TCD MS 3414 folio 18 recto
[1915]
was poled by 2 men & the remaining men helped with roughly made paddles. Each Commanding officer, Captain & Medical officer had different coloured flags on their boats. All these rehearsals were carried out within gun range of the Enemy & in full view <of their position>. On the 29th we carried out the dress rehearsal, Capt Morland <43rd> fixed a flag to mark the place of deployment & the 17th Brigade deployed as it would be required to do on the day of the “Regatta” as the troops rightly called it. To display your whole plan of battle to the enemy prior to the attack was hardly “as per book” but it had to be done; at any rate the Turks couldn’t alter their positions. Machine & mountain guns were placed on 2 bellums lashed abreast & sheet iron shields were erected as protection for the men; these were known as “Dreadnoughts” <Kurna itself had been converted into a very strong entrenched camp, built rather similar to an old time fort with stout walls constructed of mud & bhoosa which kept out the floods; the bastions were named after officers & regiments who had made & occupied them. The most interesting feature of the camp was a large observation tower 90 ft high built by the Sappers, from which an excellent view of the enemys positions & the country round could be obtained. On one occasion the Turks succeeded in actually hitting the crows nest of the tower while officers were up there observing, but luckily no one was hurt. > Our river flotilla consisted of H.M. Ships. Clyo, Espiegle & Odin, numerous river tugs from the Hoogly & Irrawaddy rivers, armed with 12 & 3 pounders, & several horse boats on <each of> which were mounted naval 4.7” guns. The registration of guns was carried out and all was prepared.