‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎43r] (90/246)

which stocks are available ; further stocks will be sent by me as they become
available.
When may I expect to receive Surgeon-General Treherne’s recommenda
tions on ration scales asked for in my 53018 of 9th May (Dy. No. 53018) ?
Record copy to Q. M. G.
Copy to M. S. C. 3 M. S. V.
Tel'gram V., Nu. 1037-21-0,, dated 22nd May 1916. APPENDIX 3C7
(Despatched 12-30 p.m., received 6-30 p.m., 22nd May 18l6.) (Tty. No. 55356)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
Your 16743-Cipher, 17th May (Dy. No. 54610). I shall he glad to have
three of the anti-aircraft guns mounted on lorries as specified in your telegram
above quoted, last paragraph.
Addressed Chief, London, repeated C. G. S., Simla.
Working copy to G. S. (S. D. 3).
Copy to M. S. C., M. S. V., G. S. (M. O. 1).
Telegram No. 55358, dated 22nd May 1916. APPENDIX 308
(Despatched 10-15 p.m.) (Dy. No. 55358)
From—The Commander-in-Chief in India)
To—The Secretary, War Office, London.
The question of shortage of supply of electrical plant has been referred
to G. O. C., Force “D,” as supply of all asked for has been arranged, most
of which has already arrived in Basrah and remainder is being despatched
by Director-General of Stores from England end of May. Plant unobtain
able in India. The question of shortage of technical and other labour is
being attended to.
Position regarding river ambulance transport is as follows :
Three sternwheelers fitted out for hospital purposes in Bombay have
arrived at Basrah ; of these one has unofficially been reported as useless. Two
others, sternwheelers, fitted out in Bombay sank on voyage to Basrah. One
sternwheeler is still in Bombay; her boilers have been taken out and she
is to be towed up to Basrah if possible but she is an old boat and has already
once returned to Bombay leaking and it is very doubtful if she will arrive.
Fourteen barges have been fitted out for hospital purposes in Bombay or
fittings sent up to Basrah and two more are now en route hut these barges
have been reported on unfavourably by G. O. C., Force “ D.” Specifications
of barges considered by G. 0. C., Force “D,” as suitable for ambulance
work are now being sent from Basrah and until their receipt it cannot be
stated how long they will take to construct but it is intended, if possible, to
have them constructed in sections and afterwards put together at Abadan.
Orders for construction of four twin screw steamers with internal combus
tion engines have been placed as follows: two in England and two by Messrs.
Burn and Co. in Calcutta. It is understood that those ordered in England will
be ready in July but Messrs. Burn and Co. are prevented from proceeding with
the work, owing to non-receipt in India of the working plans drawn out by
Professor Sir John Biles.
Six more river steamers are to be built and G. 0. C., Force “ D,” has
requested that these should have independent paddlers instead of twin screws.
This will necessitate a new design being drawn up, and G. O. C., Force “ D,”
has been asked if he accepts the further delay that will consequently ensue.
It is possible however that Messrs. Lynch and Co. may have suitable designs
ready for use, thus avoiding delay. It is believed that <£ Bloss Lynch ^ is a
suitable type and that such a vessel will accommodate from 150 to 200 sick
and wounded.
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