'Report on the operations carried out in the southern desert in connection with the Iraq-Najd borders, November 1927-May 1928.' [‎14v] (28/66)

10. Comment. —(a) In small operations such as these, it is not practicable
to have any fixed arrangements beforehand, so much depends in Supply
and Transport work upon various factors such as strengths, numbers of
separate columns or formations, supply facilities, and localities involved.
Provided, however, ample time is given by the directing staff, arrange
ments can well be made to meet particular requirements.
(b) For desert operations, or anywhere else where the water supply is
poor, a substantial increase in the tea, sugar and milk ration is necessary.
Increases also in the scales for fresh fruits, provision of rum or cocoa or
lime juice according to season are also necessary. This, however, is
governed by regulations, and on the advice of the competent Medical
Authority the Air Officer Commanding has power to fix operational
scales.
{r) Ice supply offers difficulties, but " dug outs " made before hot weather
commences provide good storage. This, supplemented by ice boxes, should
be ample for small operations. Supply of refrigerator waggons at railhead
cannot be depended upon.
(rf) Supply Officers with operating forces, must have an Imprest account
from the beginning, for local purchases, hire of labour, etc. This of course
is usual supply practice, where local purchase officers are not appointed,
but the point is emphasised as it is necessary for operations anywhere.
(e) Petrol supply in tins in hot weather is bound to show fairly high
leakage if stocked in the open and exposed to the sun. " Dug-outs,"
again, would make admirable storage, or if dug-outs are not practicable,
sheds built with empty containers should be made at the first opportunity.
Both food items and petrol should be got under shelter as soon as possible.
(/) Annoured cars on the move cannot use fresh meat rations, owing
to difficulties of cooking. No fuel whatever was available. Firewood had
to be flown to cars and columns wherever situated. At times petrol fires
had to be used, but this was done only in cases of emergency, as it is realised
it is not an economical procedure.
(g) Rations were supplemented by considerable orders on N.A.A.F.I.
Canteen at Ur, mainly for groceries, cigarettes and beer. The latter is
very heavy for transport by air, but would seem to have been beneficial
to the troops, when drinking water was so bad.
APPENDIX No. 3.
NOTES ON SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENT.
At the commencement of operations a conference was held to decide
the best method to govern the issue and accounting for stores under the
peculiar conditions existing. It was decided that units should take as
few spares as possible, and wireless signals would be sent for stores as
required; these would take priority to all other issues from the depot.
This avoided holding stocks under very unfavourable conditions in the
field, as no suitable accommodation existed and weather conditions were
bad. To enable a stricter supervision of stocks and issues, every request
was passed from advanced sections to the local supply unit, which was
70 (B) Squadron, at Ur. A Stores Officer there checked the requests,
and, as far as possible, corrected the nomenclature to identify the items
and sent a signal to Air Headquarters for the items required. Great
difficulty was experienced at first in identifying stores demanded. Units
were split up into small sections stationed at isolated posts on the desert,