Page 412 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947_Neat

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7. Clothing and soulpmont.
There haa been a vast improvement since last year, wo have received
practically all clothing indented for in our 1943 indent plus o|repJ.acenent
of clothing for that which overenrried and was oventually loot at Andimoskh
in 1943. We now have, apart from a.few minor articles, all the clothing
essential for the next 18 months. I am, however, ordering sorao more
under our 1945 indent as, when I was on recess in India this year, I
visited.the Kirkee Ordnance Depot and was given to understand that the
present uniform i.o. Bush Shirt, Shorts, Hose tops and putties, was ob­
solescent and that the whole of the Indian Army was going into Jungle
Green Battle Dress, I therefore consider it advisable to obtain a stock
of Bush Shirts, Shorts, etc. before they become unobtainable as, apart
from the unsuitability of Battle Dress for Muscat, the change over to the
new uniform would be a great expense as the new dress comprises a green
blouse., green'trousers, web anklets and boots, none of which we possess.
It is hoped that by the time all this clothing is expended that the
War situation will permit the export of Khaki drill to enable us to make
our own uniforms here as was done previously.
We have now received six more 7.E. guns (2 of which have been sent
to Dhofar) which leaves us a total of 5.' '
8. Ammunition.
S.A.A. expended since January 1944 is as follows:-
Type Expended Balance

.303 Ball 24052 3,12,$72
.303 Blank 220 4.370
.303 Tracer Nil 2*9922 2,992
.455 Pistol 284 2.605
.455 Tub Machine Gun Nil 1,800
Grenades 9 107
Cartridges Ballastite 4 276

9. Transport.
(a) Animal.
Li.G. Donkeys are in good condition and show a great improvement on
last year, as we have been able to feed a certain amount of grain 'Aihich
was obtained from a shipment condemned by the Medical Authorities as unfit
for human consumption.
The three horses on charge are in good condition, two are fit for
normal work and the third is used as a brood mare. It is proposed, at
the first opportunity, to attempt to breed mules for the carrying of machine
guns and 2.75 guns, as donkeys and camels are not really suitable as sad­
dlery to fit these animals is unobtainable.
The camels are still with the Walls as stated in my report for 1943
and consequently we are absolved from the cost of keeping them. They are,
however, available in case of emergency.
The (farm at Ruwl still continues to provide the major part of
the forage, l.e. Cherri, Bajri and Lucerne for the animals. More ground’
at Ruwi has been put under cultivation for fodder this year than x*as done
previously. In addition, owing to the unexpected monsoon-like rain at
the beginning of December we have an abundance of water which local experts
say is sufficient to keep the falaij flowing for at least three months,
should any further rain fall, as is likely in January c? it will be
sufficient for a year. I have, consequently <:opened up six fields North
of the Fort for fodder. I understand that these particular fields have
not been under cultivation for eight or nine years owing to’ lack of wafcor.