s territory which has been a
familiar landmark in the plains where we have been fighting for the
last few months.

"The country traversed was rough and precipitous and the track often
difficult for mules. They crossed passes over 8,000 feet high. Enemy
forces were likely to be encountered at any moment, as these hills are
infested with warlike tribes, whose attitude at the best might be
described as decidedly doubtful.

"Their guide was untrustworthy. He roused their suspicions by
constant attempts to mislead them, and eventually he had to point the
way with a rope round his neck. Nevertheless, they met with no actual
opposition during the whole journey other than a few stray shots at
long range.

"They traveled light. For transport they had less than one pack animal
for ten men. These carried ammunition, cooking pots, and a tent for
officers. Otherwise, beyond a few simple necessaries, they had no
other kit than what they stood up in, and they lived on the country,
purchasing barley, flour, rice, and sheep from the villagers. Fodder
and fuel were always obtainable.

"For ambulance they had only one assistant surgeon, provided with
medical wallets, but none of these Cossacks fell sick. They are a hard
lot.

"Their last march was one of thirty miles, during which five of their
horses died of thirst or exhaustion on the parched desert, and they
reached camp after nightfall. Yet, after a dinner which was given in
their honor, they were singing and dancing all night and did not turn
in till one in the morning.

"The ride of the Cossacks establishing direct contact between the
Russian force in Persia and the British force on the Tigris, of
course, has impressed the tribesmen on both sides of the frontier."

On the next day the Turks withdrew all their forces who, on the south
bank of the Tigris, had held the Es-Sinn position. Only at a bridge
across the Shatt-al-Hai, about five miles below its junction with the
Tigris, they left some rear guards. On the north bank of the Tigris
they continued to hold, not only the Es-Sinn position, but also the
Sanna-i-Yat position, some eight miles farther down the river. This
meant that General Gorringe not only had carried an important
position, but also that he had advanced the British lines on the south
bank of the Tigris by about ten miles, for on May 20, 1916, the
British positions were established along a line running from the
village of Magasis, on the south bank of the Ti