PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS.
FOOTNOTES:1It may be noted that Hannibal’s invasion of Italy led, two thousand years later, to the recognition of the influence of sea power on history. Admiral Mahan himself described to the writer how it one day occurred to him that Hannibal’s long march from Spain to Italy had been necessitated by the Roman strength at sea, and that this was the underlying cause of his eventual ruin. Following up the train of thought, Mahan gradually worked out his great conception. Hannibal’s march was the germ from which it sprang.2Captain Gubbins, Lieutenants Geale and Pymm.3Oriental names in this book are not always spelt consistently on one scientific system. For example, it has not been thought proper to alter the original spelling in letters quoted, or to correct well-known names such as Lucknow or Bangalore.4Captain Norman Neill, afterwards killed on the Western Front.5In 1885 England was for a time on the point of war with Russia. The outburst of feeling in India was the same then as in 1914, and should not have been forgotten.6This Regiment, it may be noted, was named after Colonel Skinner, the founder of the Bengal Cavalry system. He was the son of a Scotch officer and a Rajputni girl, so he had fighting blood on both sides.7See Appendix IV.8See Appendix II.9The inefficiency of German Cavalry in all but mass manœuvring was only what Henderson’s criticisms on their work in 1870 had already pointed out. See the ‘Science of War.’10Lieutenant J. V. Dawson.11“We” being the Indian Cavalry Corps.12Privates J. Tracey and D. Pitman.13As to the value of its work in Europe opinions differed. Some seemed to think little of it. Some declared that during the time when English reinforcements were not yet ready to go into line, the Indian contingent had saved the British Army from being overwhelmed. Both these views were perhaps extreme. The Indian soldier fought under serious disadvantage in the climate and surroundings of Europe, but undoubtedly he fought with great devotion and suffered heavy losses, for which England owes him deep gratitude. The matter may well be allowed to rest there.14Beluchistan may for practical purposes be regarded as a part of India.15In 1854, when the Regiment went to the Russian War, it is recorded that on one of the transports “the beef had made several voyages to and from India, and then been returned into store. Some barrels of peas even bore the date 1828 plainly painted thereon. It was impossible to boil them—also the pork (salt) was as aged as the salt beef, and as bad.” TheIslandawas better than this.16Australians.17Bombay.18European privates’ tents, with double roof and sides—as some protection against heat.19General Cobbe did in fact command an Army Corps later on, but the command-in-chief went to General Maude.20Caprice, his favourite mare, had been left at Bombay among the sick horses.21Arab Village.22Arab Village.23Expeditionary Force Canteen.24December.25“Pusht i Kuh,” or Back of the Mountains, is the district so called by the Persians, their western district.26Captain Eve, the senior Captain, was then second in command of the Regiment, owing to the absence of Major Twist, disabled, and on the particular day, as Colonel Richardson was on other duty, Eve had taken the Regiment into action. Captain Steele was next in seniority.27The man was Private T. O’Connor. In a letter from Mesopotamia to Mr Justice Eve he writes: “I was the last ammunition-carrier to get wounded that day, and your son and Captain Steele came out under heavy machine-gun fire and carried me in as we evacuated that position that night, thus saving me from being taken prisoner. There is no need to tell you he was loved in the squadron, as we have missed him as one of the finest soldiers and leaders of men any soldier could wish to follow.”28The horse casualties from fire had been numerous, and many horses had been lost from fatigue and exposure.29It may be well to note here that in the course of this campaign, where the Tigris was the main line of communication, the distances were usually calculated by river. The distances by road, when a road existed, were much shorter, roughly perhaps half the river distances.30As a fact the Infantry got across on the 23rd.31This was Lieutenant Payne of “D” Squadron.32Of the 24th February.33Commonly written “nullas”—ravines.34The Regimental Diary says 9 o’clock, the Colonel of the Thirteenth says a little before 10.35Captain Eve’s mare Caprice was lost for a year or more after the charge, but was then seen by his batman, Private Hogg, among the horses of an Indian Cavalry Regiment. She was recovered and brought to England.36Lieutenant Fitzgibbon crawled out into the open several times to look after the wounded. It was on one of these occasions that he found Captain Eve’s body, and removed his watch, rings, and spurs.37The name was Pinnington.38Captain Eve.39Lieutenant Dawson.40Captain Steele of “C” Squadron.41Private A. Wallhead, killed after putting Lieutenant Dawson in safety. Sergeant H. Knapman, too, was killed while helping the wounded.42Private Alfred Jones.43His charger.44This was doubtless Watkins.45Major Twist was apparently wounded earlier, when the three squadrons wheeled to the right.46Baghdad lies on both sides of the river.47Garden or grove.486th March.49The bodies of these men and officers were afterwards removed to Baghdad, and buried in the British Cemetery, under the superintendence of the Rev. F. H. Cooke, M.C.50Afternoon of the 9th?51? 24th February, when the pursuit began.52This from the officer of a conquering army.53March.54The Regimental Diary of 14th May says: “Moved into standing camp at Chaldari.”... “The tents were on the edge of a palm grove, but the horses were picketed down in the open.”55The old camp on the Hai stream. The kit was not received till the middle of May.56Khalis Canal?57The expedition against the Arabs in May 1917.58The Jebel Hamrin is described by the Colonel of the Thirteenth as not unlike the Cheviot Hills.59Private J. Tunnicliffe.60“Includes myself and Captain Godfree (2nd in command).”61It may possibly be argued that both Lord Haig and Lord Allenby were Cavalry officers, and therefore perhaps inclined to think highly of the achievements of their own arm. They certainly were Cavalry officers, as was Lord French, a fact well worthy of note, but, like him, they were something more—great leaders of armies.62Did not join Regiment for duty.63Did not join Regiment for duty. Killed with R.F.C., May 22, 1917.64Did not do duty with Regiment during war.65Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active service with 11th Hussars, 1914.66Did not join Regiment for duty.67Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active service, 1914.68Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed with R.A.F., Nov. 13, 1918.69Twice.70Four times.71Three times.72Three times.73Twice.
