'Report on the operations carried out in the southern desert in connection with the Iraq-Najd borders, November 1927-May 1928.' [‎21v] (42/66)

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6. \\ hen head to wind it was found necessary to place chocks behind
the wheels, and to drive pegs in behind the chocks. Otherwise the machine
is inclined to drive back, and this results in strain or damage to tail skids.
Tyre levers make useful pegs for driving in behind chocks.
7. After the advent of the hot weather, the effect on Victorias standing in
the sun all day was noticeable. This was particularly so in the case of
two machines recently received in 'Iraq and erected in the cold weather.
8. The effect of continually carrying heavy loads in the hulls of Victorias
was also felt. The aeroplane is designed as a troop carrier. The weight
of troops is normally taken on the seats—supported from firmer ribs of
hull and not from the floor. Owing to climatic shrinkage the joints
supporting the floor have in most cases shrunk and split. It has been
necessary in two cases to renew these joints in order to prevent the floor
collapsing. I his is a matter which requires careful watching as the
controls are carried along the floor and would be affected if any collapse
took place. In renewing the joints the new ones were made solid (spruce)
instead of being hollowed out, this added considerably to their strength.
The increase in weight was negligible.
9. In general, it was observed that owing to the absence of stones or
camel thorns at Ur, the wear and tear on wheels, airscrews and tail skids
was much lighter than the average at Hinaidi or other landing grounds
in 'Iraq.
10. Engines have been difficult to maintain owing to the frequency of
dust storms. Particular attention was paid to keeping air inlets covered,
and avoid changing oil, filling tanks, or doing work on the engines when
dust was blowing up.
11. Gears were difficult to inspect at correct intervals on account of
the frequency of dust storms.
APPENDIX No. 11.
MEMORANDUM OF ARMAMENT DURING OPERATIONS IN THE
SOUTHERN DESERT.
November, 1927—May, 1928.
GUNNERY.
Vickers Guns.
Owing to trouble having been experienced with speeded up guns, those
used in operations were not speeded, pending the result of specific tests
by No. 30 (Bombing) Squadron.
All guns worked satisfactorily and no failures were reported.
Lewis Guns.
No trouble was experienced.
General Remarks.
Ow ing to constant dust due to dust storms, engines running up, aircraft
taxying, etc., the question of keeping guns clean presented great difficulty.
In oider to ensure that guns would fire when required, it was found necessary
to fire off the gun shortly after taking off. It was generally found that
stoppages occurred during the first few rounds owing to the excessive
.accumulation of dust in all working parts.