War Diary — 13th Signal Company, Royal Engineers (Vol 2b: Mesopotamia, 1917)
Transcribed from the original manuscript version of the War Diary at the National Archive. The diary records the unit’s activities during Sapper Edward George Copeland’s service with the 13th Signals, the full story of which is recounted in Letters to Lizzie. [Notes have been added in brackets]
January 1917
1 January 1917
RA Signal Section teed in on my poled line (300 yards) then along permanent telegraph line to YIC-R [Advanced 3rd Division], for communication to RA 3rd Division. Poled line to SSO [Supply Officer] at 3.9. Rain.
2 January 1917
Line to YIC-R (Advanced 3rd Division) broken beyond IMAM-AL-MANSUR on 3rd Division portion from 5pm to 5.45pm. Moved camp from vicinity of Division HQ to new ground owing to rain.
3 January 1917
Improved new camp & horse(?) lines — also parties out along all lines.
4 January 1917
Two permanent poles obtained from General Telegraph Department to span our lines over HAI, in preparation for flood time.
5 January 1917
Lt PAIGE left with three lumbered wagons for Signal stores from SHEIKH SAAD, otherwise unable to obtain. Permanent poles put into use over HAI. All Signal service poles of this Division being marked with Black & White paint.
6 January 1917
HAI River suddenly started to rise, water bubbling up from the bed of the river. Turks had constructed barricade of earth across, but our guns demolished it & water flowed down.
7 January 1917
SSO (Supply Officer) moved his camp & HQ yesterday 6th inst. from R9 (TC72) to BASSOUIA near Division HQ Camp. New line laid to him & put on exchange at 11am. YIN [14th Division] line keeps breaking owing to not being poled. We have ALL lines poled.
8 January 1917
YIN (14th Division) line again broken twice today for short periods. HAI has risen about 20 feet. Rose 3'6" last night.
9 January 1917
Both YIN [14th Division] lines broken at water edge where they cross HAI. 7am Bridging train moving to operations, also YIN-R [Advanced 14th Division]. Lent YIN [14th Division] a cable wagon to go on operations. Constant trouble with Corps line which is not poled but goes through 14th Division & is always being broken. Wiltshires & Borderers moved at 4am with a cable wagon under Lt PRATT to vicinity of Q3.
10 January 1917
Lt PAIGE came back from SHEIKH SAAD with three wagons of Signalling stores etc. 40th Brigade are under 3rd Division at PENTAGON. Wiltshires & Borderers (Division Reserve) moved at 4am to vicinity of 9.3 where they were in touch with Advanced GHQ — also 1st Corps also on one direct line by cable wagon.
11 January 1917
8.15am to 9am Corps Sounder line disconnected. Also ZDO-R (Wiltshires & Borderers) 3.05pm. YIC-R [Advanced 3rd Division] report ZDO [40th Brigade] on move to 3.9. Considerable delay on lines owing to prior codes between YIC & YIC-R 6pm. ZDO [40th Brigade] back at 8.9 & reopened.
12 January 1917
4.07pm ZDO [40th Brigade] opened at new HQ at R17. Line was poled to them by Capt FERGUSON & consolidated on old ZDO [40th Brigade] line. We have AA Section guns now.
13 January 1917
Old ZDO [40th Brigade] office closed 9.05pm heavy delay on CCO line, which was relieved by using telephone as well.
15 January 1917
Went to CCO Signals on several matters. Camp was shelled about 4pm by Turk field gun — explosions were very close. Shelled again at night. ZDO [40th Brigade] line broken by shellfire 3pm, mended at once.
16 January 1917
Lines being laid to three Brigades Advanced HQs today. Propose having one telephone & one vibrator line to each Brigade & to join them all laterally by D5. Carts returned from SHEIKH SAAD.
17 January 1917
AA Section joined to 3rd Corps by wire. Working parties out all day on our lines to Brigade HQ. Reinforcements (followers) came yesterday, with Sgt MCGOWAN from SHEIKH SAAD. Also 100 bamboo poles for conic air line.
18 January 1917
Work proceeding on all lines which are being buried — laddered — poled. ZDO [40th Brigade] commutator giving trouble so changed it. ZCH [38th Brigade] lines speaking & vibrating were tested though correct 2.30pm.
19 January 1917
Almost daily, block of work on CCO line. Working parties out all day on lines.
20 January 1917
One hours delay to CCO relieving by using phone (6.40pm). Visited ZCH-R Brigade HQ & saw all lines laid by Capt J FERGUSON RE. Speaking phone line, vibrator line & lateral.
21 January 1917
Laying & putting in telephone exchange & lines in separate tent. Also party at work in 40th Brigade trenches.
22 January 1917
Through to three Brigades, ‘G staff’, CRA [Commander Royal Artillery], CRE [Commander, Royal Engineers], ADVIS & 40th BFA. Also CCO & 14th Division (Advanced).
23 January 1917
7am unable to get ZCI [39th Brigade] on magneto line. 9.20am YIN [14th Division] disconnected. 11.35am through to A Staff on magneto. 12.20 (noon) Helping to clear block to CCO by use of phone.
24 January 1917, In the field
All lines to Brigades are duplicated, one speaking line to each, & one vibrator line. In addition, all Brigades are joined up laterally, lines being in small nullahs [dried streams] or depressions, or buried & laddered. Laid line from junction of EMPEROR & HAI streets for Division Staff observing office.
25 January 1917
5am opened to DB station (observation station). 8.06am through to YIN-R [Advanced 14th Division] on RIGHT Bank HAI, also to ZIG [55th Field Artillery Brigade] on right of 38th Brigade (see attached diagram of communications). Operations all day, all lines working.
26 January 1917
Midnight on 25th handed over forward lines to ZCI [39th Brigade] to 36th Brigade. Also lateral line to ZDO [40th Brigade]. All lines are working in spite of bombardment.
27 January 1917
Operations continued on both banks HAI. We had no lines cut either by shell or rifle fire. ZCI [39th Brigade] go back to Corps Reserve.
29 January 1917
Poled continuation of line to ZCH [38th Brigade]. Lines in trenches are in bad state owing to hurried preparations.
30 January 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] changed their Brigade HQ at 4pm. Both magneto & vibrator lines changed & prolonged to new HQ by Capt J FERGUSON, poles also continued. Both speaking & vibrator lines very good.
31 January 1917
Both lateral lines of ZDO [40th Brigade] new HQ prolonged & consolidated. All possible preparation made for action. ZDO [40th Brigade] & ZCH [38th Brigade] each provided with D5 cable.
Signed: FO St John, Capt, Cmdg 13th Division Signal Company RE
February 1917
1 February 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade] in action. Had no breaks on any line all communication OK. Have had no delay or break on any line since arrival here (Divisional lines). 8th Brigade (ZIH) 3rd Division took over from us tonight. ZCH [38th Brigade] were relieved 1am & ZDO [40th Brigade] at 6am 2nd inst. Am leaving nearly all my wire & lines down for them.
