Page 201 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947_Neat

- 7 -

he made the inefficient means of unloading — snail sailing
boats — more inefficient by delays and objections to loads.

When remonstrated with he struck for more money. When the
cargoes were got ashore it was often found that they had
been pilfered, while any attempt to guard them during
unloading was also met by a strike. Again and again this
performance was repeated and reported upon till by the end
of the year it was evident that it would have to be stopped.

By that time there was practically a whole squadron of the
Royal Air Force at Uasirah, a detachment of U.S.A.A.T.C,
and a flying-beat base at Umm Rasas twelve miles from the

land aerodrome. Reconnaissance and other operational
flights were being carried out from the island.
(iv ) Ras al Hadd. To make an aerodrome here bitumen
mats had to be laid in the send for lengths of 1600.yards
in to the prevailing winds. They, with the aerodrome

subsidiary buildings were completed and being used in
October.
The R.A.F. at I'asirah and Ras al Head are under the

Iraq Command. Guarding of stores at the aerodromes was
first in the charge of the Auxiliary Fionaer Battalion
who were removed when the defence of the aerodromes was
given over to the R.A.F. (Persian Gulf) Levies all of whom

at Ras al Hadd and Masi'rah had been raised at Gwadur.
6. FR3NCH INTSH5ST5.
The French Consulate remained closed throughout
the year.

7. MISSIONARY WORK. The work of the American South Arabian
Mission continued in the charge of the Rev. and Mrs.
Dykstra while Dr. W.W. Thoms carried on the medical side
of the mission at Matrah with the help of his assistant.

8