TCD MS 3414 folio 60 recto
[November 1915]
Chapter 8 The Advance to Suleiman Pak or Ctesiphon
On Nov 17th the Division began to advance, arriving at El Kutunie, 7 miles up river, on the morning of the 18th <The Turkish advance post retiring on Zuer.> Here a rumour became current that the Turks were advancing down the right bank onto Kutunie, I believe that a certain officer observing for the RFC was responsible for this, having mistaken flocks of sheep <Insert article from Hillal on subject> for Turks, however the Div was delayed; a bridge thrown across and the 17th Bde occupied the right bank; <in consequence> this one day was wasted which might, or might not, have made considerable difference later at the battle of Ctesiphon. On that day (18th) I was sent especially to verify this rumour and <Lt> Robertson RNVR took me in a Seaplane, I was however able to report that I could see nothing but sheep. On Nov 19th the Div marched to Zuer, the Turks put up no resistance & retired to Ctesiphon. I was very busy that day; I was flying about 10 a.m. with Capt Murray Guides and RFC <in a new BE2C biplane> and I went up to report on and follow the enemys movements at Zuer, and also to ascertain