2 February 1917
Have to be ready at short notice to cross to RIGHT Bank HAI. Am reeling up all available lines as we shall be very short of wire owing to letting ZIH take over our lines last night. 1.30am through to ZCH [38th Brigade] at S9. 1.15am ZCH [38th Brigade] relieved by 8th Brigade 3rd Division. 5am 40th Brigade relieved by 8th Brigade. 10.44am ZDO [40th Brigade] & ZCH [38th Brigade] on same line at S9. 9.30pm ZDO [40th Brigade] closed down at S9 & crossed HAI. Lt PRATT went with them as consider theirs most important flank.
3 February 1917
Orders to move. ZDO [40th Brigade] & ZCI [39th Brigade] started off from R19. Cable wagon went with each. ZCH [38th Brigade] did not leave until 2am for RIGHT Bank HAI.
4 February 1917, RIGHT BANK HAI RIVER
Division HQ moved at 5.30am to R19 thence to R21. We were in touch throughout with ZCI [39th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade] though 4 & 5 miles away with moving cable wagon. Through to ZCH [38th Brigade] at 7.30am, delay caused by incompetent cable wagon commander.
5 February 1917
Built new office. Much work on line, operations continue. Brigades constantly moving positions. All communication satisfactory. RA now on RIGHT Bank HAI.
6 February 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] moved at 3.30 yesterday. Also Division HQ closed down on LEFT Bank HAI & moved over here. Left SSO [Supply Officer] of Division on line on LEFT Bank, also FTCO.
7 February 1917
38th, 39th, 40th Brigades in the front line — poled line D3 to 40th Brigade also to 39th Brigade. Ground line to 38th Brigade. Poled line to SSO [Supply Officer] at BASSOUIA, also there FTCO & Division Post.
8 February 1917
Poled line to the three FA near BASSOUIA on RIGHT Bank & put in magneto phone. 40th Brigade moved back to vicinity R19 in reserve. Duplicated line to ZCH [38th Brigade] & laid lateral to ZCI [39th Brigade] from them.
9 February 1917
Operations. Excellent lines were laid by Capt FERGUSON RE, one poled & one ground. Last 200 yards in old Turkish trenches, also lateral to ZCI [39th Brigade]. All lines worked well during operations.
10 February 1917
Operations continue. All lines satisfactory but instruments causing much trouble owing to dust & wind.
11 February 1917
Poled line to FAs [Field Artilleries] disconnected at 8am, pole broken by mule cart. 11.30am new poled line through to ZCH [38th Brigade]. They now have one poled & one ground line.
12 February 1917
ZCI [39th Brigade] closed at 1.0pm. Opened near P27, cable party going with them. Half line to be poled tomorrow.
13 February 1917
Poled line to ZCI [39th Brigade] all the way. Is also joined laterally to ZCH [38th Brigade]. ZDO [40th Brigade] moved to new HQ & line was prolonged to them.
14 February 1917
Lateral line laid to ZDO [40th Brigade] from ZCH [38th Brigade], direct. Also from ZCI [39th Brigade] direct to ZDO [40th Brigade]. Line to ZDO [40th Brigade] from YM was poled as far as RFA [Field Artillery] Batterys (89 poles).
15 February 1917
Operations successful, about 2000 prisoners taken. All my lines remained working. №4 Section did very well under fire.
16 February 1917
Reeling up lines preparatory to Brigades being relieved. Have advised all Brigades to pick up much as possible. Storm & Signal office flooded.
17 February 1917
ZCH [38th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade] came back to vicinity of R19 (TC 75). ZCI [39th Brigade] moves out tomorrow westward to vicinity of N50.
18 February 1917
Poled new line for 39th Brigade. Laid new line to ZCH [38th Brigade] & ZDO [40th Brigade] coming on their former poled line again.
19 February 1917
8am. Corps telephone line disconnected until 8.08am. Ground lines to new ZCH [38th Brigade] picked up & poled lines in use. D1 poled on fifteen foot bamboos. Road crossings 17 feet.
20 February 1917
10am ZDO [40th Brigade] moved to new HQ near N33 (TC62). They are leaving station. Open at R19, their present HQ. 11.45am ZDO [40th Brigade] opened office at N33. 39th Brigade moved also to N50 (TC62).
21 February 1917
At 8am SSO office closed to move to RIGHT Bank HAI. Joined ZDO [40th Brigade] & ZCI [39th Brigade] laterally by ground cable D5. SSO [Supply Officer] opened at OXFORD CIRCUS at 5pm. Laid line to N47 (TC62) Advanced HQ of 14th Division.
22 February 1917
7.35pm opened to YMR at N47. GSO III line with two operators, instruments, etc., lines to ZDO [40th Brigade] & ZCI [39th Brigade]. YM direct. All lines tested & thoroughly patrolled today.
23 February 1917
Operations today at dawn. 14 Division crossed TIGRIS to LEFT Bank. D15 wires held out across river for some hours (350 yards) although river in flood. All lines working satisfactorily. At R21. Preparing to move forward to new HQ, all lines being laid.
24 February 1917, SHUMRAN RUINS
Closed at R21 at 10am. Opened up at N47A same time, all lines correct. 8pm closed office at N47A. Crossed TIGRIS & reopened at SHUMRAN RUINS. Lines through to CCO, ZCI [39th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade]. CCO line broken on pontoon owing to cart falling over side.
25 February 1917, IMAM MADI
Closed office at SHUMRAN at 7.30am & opened up six miles downstream of IMAM MADI. 38th Brigade in action — through by telephone to three Brigades corps & 14th Division.
26 February 1917, BAGHAILA
Closed office at 8.30am & opened IMAM MADI at 12.30pm keeping line on the move by means of two cable wagons. 2.30pm closed office at IMAM MADI. 6.45pm opened office at point 3 miles upstream of BAGHAILA. Through to 38th Brigade at BAGHAILA & CCO.
27 February 1917, NAHR-AL-KALEK
Closed office at 1pm. Opened up 7pm at NAHR-AL-KALEK. Through to CCO — 14th Division & ZDO [40th Brigade], & remaining Brigades by orderly.
28 February 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] closed 7.45am. 14th Division disconnected from 12.30am to 3am. 14th Division line reeled up 8am. 10.30pm CRC disconnected.
Signed: FO St John, Capt, Cmdg 13th Division Signal Company RE, Mesopotamia, 28.2.17
March 1917
1 March 1917 , UMM
LEFT Bank TIGRIS closed office. 12.30 pm reopened at UMM (421 central) at 6.30pm. Through to CCO. Delivered to Brigades by orderly.
2 March 1917, AZIZIYAH
Office closed at 10.15am, reopened at AZIZYIAH at 2.30pm. Through to CCO — delivered to Brigades by hand. Old Turkish permanent line used to CCO owing to shortage of cable.
3 March 1917
Delivered to Brigades by orderly.
