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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:50:20 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/17109-8.txt b/17109-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0baae51 --- /dev/null +++ b/17109-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5448 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Palestine with the 20th Machine Gun +Squadron, by Unknown + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Through Palestine with the 20th Machine Gun Squadron + +Author: Unknown + +Release Date: November 19, 2005 [EBook #17109] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Sigal Alon and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + +[Transcriber's note: + +1. Some of the biblical references in the original seem to be mistaken. All +the references were left as in the original. The following is a list of +uncertain references, usually together with a possible alternate reference. + + +Footnote Original Suggestion + +[7] III Kings i II Kings i + Zech. iv, 5 Zech. ix, 5 + +[10] Judges l, 18 Judges i, 18 + Jeph. ii, 4 Zeph. ii, 4 + +[13] Matt. xii, 40 ? + Acts x, 9 Several times in Acts x, but not verse 9 + +[15] II Kings ii, 11 II Kings ii, 15 + +[20] Judges iv, 3 Judges vi, 33 + v, 21 Mentions the Kishon which borders Esdraelon + vi, 1 Judges vii, 1 + +[21] Psalms xxxix, 12 Psalms lxxxix, 12 + +[25] Deut. xiv, 5 ? + I Kings iv, 23 I Kings iv, 11 mentions Dor, a village in + the vicinity + xviii, 13 xviii, 19 + Isa. lv, 12 ? + +[29] II Kings vi II Kings v + vii ? + xiii ? + xv ? + +[30] John i, 47 ? + +[34] Josh. xiii, 2 Josh. xiii, 5 + Judges iii, 1 Judges iii, 3 + II Chron. ii, 2 II Chron. ii, 8 or 16 + Isa. xxxv, 17 Isa. xxxv, 2 + +[40] I Kings xviii, 34 II Kings xviii, 34 + xix, 13 II Kings xix, 13 + +2. As there is no one way to transcribe Arabic and Hebrew place names, I +left all the names as they appear in the original. Nevertheless, I tried to +keep consistency and used a single spelling when a place was mentioned +using two possible spellings. + +3. The inconsistency of capitalization (e.g., Sub-section/sub-section, +Sergeant/sergeant) and punctuation (mostly inside/outside quotation marks) +are thus in the original book.] + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + + +Through Palestine + +with the + +Twentieth + +Machine-Gun + +Squadron. + +Printed and Published +for private circulation + +by + +J.M. BAXTER & CO., +20 Appold Street, +London--E.C.2. + + + + +Foreword. + + +This Booklet has been compiled with the object of enabling the members of +the 20th Machine-Gun Squadron to recall the principal incidents in its +history, as well as to allow their friends and relations to obtain some +idea of their experiences whilst they were serving with the Egyptian +Expeditionary Force. + +Although no pains have been spared to obtain accuracy, the statements made +must, necessarily, not be regarded as _absolutely_ authoritative. + +Beyond doubt, many brave deeds, fully deserving of mention in these pages, +must have been unavoidably overlooked, in which case the leniency of +readers is requested. + +In view of the probability that the incidents described herein may be read +by many persons who have not been to the East, explanations have frequently +been included, which might appear to some as unnecessary. + +The writer is indebted to several members of the Squadron for their +valuable assistance, without which, obviously, it would have been very +difficult to have given an adequate account of any particular incident at +which he was not present in person. