'Military Report on Iraq (Area 6 Lower Euphrates)' [‎24r] (52/452)

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Transport.—Mules and ponies. —Without giving warning not more
Than 30 pack mules or pomes could be obtained in Shatrah.
Camels. —There are 100 camels usually, in the vicinity, which are
the property of Khaiyun al ’Ubaid. Up to 2,000 camels could be
obtained from the nomadic tribes at any season within 3 or 4 days of
notice being given provided they happened to be in the vicinity.
Bellums. —There are 12 heliums, of 3 tons each, always available.
Water Supply. —At Shatrah depends largely upon whether the
Bad’ah channel is open or closed by means of a bund. If it is closed
then there is water in the Shatt al Shatrah from mid-January to mid-
June (when the Bad’ah dam is normally broken). At other times
Shatrah has to rely on about 40 wells which are dug in the dry river
bed. As mauy more wells as desired can be dug. Water is found at
from 6—12 feet below the surface ; one side of each well is dug sloping
to admit of access to the water. This well water is always sweet,
but the wells require cleaning out frequently as much saud falls in
from the top and sides. The wells are unlined. There is one brick
well on the left bank, 30 feet in diameter, with water which is slightly
brackish. The lift of this well is worked by bullocks. Water is
suitable for watering animals. Water is 25 feet below the surface.
Many of the houses in the town have their own private wells.
Camping space.—Left Bank. —One battalion with transport inside
the wall perimeter. This might be impracticable between January and
June as the river bed would contain water and no bridge exists.
Unlimited space outside the perimeter wall.
Right Bank. —There is no good camping ground but there is ample
space for any si?ed force.
Aerodromes. —An emergency landing gionnd is situated approxi
mately £ mils south east of the town on the left bank of the Shatt-al
Gharraf. The surface is of hard sand and the maximum dimensions
for landing—500 x 350 yards.
Lines of Approach. (See Chapter VIII.)
From the North (a) By Land for pack only, via either bank of the
Gharraf. A motor road from Kut to Nasirlyah is under consideration.
(6) By Water .—Usually from mid-January to mid-July the Gharraf
is navigable for stern wheelers from Kut to the Bad’ah Channel take t
off (3 miles North of Sliatrah). During very high water boats of no to
6 foot draught could negotiate this, but turning for them is difficult in
the Bad’ah Channel and impossible in the Shatt-al Shatrah. Motor
launches can reach Shatrah from the North when the depth of the
Shatt-al Shatrah permits; this is largely dependent orr whether the
Bad’ah channel is open, or closed.
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