1It may be noted that Hannibal’s invasion of Italy led, two thousand years later, to the recognition of the influence of sea power on history. Admiral Mahan himself described to the writer how it one day occurred to him that Hannibal’s long march from Spain to Italy had been necessitated by the Roman strength at sea, and that this was the underlying cause of his eventual ruin. Following up the train of thought, Mahan gradually worked out his great conception. Hannibal’s march was the germ from which it sprang.
1It may be noted that Hannibal’s invasion of Italy led, two thousand years later, to the recognition of the influence of sea power on history. Admiral Mahan himself described to the writer how it one day occurred to him that Hannibal’s long march from Spain to Italy had been necessitated by the Roman strength at sea, and that this was the underlying cause of his eventual ruin. Following up the train of thought, Mahan gradually worked out his great conception. Hannibal’s march was the germ from which it sprang.
2Captain Gubbins, Lieutenants Geale and Pymm.
2Captain Gubbins, Lieutenants Geale and Pymm.
3Oriental names in this book are not always spelt consistently on one scientific system. For example, it has not been thought proper to alter the original spelling in letters quoted, or to correct well-known names such as Lucknow or Bangalore.
3Oriental names in this book are not always spelt consistently on one scientific system. For example, it has not been thought proper to alter the original spelling in letters quoted, or to correct well-known names such as Lucknow or Bangalore.
4Captain Norman Neill, afterwards killed on the Western Front.
4Captain Norman Neill, afterwards killed on the Western Front.
5In 1885 England was for a time on the point of war with Russia. The outburst of feeling in India was the same then as in 1914, and should not have been forgotten.
5In 1885 England was for a time on the point of war with Russia. The outburst of feeling in India was the same then as in 1914, and should not have been forgotten.
6This Regiment, it may be noted, was named after Colonel Skinner, the founder of the Bengal Cavalry system. He was the son of a Scotch officer and a Rajputni girl, so he had fighting blood on both sides.
6This Regiment, it may be noted, was named after Colonel Skinner, the founder of the Bengal Cavalry system. He was the son of a Scotch officer and a Rajputni girl, so he had fighting blood on both sides.
7See Appendix IV.
7See Appendix IV.
8See Appendix II.
8See Appendix II.
9The inefficiency of German Cavalry in all but mass manœuvring was only what Henderson’s criticisms on their work in 1870 had already pointed out. See the ‘Science of War.’
9The inefficiency of German Cavalry in all but mass manœuvring was only what Henderson’s criticisms on their work in 1870 had already pointed out. See the ‘Science of War.’
10Lieutenant J. V. Dawson.
10Lieutenant J. V. Dawson.
11“We” being the Indian Cavalry Corps.
11“We” being the Indian Cavalry Corps.
12Privates J. Tracey and D. Pitman.
12Privates J. Tracey and D. Pitman.
13As to the value of its work in Europe opinions differed. Some seemed to think little of it. Some declared that during the time when English reinforcements were not yet ready to go into line, the Indian contingent had saved the British Army from being overwhelmed. Both these views were perhaps extreme. The Indian soldier fought under serious disadvantage in the climate and surroundings of Europe, but undoubtedly he fought with great devotion and suffered heavy losses, for which England owes him deep gratitude. The matter may well be allowed to rest there.
13As to the value of its work in Europe opinions differed. Some seemed to think little of it. Some declared that during the time when English reinforcements were not yet ready to go into line, the Indian contingent had saved the British Army from being overwhelmed. Both these views were perhaps extreme. The Indian soldier fought under serious disadvantage in the climate and surroundings of Europe, but undoubtedly he fought with great devotion and suffered heavy losses, for which England owes him deep gratitude. The matter may well be allowed to rest there.
