The battle of Ctisiphon, August 17th 1915

On the morning of August 17th, 1915, 2 Brigades of the British Indian with naval, RFC and artillery support successfully engaged and defeated the Ottoman 37th Division in entrenched positions near the ancient ruins of Ctisiphon. This was the last Ottoman defensive position south of Baghdad. Fighting was fierce with heavy Ottoman casualties and some Indian army casualties.

Following the attack, we will reinforce the position against Ottoman counter-attack in preparation for an advance on Baghdad whilst the weather is still favourable.

The British units involved (with casualties were) :

30th Infantry Brigade - Bde CJ Melliss 1st Battalion, 4th Hampshire Regiment 24th Punjabis 76th Punjabis (300 casualties) 2nd Battalion, 7th Gurkha Rifles

16th Infantry Brigade - Bde WS Delamain 2nd Battalion, The Dorset Regiment 20th Duke of Cambridge's Own (Brownlow's) Punjabis 104th Wellesley's Rifles 117th Mahrattas

1st Natal Brigade, 1st Natal Volunteer Mtd Infantry (The White Company)