'Field notes: Mesopotamia. General Staff, India. February, 1917.' [‎75v] (157/350)

, 142
Route No. 4— concld.
donkeys, mules, camels, etc.) is fairly so, that for horses being
indifferent. Supplies consist of rice, wheat, barley, and other
cereals; also fruit and vegetables. Livestock plentiful;
domestic birds in considerable numbers. (See also page 37.)
Route No. 5.
Route Report from BASRAH to QT RNAH, by
Land Route along Right Bank of SHATT-AL-
’ARAB, April, 1916.
43 miles. 4 stages.
Authorities .—“ Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
Vol. II, 1908;” “Field Notes—Mesopotamia,” 1915;
Major H. R. C. Parke; Lieutenant J. M. Craig,
43rd Erinpura Regiment; Reports by various officers,
December, 1915; Captain Everett, R.E., January,
1916; Lieutenant J. P. Trousdall, 12th Cavalry,
March, 1916.
Epitome.
General. —The Route is practicable throughout for all arms
except during the high flood season (April, May and June).
During the greater part of these months, considerable portions
of the road, up to Steamer Point in the fourth stage, are liable
to be flooded. Pack transport could move over the road,
in normal years, up to about the middle of April. Beyond
Steamer Point there is an embanked road which is generally
above flood level but was under water this flood season (1916).
After rain portions of the road become very heavy and difficult
for wheeled traffic.
The following report refers only to the period of the year
during which the road is normally open, i.e., July to March
inclusive.
Obstacles .—The road crosses 5 bridges, all of which are
capable of carrying Field guns. In addition to the above
there are a few shallow creeks, the sides of which require ramping
for wheeled traffic.