to Sir R. Baden-Powell, -277-79, 300-2, 305, 306; letters from, 280, 281; otherwise mentioned, -83, 86, 115, 131, 151 _note_, 174 _note_, 198, 226, 275, 290, 299, 300, -302, 311, 330, 353, 361, 362, 364, 367, 374 - -Richardson’s Bluff, 296, 302, 313, 314; sketch of position at, 292 - -Rifle, the H. V., 67 - -Riley-Smith, Lieut. W., 330 - -_Risaldar_, 58 - -Roberts, Pte. J. L., 222, 223 and _note_, 346, 355, 363 - -Robinson, Capt. S. O., death of, 237, 239, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251; -estimate of, 255, 256; quoted, 129, 230, 231, 232, 233; otherwise -mentioned, 150, 152, 153, 220, 231, 238, 243, 246, 253, 254, 330, 352, -353, 364, 367 - -Roche, Lieut. F. G., 330, 369 - -Rocroy, battle of, 9 - -Rogers, Sergt. J. H., 346, 363, 365 - -Rohillas, 35 - -Rolfe, 2nd Lieut. E. V., 183, 197, 198, 310, 330, 352, 370; killed at -Lajj., 177, 185, 186, 191 - -Roll of Honour, 310 - -Roll of officers, Thirteenth Hussars, 329-30 - -Roll of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, Thirteenth Hussars, -331-51 - -Roman Catholics, enlistment of, 22 - -Roman Cavalry, 5, 6 - -Rome, 6, 104 - -Rose, Capt. W. G., 330, 369 - -Rouen, 82, 83 - -Roumanian orders, 362, 364; medals, 364 - -Roundheads, 8 - -Royal Army Medical Corps, 162, 329, 330 - -Royal Horse Guards, 368 - -Royalists, 9 - -Rupert, Capt. G., 368 - -Rupert, Prince, 9 - -Russell, Gen. Sir Baker, 44 - -Russell, Lieut. G. R., 304, 330, 353, 370 - -Russia-- British attitude towards (1885), 110 _note_ Campaign -of: in Crimea (1854-55), 36-40 Campaign of: in Mesopotamia -(1915-1918)--Russian position in the East, 51 _note_, 98, 99; Germany’s -designs, 132; Russians co-operate with British against Turks, 136, 217, -218, 267; Russian collapse, 262, 320 - -Russian Cavalry, 37, 38 - -Russian Orders, 362 - -Russo-Japanese War, 16 - -Russo-Turkish War, 12 - -Ruz, 282 - -Ryan, Chaplain, 248, 256 - -Ryder, Lieut. C. F., 330 and _note_ - - -Sa Salekh, 222 - -Sadiyeh, 241, 243, 244, 267 - -Sahilijah, 270 - -Said, Port, 62, 93-95, 96, 116 - -Saint Anne, Order of, 362 - -Saint Michael and Saint George, Order of, 361 - -Saint Omer, 75 - -Saint Riquier, 90 - -Saint Stanislaus, Order of, 362 - -Sakaltutan Pass, 267 - -Sakizli, 287 - -Salonika, 92, 291 - -Samarrah, 223, 241, 244, 253, 268, 289 - -San Domingo, 24 - -Sannaiyat, 137, 138, 140, 150, 157, 158, 162, 167, 171, 324 - -Sassoon, Capt. A. M., 286, 330, 362, 364, 366 - -Saunders, Sergt., 269 - -Sawyer, Pte. J. G., 346, 355 - -Saxe, Marshal, 10 - -Scarlett’s Heavy Brigade, 38 - -Schubert, Pte. J. S., 346, 355 - -‘Science of War, The,’ 12, 46, 56, 62 _note_ - -Scottish Rifles, 368 - -Scythians, 3 - -Sea power in history, 6 _note_, 98; of Great Britain, 59, 104, 321; of -Rome, 104 - -Sebastopol, 37, 40 - -Secker, Capt. V. H., 330, 369 - -Secunderabad, 42, 43 - -Seekins, R. S.-M. S., 247, 249, 269, 286, 346, 362 - -Seidlitz, 10 - -Sepoys, 27, 56 - -Serajevo murders, 50 - -Serbian Order of White Eagle, 363 - -Serny, 75 - -Serri, the, 221 - -Shabkadr, 315 - -Shamran, 157, 161 - -Shanley, Lieut. T., 330 and _note_ 3 - -Sharaban, 241, 282 - -Shat-el-Arab, 104 - -Shatt-el-Adhaim, 267 - -Shaw, Pte. A., 269, 346, 359 - -Shawa Khan, 202 - -Sheikh Suliman, 356 - -Sheikh Saad, 131, 192 - -Sheil, Lieut. P. H. J., 330, 370 - -Shemal, the, 118 - -Shenandoah, 14 - -Shergat, 293, 296 - -Sheridan (American officer), 14 - -Sheriffmuir, battle of, 19 - -Shia, 272 - -Shumran Bend, 159, 352, 353, 354, 356 - -Shushan, 105 - -Sibson, 2nd Lieut. A. J. R. M., 330, 371 - -Sikhs, 12 - -Sinajah, 241, 268 - -Sindiyeh, 222 - -Sketches of Eve’s camp, 125; of Lajj battlefield, 175; of Tekrit -position, 259; of Richardson’s Bluff, 292 - -Skinner, Col., 52 _note_ - -Skinner’s Horse, 52 and _note_, 96 - -Slavin, Pte. R., 347, 355 - -Smallpox, 244 - -Smith, Pte. S., 347, 356 - -Smith, Pte. W. J., 347, 355 - -Smithers, Lce.