14Beluchistan may for practical purposes be regarded as a part of India.
14Beluchistan may for practical purposes be regarded as a part of India.
15In 1854, when the Regiment went to the Russian War, it is recorded that on one of the transports “the beef had made several voyages to and from India, and then been returned into store. Some barrels of peas even bore the date 1828 plainly painted thereon. It was impossible to boil them—also the pork (salt) was as aged as the salt beef, and as bad.” TheIslandawas better than this.
15In 1854, when the Regiment went to the Russian War, it is recorded that on one of the transports “the beef had made several voyages to and from India, and then been returned into store. Some barrels of peas even bore the date 1828 plainly painted thereon. It was impossible to boil them—also the pork (salt) was as aged as the salt beef, and as bad.” TheIslandawas better than this.
16Australians.
16Australians.
17Bombay.
17Bombay.
18European privates’ tents, with double roof and sides—as some protection against heat.
18European privates’ tents, with double roof and sides—as some protection against heat.
19General Cobbe did in fact command an Army Corps later on, but the command-in-chief went to General Maude.
19General Cobbe did in fact command an Army Corps later on, but the command-in-chief went to General Maude.
20Caprice, his favourite mare, had been left at Bombay among the sick horses.
20Caprice, his favourite mare, had been left at Bombay among the sick horses.
21Arab Village.
21Arab Village.
22Arab Village.
22Arab Village.
23Expeditionary Force Canteen.
23Expeditionary Force Canteen.
24December.
24December.
25“Pusht i Kuh,” or Back of the Mountains, is the district so called by the Persians, their western district.
25“Pusht i Kuh,” or Back of the Mountains, is the district so called by the Persians, their western district.
26Captain Eve, the senior Captain, was then second in command of the Regiment, owing to the absence of Major Twist, disabled, and on the particular day, as Colonel Richardson was on other duty, Eve had taken the Regiment into action. Captain Steele was next in seniority.
26Captain Eve, the senior Captain, was then second in command of the Regiment, owing to the absence of Major Twist, disabled, and on the particular day, as Colonel Richardson was on other duty, Eve had taken the Regiment into action. Captain Steele was next in seniority.
27The man was Private T. O’Connor. In a letter from Mesopotamia to Mr Justice Eve he writes: “I was the last ammunition-carrier to get wounded that day, and your son and Captain Steele came out under heavy machine-gun fire and carried me in as we evacuated that position that night, thus saving me from being taken prisoner. There is no need to tell you he was loved in the squadron, as we have missed him as one of the finest soldiers and leaders of men any soldier could wish to follow.”
27The man was Private T. O’Connor. In a letter from Mesopotamia to Mr Justice Eve he writes: “I was the last ammunition-carrier to get wounded that day, and your son and Captain Steele came out under heavy machine-gun fire and carried me in as we evacuated that position that night, thus saving me from being taken prisoner. There is no need to tell you he was loved in the squadron, as we have missed him as one of the finest soldiers and leaders of men any soldier could wish to follow.”
28The horse casualties from fire had been numerous, and many horses had been lost from fatigue and exposure.
28The horse casualties from fire had been numerous, and many horses had been lost from fatigue and exposure.
29It may be well to note here that in the course of this campaign, where the Tigris was the main line of communication, the distances were usually calculated by river. The distances by road, when a road existed, were much shorter, roughly perhaps half the river distances.
29It may be well to note here that in the course of this campaign, where the Tigris was the main line of communication, the distances were usually calculated by river. The distances by road, when a road existed, were much shorter, roughly perhaps half the river distances.
30As a fact the Infantry got across on the 23rd.
30As a fact the Infantry got across on the 23rd.
31This was Lieutenant Payne of “D” Squadron.
31This was Lieutenant Payne of “D” Squadron.
32Of the 24th February.
32Of the 24th February.
33Commonly written “nullas”—ravines.
33Commonly written “nullas”—ravines.
34The Regimental Diary says 9 o’clock, the Colonel of the Thirteenth says a little before 10.
34The Regimental Diary says 9 o’clock, the Colonel of the Thirteenth says a little before 10.
35Captain Eve’s mare Caprice was lost for a year or more after the charge, but was then seen by his batman, Private Hogg, among the horses of an Indian Cavalry Regiment. She was recovered and brought to England.
35Captain Eve’s mare Caprice was lost for a year or more after the charge, but was then seen by his batman, Private Hogg, among the horses of an Indian Cavalry Regiment. She was recovered and brought to England.
36Lieutenant Fitzgibbon crawled out into the open several times to look after the wounded. It was on one of these occasions that he found Captain Eve’s body, and removed his watch, rings, and spurs.
