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.

Battle report

Before the start of the battle, the 7th Lancers were moved to a staging post 2 miles east of the Turkish lines with additional personnel to simulate a major flanking attack. The White Company moved along the

At 8:00 the 30th brigade advanced along the west bank of the Tigris to take on the Arab irregular units in a redoubt opposite the main Ottoman lines. The 16th brigade advanced slowly towards the

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 (60 casualties) 117th Mahrattas (60 casualties)

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

6th Cavalry Brigade, 7th Indian Lancers