"ملاحظات ميدانية: بلاد الرافدين. هيئة الأركان العامة في الهند. فبراير ١٩١٧". [و‎‎١‎٤‎٩] (٣٥٠/٣٠٦)

APPENDIX D.
SOME NOTES FOR OFFICERS PROCEEDING TO
MESOPOTAMIA.
1. Purchase of kit. —A few shops have been started at Basrah
where a certain amount of kit can be got, but as they have to
pay 10 per cent, duty plus freight it is far cheaper to get things
in India.
2. Climate and clothing.—Climate has great extremes of
heat and cold.
December, January, February are very cold, and often very
cold winds prevail; the sun is usually hot in the middle of the
day, there are fogs in the morning occasionally; the nights
are often bitterly cold with occasional frost. During these
months thick winter clothing is necessary, such as'flannel shirts,
cardigan jackets, flannel pyjamas and coat, warm, British; it is
advisable to have a suit of khaki serge available for these
months. Three good blankets and a Jaeger sleeping bag are
recommended.
May, June, July, August and September are extremely hot
and moi*t, temperature ranging from 100° to 125°, with very
sultry nights, and extremely hot sun in the day time. Prickly
heat is very prevalent. It is advisable to have a good supply
of thin puggaree cloth shirts, and a coat of the same material,
or dispense with a coat and have shoulder straps put on the
shirt for badges of rank. A spine pad is essential (can be
obtained locally from Supply and Transport), and a thick topee
(L awnpore pattern topees are very good and are usually worn
instead of helmets). Thin pyjamas are required. A good pair
of dark or amber glasses with dust proof sides fitting closely
(or motor goggles) are absolutely essential all the year round,
as the dust storms are extremely bad, and the glare from the
water and desert extremely trying to the eyes.
• rema ™ n g months are warm in the day time, but the
nights are fairly cool as a rule. The rainfall is small, about
6 inches a year; showers may occur at any time.
Officers are advised to take both their hot and cold weather
clothing with them, and to store what is not immediately required
at the Combined Base Depot, Basrah.