‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 32. PART II. (From 16th to 31st March 1917.)’ [‎104r] (216/294)

The third letter pointed out that the maximum storage capacity of the
Magazine area had been reached and that if further stocks of ammunition were
to be kept at the Base another Magazine area would have to be allotted. This
question was referred to the Army Commander.
January 7917.—-The first large consignments of lubricating oil. were
received—the Ordnance having taken over the supply, the monthly estimates
of various departments being 42,0C0 gallons.
In the middle of January a floating pontoon pier and a 2 ton derrick pier
were completed by the Director, Port Administration and Biver Conservancy.
During the month various power machines in the Ordnance were erected
and in fuUworking order; they were partly run by oil engines and partly from
electric power supplied by the Electric and Mechanical Section. The 3 cwt.
pneumatic hammer in particular is a very great asset besides the circular saw
bench, hand saw, hack saws, radial drills and lathes.
The roof of the 60 feet shed was completed by the end of the month, and
reclamation had commenced in this area which has now been allotted to the
Camp Group and Barrack and Hospital Group.
SANITARY REPORT.
(To January 15th, 1917 — continued.}
Plague. —The Special Officer reports plague rats from Ashar Bazaar
and Basrah City. He has listed the numbers and species of rats found m
different parts of these areas. ,, . . ,
The pamphlet of instructional measures with an addendum tor Medical
Officers on the P. M. appearances in plague rats has been circulated, vide
Appondix in-A JeweU mec i lan i ea l filter (the first in Mesopotamia) has been
erected at the Officers’ Hospital, Beit Nama; 1 Ransom filter is partly erected
at Gurmat Ali (delivering 14,000 gallons per hour). A determination of the
most suitable quantities of alum for use in such Alters has been ma e.
grains per gallon would seem to be the most efficient dosage.
Preparation of antifly lectures and demonstration material
for them is in progress. A note on the condition of certain Base areas
inspected would indicate that slaughter house ground or any ground liable to
* be drenched in blood, the surroundings of incinerators where litter is burned
in a haphazard way or where offal is carelessly burned, are all dangerous from
$ fly-breeding point of view unless carefully supervised.
Camps inspected.—Mohammerah Convalescent Camp, Eao, Koweit, and
Dredger “Cormorant” were inspected by means of the launch “Lady
Carmichael.**
(a) Mohammerah, —Water-supply, chlorinated by . No, 10 Sanitary
Section, is excellent; site is good ; general sanitation satisfactory ; at present
malaria and anophelines are absent. The possible danger later on are flooding
and malaria, and the question is raised as to the ability of the present bunds
to keep the camp dry owing to regurgitation of water from the small col
lateral irrigation channels. The Malaria Investigation officer think that
improved bunding will do this. There are no indigenous inhabitants.
(j) Fao.—An undrained swamp 100x200 yards partly surrounds th^
fort on the south and supplies anophelines stephensi (the malaria carrier) of
which 3 specimen were caught in the barracks. There is much sickness
(mostly malaria) amongst the British. Water stored in 3,800 gallon tanks is
taken from the Creek at ebb tide and is brackish. The chief points requiring
attention were (1) the necessity for quinine issue still and also for an issue
of mosquito nets. (2) The regular supply of bleaching powder solution. (3)
Repair to the bunds and opening of a tidal overflow so as to drain the swamp
and reduce malarial risks.
(c) Komit.—S out of the 5 telegraph operators had gone sick in Septem
ber with paratyphoid fever and only two were left. Water for the Sheikh
comes from Sirra 8 miles off by camel pakhal, but the (i hoi polloi diink
Shatt-al-Arab water brought in 400 to 800 gallon wooden tubs in Bagelas.
A distillation plant capable of delivering 90,000 gallons per day will, it is
hoped, be ready by Eebruary. Malaria is absent; Stegomia was found. Cholera
and diarrhoea!" diseases were said to be negligible or absent.
278