‘M.T. Routes in Persia. Volume 1 – Main Routes. 1942’ [‎212v] (429/498)

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Route XIII—Section A—contd.
them diagonally, though, if taken thus at speed, chassis strain and
distortion result.) Vehicles operating independently should each
carry a spare front and rear spring and a convoy, a proportion.
(vii) Tunnels. —There are no tunnels on this section.
7. Road repairs. —(i) Material. —Shingle is available for
metalling throughout the entire length of this section. Timber
(felled) is available at KAZVIN and in considerable quantity
(unfelled) in the poplar groves near KHURRAM DARREH (mile
56) and throughout this section wherever sufficient water for
fruit cultivation is found.
(ii) Unskilled labour is obtainable from the villages en
route and it was estimated (August, 1933) that the Iranian Govern
ment Road Department employs a man a mile cn maintenance
duties.
(iii) Not more than two steam rollers are available on this
stage, one at KAZVIN and one at ZINJAN. Three heavy
concrete man-drawn rollers were seen (August, 1933) in use on
this section.
8. Supplies. —(i) Camping grounds. —These, owing to the
open nature of the country and the abundance of water, are
numerous. Approaches are simple as they lie alongside the road.
A field of fire 400*—600* is available from most. None are
so commanded that a few picquets could not protect them
sufficiently.
(ii) Water is abundant and good mostly in the form of
mountain brooks the yield of which, if conserved and regulated,
would be sufficient for a brigade unless stated to the contrary
in the detailed report. Pumps would be required. In rainy
weather or when the snow is melting settling tanks would have to
be provided.
(iii) Supplies—These consist of meat, barley and wheat,
fruit and eggs. Vegetables are scarce. The amounts will vary
according to the season but, broadly speaking, supplies are most
plentiful in August {i.e , after the harvest). The towns of
K^ZVIN and ZINJAN would maintain a brigade for a week
whereas the villages en route could feed no force larger than a
company. Prior arrangements however could ensure a large
supply of grain at any point en route without much delay or trouble
local pack transport being available for its collection
(iv) Fuel. Brushwood and dry thorn is obtainable at every
village where a stock sufficient to last the winter is maintained by
every house, but wood is scarce and could only be procured
outside the big towns of KAZVIN and ZINJAN by' cutting down
poplars and fruit trees. Coal is unobtainable except at TEHRAN
(93 miles from KAZVIN).