MonthlyReports

Recent troop movements

As expected, the rump of the Anatolian re-inforcements arrived early August. Estimated between 4 and 6 battalions, generally high morale and disciplined. Activity at the station was even more chaotic than normal suggesting a very hasty departure. No heavy artillery or cavalry present and no more than 3 batteries of the newer 77mm guns.

Arriving on foot from Mosul was the less impressive 45th (?) Division. Estimated approx 5000 men. No artillery, no cavalry and poorly equipped. From uniforms, looks like mixed Jendarma and border guards and the city Jendarma is looking pretty depleted and inexperienced so indications are that we are near the bottom of the barrel with the current conscription. Morale not great and training either ineffective or incomplete.

In the city the 36th Reserves have been training hard but talk amongst the men is pretty pessimistic and some obvious signs of desertion. This division will crumble in tough conditions.

Arab militia is being paid by the day and completely unreliable. Prisons are emptying fast.

Some signs of tension between VdG staff officers and the Ottoman command, relationships look fragile under pressure.

The last train to arrive was an ammunition train though from the motley collection on parade there is a severe shortage of rifles.

Preparation for manouevres

Almost all preparations are for a counter-attack with carts, mules, horses and boats being requisitioned. This is not popular. Some defences being prepared but the Tigris goes right round the city and protection against gunboats is almost impossible without closing all river traffic.

There are approx 5 river steamers (river is too shallow for most boats north of Baghdad) and 20 barges being prepared and this is probably the most they'll get. Estimate sufficient to carry 2 brigades and insufficient to transport the wounded.

Some mule transport being assembled as well as scores of water carriers, many recently constructed or bought. Assuming 1 ton of water each and each soldier consuming 1 gallon per day, they will need 25 water carriers per division per day. 3 divisions for 3 days means they will need over 200, more if the split their forces and don't manage logistics efficiently. It also means a lot of mules or horses to pull the carts, not enough of those for guns and water.

General morale and recent events

Spreading dissension is almost a waste of time as there is enough going round already. General rumours include :

• Arabs likely to revolt when the army leaves Baghdad (possible but unlikely, would be acheievable in time)
• Arab troops likely to run away first opportunity (almost a certainty)
• Turks don't trust the arabs (absolutely true)
• Arabs think the Turks can't stand and fight (a bit rich that but it hurts their pride)
• Von der Goltz was fired by the German High Command and is only here because he had influence with the Kaiser (that one was mine and rather a good one I think)
• Germans don't trust the Turks (probably mostly true though they are working hard with them)
• Turkey is ready to sue for peace and will cede Mesopotamia to Britain (unlikely)

Details of the guards and layout of the airfield attached. Included is also a full report of the key control points in the city and a list of key notables.

In an attached note : Have met with the 2 arab gentlemen you warned me of and pointed out their targets. Political officer frequents a local brothel and will have the accident nearby. VdG likely to be sick for a few days.