-Cpl. J., 269, 347, 365 - -Smith-Sligo, 2nd Lieut. R. W. M. G., 330 and _note_ 3 - -Smithson, Brig.-Gen. W. C., 361, 368 - -Somme, battle of the, 148, 166 - -Soper, Pte. R., 347, 355 - -Soult, Marshal, 31 - -Spain, 5, 26, 105 - -Spaniards, 26 - -Spanton, Lce.-Sergt. F., 182, 184, 185, 347, 360; quoted on Lajj, -181-83; cited, 183 - -Spencer, Lt.-Col. A. W. B., 368 - -Spencer, Capt. H. E., 362, 365, 368 - -Spicer, Lce.-Cpl. (Tptr.) J. A., 310, 347, 355 - -Squadrons of Thirteenth Hussars, _see_ A, B, C, D - -Stanhope, _see_ Harrington - -Stanton, Squadron Sergt.-Farrier W., 347, 365 - -Star of Roumania, Order of, 362 - -Steele, Major C., 175, 187 and _note_, 200, 290, 330, 364, 365, 366; -courage of, 151 and _note_, 152 _note_ - -Steer, Pte. F., 347, 355 - -Stephenson, Pte. F., 347, 355 - -Stevens, Lce.-Cpl. J., 241, 347, 363, 365 - -Steward, Pte. H. W., 249, 347, 359 - -Stirling, Lieut. D. A., 116, 153, 190, 248, 256, 266, 312, 330, 362, -364, 370 - -Stocker, Capt. E. H., 330, 367 - -Stones, Pte. J. L. K., 310, 348, 354 - -Strawbridge, Sergt. S. G., 348, 363 - -Stuarts, the, 17 - -Stubbs, Pte. R., 249, 348, 359 - -Styles, Sergt. (Tptr.) J. S., 348, 354 - -Sudan campaign, 56 - -Suez, 57, 61, 62, 93, 96 - -Sultan of Turkey, the, 101, 320 - -Sunni, 272 - -Sutton, Lieut., 315 - -Swayne, Martin, 231 - -Swedish cavalry, 9 - -Swiss infantry, 8 - -Switzerland, 90 - -Symondson, Lieut. V. F., 330 and _note_ 5, 367 - -Symons, Brig.-Gen, A., 58, 82, 199, 250, 277, 324, 330, 361, 364, 365, -366 - -Syria, 105, 291, 321 - - -Table Mountain Bridge, 282 - -Tagus river, 28 - -Tank Corps, 368 - -Tarr, S.Q.-M.-S. S., 348, 363 - -Tarr, Pte. W. G., 115, 348, 355 - -Tassie, Squadron Q.-M.-Sergt. W. D., 151, 153, 154, 194, 348, 363 - -Tauq, 284, 285 - -Tauq-Chai, 285 - -Taylor, Lce.-Cpl. A., 194, 269, 348, 358 - -Taylor, Brig.-Gen. A. H. M., 362, 367 - -Taylor, Pte. C. E., 249, 348, 356, 358, 359 - -Taza, 285, 286, 288 - -Taza-Kharatli, 286 - -Taziyan, 286 - -Tchernaya, battle of (1855), 40 - -Teague, Pte. J. P., 348, 356 - -Tegg, Squadron Sergt.-Maj. F. J., 248, 249, 250, 348, 355 - -Tekrit, engagement at, 237-56, 257; account of, 257-58; sketch of -position at, 259; honours gained at, 259; mentioned, 235, 277, 291, -301, 324, 352-59 - -Tel-Sharia, 282 - -Tel-Sharif, 275 - -Telabw-Shahanah, 288 - -Tetheridge, Sergt. W. H., 249, 348, 363 - -Thackray, Pte. G., 348, 354 - -Thermopylæ, 4 - -Thessaly, 4 - -Thirteenth Hussars, the, _see_ Hussars - -Thirty Years’ War, the, 9 - -Thomson, Pte. W., 247, 249, 348, 355 - -Thomson, Squad, Q.-M.-Sergt. W. K., 348, 355 - -Thompson, Mr Fred E. M., 377 - -Thornell, Pte. S. V., 349, 355 - -Tigris river, Map of British position on, 137; utilisation of, 158 and -_note_, 316-18, 321, 322; otherwise mentioned, 104, 113, 134, 135, 136, -137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 146, 157, 158, 170, 171, 174, 199, 202, 206 -and _note_, 216, 226, 227, 235, 236, 289, 291, 293, 353, 355 - -‘Times History of the War,’ quoted, 204 - -Tindle, Pte. W. H., 349, 354 - -Tories Vedras, battle of, 28 - -Townshend, General, 92, 105, 141, 174, 242, 323; takes Kut, 104 - -Toulouse, battle of (1814), 31 - -Tracey, Pte. J., 82 and _note_, 349, 353 - -Trans-Caspia, 319 - -Trans-Caucasia, 319 - -Tranter, Pte. R., 304, 349, 360 - -Travers, _see_ Williams-Taylor - -Tremayne, Capt., 41 - -Tremayne, Col., 34, 38 - -Tremayne, Lieut.