IOR/L/MIL/5/792

The file contains memoranda, with some correspondence and copy telegrams, relating to the supply of horses, mules and ponies for the cavalry, infantry and artillery in Mesopotamia [Iraq] (the supply of animals for the Mesopotamia Campaign was undertaken by the Government of India).

Notably covers rates of horse wastage in Mesopotamia, statistics of which were regarded by the War Office as unduly high; requirement estimates and requests by General Officer Commanding, Mesopotamia, in view of prospective military operations; difficulty in maintaining supply of remounts; shipping logistics; desire to expedite shipments of animals to factor in acclimatisation periods; proposals to send out inspecting and advising officers to Mesopotamia to improve efficiency of horse management; provision of additional remount staff and veterinary officers; and ensuring remount requirements for India itself whilst meeting demands of Mesopotamia campaign.

The papers indicate that horses, mules and ponies were supplied from China, Australia, India and North America.

The papers indicate that ‘wastage’ meant animals killed, died or destroyed. The main causes, apart from military engagement, were long hours in saddle, insufficient water and food, insufficient rest and feeding time, unsatisfactory standards of horsemanship and poor horse management.

The primary correspondents are: the Commander-in-Chief, India; the War Office; the General Officer Commanding, Mesopotamia; and General Headquarters, Salonika.