4 March 1917
Awaiting supplies.
5 March 1917, ZEUR
Closed office at 7.30am, reopened at ZEUR at 4pm. Through to CRC & by orderlies to Brigades. Communication was kept with 40th Brigade on the march by means of two cable wagons, one laying one reeling up.
6 March 1917, BUSTAN
Closed office at 7.45am at ZEUR — reopened at BUSTAN at 4.15pm.
7 March 1917, DIALAH RIVER
Closed office at BUSTAN at 7am. Reopened at 709D3/8 near DIALAH river. Through to CCO & ZCH [38th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade] & ZDO [40th Brigade] by orderly.
8 March 1917
ZCH [38th Brigade] line disconnected at 7.20am, through again 8.05am. 9.45pm through to Division artillery at 38th Brigade HQ also Corps artillery.
9 March 1917
Corps line disconnected at 6.05am owing to heavy traffic of transport on the line. Opened Advance Division HQ at 38th Brigade HQ at 9pm. Had visual parties on motor launches to proceed up TIGRIS to DIALAH River also telephone line & visual party on Bank junction of TIGRIS & DIALAH Rivers.
10 March 1917, SAIDAH
Closed office at 38th Brigade HQ 12.15pm. Crossed DIALAH River on pontoon bridge, reopened near SAIDAH about 7pm. Through to CRC, ZCI [39th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade]. 7.15pm ZDO [40th Brigade] line disconnected until 12.30am, broken by cavalry in several places in high grass about 6 miles out of camp. Reeling up & laying down cable with cable carts to advance guard all these days.
11 March 1917, 1 MILE NW BAGHDAD
Closed office SAIDAH at 8.30am, reopened 807D53 (about 1 mile NW of BAGHDAD) at 3pm through to CRC, ZCH [38th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade].
12 March 1917, 3 MILES N BAGHDAD
ZCH [38th Brigade] moved off as advance guard, later replaced by ZDO [40th Brigade] as orders received that this Division was not to enter BAGHDAD. Some troops had to enter to keep order however, Arabs & Kurds having been looting. Laid line from camp (3 miles upstream of BAGHDAD) to citadel where 35th Brigade are stationed.
13 March 1917
2KI disconnected at 10am. Line broken by Arabs with stone. Lines laid to ZCH [38th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade], also ZDO [40th Brigade] who moved out twelve miles upstream with cable wagon.
14 March 1917
ZKI line disconnected owing to heavy traffic of carts entering city. 4.46 disconnected to Corps. 5.40 opened again. Drew stores from Adv. Signal Park which arrived up.
15 March 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] 6 more miles upstream 6.40am ZDO [40th Brigade] moves upstream 6 miles further.
16 March 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] extending their line up river, having now reached 24 miles upstream. Adv. Signal Park was one of steamers to arrive BAGHDAD — result is we all refilled signal stores & were ready to proceed again if necessary.
17 March 1917
7.45am YMP closed. ZDO [40th Brigade] accept traffic until YMP move about 3pm. 7pm. Company of Royal Warwicks moving up river tapped in on ZDO [40th Brigade] line. 7.50pm. Through to ZCI [39th Brigade] by wire.
18 March 1917
11.20am CCO 8pk line disconnected until 12.15pm owing to traffic through BAGHDAD. ZCI [39th Brigade] leaving this vicinity at 11.35am.
19 March 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] disconnected at 9.12pm. Connect at 9.19 owing to length of line.
20–23 March 1917
Present map position TC86 is 807 D 5/4. Remained in camp 3½ miles upstream of BAGHDAD. ZDO [40th Brigade] is 16 miles upstream on LEFT Bank. ZCH [38th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade] are close to Division HQ. All connected by wire. ZCI [39th Brigade] closed down 2.33pm to relieve ZDO [40th Brigade], who are to continue up river. Our line now through to ZDO [40th Brigade] so am reeling up ground cable (D5). 8.10pm through to ZCI [39th Brigade] who reach DAUDIE. ZDO opened at NAISERIN at 6pm. 11.0pm unable to get ZDO [40th Brigade].
24 March 1917
2.25am line to ZDO [40th Brigade] connect. 7.50am ZDO [40th Brigade] moving & through on wagon when they halt. 8.40 ZCI [39th Brigade] moving up stream again. One Company of Royal Warwicks at EL NINAR on ZDO [40th Brigade] line. 10.40 ZCH [38th Brigade] moved into trees(?) near their camp. ZCI [39th Brigade] arrived YAHOUDIE 12.50pm. 2pm ZDO [40th Brigade] opened at JADIDA.
25 March 1917
We now have D5 cable ground here to JADIDA (36 miles distance out). Speaking & signals good on both vibrator & D3 telephone. Bad signals on Stephens telephone at that distance.
26 March 1917, YAHOUDIE
Corps artillery put into our office, case FND. 3.15pm Division closed down at GS SALEKH & marched to YAHOUDIE (20 miles). Most of the journey in dark & over bad roads with thick dust. On arrival 12 midnight CCO airline had been broken by transport, our ZDO [40th Brigade] line which was joined through before departure to CCO was working. 1pm to 5.15am line was disconnected to CCO.
27 March 1917, JEMADIN
Closed office at YAHOUDIE. 8.30am reopened at JEMADIN. 2.30pm through to CCO, ZDO [40th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade] & ZCH [38th Brigade] with us. Put ZDO [40th Brigade] through to CCO whilst we moved.
28 March 1917, JADIDA
8am closed JEMADIN, through from JADIDA also to ZCH [38th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade] & CCO, also YMP down at KASERIN, also SSO [Supply Officer] & DADES. Through to CCO via BAQUBA, also along our old ground line to CCO. 2.15pm through to RWF direct. 6.30pm ZCI [39th Brigade] closes & is moving. 7.0pm ZCH [38th Brigade] moving.
29 March 1917
ZCI [39th Brigade] arrived in new position 12.05am. ZCH [38th Brigade] came on line at 9.30pm. Both ZCH [38th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade] work YM through YMR which is in PALM TREE GROVE, 3½ miles N of JADIDA. 1.15am ZDO [40th Brigade] moving without communication to YMR from which spot all lines for advance start off. Day of battle, ZDO [40th Brigade] on left, ZCI [39th Brigade] on right flank. We kept in touch throughout night with the 3 Brigades, also 67th Punjabis, South Lancashire Kings Own, 22nd Cavalry, 2nd Gurkhas. Cavalry Division by wireless 2nd Norfolks. ZCI [39th Brigade] & ZDO [40th Brigade] moved frequently throughout the day. Arabs cut one mile out of ZCI [39th Brigade] line & attacked my linemen.