-Col. J. H., 363, 368 - -Troy, siege of, 3 - -Tugela, river, 41 - -Tunnicliffe, Pte. J., 242 and _note_, 249, 349, 354 - -Turkey-- Position of, in Great War (1914-18)--ally of Germany, 99, -100; military power of, 101; strength of, in Asia, 102-7; plan of -campaign in Asia, 132-36; defeat of, in Asia: at Kut (1917), 158, 159; -at Baghdad, 200-5; on Euphrates and Tigris, 216-19; at Kirkuk (1918), -273, 274; at Richardson’s Bluff, 291, 293-95; surrender of army, 300; -British armistice with, 302; losses of, 319; fall of, 321 Russian War -with, 12 Sultan of, 101, 320 - -Turkey in Asia, 100, 103, 205 - -Turkish airmen, 211, 242 - -Turkish armies, 37, 62, 327 - -Turkish cavalry, 9, 142, 240 - -Turkish Empire, the, 204, 219 - -Turks, character of, 154, 218, 237, 277, 278, 280, 301, 322, 323; -barbarity, 182, 186, 188, 189, 190, 192, 193, 207, 239, 248, 252, 256, -260; treachery, 193, 243 - -Turner, Lce.-Cpl. H. E., 349, 364, 365 - -Tuz, 276, 284, 285, 359 - -Tuz-Kermatli, 353, 354; cavalry charge at, 274, 276, 285, 324 - -Tuz-Kifri, 275, 283 - -Tuz-Tan Road, 276 - -Twigg, Pte. D., 242, 349, 354 - -Twist, Brevet Lieut.-Col. E. F., wounded at Lajj, 181, 185, 186, 191, -195, 197, 198, 351; quoted, 179, 180; otherwise mentioned, 127, 131, -151, 155, 171, 247, 248, 256, 266, 279, 290, 330, 353, 364, 365, 367 - - -Uhlans, 62, 67 - -Union Castle Line, 60 - -Unveiling ceremony of the memorial to the Thirteenth Hussars, 372-74 - -Ur of the Chaldees, 105 - -Urmia, Lake, 304 - -Utrecht, treaty of, 17 - -Uxbridge, Lord, 32 - - -V Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, 50, 74, 96, 161, 167, 180, 195, 196, -198, 297, 298, 303, 305, 306, 314, 315 - -Vancouver, 211 - -Vavie, _see_ Dawson - -“Venus” (horse), 233, 271 - -Verdun, 90, 166 - -Vernon, Sergt. W., 269, 349 - -Very lights, 69, 71 - -Vickers guns, 298, 299 - -Vickers, Pte. J., 349, 356 - -Victoria, Queen, 44, 49 - -Villers, 85 - -Vinall, Lce.-Cpl. A., 304, 306, 349, 355, 363 - -Viner, Lce.-Cpl. F., 306, 349, 363 - -Viney, Pte. A. V., 249, 349, 359 - -Vittoria, battle of (1813), 30, 31, 36 - -Vlasto, Capt. A., 330, 369 - - -Wadi river, 149 - -Wallace, James, 306, 307 - -Wallhead, Pte. A., 188 _note_, 350, 354 - -Walpole, Lieut.-Col. the Hon. George, 25 - -War Office, British, 114, 133, 365 - -Ward, Pte. A. J. F., 249, 350, 359 - -Ward, Squadron Q.-M.-Sergt. B. J., 350, 363 - -Waterloo, battle of, 11, 32, 33, 51, 56; campaign, 41 - -Watkins, Lce.-Cpl. A. W., 168, 191 and _note_, 241, 350, 358, 363, 365; -letter of, to Mr Justice Eve, 177-79 - -Watson’s Horse, 151, 174, 183, 196, 197 - -Watson-Smyth, Lieut. G. R.--diary quoted, 52-54, 61, 62, 68, 69, 73-74, -75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 82-83; otherwise mentioned, 82, 330, 353, 366 - -Wellesley, _see_ Wellington - -Wellington, 1st Duke of, plan of campaign against Napoleon in Spain, -26; censures Thirteenth Hussars at Badajos, 29; inspects Thirteenth -Hussars, 32; wins battle of Assaye (1803), 35; institutes camps of -exercise for army, 36; funeral of, 36; mentioned, as “sepoy General,” -27, 56 - -Wells, Pte. A., 233, 250 - -Welsh Horse, the, 368 - -Welstead, Lieut. G. L. M., wounded, 175, 185, 191, 197, 198; otherwise -mentioned, 266, 271, 330, 353, 364, 371 - -West Indies, 23-25 - -Westerman, Sergt. R. A., 350, 363 - -Westminster Abbey, 19 - -Whally, 310 - -“Whiskers” (horse), 233, 271 - -Whitchurch, 2nd Lieut. C. A., 330 and _note_ 3 - -White Eagle, Order of, 363 - -White, Gen. Sir George, 15, 41 - -Whiteford, Lieut.