‘M.T. Routes in Persia. Volume 1 – Main Routes. 1942’ [‎217v] (439/498)

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Route XIII—Section B contd.
distance of 20 miles N. W. of ZINJAN. Other scattered groves
occur.
(ii) Unskilled labour—Is obtainable from the villages en
route and it is estimated (August 1933) that the Iranian Govern
ment Road Department employs a man a mile on maintenance
duties.
(iii) Not more than two steam rollers are available on this
section both of which are at TABRIZ. Two heavy concrete man
drawn (or horse drawn) rollers were seen (August, 1933) in use on
this section.
8. Supplies. —(i) Camping grounds. —These are many and
extensive. Exits and entrances are easy. A field of fire of from
400 x to 600 x is available from most. Cover from air is non-exist
ent. In comparison with the camping grounds in section A these
are more commanded from neighbouring high ground.
(ii) BAater.—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 (t.e., after the harvest). The towns of
MIANEH and TABRIZ would maintain a brigade for a week and
a year respectively whereas the villages en route could feed a force
no larger than a company. Prior arrangements however would
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 home but wood is very scarce and could only be procured
outside the big towns of MIANEH and TABRIZ by cutting down
poplars and fruit trees. Coal is unobtainable except in TEHRAN '
(v) Fodder.—Fodder is very scarce. The Iranians feed
barley and straw, but the number of horses kept is very small.
The number of mules kept is decreasing annually owing to success
ful competition by mechanical transport. Donkeys are plentiful
but are fed chiefly on dried thorn.
(vi) Grazing. —Is abundant and grass is to be found on this
section all the year round.
(vii) Petrol and od.—Petrol and oil are obtainable in bulk at
MIANEH and TABRIZ only (for amounts see detailed report).
The smaller hamlets stock a few tins only for sale to passing lorry
drivers in emergency at greatly enhanced rates.