CtesiphonBattle02

On August 22nd, 1915, 3 divisions of the Ottoman Sixth Army advanced from Baghdad on our hastily defended positions at Ctesiphon in order to dislodge the Tigris Force.

Fighting lasted 2 days with the Turkish attacks repulsed and they retreated with heavy casualties and light casualties in the Imperial forces.

Following the attack, we will press the retreating forces to limit their ability to re-group whilst pushing on to Baghdad to dislodge what we expect to be light defences.

Battle report

Before the start of the battle, forces were positioned around the main defences to slow the enemy advance.

The Dorsets were positioned near the bridges over the river xxxxx, close to the confluence with the Tigris where 4 gunboats were waiting. The White Company patrolled the north side of the xxxxx with the 7th Lancers screening the ford where we expected the Turks to cross.

The Ghurkas were positioned close to the ruins of Seulicia in anticipation that an attacking ofrce would camp there overnight prior to attacking.

Action on the 22nd

Reconaissence reports indicated that, as anticipated, there were 2 Turkish advances from Baghdad, one swinging wide on the eastern side of our psoition and the other pushing south. Loss of one of the scouting planes aleted us to the first encounter with Turkish aricraft. The remaining 9 planes (1 lost and 1 damaged previously) were sent north and chased 2 Turkish planes from the area.

The first action took place at a fording point 10 miles up the xxxxx river where the 51st Division attempted to ford the river. The White Company beat off the screening 2nd Tribal Cavalry Brigade whilst simultaneously the 6th Cavalry Brigade, led by the Bengal Lancers attempted to block the crossing. In fierce fighting, the 6th slowed the crossing sufficiently for the Dorsets to arrive and drive the 1st Regiment of the 51st back with casualties on both sides. Significantly however, the 4 gunboats under the command of Captain Nunn had destroyed the bridges, moved upriver and lay down fire on the 51st. Accurate fire from the ships took out 4 of the enemy gun batteries before they could be brought to bear and the whole 51st Division withdrew under the cover of darkness.

As a result of this action, the 51st were forced further east which delayed their arrival the next day and also depleted both their artillery and cavalry.

That night the Gurkas, White Company and 6th Cavalry attacked the Turkish encampment at the ruins of Seulicia. With no casualties on our part, we estimated that there were approximately 2000 Turkish casualties from the 36th Division. The 36th was scattered and disordered.

Action on the 23rd

As a result of the previous day and previous night, the Ottoman forces were slow to organise the next morning and the planned attack was delayed until mid-day. The 45th advanced on our position with support from the remnants of the 36th and the left flank covered by the Arab cavalry.

At the same time the 51st hurried onto the battlefield to threaten our right flank. The 7th Cavalry with a mountain gun battery moved to support our flank.

Over the next 3 hours, the 45th attempted to close on our position whilst under fire from our artillery. One brigade closed on the Norfolks but were beaten off before over-running the defences.

Failing to disrupt the defences, the Ottoman forces withdrew towards the far fording point.

The Turkish 6th army present (with casualties were) :

The British units involved (with casualties were) :

Commendation to the 6th Cavalry who persisted in their attack and delayed the crosiing of the 51st Division long enough for reinforcements to arrive.