NARRATIVE REPORT.
KHAKI.
At 12-15 p.m. on the 16th of December 1916, the forces were disposed as follows:-
The GALIS Brigade were in their original position observing the enemy. The 4th Brigade and one section Sappers and Miners had arrived at DINGI. The 3rd Skinner's Horse less two squadrons, the 7th Brigade R.F.A., the 5th Brigade and the 22nd Battery, M.M.G.S. had concentrated at MIRPUR. Dressing stations had been established at DINGI and the bridge over the CHAHARI KAS at the 34 1/2 mile on the HARIPUR HASSAN ABDAL road. No. 19 Company, 3rd S.&M., less on e section, were on the LAB-PAUR MINA line.
At about 2-30 p.m. reconnaissances were made with the object of discovering the position of the white force. On the left a force consisting of :-
3rd Skinner's Horse (less 2 squadrons).
No.1 M.b., R.G.A.
5th Brigade (less 2 Battalions).
advanced astride the HARIPUR road on DEHDAR & SARAIGADAI.
On reaching the northern edge of DEHDAR, the enemy's scouts were met and fire was opened on the troops by guns located in a wood about 3/4 mile N.-W. of SARAI GADAI, suffering considerable loss in the process. The cavalry patrols on the west of the JABBI NALAH were opposed by white cavalry, and enemy infantry were located in the villages of MOHRI PIR BAKHSH and MOHRI MALIA.
The fire of the Motor Machine battery silenced the enemy's guns in the wood N.W. of SARAI GADAI.
At 5-15 p.m., the forces engaged in the reconnaissance were ordered to withdraw their bivouacs, and in doing so incurred considerable losses.
On the right, a force consisting of:-
2 squadrons, Skinner's horse.
1 battalion, Galis Brigade.
obtained useful information about the enemy's dispositions.