TCD MS 3414 folio 72 recto
[1915]
The Retreat on Kut-el-Amarah
On Nov 27th at 4 p.m. the Div left Lajj for Azizieh, the river column also left. That afternoon I was flying with Petre in the Farman, reporting the movements of the Turks. I reported, by dropping a message, that the Turkish main columns were not nearer than the Bustan bend, whereas their cavalry was in an old Canal Cut, north & parallel to our line of retreat, about 5 miles off. The cavalry numbered about 1000 mounted men, I even saw their advanced scouts within a few miles of Zuer, galloping back with the information that our column was retiring. A very large quantity of tents were left standing, to deceive the enemy & to give the Arabs something to busy themselves with. I completed my reconnaissance as far as Azizieh & found no sign of the enemy near Jumaisa, Zuer, or El Kutenie & landed there. I found that Major Farmer RGA had made a very strong post there, a veritable fortress. The Division arrived next morning 28th very hungry & tired, the boats arrived about the same time. Everyone took the opportunity of some well earned rest till the following afternoon the 29th when the Div moved towards Urm-el-Tabul 10 miles further back where they halted that night; the boats also started down & I embarked on the Flying barge which was attached to the “Mejidieh” under Comdr Cowley R.N.R. & proceeded down river not feeling very fit, the remainder