Page 357 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

rOR THE YEAR 1015. 5
lcceived at the Residency that a party had come across to the Kuzi Nullah,
about a mile South of Subzabad, but as similar reports had been received
before, Major Oliphant, 9Gth Borar Infantry, Captain Ranking, Socond
Assistant Residont, went out with a small party of Infantry and the Residency
Cavalry escort to reconnoitre. Unfortunately they came on a party of the
enemy well concealed in a nullah which immediately opened fired, killing one
of the sowars’ horses which in its fall pinned the sowar to the ground. Captain
Ranking went to assist the sowar to free himself and was shot down, and
Major Oliphant was also unfortunately shot on coming to the assistance of
Captain Ranking. One sepoy was also killed and two wounded. The Regi­
ment at once marched out ar>d considerable firing ensued South of Subzabad,
JET- M. S. “ Lawrence,” which was anchored off the coast, firing a few
shells. It is believed that the sound of this helped to turn back a'party
of the enemy who were coming across the Mashilleh to attack tho outpost here
on the East. It appears that tho enemy had planned a simultaneous attack
on our outpost line during the night of the 12th, on the South by the party
from Kuzi Nullah and on the East by a body of about 500 coming straight
across the Mashilleh, but the discovery of the Kuzi party spoilt their soheme.
As the result of this outrage combined with general anti-British attitude of
the Persian _ Government and people His Majesty’s Government decided to
occupy Buslure pending the fulfilment by the Persian Government of the
following demauas:—
(1) Definite steps to be taken for the punishment of the Klians con­
cerned in the outrage at Bushire.
(2) Indemnities for the families of officers and men killed and for men
wounded at £5,000 for each officer killed and £500 for each
sepoy killed and £100 for each sepoy wounded.
(3) The arrest and expulsion of the German and Austrian Agents
stirring up trouble all over Persia.
(4) The removal of Mukhbir-us-Sultaneh, Governor-General of Fars
(this was understood to include the appointment of Qawam-ul-
Mulk to act as Governor-General, and his right to nominate a
suitable man as Governor of the Gulf Ports).

In accordance with this decision, therefore, the Town of Bushire was suc­
cessfully occupied without opposition at daylight, on the 8th August 1915, by
the 11th Rajputs acting under the orders of Lieutenant-Colonel Lane, 9Gth
Berar Infantry, Officer Commanding Troops. The British flag was hoisted
over the Town. The Officer Commanding Troops was appointed Military
Governor and the Deputy Resident became Civil Administrator. It had been
decided that the Persian Governor could not remain in office during the occu­
pation and so, on the morning of the' 8th, His Excellency was informed by the
Deputy Resident that he was relieved of his office and would have to go to
Bombay; he did so by the following mail.
It had been intended to bombard Dilwar, the village of Rais Ali, at the
same time as Bushire was occupied but, owing to the fact that H. M. 8.
“ Juno ” did not arrive till August 5th, and a large number of the crew were
prostrated by the heat of the journey, it was decided to postpone this
for a few aays. On tho night of the 9th August H. M. 8. “Juno,**
“ Pyramus,” “ Dalliousie ** and “ Lawrence ” proceeded to DDwar, the last two
mentioned carrying a wing of the 96th Infantry under Major Wintle. Owing
to bad weather it was not possible to effect a landing until the 13th August.
But after this the 96th Infantry, supported by a force of the blue-jackets and
marines under the command of Commander Blomefield, R.N„ and Captain
Carpenter, R. M. L. In with some machine guns, carried out. some voiy
successful operations against Rais Ali during which the fort was blown up
and considerable punishment was inflicted on Rais Ali and his tribesmen.
During the operations Commander Blomefield was unfortunately killed and
7 seamen ana marines, and one Native officer and 5 sepoys were also killed;
one Naval officer and 24 seam on and 16 sepoys were wounded. The expedi­
tion returned to Bushire On tho lGth August.