IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3248

The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 15 March 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include letters, memoranda, telegrams, and intelligence summaries and appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations.

A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folios 11-14. The volume mostly relates to:

• The distribution and effective strengths of Force D
• Updates from the Tigris and Euphrates lines
• The dispositions and activities of Turkish [Ottoman] troops
• Russian operations in the Caucasus and North-West Persia [Iran]
• Supplies and equipment for Force D, including river craft, medical facilities, and weapons and ammunition
• The deployment of troops and medical and other personnel for Force D
• The decision to recall General Fenton Aylmer
• Efforts for the relief of Kut [Al-Kut], and the proposal to enter into negotiations.

The following tables appear:

• Composition of Force D (ff 3-10, 28-32)
• 'Return showing strength of units comprised in Indian Expeditionary Force "D" on 1st January 1916' (ff 76-84)
• 'Tables of Equipment for the Headquarters and Airline Section of an Army Corps Signal Company' (ff 205-214).

The vast majority of material in the volume dates from March 1916, but there is also a small amount of material which dates from January and February 1916.