File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎16r] (40/834)

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The Meccan troops I saw were already looking miserable
enough. They will not withstand the winter unless well supplied
with warm clothing and good food. This point must be
thoroughly realized about Meccan troops probably not being able
to stand the winter season in the mountains. There is a
probability they may have to be withdrawn south.”
Jaafar Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. s Reconnaissance.
“ This was accompanied by myself, Sherif All ibn Husein,-
and a mixed escort of some forty, Syrian and Bedouin soldiers.
The route was Akaba—Grueira—Delagha—Wadi Musa—Delagha
—Grarandil—Wadi Arabah—Akaba.
We found the road (thirty miles) up Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Ithm rough and
stony till after Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Bateiha was passed ; but a working party
of about twenty-five Egyptians is improving it, and it should be
fit for cars by about October 20. At Gueira the old Turkish
telegraph office is the only standing building. Water has to be
carried about one and a half miles, and this is sufficient for only
about 500 men. Animals have to go five miles for a limited
supply. Rashid Effendi commands about 400 infantry, and
eighty mounted troops with one 15-pr. field gun, one mountain
gun and two machine guns. Drill and discipline showed improve
ment, some of the hT.C.O.’s having evidently had German
instruction. The Arab officers seemed keen.
Onward to Delagha is about twenty-five miles due north by
a road lying west of the main road to Fuweilah. Water at Helwa
el-Beida, about eleven miles north in a deep wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. a mile west of
the road. The descent is precipitous and much time is wasted
by watering here, as animals are unable to ascend with a full
load ; water appears plentiful and good. Up to this point the
road is fairly good and I consider motor cars could be got along
it. After leaving Helwa el-Beida the track becomes very difficult;
animals can only go in single file and it is quite impossible for
wheeled traffic. About four miles south of Delagha the track
leads into the Delagfia-Garandil road. This is a chaussee, and
although much out of repair, is comparatively easy going, and
the whole distance between Hel wa el-Beida and Delagha is within
easy striking distance of enemy mounted troops stationed at
Abu Lisal. It is surprising that hitherto they have not made
any attempts to raid our convoys for Delagha and Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Musa.
These proceed without escort or protection of any kind beyond
the Bedouin pickets on the hill-tops, who would undoubtedly
give warning of any enemy movement, though probably do but
little to check it. Delagha lies at the head of the Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Delagha,
a wide depression overlooked by very high hills. There is a lot
of cultivation in the vicinity but it is not yet sown, and plenty