TCD MS 10516 folio 56 verso
[8th October 1916] ual inundation.
We are strong enough to resist a powerful attack. Barbed wire is erected, trenches dug, ramparts raised, ranges measured, trip-wires laid; in fact we feel we could easily repel ten times our numbers, provided we were not hopelessly surprised. Today I have been digging a deep funk-hole for my hospital. I must have some place for collecting wounded where they will not be subjected to fire, and, if possible, where I can use a lamp by night.
This is the day of the Id, the great Mahommedan festival. The Divisional Staff appear to be alarmed at the possibility of a fanatical attack on Nasiriyah or on our camp. Tonight is supposed to be the most likely time, but, for some days, very special precautions have to be taken. In Nas-