Officers enjoy an overcoat at dinner

TCD MS 10515 folio 34v

TCD MS 10515 folio 34v

[April 6th 1916] stand in the slippery mud. We hear that the Tigris force has captured the Hanna position and carried a second further in rear with comparatively small losses. The fate of Kut must now be in the balance; we wonder how it will affect our movements. The evening is cold after the sunless day. Officers enjoy an overcoat at dinner and I am about to seek warmth in a sleeping bag. How unexpected that in the month of April at the head of the Persisn Gulf a man should need an overcoat and blankets.

Friday: April 7th 1916: Basra

A glorious day overhead but horrible underfoot. The evening view over the desert; the glorious colouring of sundet was an impressive scene. I have attempted to describe it in my Natural History notes.