TCD MS 10515 folio 33v
[April 4th 1916]thought it might have been a small improvised fort to support the Turks in their efforts to check our advance from Basra. The part of the building that most interested me were the stones with which it was built. These,- both sandstone and grit,- were studded with marine shells of many species; they must have been brought a considerable distance from the sea- shore. I spent some time watching the development and growth of a mirage. The observations are recorded in my notes on the Natural History of Basra.
Thursday; April 6th 1916: Makina, Basra
Still in camp. Yesterday the Adjutant left on a tour of reconnaissance. The heavens were dark with clouds; lightening on the horizon forbode more storms of rain.