TCD MS 3414 folio 25 recto
[May-June 1915]
The actual occupying of Amarah recalls several most interesting facts. Having started their pursuit immediately on finding Bahrein unoccupied, the flotilla found that a formidable obstruction had been constructed across the Tigris at Rutta. This consisted of two heavy iron barges, some booms and a string of mines. This was removed in a few hours, and the flotilla continued their advance. Towards evening the “Marmourice” & the “Mosul” hove in sight the chase continued and several “mahella’s” were captured & fire was opened on these ships. They passed Ezras Tomb at nightfall and were prevented from going any further by the shallowness of the river. During the night two iron barges drifted by, these were captured & moored and were found to be full of troops who had evidently been cut adrift by the Turks in their hasty retreat. Later a blaze of light became visible, followed by intermittent explosions. As dawn broke, the Comet led by the Shaitan continued their advance & soon the two enemy ships became visible. The fire & the explosions heard the night before turned out to be the “Marmourice” which