Mesoptamia - Battle of Ballad

Battle of Ballad
TimBarnes
2010/03/06 22:15

Table of Contents

Report of Colonel Edmund Howard
Following the successful capture of Baghdad, the 18th Brigade was ordered to pursue the remains of the 51st Division and prevent them crossing the Tigris south of Samarrah. Reports from the RFC showed that the 51st was north-east of Baghdad and still a potential threat.
For the first time in the campaign, transport was quick and relatively comfortable with the full brigade moved by train to just south of Ballad in little more than 6 hours. At the same time 3 gunboats were despatched up the Tigris.
About 9:00 am on the 26th, the Blowfly encountered the vanguard of the 51st which retired immediately they were fired upon. RFC flights reported that the 51st the adjusted course towards Ballad.
The 18th Brigade formed up 2 miles south of Ballad and mounted an attack on the town in order to secure the crossing. The attack was successful and the town quickly taken. Most casualties were in C Company of the 110th Mahrattas who encountered a hidden machine guns.
With the 18th having secured the town and with support from the gunboats, the 51st retired and pushed further north.

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