Food

The Division was on the Middle East fresh ration scale. Larger appetites occasioned by the colder climate at times caused the ration to appear insufficient, but in reality it was adequate. Meat was provided under supervision of Ninth Army authorities and the purchase of locally killed meat was forbidden. Vegetables were out of season at the time of the Division's arrival in Syria, and both the quantity and variety were poor but improved in the spring months. During the heavy rain and snow from 19 to 23 March, a daily rum ration was issued to all ranks. The consumption of locally made

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ice-cream and mineral fruit drinks was prohibited. These were prepared almost invariably under the most unhygienic conditions and with very little regard to the purity of the ingredients.