'Despatch by Lieutenant-General R. Wapshare, C.B., C.S.I. on the Organization and Working of the East Persian Line of Communications. From 1st April 1918 to 15th January 1919' [‎12r] (28/138)

(vii) Evacuation of Sick. —This is effected on Line of Communication road
in motor ambulances, when available, and camel kajawahs. On Line of Com
munication rail in two ambulance coaches, British to British Station Hospital
and Indian to Indian Frontier War Hospital, Quetta.
(viii) Disinfection.—Oi clothing of all ranks returning vermin-infected is
carried out at railhead in a Thresh disinfector.
(ix) Innoculation. —As a prophylactic fox all ranks proceeding to East Persia
is done for T. A. B. and Cholera.
<x) The length of the road Line of Communication, the severity of the climate
in East Persia and the lack of suitable transport precludes the evacuation of sick
and wounded until convalescent. For this reason it has been necessary to es
tablish an excessive proportion of hospital accommodation in comparison to t e
number of troops. A convalescent camp is being formed at bhusp, where tne
climate and surroundings are on the w T hole the most favourable m this region.
(xi) The health of the troops has been satisfactory. The only epidemic
disease has been inffuenza. To meet this 5,000 doses of Influenza vaccine were
demanded from Parel but have not yet been received.
Meshed is reported as unhealthy, relapsing fever being prevalent amongst
the indigenous population. As a very necessary precautionary measure the
Inspector Generefl of Communications has constructed temporary accommodation
for troops outside the precincts of the town both at Meshed and other towns on
the Line of Communication. •
27. Veterinary.—{i) The veterinary arrangements Eastern? Persian Cordon
Line of Communication have been m charge of Major Meadows, R. A. V. 9'’^ ro ^
April 1918 to January 24th 1919, when he was relieved by Major Cunningham,
R. A. V. C.
(ii) The Veterinary personnel consisted only of Veterinary Assistants (18)
up to October, when 2 Veterinary Officers, Captain O’Gogarty and Lieutenan
Beettie were sent out. H. A. D. V. S. is at headquarters, Line of Communication,
1 Veterinary Officer at railhead and 1 at Askabad. The distance covers 67
miles and is divided into 7 sections.
(Hi) Vetexiraiy Assistants aie posted at various section headquarters and
vuth lits ofi die Une in proportion to the animals under treatment. A 1 sick
animals at each post or section headquarters are treated in one combined unit
hospital and remain on the strength of the unit.
(iv) About 4,500 Government and 11,000 hired camels are employed. The
strcSh in horses was 500 until November, when the number was increased to
1,000 ; 1,600 mules and 900 donkeys are also in use.
]?e W cases of sickness amongst horses and mules occurred, the casualties
beiry chiefly due to saddle galls and accidental causes. About 30 per cent came.s
we^rS for various calses. Most of the sickness was due to short rations
Is the grazing decreased and until posts were sufficiently stocked with bhoosa.
There has been a certain amount of mange amongst camels but otherwise
contagious disease is not prevalent.
28 Ordnance Services.—H) Prior to the formation of an Ordnance Depot
at Juzzak issues were made direct to the units in the field from the Quetta Arsena .
(ii) In September 1918 an Ordnance Depot was formed at Juzzak, consisting
of 1 British officer! 1 warrant officer, 6 privates B A 0 C„ 2 Indian clerks and
20 lascars A term used by the British officials to describe non-European sailors employed on East India Company ships. , witl; stores for 2 months’ requirements of the force.
This establishment was subsequently increased by another warrant officer
and 6 sergeants and a Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Supplies was
appointed to the force. ^ ~ ^ £ n
(Hi) Ordnance stores and clothing were despatched from Quetta as* follows .
Ordnance Stores and Ammunition .. • • • • 22,000
Clothing
Mds.
7,250
C26GSB