H. Birch Reynardson (1872–1972)

Reynardson, who served as a Captain in the 1st Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, provides us one of the earliest looks of the Mesopotamian Campaign. He embarked with the initial units of "IEF D" and was there from the beginning advance towards Basra. While light on some of the details of the campaign based on where he was assigned, he does provide some good context on the river advance, challenges faced with the seasonal flooding, and probably most importantly, noting the inadequacies of the logistics in light of the swift advance up to, and past, Kut. These inadequacies were most notable on the medical side, resulting in appalling care of the wounded.
Of note, Reynardson, who comes from an aristocratic background, ensures he highlights his outings with shooting game whenever possible. Details are light following the collapse of Townshend's positions at Ctesiphon, and the resulting retreat back to Kut. Reynardson, it appears, was on one of the medical boats headed back to Basra, escaping the eventual surrender at Kut.
Overall 3.5 stars.… (mehr)