‘M.T. Routes in Persia. Volume 1 – Main Routes. 1942’ [‎6r] (16/498)

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Route I—Section A— contd.
(iii) Supplies -From mile 0 to 13 the country-side is barren.
Thereafter the valleys are fertile while the intervening mountain
ranges are, of course, unproductive. As this section crosses the
general grain of the country its productivity to a force using the
road is much less than it would be to a force moving by minor
routes running parallel to the valleys. Supplies, therefore, can be
obtained at centres on the road such as QASR-I-SHIRIN,
KARIND and SHAHARAD more speedily than they could be
collected by systematic search of the country-side.
(iv) Fuel—Very scarce from mile 0—40. Thereafter the
hill-sides are covered with scrub and thorn.
(v) Fodder—Scarce throughout, but the grazing is good
in the spring on the plain and during spring and summer on
the plateau.
(vi) Petrol and oil.-A few tins are usually available at
every tea house. Larger stocks (amounts given in the detailed
report) are to be found at QASR-I-SHIRIN, KARIND,
SHAHABAD and KERMANSHAH. The latter place is now the
site of an A.I.O C. refinery with a very large production from
which all Northern Iran is fed with bulk supply in tank lorries.
(vii) Repair facilities—Poor throughout. Unskilled black
smiths to be found at QASR-I-SHIRIN, KARIND and
SHAHABAD and semi-skilled mechanics with poor equipment
and limited stocks of spare parts for the better known American
lorries and cars at KERMANSHAH.
The A I.O.C. workshops at KERMANSHAH could effect
most heavy repairs.
DETAILED REPORT.
The distance from KHANIQIN town to the Iraq frontier
post at MUNDHIRIYEH is 7 miles. The road has a tarmac
surface, is adequately cambered and will carry heavy traffic at all
seasons. It rises very gradually throughout and runs in undulating
country among hillocks from which it is commanded.
Map. 2-F.
Miles
Classification. Inter, total
B.
1
0
0
Iraqi—Iranian frontier.
B.
1
i
i
KHUSROVI. Customs post, P.O., T.O.,
Tel. O. tea house, no village—gendar
merie post.
B.
1
i
Short, zigzag and steep descent into a stony
nullah and ascent out of it.
B.
1
h
Very rough patch of road ; slabs of rock
outcrop alternating with patches of
gypsum and clay, very soft after rain.