30 March 1917
ZCI [39th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade] after battle are withdrawing. Arabs considerably hampered communications by attacking & cutting wire. ZCH [38th Brigade] moved up in support of ZCI [39th Brigade], leaving two Battalions with Division HQ. But returned today to ABU TAMAR wood. YMR closed down & moved back to JADIDA at 4.30pm having laid cables to DELTAWA for ZDO [40th Brigade], JADIDA for ZCI [39th Brigade], PALM TREE GROVE for ZCH [38th Brigade].
31 March 1917
Remained at JADIDA improving lines & reeled up all cable which had been laid down.
Signed: FO St John Capt, Cmdg 13th Division Signal Co RE, 31.3.17
April 1917
1 April 1917
Spent at JADIDA. Short lines out to each Brigade — joined D5 cable as per sketch attached.
2 April 1917
Improved Brigade lines. Also reeled up three miles of D5 used during operations on March 30th.
3 April 1917
3rd Corps cable section under Lt LUCAS RE & GHQ Signal section for permanent lines under Lt GOULD, both with us. Am working KASERIN & YAHOUDIE back on ground line (original 40th Brigade line). It has now been working without break to BAGHDAD for 14 days, & much traffic on roads. Large reinforcements for Company arrived last night.
5 April 1917
Still at JADIDA. Probable move up LEFT Bank TIGRIS soon, preparations being made.
6 April 1917, KUWAR REACH
SSO [Supply Officer] line closed at KASERIN & staff & operators came up river by barge. Closed office at JADIDA 5pm & marched to KUWAR Reach (13 miles). This to Marshall’s Column & 39th Brigade, 40th Brigade & 38th Brigade. Opened at KUWAR 11.45pm.
7 April 1917
Marshall’s Column line broken owing to having been laid off a wagon at night on a narrow road with broken country on both sides (1.45am to 7.45am). 4.30pm ZDO [40th Brigade] on move upstream. In touch by cable they moved up to SHATT-EL-ADHAIM Bank. CRA section [Royal Artillery Command] have also forward line to 55th Field Artillery Brigade.
8 April 1917
All quiet, we are on TIGRIS LEFT Bank, ferried over one Battalion 39th Brigade by HMS TARANTULA & obtained communication of Helio through to ZCI [39th Brigade].
9 April 1917
ZCH [38th Brigade] relieved ZDO [40th Brigade] & came in on same line. Sent out wagon to ZDO [40th Brigade] who came in on same line but on TIGRIS River Bank. Cable wagons go out to Brigades, but always recalled to Company HQ when move is not expected — leaving if necessary foot party.
10 April 1917
ZCH [38th Brigade] moved up stream on SHATT-EL-ADHAIM about 6 miles 3.40am returning about 4.45.
11 April 1917, SHIALA
Marching last night from KUWAR Reach across country to CHALIYEH (SHIALA) through to ZCI [39th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade] — 15 miles. Came in on right flank of Turks who were driving back Cavalry Division. Wagons got heavily shelled at close range & arrived back. Laid line to VA. ZKI also came up. We laid line to them as their wagon not arrived. VA wireless who are 200 yards away are stopping our work.
12 April 1917
Cassel’s Brigade moved out to our left flank also VA. ZKI advancing, also ZDO [40th Brigade] & ZCI [39th Brigade] kept in touch by cable wagon.
13 April 1917, KHALIS CANAL
We moved about 5 miles to KHALIS CANAL. Moved one mile farther up at 8.15am. Moved about two miles farther up at 6.15pm but came back again 55 minutes later, (?) owing to having been shelled in the open.
14 April 1917
Urgent & priority messages are being delayed by speaking continually by staff on lines. Cassel’s Brigade & VA again moved out 12 miles to our left flank with a cable wagon.
15 April 1917, 7m from DELI ABBAS
12.30am 2KI closed & is advancing, also ZCI [39th Brigade] at 5am & ZD0 YH moved at 6am. In touch by wagon with 2KI who are advance guard out on KIFRI ROAD. We are picking up his line & remain in line though on move. Spent night on plain 7 miles from DELI ABBAS.
16 April 1917, BENT-AL-HASSAN
Moved back to BENT-AL-HASSAN, about 3 miles. Line with Marshall’s Column, ZCI [39th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade], also 66th Brigade RA. Remainder of RA & ZKI having marched for ADHAIM where ZCH [38th Brigade] is.
17 April 1917
Marshall’s Column moved & opened at KUWAR Reach 9.45am. 9.47am ZCI [39th Brigade] moving. Line laid by hand 6 miles to 6th Cavalry Brigade on DIALA river crossing much water.
18 April 1917
Closed down at BENT-AL-HASSAN & moved back to mosque (2 miles South East). DRLS below BAGHDAD ceases. ZCI [39th Brigade] & 6th Cavalry Brigade both disconnected owing to Cavalry patrols breaking line.
19 April 1917, 4m SW SHIALAM
At BENT-AL-HASSAN on DELI ABBAS road. Division holding rough line from SERAI to DISHDARI, with 6th Cavalry Brigade on DIYALA. 40th Brigade was ordered to join Marshall’s Column. Sent Signals & wagon detachment complete. Have now only 39th Brigade & 66th RA Brigade with us.
21 April 1917
Closed office on 22nd & marched 4 miles SW of SHIALA. Unable to get ZCI [39th Brigade]. Sent out wagon at 3am to relay line. Over one mile of cable had been cut out by Arabs on site of our old camp at BENT-AL-HASSAN.
23 April 1917, SINDIYEH
Line to ZCI [39th Brigade] again cut by Arabs. Linemen fired on Arabs. Marched to & opened office at SINDIYEH. ZDO [40th Brigade] move to Marshall’s Column on 23rd.
24–30 April 1917
At SINDIYEH, have only 39th Brigade with us, 38th & 40th being with Marshall’s Column. Rest & reorganised.
30 April 1917
Sent 1st Party on leave to India on 30th.
Signed: FO St John, Capt, IC 13th Division Signal Co RE, Mesopotamia, 30.4.17
May 1917
1 May 1917
At SINDIYEH. Marshall’s Column is operating on ADHAIM with base office on TIGRIS at BAROUA. 38th Brigade & 40th Brigade both under Corps orders (Marshall’s Column). We are on BD-Marshall’s Column line with 39th Brigade at ABU TAMAR wood.
2 May 1917
ZCH [38th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade] were both sent to Marshall’s Column with wire & operators complete. 5 operators & DRs were also sent to Marshall’s Column Signals.
3 May 1917
All quiet & very little work as only one Brigade here. Operations proceeding up ADHAIM.
4 May 1917, SINDIYEH
Took over GHQ office at SDY (SINDIYEH), where we deliver for riverhead — also ten other units.
5 May 1917
Took over BU (BAROUA) office also. Very little work until we took over BU (BAROUA) & SDY (SINDIYEH).
6 May 1917
3rd Corps (Marshall’s Column) leaves BU (BAROUA) for down river & Division take over ADHAIM defences with 35th Brigade, 40th Brigade & 38th Brigade. Other troops also there but are moving away.
7 May 1917
We have very much work & are very hard pushed for operators. R TIGRIS going down considerably.
