Page 209 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947
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carried on Lt.T. This has been done mainly owing to the
fact that saddlery is unobtainable,
(4) Machine Guns. The training of the gunners is :
good and the results on Field Firing excellent.
(5) Weapon Training. The course has been reduced
as much as possible without losing efficiency in order to
save ammunition. Results have been good. All men, other
than recruits.have carried out anti-aircraft and grenade
training.
All officers and men armed with the pistol have
fired the annual course laid down for the Indian Army.
(6) Equipment and Clothing. Equipment is in rood
condition. Due to the delays in receiving supplies from
India the clothing situation became so critical that it
was difficult to find sufficient uniforms to dress th*
ordinary guards.
(7) Motor Transport. The four 30-cwt. Chevrolet
lorries have given excellent service but a complete
overhaul has now to be taken in hand.
(8) Medical. The health of the force I as, on the
whole been good. There have been very few cases of
malaria. There wes an outbreak of smallpox which fortun
ately died out rapidly; it was, however, responsible for
the only death which has occurred this year.
(9) Rations. Due to the general difficulty of
obtaining food supplies from India and to high prices
it became impossible during the year for the Infantry to
supply rations to its men. Instead^their pay was increased
to their great discontent. The Military Adviser then took
up the question with the Sultan who sanctioned the supply
of a very good rption since when there has been no further
difficulty.
(10) Sports. Hockey, and BasketBall% tournaments
have been held. The. annual sports were cancelled, on
medical advice, due to a sudden and unexpected period of