Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎166r] (331/807)

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planes of the Iranian air force in flights of seven. To finish, a flight of “ Fury
aircraft gave an exhibition of aerobatics, which mainly consisted of loops in line
ahead and rolls.
The march past of the foreign naval and military detachments then
commenced in the following order : —
Egyptians.
French.
British.
Turks.
Soviet.
A detachment of the Egyptian Household Cavalry headed by their band on
foot. The Egyptian infantry in thick khaki in column of route. Their drill was
indifferent, although the men were a tall, soldierly-looking lot. The Turks, in
grey uniform with French pattern steel helmets headed by their band, marched
past in line with their rifles at the sling position. They appeared a sturdy, tough,
compact body of men. The French naval detachment in fours. The British naval
detachment in line headed by their Royal Marine band. The step was somewhat
slow, but the drill and alignment perfect. Last was a small body of Soviet sailors
dressed in white unform, carrying their rifles at the “ On Guard ” position.
They were all young men of good physique. Next to the British detachment they
were very smart indeed.
After passing the saluting base the foreign detachments wheeled and
remained standing, at ease, throughout the remainder of the afternoon (four and
a half hours), facing the advancing troops of the Tehran Garrison. Originally
it had been intended that the foreign detachments should form up again facing
the Royal Pavilion and stand at “attention” during the march past of the
Tehran Garrison. With one accord the officers commanding detachments refused
to do this and insisted on returning to barracks after marching past. A com
promise on the above lines was, however, arranged at the eleventh hour. The
Tehran Garrison then marched past exactly as was done on the 22nd February,
already reported. The lines and marching were even better than before.
Altogether about 28,000 troops were on parade.
Irania/n Officers' Club.
Accommodation and meals for all naval and military officers of the foreign
detachments were arranged at the Officers’ Club, with the exception of the
Japanese, Italians and Germans, who were accommodated in their respective
legations The Officers Glub is a magnificent modern building, four stories
high situated in the centre of Tehran. It is fully furnished and is equipped
with lifts and modern plumbing. There are several large dining-rooms, a large
cocktail bar, a Royal suite reserved for the Shah and Crown Prince and suites
of rooms for about thirty living-in officers. Outside there is a well-laid-out
floral warden with four hard tennis-courts. Two villas to the light and left
of the main entrance gate are in the course of construction as annexes. It is
considered extremely doubtful whether Iranian officers will use this club tegulailv,
if at all. No foreign military attaches have as yet been invited to become honorary
1116 The following British naval and air force officers were accommodated in the
Commodore A. Poland, R.N.
Paymaster-Commander A. W. Laybourne, R.N.
Lieutenant-Commander F. R. W. Parish, R.N.
Lieutenant-Commander M. G. Goodenough, R.N.
Lieutenant D. F. Townsend, R.N.
Surgeon-Lieutenant R. T. May.
Wing Commander J. W. F. Merer, R.A.F.
Squadron-Leader J. G. Elton, R.A.F.
Pilot-Officer B. N. Wigginton, R.A.F.
Pilot-Officer Garrard-Cole, R.A.F.
Pilot-Office Barnard, R.A.F.