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9

first one was in the nature of a test of the functioning of the Unit's equipment, personnel, etc. Because reports had been heard of prospects near the village of Beda, the first flight was made in this vicinity. Although nothing was discovered on this flight, data were collected as to best methods of procedure, best altitudes at which to fly, and the navigating equipment and methods were given a sound test. 

After several transport flights, (see Appendix No. A) exploration was resumed on June 28. A general reconnaissance flight was made from Wedj, via El Ula, Tabuk, Dhiba, back to Wedj to get a general look at the terrain. Upon plotting this traverse it became apparent that El Ula, Tabuk, and other points inland were incorrectly located on the British War Office maps we were using. Nearly all points seemed to be shown from twenty to fifty miles too far East. Subsequent flights confirmed this fact. We found that nearly all of the points which we were able to check had to be moved considerably toward the coast from their map location. A few accurately located control points in the interior of the concession would greatly have facilitated our work.