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_1st July 1920._ + + + + +Glossary. + + +The following are a few descriptive terms which occur in the following +pages, with place-names, and the abbreviations used:-- + +ABU Father. +AIN Spring. +BEIT House. +BIRKETT Pool. +BIR Well. +DEIR Monastery. +ED, EL, ER, ES, EZ The definite article THE +JEBEL Mountain. +JISR Bridge. +KEFR Village. +KAHN Inn. +KHURBET (abbrev. KH.) Ruin. +MAKHADET Ford. +NAHR River. +NEBY A Prophet. +RAS Head, cape, top. +SHEIKH (abbrev. SH.) Chief, elder, saint. +TEL Mound (especially one covering ruins). +WADI A watercourse (normally dry). + + +TIME. + +The following table shows the military method of stating the time which is +used throughout this book:-- + +1 a.m. 01.00 +2 " 02.00 +3.15 " 03.15 +6.45 " 06.45 +12 midday 12.00 +1 p.m. 13.00 +2.35 " 14.35 +3.50 " 15.50 +8 " 20.00 +10 " 22.00 +12 midnight 24.00 +12.15 a.m. 00.15 + + + + +THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON. + + + + +PART I. + + +FORMATION OF THE SQUADRON. + +It was on the 4th July 1917 that authority was given to the 7th Mounted +Brigade (then at Ferry-Post, Ismailia), for the formation of a MACHINE-GUN +SQUADRON to be known as the "20th." It was to consist of "Headquarters" and +only three sub-sections, there being but two regiments (instead of the +usual three) in the 7th Brigade. + +On July 4th, Lieut. E.P. Cazalet and Lieut. E.B. Hibbert, machine gun +officers of the Notts (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry and South Notts Hussars +respectively, brought their sub-sections to the new camp. Lieut. C.D. +Macmillan also arrived from the "S.N.H." From these two regiments there +came, in all, 3 officers, 121 men and 98 animals (horses and mules). The +"A" Sub-section was formed of "S.R.Y." men; the "B" Sub-section of "S.N.H." +men, "C" Sub-section being composed of both "S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." men. + +From the commencement, the Squadron "carried on" under very difficult +conditions, as, out of its total strength of 121, only 30 men were +qualified gunners, and 63 had never previously been attached to a Machine +Gun Section. Then there were fresh animals to draw from "Remounts" besides +new saddlery and equipment from "Ordnance". The health of the Squadron, +also, was at first none too good; a large number of men had contracted +malaria whilst with the Brigade in Salonica, and many others were liable to +septic sores, after two years' sojourn in Egypt, Suvla and Salonica. From +time to time, seven days' leave was granted to small parties to the Rest +Camp, Port Said, and lucky were those men whose turn it was to go! + +In due course, on July 30th 1917, Lieut. D. Marshall (Fife & Forfar +Yeomanry), arrived from the 4th "M.G." Company. He had been "posted" as +Commanding Officer, and "took over" from Lieut. Cazalet; shortly afterwards +he was promoted to the rank of Captain. + +The first reinforcements to reach the Squadron from the training centre at +Maresfield Park, England, were Ptes. Ramsay and Wick on August 4th 1917. +Pte. Ramsay at once took up the duties of orderly-room clerk, and was +subsequently promoted sergeant. The work of equipping, organising and +training were hurried on, the new guns tested on the range, and at length, +on August 6th, the Squadron was inspected with the Brigade by General +Bailloud. + +On August 8th, Capt. E. Davies (previously with the 7th Brigade in Egypt) +arrived from "leave" in the United Kingdom, and was posted to the Squadron +as "second in command". Orders were received on August 10th that the +Brigade would move to the Palestine front on the 12th--within a month of +the M.G. Squadron being formed! + + +OUR TREK TO AMR, THROUGH THE DESERT OF THE SINAI PENINSULA. + +The forthcoming continuous trek (which lasted 18 days) through the desert +at the hottest time of the year was no light task for a new unit to +contemplate, and the two days in which to make all the preparations were +none too many; yet, everything _was_ ready by the time ordered for parade, +and from that moment the "20TH M.G. SQUADRON" became a fighting force! +There was, however, a lot of training still to be done, before it could +hope to play its proper part in active operations. + +The organisation of the transport for the unit was one of the greatest +difficulties to be overcome. No one, unless he has actually seen it, would +believe the energy required to pull even a lightly loaded wheeled vehicle +through the desert sand, which, in places, is of the soft "silver" variety +found at many English seaside resorts. + +Each "G.S." (general service) limbered wagon is designed to carry about a +ton, and is drawn by 4 mules. On this occasion, however, 4 cwts. was the +maximum