Item 01: J. E. Morrison diary, 13 October 1917-29 October 1918 - Page 162
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[Page 162]
Having to carry sufficient water to last us from Suez until our return a matter of 26 days for our engins & crew & 3000 troops, as the river water of the Tigris Basra is not fit to drink on account of fever prevailing. Water is served out daily very spareingly & every precaution taken so that there is no waste. Our engin condensers & evaporaters are going for all they are worth & our tanks hold 1400 tons 280,000 gallons of shore fresh water for domestic & drinking purposes. When at Aden coaling no water could be procured there. The well water of Arabia being very brackish & consequently in the towns they depend solely on condensed water. Machines & tanks fixed for that purpose.
7.10.18
Gentle breeze in the Persian Gulf. Temperature 95° very hot. Impossible to remain in our cabins all hands sleeping on deck. Passed several Arab & Persian sailing craft rigged up as they were in the old Testement time. No lights exibited from these at night.