-Col., 20 - -Whiteboys, the, 23 - -Whitington, Cpl. F., 306, 350, 363 - -Whitney, Lieut.-Col., 21 - -Wigan, 18 - -Wigan, Brig.-Gen. J. T., 361, 364, 368 - -Wiggin, Brig.-Gen. E. A., 361, 362, 367, 377 - -Williams, 153, 154, 290 - -Williams, Lieut. A., 330, 364, 370 - -Williams, Lieut. B. H., 330, 353, 362, 364, 368 - -Williams, Brig.-Gen. C., 368 - -Williams, Pte. D. G., 249, 350, 359 - -Williams-Taylor, Sir Frederick, 250 - -Williams-Taylor, Lieut. T., wounded, 150, 152, 153; wounded and -prisoner, 237, 243, 247-50, 251, 252, 254, 353; quoted, on fight at -Tekrit, 238-40; otherwise mentioned, 330, 370 - -Willis, Capt., 151 - -Wills, Maj.-Gen., 18 - -Wilson, Pte. F., 249, 351, 358 - -Wingfield, Lieut. C. A. F., 96, 330, 367, 370 - -Winter, Pte. F., 304, 351, 360 - -Wise, Major F. H., 368 - -“Witch, the” (horse), 266 - -Wood, 2nd Lieut. A. H., 330, 371 - -Wootten, Frank, 271 - -Worcester Yeomanry, the, 368 - -Worcesters, 270 - -Wordley, Capt. E., 330, 369 - -Wren, Trumpeter F. M., 178, 351, 354 - -Wren, Pte. P., 351, 358 - -Wright, Lce.-Cpl. D. C., 351, 356, 363 - -Wright, Lieut. E., 330, 370 - -Wrigley, 2nd Lieut. G. F., 330 - -Wybrants, Capt. S., 368 - -Wyncoll, Lce.-Cpl. C. H. A., 351, 365 - - -Xenophon, Cavalry Treatise of, 4 - - -Yanhah-Buyuk, 284 - -Yarvali, 287 - -Yeomanry, Bedford, 330, 369 - -Yeomanry Brigade, 368 - -Yeomanry, Derbyshire, 368 - -Yeomanry, Worcester, 368 - -Yorkshire Hussars, 368 - -Young, Lieut.-Col., 282 - -Young, Pte. H., 351, 355 - -Ypres, 78, 79, 80 - - -Zab, the Lesser, 287, 296, 311 - -Zacho, 305 - -Zakho, 312 - -Zeur, 173, 185, 195 - -Ziethen, 10 - -Zorapur, 35 - -Zwarteleen, 352 - - -PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS. FOOTNOTES: - -[Footnote 1: It may be noted that Hannibal’s invasion of Italy led, -two thousand years later, to the recognition of the influence of sea -power on history. Admiral Mahan himself described to the writer how it -one day occurred to him that Hannibal’s long march from Spain to Italy -had been necessitated by the Roman strength at sea, and that this was -the underlying cause of his eventual ruin. Following up the train of -thought, Mahan gradually worked out his great conception. Hannibal’s -march was the germ from which it sprang.] - -[Footnote 2: Captain Gubbins, Lieutenants Geale and Pymm.] - -[Footnote 3: Oriental names in this book are not always spelt -consistently on one scientific system. For example, it has not been -thought proper to alter the original spelling in letters quoted, or to -correct well-known names such as Lucknow or Bangalore.] - -[Footnote 4: Captain Norman Neill, afterwards killed on the Western -Front.] - -[Footnote 5: In 1885 England was for a time on the point of war with -Russia. The outburst of feeling in India was the same then as in 1914, -and should not have been forgotten.] - -[Footnote 6: This Regiment, it may be noted, was named after Colonel -Skinner, the founder of the Bengal Cavalry system. He was the son of a -Scotch officer and a Rajputni girl, so he had fighting blood on both -sides.] - -[Footnote 7: See Appendix IV.] - -[Footnote 8: See Appendix II.] - -[Footnote 9: The inefficiency of German Cavalry in all but mass -manœuvring was only what Henderson’s criticisms on their work in 1870 -had already pointed out. See the ‘Science of War.’] - -[Footnote 10: Lieutenant J. V. Dawson.] - -[Footnote 11: “We” being the Indian Cavalry Corps.] - -[Footnote 12: Privates J. Tracey and D. Pitman.] - -[Footnote 13: As to the value of its work in Europe opinions differed. -Some seemed to think little of it. Some declared that during the time -when English reinforcements were not yet ready to go into line, the -Indian contingent had saved the British Army from being overwhelmed. -Both these views were perhaps extreme. The Indian soldier fought under -serious disadvantage in the climate and surroundings of Europe, but -undoubtedly he fought with great devotion and suffered heavy losses, -for which England owes him deep gratitude. The matter may well be -allowed to rest there.] - -[Footnote 14: Beluchistan may for practical purposes be regarded as a -part of India.] - -[Footnote 15: In 1854, when the Regiment went to the Russian War, it -is recorded that on one of the transports “the beef had made several -voyages to and from India, and then been returned into store. Some -barrels of peas even bore the date 1828 plainly painted thereon. It was -impossible to boil them--also the pork (salt) was as aged as the salt -beef, and as bad.” The _Islanda_ was better than this.] - -[Footnote 16: Australians.] - -[Footnote 17: Bombay.] - -[Footnote 18: European privates’ tents, with double roof and sides--as -some protection against heat.] - -[Footnote 19: General Cobbe did in fact command an Army Corps later on, -but the command-in-chief went to General Maude.] - -[Footnote 20: Caprice, his favourite mare, had been left at Bombay -among the sick horses.] - -[Footnote 21: Arab Village.] - -[Footnote 22: Arab Village.] - -[Footnote 23: Expeditionary Force Canteen.] - -[Footnote 24: December.] - -[Footnote 25: “Pusht i Kuh,” or Back of the Mountains, is the district -so called by the Persians, their western district.] - -[Footnote 26: Captain Eve, the senior Captain, was then second in -command of the Regiment, owing to the absence of Major Twist, disabled, -and on the particular day, as Colonel Richardson was on other duty, -Eve had taken the Regiment into action. Captain Steele was next in -seniority.] - -[Footnote 27: The man was Private T. O’Connor. In a letter -from Mesopotamia to Mr Justice Eve he writes: “I was the last -ammunition-carrier to get wounded that day, and your son and Captain -Steele came out under heavy machine-gun fire and carried me in as we -evacuated that position that night, thus saving me from being taken -prisoner. There is no need to tell you he was loved in the squadron, as -we have missed him as one of the finest soldiers and leaders of men any -soldier could wish to follow.”] - -[Footnote 28: The horse casualties from fire had been numerous, and -many horses had been lost from fatigue and exposure.] - -[Footnote 29: It may be well to note here that in the course of this -campaign, where the Tigris was the main line of communication, the -distances were usually calculated by river. The distances by road, -when a road existed, were much shorter, roughly perhaps half the river -distances.] - -[Footnote 30: As a fact the Infantry got across on the 23rd.] - -[Footnote 31: This was Lieutenant Payne of “D” Squadron.] - -[Footnote 32: Of the 24th February.] - -[Footnote 33: Commonly written “nullas”--ravines.] - -[Footnote 34: The Regimental Diary says 9 o’clock, the Colonel of the -Thirteenth says a little before 10.] - -[Footnote 35: Captain Eve’s mare Caprice was lost for a year or more -after the charge, but was then seen by his batman, Private Hogg, among -the horses of an Indian Cavalry Regiment. She was recovered and brought -to England.] - -[Footnote 36: Lieutenant Fitzgibbon crawled out into the open several -times to look after the wounded. It was on one of these occasions that -he found Captain Eve’s body, and removed his watch, rings, and