36Lieutenant Fitzgibbon crawled out into the open several times to look after the wounded. It was on one of these occasions that he found Captain Eve’s body, and removed his watch, rings, and spurs.
37The name was Pinnington.
37The name was Pinnington.
38Captain Eve.
38Captain Eve.
39Lieutenant Dawson.
39Lieutenant Dawson.
40Captain Steele of “C” Squadron.
40Captain Steele of “C” Squadron.
41Private A. Wallhead, killed after putting Lieutenant Dawson in safety. Sergeant H. Knapman, too, was killed while helping the wounded.
41Private A. Wallhead, killed after putting Lieutenant Dawson in safety. Sergeant H. Knapman, too, was killed while helping the wounded.
42Private Alfred Jones.
42Private Alfred Jones.
43His charger.
43His charger.
44This was doubtless Watkins.
44This was doubtless Watkins.
45Major Twist was apparently wounded earlier, when the three squadrons wheeled to the right.
45Major Twist was apparently wounded earlier, when the three squadrons wheeled to the right.
46Baghdad lies on both sides of the river.
46Baghdad lies on both sides of the river.
47Garden or grove.
47Garden or grove.
486th March.
486th March.
49The bodies of these men and officers were afterwards removed to Baghdad, and buried in the British Cemetery, under the superintendence of the Rev. F. H. Cooke, M.C.
49The bodies of these men and officers were afterwards removed to Baghdad, and buried in the British Cemetery, under the superintendence of the Rev. F. H. Cooke, M.C.
50Afternoon of the 9th?
50Afternoon of the 9th?
51? 24th February, when the pursuit began.
51? 24th February, when the pursuit began.
52This from the officer of a conquering army.
52This from the officer of a conquering army.
53March.
53March.
54The Regimental Diary of 14th May says: “Moved into standing camp at Chaldari.”... “The tents were on the edge of a palm grove, but the horses were picketed down in the open.”
54The Regimental Diary of 14th May says: “Moved into standing camp at Chaldari.”... “The tents were on the edge of a palm grove, but the horses were picketed down in the open.”
55The old camp on the Hai stream. The kit was not received till the middle of May.
55The old camp on the Hai stream. The kit was not received till the middle of May.
56Khalis Canal?
56Khalis Canal?
57The expedition against the Arabs in May 1917.
57The expedition against the Arabs in May 1917.
58The Jebel Hamrin is described by the Colonel of the Thirteenth as not unlike the Cheviot Hills.
58The Jebel Hamrin is described by the Colonel of the Thirteenth as not unlike the Cheviot Hills.
59Private J. Tunnicliffe.
59Private J. Tunnicliffe.
60“Includes myself and Captain Godfree (2nd in command).”
60“Includes myself and Captain Godfree (2nd in command).”
61It may possibly be argued that both Lord Haig and Lord Allenby were Cavalry officers, and therefore perhaps inclined to think highly of the achievements of their own arm. They certainly were Cavalry officers, as was Lord French, a fact well worthy of note, but, like him, they were something more—great leaders of armies.
61It may possibly be argued that both Lord Haig and Lord Allenby were Cavalry officers, and therefore perhaps inclined to think highly of the achievements of their own arm. They certainly were Cavalry officers, as was Lord French, a fact well worthy of note, but, like him, they were something more—great leaders of armies.
62Did not join Regiment for duty.
62Did not join Regiment for duty.
63Did not join Regiment for duty. Killed with R.F.C., May 22, 1917.
63Did not join Regiment for duty. Killed with R.F.C., May 22, 1917.
64Did not do duty with Regiment during war.
64Did not do duty with Regiment during war.
65Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active service with 11th Hussars, 1914.
65Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active service with 11th Hussars, 1914.
66Did not join Regiment for duty.
66Did not join Regiment for duty.
67Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active service, 1914.
67Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed on active service, 1914.
68Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed with R.A.F., Nov. 13, 1918.
68Did not serve with Regiment during war. Killed with R.A.F., Nov. 13, 1918.
69Twice.
69Twice.
70Four times.
70Four times.
71Three times.
71Three times.
72Three times.
72Three times.
73Twice.
73Twice.
Transcriber’s Note:Page 189, “they’ve chistled past my nose” changed to read “they’ve whistled past my nose”.Page 248, image in center of page, “IN UNFADING MEMORY” following 8 lines illegible.Page 363, 4504: “Crouch” changed to read “Couch.”Page 363, “Corsica, 395” changed to read “Corsica, 95”.Obvious printer errors corrected silently.Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.
Page 189, “they’ve chistled past my nose” changed to read “they’ve whistled past my nose”.
Page 248, image in center of page, “IN UNFADING MEMORY” following 8 lines illegible.
Page 363, 4504: “Crouch” changed to read “Couch.”
Page 363, “Corsica, 395” changed to read “Corsica, 95”.
Obvious printer errors corrected silently.
Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.