8 May 1917
2.30pm. Lt PAIGE moved out with Ferguson’s Column for DISHDARI-DELI ABBAS road to help Russians — call FFF. Has strong cable detachment & two lumbers, also AT cart.
9 May 1917
FFF [Ferguson’s Column] moving up, permanent line DELTAWA-KIFRI, he started with 18 miles D5 reached BENT-AL-HASSAN our Division old camp.
10 May 1917
Very heavy work on all lines. 40th Brigade have sent Column up ADHAIM leaving office on river at BU. Have to supply both ZDO [40th Brigade] & FFF Column [Ferguson’s Column] with wire.
11 May 1917
Length of wire to ZDO [40th Brigade] about 27 miles, one line air, one on ground, camp fire caused break & interruption.
12 May 1917
FFF [Ferguson’s Column] at DISHDARI & moving on 4 miles. Both ZDO [40th Brigade] & FFF to stand last. (Diagram of communications attached).
13 May 1917
FFF [Ferguson’s Column] advancing towards DELI ABBAS. Sent them 6 miles more D5 cable making 24 miles & permanent line which they are using.
14 May 1917
(?) owing to length of lines out with 40th Brigade & FFF [Ferguson’s Column]. Using motorcycles as linemen very successful. One motorcycle with FFF was destroyed by fire today.
15 May 1917
FFF [Ferguson’s Column] & ZDO [40th Brigade] both had orders to withdraw & began to do so yesterday, continued today. ZDO [40th Brigade] arrived back on TIGRIS at BU (BAROUA) from ADHAIM River.
16 May 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] started to withdraw from ADHAIM River. Picking up all lines laid during the advance. 22 drums of D5 cable sent down to use Air line which was to have permanent pole — every fifth also being dismantled, ZDO [40th Brigade] at KUWAR REACH.
18 May 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] came into camp at SDY (SINDIYEH) at 6am & moved down TIGRIS about 3 miles, sent 2 wagon with a line out to them. 3rd Corps cable section came in (air line) from ADHAIM. They have been reeling up air lines.
19 May 1917
No change.
20 May 1917
Signal office begun with Arab labour by Division CRE [Commander, Royal Engineers] over handling instruments, carts etc.
21 May 1917
Nothing to report. Lines to units being consolidated.
22 May 1917
Supply office at river head at SDY (SINDIYEH) moved down stream about 2 miles.
23 May 1917
Lt PAIGE RA Section left on leave to India. Duties taken over by Lt Humphries.
24 May 1917
Poles arrived from our SHUMRAM dump. For poling D1 we cut them into 15 feet & 17 feet lengths. They are more satisfactory than the jointed pole issued by Government, stronger, lighter, cheaper.
26 May 1917
Nothing to report. Diagram of communications of Division attached. ZCI [39th Brigade] holding line of outposts. Remainder of Division is on TIGRIS River Bank one mile below SINDIYEH. Training of regimental signallers being proceeded with, also drafts to signal service from India who arrive with very little idea of work in the field & require one month’s instruction.
Signed: FO St John OC 13th Division Signal Co RE, 31.5.17
June 1917
1 June 1917
At SINDIYEH. Erection of poled lines (D1 on 15ft & 17ft bamboos) for speaking circuits being proceeded with.
2 June 1917
Ditto
5 June 1917
New Signal Office built by Division CRE [Commander, Royal Engineers] with Arab labour completed & all lines & instruments transferred thereto.
6 June 1917
Telephone Exchange in new Signal Office opened for traffic — 12 lines connected.
7 June 1917
Nothing to report. Capt ST JOHN, OC Company, went on leave to India. Duties taken on by Lt PRATT.
10 June 1917
Alternative route to 3rd Corps (CCO) via KHAN JADIDA (call NBA) in use to relieve pressure on other circuit via YIN [14th Division].
11 June 1917
Nothing to report.
14 June 1917
Detachments of Hertfordshire Yeomanry & 12th Lancers abandoned GRASS FARM near DELTAWA owing to failure of water supply, now encamped near SINDIYEH.
15 June 1917
Capt HAYNES, 7th North Staffordshires, joined Company, taking command in Capt ST JOHN’s absence.
16 June 1917
Last leave party, consisting of 11 BOR left for India. Considerable trouble on YM-NBA-CCO line. 3rd Corps Signals sent party to overhaul line.
18 June 1917
Nothing to report
19 June 1917
39th Brigade Signal Section sent all animals in to HQ, water supply having failed in TAWILAH CANAL.
20 June 1917
Marching post at JAMAL-UL-DIN transferred to KANSURIYA necessitating extension of lines for about 7 miles. Lt MUDDLE joined Company.
21 June 1917
Riding school inaugurated for motor-cycle despatch riders: owing to limited number of horses only able to teach 6 at a time.
22 June 1917
Capt HAYNES left to join Army Signal Company: duties taken over by Lt PRATT.
23 June 1917
Nothing to report. Diagrams of Communications attached. (A) Telegraph (B) Telephone.
28 June 1917
ASQ closed down, the RFC having removed to KHAN SADIDAH.
29 June 1917
Nothing to report.
30 June 1917
38th Brigade relieved 39th Brigade in Picquet Lines. Later took over camp site on river bank previously occupied by 38th Brigade. During month, training of Cable Detachments, Buzzer Pioneers, Despatch Riders, etc. has been carried out. Battalion’s Signallers are being trained in buzzing & visual signalling in classes under the supervision of Brigade Signal Officers. The overhauling of transport & technical equipment has been held up owing to difficulty in getting technical & other stores. Recreation has been provided for the men in the form of bathing & football.
Signed: Lt Pratt RE, OC 13th Division Signal Company RE
July 1917
1 July 1917
At SINDIYEH. Nothing to report.
2 July 1917
Nothing to report.
3 July 1917
Trouble with MU (MANSURIYEH) line, repair being delayed owing to long length having been cut out, apparently deliberately.
4 July 1917
Further trouble with MU line. Party sent out to reel up GF line, there being no probability of GRASS FARM (DELTAWA) being used again owing to lack of water.
5 July 1917
New line laid to MU over new route & old line reeled up. Line laid from CRE’s [Commander, Royal Engineers] office to detachment of 72nd Field Company working on outpost line near SINDIYEH.
6 July 1917
Nothing to report. Company Aquatics Sports held, occupying two evenings.
8 July 1917
Nothing to report.
9 July 1917
All cable wagons inspected & passed to IOM. Repairs have been carried out by our own wheelwright & wagons are now being painted.
10 July 1917
Communications of Brigade in outpost line (38th Brigade) reorganised — several lines relaid & some new lines laid.
11 July 1917
Nothing to report. Weather very hot.
12 July 1917
12 Riding horses received from Remounts: this will enable training of Despatch Riders to be proceeded with more quickly.
13 July 1917
Nothing to report. Very hot weather continues.
