TCD MS 10516 folio 47 recto
[16th September 1916] to Basra. I made a strong stand against this; refusing to permit anyone to leave without written orders from the O.C. Kurna. The O.C. would not do this, so they desisted from their efforts.
Monday: September 18th. 1916: Chabaish
Left Kurna before daylight. An opportunity offered of a tow by steamer as far as Chabaish. Two bellums could be taken. Seven officers occupied one bellum; they were chiefly gunners returning from leave in India. I joined them, so we made a party of eight. All my hospital staff with equipment were accomodated on the second bellum.
At midday we reached Chabaish. The day was very calm; the flies a torment, that bloodsucking species, Stomoxys calcitrans, being exceptionally annoying. At Chabaish we had to await a convoy coming up stream. Purchased a