Unfortunately they were obliged to retire

TCD MS 3414 folio 66 recto

TCD MS 3414 folio 66 recto

[November 1915]

The attack launched from V.P. was unfortunately held up by the Turkish 2nd line & from this time we failed to advance any further, <but however Lt Barton & 50 men of the Dorset regt and a few british soldiers of other unit (Oxfordshires) succeeded in occupying the 2nd line trenches and capturing 8 guns – but unfortunately they were obliged to retire in front of a strong detachment of Turks who were sent up to recapture their lost guns. Had the native regiments behaved as did Lt Barton & his small party, then we should have kept the 8 guns and would have occupied the Enemys second line trenches at the most vital spot – namely Qusiabah.> At 2 p.m. I was again flying, and the position was much as before save that we had withdrawn towards V.P. & the Turks at exactly 3.15 p.m. were crossing about 3000 men over the bridge from the right bank, there being already 2000 lying hidden in a sunken road, <near Qusaibah> these however I only discovered owing to the fact that something shining, evidently a bayonet, attracted my attention. At the same time 1000 men were retiring from High Wall. At 3.30 p.m. they dismantled their Tigris bridge & two steamers towed it towards Dialah. I dropped this report at G.H.Q. & after I had landed I rode out to find G.H.Q. to report more fully verbally. I shall never forget that ride on a tired horse which had been without water for hours, & which by the way had a one sided mouth, & I a bad attack of neuritis in the thigh. The enemy at this time 4.30 p.m. was shelling us heavily, shells were bursting amongst the Hospital stations, transport & gun teams & our casualties were appalling. I could not find G.H.Q. and as it was getting dark & the aeroplane was waiting to take me back, I returned. On reaching the Farman I jumped in & went fast to sleep, only waking up when Petre switched