18 July 1917
First batch of Despatch Riders passed out of Riding School.
19 July 1917
New Riding School visited. Horses have been redistributed & Cable Detachments made up to their complement.
20 July 1917
Nothing to report.
24 July 1917
MANSURIYEH marching post closed down. Line reeled up.
25 July 1917
Nothing to report.
30 July 1917
Trade Tests held for men wishing to re-muster as Sappers.
31 July 1917
Training of Cable Detachments, Despatch Riders, & reinforcements generally has proceeded throughout the month, also of Regimental Signallers in classes under the supervision of Brigade Signal Officers. There has been no diminution in Signal traffic & the Divisional Signal Office has been uniformly fairly busy. Maintenance of lines has been fairly busy, especially of poled lines, trouble being due largely to damage by transport, which seems to have a tendency to wander from tracks which are not too well defined. The length of many of the lines & the shortness of the working hours (owing to the heat) also prevents patrolling from being as thorough as it might be. Nevertheless there has been no serious trouble. Overhauling & re-equipping of technical equipment & transport still proceeds. Health of all ranks has been good, in spite of intense heat during middle of month. Diagram of Communications attached.
Signed: Lt Pratt RE, OC 13th Division Signal Company RE
August 1917
1 August 1917
At SINDIYEH. Nothing to report.
2 August 1917
Nothing to report.
3 August 1917
Hertfordshire Yeomanry relieved by squadron 12th Cavalry necessitating short extension of line: call changed from HY to CAB. Lt MUDDLE left for BAGHDAD with Hertfordshire Yeomanry to draw horses & mules from Remounts.
4 August 1917
Nothing to report.
7 August 1917
Communication with CCO via NBA restored: line has been out of order some time & has now been partially rebuilt by Corps Signals. Took delivery of two 15cwt Star lorries; these should prove invaluable for breakdown work on long lines.
8 August 1917
Line running 9 miles out in front of outpost line, previously used for communication with party picking up KIFI railway, reeled up by cable detachment in early morning under escort from Division Cyclists.
9 August 1917
Nothing to report.
10 August 1917
40th Brigade ordered to relieve 35th Brigade on right of Outpost line, on right of 12th-13th. Brigade HQ at ABU KHAMED.
11 August 1917
Cable route to ABU KHAMED reconnoitred & arrangements made for taking over Brigade & Battalion lines.
12 August 1917
Two cables laid to ABU KHAMED. In evening 40th Brigade HQ & two battalions moved over to ABU KHAMED & behind 35th Brigade.
13 August 1917
Nothing to report.
14 August 1917
Another battalion of 40th Brigade moved over to ABU KHAMED. Bridgehead defences, SADIYEH, RIGHT Bank TIGRIS taken over by 39th Brigade (detachment of), & Baghdad Signal Office (call BDG) moved by 39th Brigade Signals. Communication with BDG by cable direct from YM when bridge is open to traffic, & by Helio from SSO (Supplies, TUWAIR) during day when bridge is cut.
15 August 1917
Lt PAIGE returned from leave in India.
16 August 1917
Lt MUDDLE returned from BAGHDAD with remounts. Remaining battalion of 40th Brigade moved on to ABU KHAMED.
17 August 1917
Nothing to report.
18 August 1917
Cable detachment sent over to ABU KHAMED to be in readiness to lay cable with reconnoitring party. Capt ST JOHN returned from leave in India.
19 August 1917
Detachment of Cavalry & Cyclists with section of 18 pdi(?) battery under Major MULLINGS. RFA reconnoitred up RIGHT Bank DIALAH to KALA-AL-MUFTI: cable detachment laid cable with them from ABU KHAMED. This reconnaissance coincided with advance Column of 14th Division up LEFT Bank DIALAH towards SHAHRABAN.
20 August 1917
4th South Wales Borderers moved up to KALA-AL-MUFTI & established strong post there.
21 August 1917
Lt MUDDLE took over command of №2 (38th Brigade) Signal Section, vice Lt TULLOCH evacuated to hospital (accidental injury). Frequent trouble with speaking line to ZDO [40th Brigade] reported to Division HQ with view to prevention measures: line has been deliberately cut almost every day since laid, either at VIZANI-AL-AGAMI or DELTAWA.
22 August 1917
Nothing to report.
23 August 1917
Preventative measures taken by APM re cutting of the telephone line & trouble has ceased. Lt HUMPHRIES left for BAGHDAD to draw pack mules for the Company.
30 August 1917
Nothing to report. Communication as per diagram. Work normal.
September 1917
1 September 1917
Lines as per attached diagram. Nothing to report.
2 September 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] line was earthing at bridge in DELTAWA. 6.30am ZDO [40th Brigade] line disconnected (№6 line).
4 September 1917
CCO report YM-CCO line disconnected North of KJ. CCO disconnected 8.20am, through at 8.50am.
5 September 1917
6am ZDO [40th Brigade] magneto disconnected 9.50am ZDO [40th Brigade] clear again.
7 September 1917
All correct. Nothing to report. Laid line under water across river.
10 September 1917
CCO line earthy, on YM-CCO section. 7.30am intermittent fault on YM-CCO. Working YM-KJ-CCO on double current set request of CCO. 11.50am lost BDG 12.25pm BDG connect.
11 September 1917
7am ZDO [40th Brigade] line (magneto disconnected) not working. Reported by lineman to have been cut deliberately in DELTAWA village. Investigated by an officer of Company & found correct.
14 September 1917
№3 line to ZDO [40th Brigade] is disconnected 6am BDG disconnected 8.25am correct at 9.05am.
15 September 1917
Nothing to report.
16 September 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] lines (3&6) both disconnected at 4.35pm. Both correct 6.3. Both lines have been cut by sharp instrument 1½ miles East of DELTAWA & about 100 yards cable removed. Matter reported to Divisional staff.
17 September 1917
Lines are all working satisfactorily. Ground lines give trouble as all very long & is much wheeled traffic about. Village of DELTAWA was fined heavily for cutting wires persistently. Trouble seems to have ceased.
20 September 1917
Nothing to report. Company up to strength. Am improving all lines & overhauling all wire on wagons. Work constant & heavy on line.
28 September 1917
All lines correct & working well. No more breaks of wires through DELTAWA.
29 September 1917
Nothing to report.
30 September 1917
Attached diagram of communications.
Signed: FO St John Capt, OC 13th Division Signal Company RE, In the Field, 30–9–17
October 1917
1 October 1917
YMP (WELSH PIONEERS) moving to FIVE PALMS — vicinity of 39th Brigade HQ. Reeled up poled D1 to YMP.
3 October 1917
Took over old CCO air line to ZDO [40th Brigade] (CCO-YIN-YM air lines). ZDO [40th Brigade] line disconnected, remained disconnected 14 hours. Arab pruning date tree cut wire & then joined with ordinary knot in tree. Lineman had to climb every tree for 1½ miles to find break.
6 October 1917
Reeled up YM-SND & air line to old Turkish permanent line.