load, and for this 6 mules were required in every case. In spite of +such a team, the going was hard enough, in very truth, and sore shoulders +were not uncommon, owing to the mules being so "soft," and the new +breast-collars so hard! + +It was not long before the advantage a "M.G." Squadron possesses, in being +able to change "pack" mules to "draught" and _vice versa_, was seen, this +method relieving sore shoulders and sore backs by one simple operation. +Although an early start was made every day, many miles had to be traversed +with the sun right overhead; the afternoon was usually well advanced before +the horses had been watered, lines put down, and shelters erected, +blankets, rifles, bayonets and bits of string being used for this purpose. + +The following were the days' marches:-- + +1917. + +August 12th to El Ferdan. + " 13th " Kantara (Hill 70). Long day in great heat. + " 14th at Kantara drawing ordnance stores. + " 15th to Pelusium 13 miles. + " 16th " Romani 7 miles. Heavy going. + " 17th " Khirba 14 miles. + " 18th " Bir el Abd 7 miles. Heavy going. + " 19th " Tilul, watering at Salmana. + " 20th " Bir el Masar 8 miles. + " 21st " Maadan 15 miles. Very heavy going and particularly hot. + " 22nd " Bardawil 8 miles. Good going. + " 23rd " El Arish 8 miles. Heavy going. + " 24th Rested. + " 25th to El Burd 11 miles. + " 26th " Sheikh Zowaid, by the shore. Very heavy. + " 27th " Rafa. + " 28th at Rafa obtaining stores which were sent forward by rail. + " 29th to Amr into camp, 1 mile south of railway. + +It may here be mentioned that, at this time, the Kantara Military Railway +had been completed as far as Shellal, and whilst on the march, rations and +forage were drawn from "dumps" which had been placed at intervals along the +line. As regards drinking water, this was brought up every day on camels. +The supply of water was not too plentiful by any means, and it required a +certain amount of care and self-restraint to make it last the appointed +time, in fact, strict water-discipline was very necessary among all ranks. +It was a tired but wiser Squadron that arrived at Amr! Many were the +difficulties that had been overcome, and many the hardships that had been +silently endured! + + +THE SQUADRON AT AMR. + +Having arrived at Amr, further progress was made in the training of the +unit. Each day one man was "told off" to three animals, the remainder thus +being free for work on the gun. The "horse-men" did one hour on the gun, +remainder of day on animals. "Gun-numbers" worked one hour at stables and +the remainder of the day on the gun. The daily routine was as +follows:--Reveille 04.30; Parades, 06.30 to 10.00 and 15.00 to 17.30. +Horses were watered twice (from troughs at the railway), and fed four times +a day. + +As early as September 8th, there was a test "turn-out" of the Squadron in +full marching order, with guns on packs. The new regulations regarding +rations and forage included "Iron" and two days' emergency-rations (in +wallets) for the man, and one day's emergency-forage (9 lbs. of grain), in +a "sandbag" rolled in a ground-sheet and carried on the front arch of the +saddle, for the horse, in addition to the two days' forage carried in the +nosebags; furthermore one day's rations and forage were carried on the +wagons. The time taken for the turn-out was actually 2 hours 10 minutes. No +doubt many members who read this will smile at the recollection of the +incident--and well they might! Three days later the Squadron paraded in +exactly _half_ that time, and when, on September 13th, there was a test +Divisional "turn-out," all that was needed was 44 minutes--not a bad +achievement for marching-order with nothing ready! + +On September 13th the formation of a fourth Sub-section was approved. It +was just about this time that the "Khamseen" became very troublesome. This +is a strong wind that blows at this season of the year, particularly in the +afternoon. The soil at Amr being a mixture of fine sand and dust, the +result can be better imagined than described; it was so bad that on two +days training was entirely suspended! + +"Mounted" training was started on September 22nd, and in the absence, at +that time, of