spurs.] - -[Footnote 37: The name was Pinnington.] - -[Footnote 38: Captain Eve.] - -[Footnote 39: Lieutenant Dawson.] - -[Footnote 40: Captain Steele of “C” Squadron.] - -[Footnote 41: Private A. Wallhead, killed after putting Lieutenant -Dawson in safety. Sergeant H. Knapman, too, was killed while helping -the wounded.] - -[Footnote 42: Private Alfred Jones.] - -[Footnote 43: His charger.] - -[Footnote 44: This was doubtless Watkins.] - -[Footnote 45: Major Twist was apparently wounded earlier, when the -three squadrons wheeled to the right.] - -[Footnote 46: Baghdad lies on both sides of the river.] - -[Footnote 47: Garden or grove.] - -[Footnote 48: 6th March.] - -[Footnote 49: The bodies of these men and officers were afterwards -removed to Baghdad, and buried in the British Cemetery, under the -superintendence of the Rev. F. H. Cooke, M.C.] - -[Footnote 50: Afternoon of the 9th?] - -[Footnote 51: ? 24th February, when the pursuit began.] - -[Footnote 52: This from the officer of a conquering army.] - -[Footnote 53: March.] - -[Footnote 54: The Regimental Diary of 14th May says: “Moved into -standing camp at Chaldari.”... “The tents were on the edge of a palm -grove, but the horses were picketed down in the open.”] - -[Footnote 55: The old camp on the Hai stream. The kit was not received -till the middle of May.] - -[Footnote 56: Khalis Canal?] - -[Footnote 57: The expedition against the Arabs in May 1917.] - -[Footnote 58: The Jebel Hamrin is described by the Colonel of the -Thirteenth as not unlike the Cheviot Hills.] - -[Footnote 59: Private J. Tunnicliffe.] - -[Footnote 60: “Includes myself and Captain Godfree (2nd in command).”] - -[Footnote 61: It may possibly be argued that both Lord Haig and Lord -Allenby were Cavalry officers, and therefore perhaps inclined to think -highly of the achievements of their own arm. They certainly were -Cavalry officers, as was Lord French, a fact well worthy of note, but, -like him, they were something more--great leaders of armies.] - -[Footnote 62: Did not join Regiment for duty.] - -[Footnote 63: Did not join Regiment for duty. Killed with R.F.C., May -22, 1917.] - -[Footnote 64: Did not do duty with Regiment during war.] - -[Footnote 65: Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active -service with 11th Hussars, 1914.] - -[Footnote 66: Did not join Regiment for duty.] - -[Footnote 67: Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active -service, 1914.] - -[Footnote 68: Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed with -R.A.F., Nov. 13, 1918.] - -[Footnote 69: Twice.] - -[Footnote 70: Four times.] - -[Footnote 71: Three times.] - -[Footnote 72: Three times.] - -[Footnote 73: Twice.] - - -[Transcriber’s Note: - -Page 189, “they’ve chistled past my nose” changed to read “they’ve -whistled past my nose”. - -Page 248, image in center of page, “IN UNFADING MEMORY” following -8 lines illegible. - -Obvious printer errors corrected silently. - -Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.] - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War, by -Henry Mortimer Durand - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THIRTEENTH HUSSARS IN THE GREAT WAR *** - -***** This file should be named 61769-0.txt or 61769-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/7/6/61769/ - -Produced by Brian Coe, Wayne Hammond and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -book was produced from images made available by the -HathiTrust Digital Library.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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