8 October 1917
Had Signal conference for all Signal officers, GSO I & II Infantry Brigade Majors, also RA [Artillery] & MG [Machine Gun] Company to standardise signalling of the Division etc. Class of officers & NCOs will be held at Signal Company HQ shortly.
9 October 1917
Nothing to report.
11 October 1917
Reeled up 40th FA [Field Artillery] poled D1 line, also spare pieces.
12 October 1917
Reeled up SSO [Supply Officer] ground line D5, ZCI [39th Brigade] ground line D5, also ZDO [40th Brigade] line up to DELTAWA & relaid into ZCI [39th Brigade]. ZCI thus has R Warwick Regiment at ZDO [40th Brigade] HQ.
13 October 1917
Went to 14th Division Signals. Reeled up 40th (old 39th) RA line.
14 October 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] moved up to vicinity KALA-AL-MUFTI today. Line is 29 miles long. Disconnected at 2.50pm until nearly 5pm. 2 Despatch riders not arrived up there, they left DCO at almost 10.30am. Roads very bad.
15 October 1917
Practice parade for moving out tomorrow Wed at 8.30am. Today №1 cable wagon detachment left for ABU TAMAR 5pm to await 38th Brigade tomorrow & lay line on march.
16 October 1917, ABU TAMAR
YMR started at 6am via ABU TAMAR laying line. CCO wagon also laying line direct from CCO-DELTAWA. ZDO [40th Brigade] still on line very faint 37 miles away old wire D1 & D3. Arrived 41N c 80/30 about 10am. Camped. Cable wagon & RA [Artillery] wagon left for BENT-AL-HASSAN 2pm. With Division motor — line being laid to ZDO [40th Brigade] & wire sent up for advance tomorrow.
17 October 1917, IMAM-AL-MANSUR
Division moved off at 6am, arrived IMAM-AL-MANSUR about 9am. Cut ZDO [40th Brigade] line & put two leads one forward to ZDO [40th Brigade] one back to YM at SDY (SINDIYEH). CRC took over our old ZDO [40th Brigade] line via KALA-AL-MUFTI as speaking line to Advanced 3rd Corps Serai with detachment also on YM line.
18 October 1917, 1 mile from DELI ABBAS
Moved to PI then moved again to one mile West of DELI ABBAS. ZDO [40th Brigade] remains at DELI ABBAS.
19 October 1917, SHEIK MUBANK
Fought action. Moved battle HQ to mound NE of DELI ABBAS. Moved again at 12.10pm to SHEIKH MUBANK. 38th Brigade & 55th Field Artillery Brigade (?).
20 October 1917
Nothing to report. Lines to YM, ZDO [40th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade] & 55th Field Artillery Brigade all working correct.
21 October 1917
Went out on reconnaissance with GOC into hills, was asked supply one Helio — this quite insufficient — whole station required also cable wagon. Worked Helio to YMR & ZCH-R whole day — from hills.
22 October 1917
All lines working well. Reeled up & relaid ZCH [38th Brigade] line, also 55th Field Artillery Brigade & CRC line from old camps. Telephones of most units out of order. Am unable supply them with instruments.
23 October 1917
Spur at DUWALIB improving lines & relaying those laid on march up — & operations.
24 October 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] disconnected for short time due to Arab cattle.
28 October 1917
ZDO [40th Brigade] moving to TIJDARI closed down 7.45am, come in on arrival on YM-YMR line 11.55am, through to ZDO [40th Brigade].
29 October 1917, ABU SAIDA (DUWALIB)
Moved to ABU SAIDA. Through to ZCH [38th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade], ZCI [39th Brigade], YH at 10am. Motor lorries of great assistance in closing & reopening offices 15 miles apart. One hour after office closed, DUWALIB was opened at ABU SAIDA with personnel working.
30 October 1917
Semi permanent air line laid to YMR from CCO. Lines to ZCH [38th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade] from YHR being strengthened. Lines to RA Brigades each with 38th Brigade & 40th Brigade being laid.
31 October 1917
Nothing to report. HQ at ABU SAIDA.
Signed: FO St John Major, 13th Signal Company RE, 31.10.17
November 1917
1 November 1917
YMR is at ABU SAIDA. YM remained at SINDIYEH with administrative staff. ZCH [38th Brigade] was at MUJARIYIM near JEBEL HAMRIN. Line was poled D1 (just 6 miles to clear all traffic) working well.
2 November 1917
We are in communication with 39th Brigade at DELTAWA by ground cable D5, 40th Brigade ground cable to SERAJIK (D5). Also 3rd Corps by double current set & phone line. 3rd Corps at BAQUBA.
3 November 1917
Lateral line to 14th Division. Continual breaks in vicinity of pontoon bridge at KALA-AL-MUFTI, so poled it. Ground lines frequently broken to Brigades — owing to length of lines & traffic. Ground line to admin staff at SINDIYEH is 23 miles.
4 November 1917
Bringing up local bamboos from SINDIYEH to pole our lines as ground lines not satisfactory. YIN [14th Division] line broken when crossed bridge at KALA-AL-MUFTI. Phone line to ABU JISRA through. Part of Division supplies from latter place to us, remainder from TUWAIR. Require both place sign at offices.
6 November 1917
Nothing to report. Breaks on ground lines frequent, am replacing ground lines by poled D1 whenever possible. 8th YM (admin staff) closed down & YMR becomes YM. Lt LANFEAR (SIGNALS) remains at old YM to dismantle lines, also establish new office at TUWAIR for Ordnance, Post, Bakery, Riverhead etc.
9 November 1917
14th Division (lateral line) continually going disconnected. Ground lines unreliable where traffic & grazing. Much delay on 39th Brigade line. They now have area about 18 miles across, or size of a Division area. Also Riverhead & Supplies Office (SSO). Have had to increase their personnel etc. Also much political work.
10 November 1917
Still much delay on ZCI [39th Brigade] lines. Have to clear periodically by DR, six hours delay on line.
11 November 1917
Sounder established by Signals 3rd Corps for us to work via BAQUBA to 39th Brigade, as distance in view of approach of wet weather too long by D5.
12 November 1917
Contact faults are constant on CCO lines — three of which go back to BAQUBA.
13 November 1917
ZCI [39th Brigade] have 35 messages on hand for CCO. Ordered these to be sent by DR to CRO. Signal office at TUWAIR also supplies all Divisional dumps etc. with communications. Also IWT FTCO etc. Delivery to 37 units in that area.
15 November 1917
ZCI [39th Brigade] now being put through direct to BD to save transmission. This is nearly all work connected with L of C, Riverhead or Railhead.
16 November 1917
Laid ground line D5 to YMP at FUSILIER POST about 3½m down river at ABU SAIDA. Am poling line to ZDO (40th Brigade) at SIRAIJIK (TC124).
