With a Highland Regiment in Mesopotamia Part 24

"March 13th.--The City of London sends hearty congratulations on the capture of the historic City of Baghdad."

"March 14th.--Your Lordship's kind message conveying congratulations of the City of London is very warmly appreciated by all ranks of the forces in Mesopotamia. Qualities of courage and endurance displayed by troops throughout operations have been superb."

F. S. MAUDE, _Lieut.-General_, Commanding Indian Expeditionary Force "D."

_30th March 1917._

GENERAL HEAD QUARTERS.

I.E.F. "D."

ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 66.

In pursuance of the authority delegated to me by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, I make the following awards for gallantry and distinguished service in the field:--

_Awarded the Military Cross._

CAPTAIN ROBERT MACFARLANE--For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although wounded early in the action he continued to lead his Company with great determination until the evening, when the position was finally taken by a bayonet charge. With great courage and skill he led his Company up to a position from which he was able to enfilade the enemy at close range, thereby greatly a.s.sisting the charge.

SECOND-LIEUTENANT BENJAMIN SMITH HOUSTON,--For conspicuous gallantry and ability in leading the second line of his battalion with excellent judgment under heavy fire. After reinforcing the first line he took command of the left portion of it including some 60 men of an Indian Infantry regiment who were without an officer and led them on during the charge and subsequent advance on the railway station. He had recently done fine work when in command of a patrol.

_Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal._

No. 1081, SERGEANT JAMES STRACHAN--For conspicuous gallantry and ability in action. When all four of his Company Officers had been wounded, he took command of the left flank of the battalion. He ably directed their fire and later led forward what remained of his company across the open and drove the enemy out of his position taking some prisoners.

NO. 19438, LANCE-CORPORAL GEORGE MCGABE,--For conspicuous gallantry and resource during operations. Seeing that a gap existed between an Indian Regiment and his own, and that the former in this locality had lost all their officers, he took charge of their Lewis guns and filled the gap. Later, he was conspicuous for his gallantry in leading the Indian Infantrymen in the charge across the open.

_Awarded the Military Medal._

No. 2262, SERGEANT FRANK CONNEL.

F. S. MAUDE, _Lieut.-General_, Commanding I.E.F. "D".

_31st March 1917._

GENERAL HEAD QUARTERS.

I.E.F. "D."

ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 76.

His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, has conveyed the following message to me:--

"May 8th.--The series of successes achieved in defeating the Turkish Forces brought against you since your capture of Baghdad reflect the very highest credit upon you and all ranks under your command. Your progress is all the more appreciated by your fellow countrymen in that they are conscious of the trying conditions under which your troops have fought.--George R.I."

The following reply has been sent by me:--

"May 9th.--Your Imperial Majesty's gracious message expressing approbation of our recent successes has filled all ranks of the Navy and Army in Mesopotamia with loyal enthusiasm. The valour and devotion to duty of the troops conscious of their superiority over the enemy have been superb, whilst in spite of great heat recently experienced their health remains most satisfactory."

From the Right Hon'ble the Secretary of State for War:--

"May 8th.--War Cabinet desire me to convey their high appreciation of your recent operations which have resulted in the defeat of the enemy's forces and the successful occupation of the greater part of the Baghdad Vilayat. The splendid spirit and gallantry displayed by the troops under trying climatic conditions and the skill shown by your subordinate commanders merit high commendation and are a proof of the efficiency and devotion to duty of all ranks of the force under your command."

"May 9th.--Your telegram conveying approval of War Cabinet at success of our recent operations is greatly appreciated by all ranks in Mesopotamia. Fighting spirit and endurance of troops have been admirable throughout in spite of great heat recently."

F. S. MAUDE, _Lieut.-General_, Commanding Indian Expeditionary Force "D."

_11th May 1917._

GENERAL HEAD QUARTERS.

I.E.F. "D."

ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 82.

In pursuance of the authority delegated to me by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, I make the following award for gallantry and distinguished service in the field:--

_Awarded a Bar to Distinguished Conduct Medal._

No. 1543, SERGEANT CHARLES EASTON.--For conspicuous gallantry in action. Seeing that an officer had been hit some 80 yards in front of his post and was unable to move owing to continuous sniping, he ran forward, dressed his wounds, and got him back to the river bank. As sniping still continued, he swam the river, supporting the wounded Officer, and gained the other bank. Had the Officer not been moved, he must again have been hit by the enemy's snipers who were within 300 yards.

F. S. MAUDE, _Lieut.-General_, Commanding Indian Expeditionary Force "D."

_17th June 1917._

GENERAL HEAD QUARTERS.

MESOPOTAMIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 96.

In pursuance of the authority delegated to me by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, I make the following awards for gallantry and distinguished service in connection with operations in the field covering the period April 1st to September 30th, 1917, inclusive.

_Awarded Second Bar to Distinguished Conduct Medal._

No. 2702, SERGEANT WILLIAM LOGAN.--For conspicuous gallantry and ability. At a critical moment he led forward a party of bombers under heavy fire and controlled them with great skill until wounded. By his courage and coolness he materially a.s.sisted in repelling a counter-attack and in re-taking a redoubt, [Awarded D.C.M., _London Gazette_, 20th October, 1916, Bar to D.C.M., _London Gazette_, 29th August, 1917].