any "set" official-drill (one actually did exist, but was +known only to those who had passed through the Machine-Gun Cavalry training +centre in England of whom there were not half-a-dozen in the Squadron), the +O.C. (Capt. D. Marshall) thought out, and perfected, a drill that was easy +to pick up, and was one which, in all respects, fulfilled requirements. +Everything was proceeding most satisfactorily, the men were keen, and, +towards the end of September, firing practice was started on a 25-yard +range. Everybody fired the course. + +In a Machine-Gun Squadron every man is mounted on a horse (some Squadrons, +however, had mules for draught as did the "20th"), except the cooks, who +are allowed bicycles. As the speed of bicycles in the middle of a desert +proved to be quite out of proportion to the labour expended, 13 donkeys +were finally issued in lieu thereof. These splendid little animals were +found to be very useful, besides providing a source of amusement for a +long time to come. In camp they would play about just like dogs, standing +up on their hind legs and romping about with each other. The natives' usual +method of riding a donkey in the East is rather comical. They sit _well_ to +the rear, in fact right over the hind-quarters, and with their feet +forward, these they wave in and out between the animal's legs, and thereby +make him increase his pace. A turn to either flank is accomplished by their +hitting him on the neck with a stick, or putting their toe in his eye! + +[Illustration] + +On October 1st-3rd "A" Sub-section went on a reconnaissance with the +Brigade, which, however, was "in support" at Reshid Beck, and not called +upon for active work. Meanwhile the training continued--Squadron drill, +section schemes and N.C.O.'s rides. The completion of the Squadron to the +full establishment of six Sub-sections (12 guns) was sanctioned on October +9th, although the supply of horses was stated to be doubtful. On that date +the Squadron was inspected by the G.O.C. the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J.T. +Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O. + + +DRAFT FROM MARESFIELD PARK, ENGLAND. + +Lieut. Raynor arrived with 47 "O.R.'s" on Oct. 9th. These were part of a +draft of 15 officers and 250 men under Capt. R.O. Hutchinson, who had left +England on September 13th. Before starting on their journey the draft had +been complimented upon their appearance by the C.O. of the Training Centre, +and told that "they should consider themselves lucky to be going to a +country where real cavalry tactics could be employed". And so it proved to +be! This draft arrived at Alexandria on September 27th, and proceeded to +the M.G.C. Base Depot, Helmieh, Cairo, after a very pleasant but uneventful +journey, via Southampton, Havre, Marseilles and Malta. The journey through +France was by a route not previously used for troops, and the French people +were very friendly and enthusiastic, cheering frequently. Apparently the +population here were not accustomed to the sight of British troops. At +Marseilles they embarked on H.M.T. "Minetonka" (a splendid ship, but very +crowded), which, being built for the North-Atlantic traffic, was rather hot +for the Mediterranean. Two very efficient Japanese destroyers escorted her +throughout the whole journey. + +At first, it was thought that the "draft" was intended to form an entirely +new unit, but they had not long been in Egypt before officers and men were +posted to various existing Squadrons. The importance of this draft is +indicated, to some extent, by the fact that within a short time every +Machine Gun Squadron in the E.E.F. (except one), was commanded by an +officer who had come out with it. + + +PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. + +Early in October 1917, the C.O.'s of units were informed of the approaching +operations against the enemy, and given a general idea of the plan of +campaign. On the 17th of the month, Headquarters and three Sub-sections +marched, with the Brigade, across the desert to Bir el Esani. The country, +up to this point, was patrolled by the Imperial Camel Corps (I.C.C.), and +it might be termed the limit of