"

* * * * *

From the Right Hon'ble the Lord Mayor of London:--

"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 assisting 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