Coll 30/9(2) 'Admin. Reports of the Persian Gulf - 1945 -' [‎201r] (401/1148)

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7. Clothing and equipment .
There has been a vast improvement since last year, we have received
practically all clothing indented for in our 1943 indent plus ajreplacement
of clothing for that which overcarried and was eventually lost at Andimeskh
in 1943* We now have, apart from a few minor ai'ticles, all the clothing
essential for the next 18 months. I am, however, ordering some more
under our 1945 indent as, when I was on recess in India this year, I
visited the Kirkee Ordnance Depot and was given to understand that the
pres€nt uniform i.e. Push Shirt, Shorts. Hose tops and putties, was ob
solescent and that the whole of the Indian Array was going into Jungle
Green Battle Dress. I therefore consider it advisable to obtain a stock
of Bush Shirts, Shorts, etc. before they become unobtainable as, apart
from the unsuitability of Pattie. Dress for Muscat, the change over to the
new uniform would be a greet expense as the new dress comprises a green
blouse., green trousers, web anklets and boots, none of wVich we possess.
It is hoped that by the time all this clothing is expended that the
War situation will permit the export of Khaki drill to enable us to make
our own uniforms here as was done previously.
We have now received six more V.B, guns (2 cf whic v have been sent
to Dhofar) which leaves us a total of 5.
8. Ammunition .
S.A.A. expended since January 1944 is as followss-
Type
Expended
Balance
.303 Ball
24052
3 , 12,$72
.303 Blank
220
4,370
.303 Tracer
Nil
2,992
.455 Pistol
284
2 605
.455 Tub Machine Gun
Nil
IjSOO
Grenades
9
107
Cartridges Ballastite
9. Transport.
4
276
(a) Animal .
M.G. Donkeys are in good condition and show a great improvement on
last year, as we have been able to feed a certain amount of grain Arhich
was obtained from a shipment condemned by the Medical Authorities as unfit
for human consumption.
The three horses on charge are in good condition, two are fit for
normal work and the third is used as a brood mare. It is proposed, at
the first opportunity, to attempt to breed mules for the carrying of machine
guns and 2.75 guns, as donkeys and camels are not really suitable as sad
dlery to fit these animals is unobtainable.
The camels are still with the Walis as stated in my report for 1943
and consequently we are absolved from the cost of keeping them. They are,
however, available in case of emergency.
The farm at Ruwi still continues to provide the major part of
the forage, i.e. Cherri, Bajri and Lucerne for the animals. More ground
at Ruwi has been put under cultivation for fodder this year than was done
previously. In addition, owing to the unexpected monsoon-like rain at
the beginning of December we have an abundance of water which local experts
say is sufficient to keep the falaij flowing for at least three months,
should any further rain fall, as is likely in January mjCKmot up it will be
sufficient for a year. I have, consequently opened up six fields North
of the Fort for fodder. I understand that these particular fields have
not been under cultivation for eight or nine y ars owing to lack of water.
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