the country so far in British occupation, +as, at Esani, patrols of British and Turks were frequently in the habit of +watering their horses in the wadi _when the other was not about_! The next +day (October 18th), a reconnaissance was made across the Wadi Mirtaba and +towards Goz-el-Naam. "B" and "C" Sub-sections were attached to the "S.R.Y." +and "S.N.H." but saw no "targets" to justify the opening of machine-gun +fire. "A" Sub-section was in reserve. The following day (the 19th), the +Brigade returned to Amr. The experience gained by the Machine Gun Squadron +during these operations proved to be most valuable; the animals were fit, +but certainly rather fagged; the transport was found to be too heavily +loaded, and the pack-animals were also tired. + +Orders were now received that when operations started the Squadron would +move out five Sub-sections strong. This would mean a severe test for "D" +and "E" Sub-sections. "D" Sub-section under Lieut. Raynor, was well in +hand, although only formed a few weeks previously, but the equipment for +"E" (and "F") had only just been drawn! + + +HIGH-SPEED WORK. + +On October 20th, Lieut. Price, M.C., Lieut. Millman and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell +(all from the recent draft from Maresfield) arrived at the Camp. Lieut. +Price at once took over the organization of "E"; Lieut. Millman was +nominally posted to "F" and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell supernumerary, for the time +being. It could hardly be said that the formation of "E" Sub-section had +been "rushed"! The term is hardly suitable--"Cyclonic" would be nearer the +mark! It literally had horses and equipment issued to it one day, and was +fighting the next. At length, on October 25th, definite orders were +received for the first phase of the projected operations against Beersheba +to be undertaken, and, the next day, Sec.-Lieut. Kindell and three O.R.'s +(Ptes. Carr, Ineson and Marshall), with representatives from other units of +the Brigade, proceeded with the Staff Captain and Brigade Intelligence +Officer, to Esani, in order to "take-over" the camping area and reconnoitre +the outpost-line there. + +Lieut. Macmillan and five O.R.'s (Ptes. J. Howlett, A. Jacques, S. Morris, +A. Tivey and E.A. Riley), who were chosen as stout-hearted men, reported to +Col. Newcombe, R.E., D.S.O., at Gamli, for special duty. Bad luck attended +them, however! The whole party was captured a few days later.[1] + +The following is the official account of this adventure:-- + + "To assist in completing the rout of the Turkish troops retiring + from Beersheba, a small mobile force on camels, consisting of Lewis + gunners, machine gunners, and a few Sudanese Arab scouts, under + Lieut.-Col. S.F. Newcombe, R.E., D.S.O., left Asluj on October 30. + It had a number of machine guns and Lewis guns, a large quantity of + small-arms ammunition, and carried three days' rations. Moving + rapidly, it established its headquarters at Yutta, and on October + 31 occupied some high ground west of, and commanding the road + between Dhaheriyeh and Hebron. It was hoped that the Turks, + retiring by night from Beersheba, would encounter this force, + which, taking them by surprise, would, by its large fire-power put + them to rout, and cause a general débâcle on the Turkish left-wing. + However, as the Anzac Mounted Division had cut the road further + south, the Turkish forces from Beersheba retired north to Tel esh + Sheria. The force, nevertheless, succeeded in intercepting and + capturing the motor transport with supplies, which was endeavouring + to reach Beersheba from Jerusalem. + + "The Turks were surprised by the appearance of this force, and + having no idea of its numbers, despatched the 12th Depot Regiment + from Hebron, and the 143rd Regiment from Tel esh Sheria--six + battalions in all--to dislodge it. It held out resolutely, but, + after sustaining heavy casualties and having exhausted all its + ammunition, was obliged to surrender on November 2 or 3." + +The personnel (32 O.R.'s) and equipment of "F" Sub-sections, were sent to +"Brigade Details" at Gamli under Lieut. Millman, no horses being then +available. + +[Illustration] + + FOOTNOTES: + + [1] _Note: (Lieut. Macmillan returned to Alexandria on 21st November + 1918 from Smyrna, as a repatriated prisoner of war.)