17 November 1917
Poled 7½ miles of D1 cable to ZDO [40th Brigade]. Speaking fair only — owing to high resistance of wire. 55th Field Artillery Brigade has separate line although close to 38th Brigade so that either line can be used as alternative line in case of break.
19 November 1917
Work continued on poling lines. New river crossings made at DELI ABBAS on ZCH [38th Brigade] & FEE lines.
20 November 1917
Wind causing intermittent contact on CCO lines.
22 November 1917
New FS air line being erected by CCO to DELI ABBAS. Joined this to ZCH [38th Brigade] line as each day’s work is completed. Signals improving.
26 November 1917
Nothing to report. Ground cable only lasts about three weeks, then sun & traffic cause weak signals & lines cannot be improved. Have now about 30 miles D1 poled in Division area.
27 November 1917
Preparations to move to vicinity ZCH [38th Brigade]. Division HQ itself moves up so our working parties can do all necessary work when we go up river from this place, i.e. fifteen miles from their work. Star lorries invaluable.
28 November 1917
Moved to YMR at P4B 3/5, through to all units, also YH at ABU SAIDA. Preparing Battle HQ at LONGRIDGE HILL for advance Division. Spent day there.
Signed FO St John, Major, 13th Signal Company RE
December 1917
1 December 1917
Battle HQ for Division established on LONGRIDGE HILL (C59A Central). Line laid by wagon to vicinity of C58A central for 40th Brigade Group who start operations from that place before dark on 2nd inst. Separate line laid for 55th Field Artillery Brigade who accompany them, working ZDO [40th Brigade] on prolongation of this line which goes to SIRAJIK.
2 December 1917
Advance 3rd Corps opened at KALA-AL-MUFTI. 38th Brigade HQ closed 6pm. Moving to Battle HQ 7.30pm. ZDO [40th Brigade] closed & moving to C58A central. Battalion of 39th Infantry Brigade taken over KALA-AL-MUFTI from Battalion of 40th Brigade. ZCH [38th Brigade] reopened at point where cable wagon line (laid 1st inst.) leaves Division from line in HILLS C59A Central. 40th Brigade calling in on wagon line every hour throughout night advance.
3 December 1917, LONGRIDGE HILL (YMR)
4.20am. ZDO [40th Brigade] reached destination. Line connect eleven miles laid by each wagon. ZCH [38th Brigade] moves forward at 5.00am. 5.30am YMR closed down & opened on LONGRIDGE HILL same time. Through to ZCH [38th Brigade], ZDO [40th Brigade], CO, (D1 central) CRC, YIN [14th Division], YM & 38th Brigade Supply office. 8.15am ZDO [40th Brigade] line disconnected. Lineman reports 150 yards cut out of line by Arabs 12.30pm. Division HQ moved off at 2pm to SUHANIYAH where office opened 7.15pm in dark, by side of road. No water for animals at night. Only one cable wagon out of six turned up owing partly to different nature of country also to wagons having been under orders of Brigades. Office on LONGRIDGE HILL remained open until 5.20pm as could only advance slowly in hills, & roads are littered with Turkish transport carts etc. Communication by wagon impossible when line continually cut by Arabs.
4 December 1917, NARIN KUPRI (YMR)
YMR closed at 6.30am. Opened at NARIN KUPRI 2.30pm. Through on cable to CRC, ZDO [40th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade]. Stayed in camp by bridge on river.
5 December 1917, QARA TEPE (YMR)
ZDO [40th Brigade] moved out with wagon towards QARA TEPE 6am. 35th Brigade (14th Division) should be operating with us, but cannot get on Helio owing to nature of ground. Closed office NARIN KUPRI about 8am. Opened on road to QARA TEPE 2 miles from bridge. Through to ZCH [38th Brigade] who remain at SAKALTUTAN PASS. Through to ZDO [40th Brigade]. Also CRC. Sent off officer & cable wagon towards ‘dust’ seen N about 6 miles, which should be ZKI. Opened with cable wagon to ZKI about 11am. 12.30pm moved YMR two miles forward, through to ZDO [40th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade], ZK1, CRC. 3.30 office closed & YMR moved to camp through QARA TEPE. Through to CRC, ZDO [40th Brigade], ZKI.
6 December 1917, NARIN KUPRI (YMR)
Laid direct lines to ZDO [40th Brigade], ZKI & reeled up existing advance lines of yesterday. Wagons out all day reeling up over hills & thro marsh came in 4.30 pm with 27 miles cable. Through to ZDO [40th Brigade] 9.20am (new line), ZKI at 9.30am (new line). Cable wagon animals rather exhausted owing to heavy work of picking up back lines. 5.45 YMR closed down, moved back to NARIN KUPRI. Through by wire to ZDO [40th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade], CRC.
7 December 1917, SUHANIYAH (YMR)
7.40am. YMR closed down & returned to SUHANIYAH canal. 1.45pm Through to all units. 3.40pm line in from ZDO [40th Brigade].
8 December 1917
CRC closed down 9.00am, becomes CCO. Line to YM broken in 66th Field Artillery Brigade Camp, pole dragged down.
9 December 1917
Spent these days in recovering cable. All wagons out daily.
13 December 1917
4.15pm through by visual to YMP (Helio). 8am to 10pm visual work to YMP. Visibility bad.
18 December 1917, DELI ABBAS (YMR)
Nothing to report. Ref operations. Cable wagons were greatest possible use. Visual no use owing to climatic conditions, mirage etc. Hills caused dislocation of wagon communication, but on plains beyond wagons invaluable & although we never saw 35th Brigade, ZKI were through continually by wire & prolonged all wires (ZDO [40th Brigade], ZKI, ZCH [38th Brigade]) by wagon when we advanced. Six cable wagons essential for this work. But my control & authority over wagons much handicapped by Brigades issuing orders to them. YMR closed down 9am on 18/12/17, moved to DELI ABBAS. Through to CCO-AJS, ZCI [39th Brigade], ZCH [38th Brigade].
19 December 1917
Was wet — great trouble with old ground lines which all leak to earth & signals bad.
20 December 1917
Wet. Signals on all ‘ground’ lines not so good. ZDO [40th Brigade] unable to get KAM [KALA-AL-MUFTI].
21 December 1917
Motorcycles for DRLS unable to run. DR work by mounted men.
22 December 1917
FS poles (three) down, evidently taken by tractor.
23 December 1917
Nothing to report. Improving all lines, in case of rain. Poling D1 on fifteen foot bamboos where possible.
29–31 December 1917
Work continues also clearing up Battlefield areas of wire etc. All wire has now been recovered or is in use.
During advance to QARA TEPE from NARIN KUPRI following system was carried out by Division wagons:
Moves on Dec 5th as above. Divisional Headquarters advancing between two Brigades each with cable wagon laying wire. All these wires remained unbroken & working throughout night 5th-6th. Direct lines marked -x-x-x- were laid morning of 6th and all wire recovered.
Signed: FO St John, Major, Cmdg 13th Signal Company RE
