"ملاحظات ميدانية: بلاد الرافدين. هيئة الأركان العامة في الهند. فبراير ١٩١٧". [ظ‎‎١‎٢‎٥] (٣٥٠/٢٥٧)

242
Route No. 30— contd.
plain which is covered with tamarisk jungle tor the first 3 miles
and thence is quite bare. There are occasional small nullahs and
water cuts. At mile 19 the Duwairij river is reached. Cross
by ford. The whole breadth from bank to bank is nearly one
mile, mostly shallow swamp with firm but very uneven bottom,
making it difficult for laden mules to cross. The actual stream
is near the right (south) bank and here the water deepens, and
in January, 1916 was 4^ feet, in consequence of late heavy
rain. It is reported to be considerably shallower at low water.
As far as the Duwairij this march is practicable for all
arms, but slight ramping of the nullah banks would be necessary
for wheels. The crossing of the Duwairij swamp and stream
would be practicable for all arms at low water, but difficult for
wheels on account of the uneven nature of the bed. Through
out this march the track is difficult to follow and a guide is
necessary.
5 ’AMARAH . . . 20.—General direction of
stage due W. parallel
101 to a large swamp
to the north and the Shatt-al-Arz canal to the south, and
occasionally approaching quite close to each.
Two small canals connecting the Shatt-al-Arz with the
swamp have to be crossed, but both are easily fordable. A
slight ramping of their banks would be necessary for wheels.
The whole of this tract is very low lying and liable to serious
floods in Spring. At other times of the year this stage is practic
able for all arms.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE.
(A) Stage 1 .—There is an alternative route from Dizful to
Shush through Sagwand country wd Dubinda (5 miles) on
right bank of the Bala Rud and Seyed Ahmad. The total
distance is 18 miles.
Cross the Diz by ford one mile below the town. The Bala
Rud is a stream with a broad bed but very little water even
during the Spring. It is seldom unfordable.
(B) The route described in detail is that travelled by Major
G. Watts, 23rd Cavalry. A better route for a large force would
be: —
Dizful—Shush as described, 19 miles.