'Summary of correspondence relative to the administration of the Port of Basrah and measures for the control of the shipping traffic in Mesopotamia.' [‎6r] (11/134)

I
experience in the maintenance of a flotilla, the following general remarks will
perhaps not be out of place :—
(a) Although the military situation, combined with the limited number
of craft, may render it necessary to work thejriver steamers and
launches " month in and month out " as stated by you, it should
be borne in mind that this state of affairs cannot be continued
indefinitely, and the day must come when there will be a general
break-down.
(b) Apart from the repairs to constant damage mentioned by you, it is
absolutely essential that boilers should be periodically cleaned
and engines overhauled.
To clean a boiler takes about 2 days, and it is usual to lay a vessel up
for this purpose once in two months, and to have a general over
haul of the engines once in 6 months, and dock at least a year.
(c) A constant inspection of vessels by a qualified Engineer is also de
sirable, or the repairs will probably be carelessly executed. As an
example of this I may cite the case of the launch " Mohammerah "
which was, 1 understood, sent to the dockyard by the Political
Department to be put in thorough repair, and in due course was
handed over as fit for work.
The launch was lent to me to go on tour to Amarah, but the boiler
burst 15 miles above Qurnah and 1 was informed that it. "had not
even been cleaned for 11 months.
I enclose a copy, of a report on the condition of the launch received
from the Abadan Workshops before opening up, after which further
repair was found necessary.
{d) The usual procedure is to have an officer styled Superintending
Engineer who is made responsible for the maintenance and repairs
to the various units oi the fleet. Tins officer is independent of the
workshop and one of his duties is to critically examine the work
done in the shops and refuse to take over a vessel which has not
been repaired to his satisfaction.
(14) Shortly before T left Basrah, orders were passed that some rules should
be drawn up for the regulation of traffic on the Tigris, and I believe that a scheme
has been drafted, but 1 have not been asked to advise in the matter.
Observations and suggestions.
(15) After three months' experience and close study of local conditions I
have formed certain opinions which I put down for what they may be worth.
It being understood they refer solely to work in connection with the Port and
River.
(а) Field Service Regulations, Chapter 2, paragraphs 4-6, say : The essence
of all efficient orgamzation lies in due sub-division of labour and decentralization
of responsibility among subordinates, each individual being given duties which
he can perf3rm adequately. At the same time central control and co -operation
ot subordinate parts for the attainment of the common objective must be assured
At Basrah, there is, in my opinion, not only insufficient decentralization
but there are three or four officers trying to perform the same work, and indi
viduals are given duties which they cannot perform adequately because thev lack
the necessary knowledge and experience.
(б) The staff officer who under the service regulations settles the numerous
questioiis connected with the management of the port and river is the D. A and
Q. M. G., but the arrangement, whilst possibly suitable for a small expedition
is inappropriate in Mesopotamia, because it is quite impossible for this officer to.
have the time, even if he had the experience, to grapple with the number of stramre
problems m addition to his military duties. ^