'Report on the operations carried out in the southern desert in connection with the Iraq-Najd borders, June 1928-May 1929.' [‎21] (23/32)

21
Kerbala was regarded medically and equipped as a modified head
quarters, and served as such for the advanced column at Nukhaib, where a
nursing orderly and a sanitary assistant were detailed for duty.
The camp at Kerbala closed before the end of January, and further
medical arrangements were not found necessary except at Nukhaib and at
detached flights at Sulman and Busaiyah.
7. At each of these outposts, detachments of 'Iraq Army were stationed,
and, as the 'Iraqi standards of hygiene are very much lower than Royal
Air Force standards, the sanitation of these camps was at first very
unsatisfactory, and it was decided that when Royal Air Force personnel
were in occupation a sanitary assistant and two sanitary coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory. should be
provided.
A medical officer was detailed once a week to inspect the posts, and a
marked improvement in sanitation was soon apparent.
Fly-proof box latrines were introduced, and excreta disposed of by
incineration. The water supplies were effectively treated by hyper
chlorination, and removal of excess chlorine with thiosulphate.
8. Owing to the short duration of Kerbala as a headquarters, separate
medical statistics were not kept for the operations of 1928-1929, casualties
being shown in the usual way by parent units.
One fatal casualty occurred when a wireless operator in a machine of
No. 84 (B) Squadron, Shaibah, was shot by rifle fire during a reconnaissance
on 3rd March, 1929.
A case of contusion, left ankle, was evacuated by air from Sulman on
16th April, 1929.
The only other casualty requiring immediate evacuation was a case of
pneumonia evacuated by rail from Kerbala.
APPENDIX VI.
MEMORANDUM OF ARMAMENT DURING OPERATIONS IN THE
SOUTHERN DESERT.
Jane, 1928 May, 1929.
GUNNERY.
1. Vickers Gun.
No trouble has been experienced of a mechanical nature, but the
maintenance of the gun during periods of dust has been extremely difficult.
2. Lewis Gun.
No trouble has been experienced.
3. Sights.
It has been found that front gun shooting is not of a very high standard
when using the standard ring and bead sight, and the general opinion is
that a long sight base with a smaller bead is highly desirable. While this
modification is merely one that can be earned out in the field, it is con
sidered that research should be required to carry out experiments towards
obtaining a more suitable sight for the attack of ground targets.
4. Ammunition.
A total of 2,120 rounds were fired.