_ + + + + +PART II. + +The Beersheba Campaign. + + +MARCH TO ESANI. + +On the morning of October 28th 1917, the Squadron marched from Amr, across +the 16 miles of desert to Esani. It consisted of-- + + Seven officers, 182 men, 10 guns, 156 riding horses, 70 draught and + 31 pack animals, 13 donkeys; with transport of ("A" Echelon), water + cart, 12 limbered G.S. wagons; ("B.1" Echelon) three L.G.S. wagons, + carrying reserve day's forage and rations; ("B.2" Echelon) one G.S. + wagon. + +So far as can be ascertained now, the following were the W.O. and N.C.O.'s +of the Squadron at this time:-- + + _Headquarters_: S.S.M. Larwood, S.Q.M.S. Harrison, Far.-Sergt. + Robertson, Transport-Sergt. Conuel, Sig.-Corpl. Billam, S.S.-Corpl. + Holmes, Saddler-Corpl. Mellett. + + _"A" Sub-section_: Sergt. Fisher, Lance-Corpl. Rouse, Lance-Corpl. + Keetley. + + _"B" Sub-section_: Sergt. Potts, Corpl. Hazlehurst, Lance-Corpl. + Hughes, Lance-Corpl. Peadon. + + _"C" Sub-section_: Sergt. Wright, Corpl. Gill, Nos. 1. Pte. S. Kidd, + Pte. P. Lee. + + _"D" Sub-section_: Sergt. Fleet, Corpl. Barrett, Lance-Corpl. Green, + Lance-Corpl. Marriott. + + _"E" Sub-section_: Sergt. O'Neill, Corpl. Franklin, Lance-Corpl. + Grice, Lance-Corpl. Thompson. + +Upon arrival at their destination, everyone who had previously been there, +on reconnaissance, was struck by the great changes that had taken place +within such a short time; the locality had, in fact, become one huge camp. +There were armoured cars, R.E.s, motor-tractors, besides thousands of +camels--indeed, every branch of the service was represented. Incidentally, +it may be mentioned that these preparations were not hidden from the Turks, +whose aeroplanes came over every day and dropped bombs, without, however, +doing much damage. + +The camping site for the Squadron proved to be in a wide gully, leading up +from the Wadi Ghuzze, between two hills. After watering in the wadi (to +reach which a rather steep slope had to be negotiated), "lines" were put up +and the new bivouac sheets recently issued, erected, after which, having +had something to eat, the Squadron was able to enjoy a well-earned rest. In +the very early hours of the following morning "C" Sub-section, under +Sec.-Lieut. Kindell (who now took command in the absence of Lieut. +Macmillan), proceeded with the "S.R.Y." to take up the day outpost-line +some few miles north-east of Reshid Beck. It soon became evident that the +Turk had intended to occupy this line, as he contested it with rifle fire; +he was, however, _just a little too late_ and had to withdraw! The position +we now occupied afforded splendid observation of all the surrounding +country. In fact, the ground dropped abruptly to a plain several miles +wide, cut by wadis and studded with low mounds; on the right the Wadi +Ghuzze with a narrow stream of water on one side, wended its way across the +plain, almost to our lines. + +[Illustration] + +On the other side of the plain, on the banks of the wadi, the tents of a +Turkish camp could plainly be seen, and (by the aid of a pair of field +glasses), the Turks themselves, going about their work. During the day +various officers from an infantry division came up to the post in order to +view the ground, over which, they stated, they were going to attack, in two +days' time. At dusk our troops withdrew through the night-outpost line; "C" +Sub-section, with the one limber that accompanied it, returned to camp, +independently. On this day the Squadron watering-party was bombed by +hostile aircraft, but no casualties occurred. October 30th was spent in +"resting," and in the afternoon every man was directed to lie down in his +"bivvy" from 13.00 to 17.00 hrs. (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)! Upon being asked by +the Orderly Officer why he was not complying with this order, one man +remarked to his pal: "Well, that's the first time I've been stopped doing +work in the Army"! It was, however, very necessary, as, that night at 20.30 +(8.30 p.m.), the Brigade, commanded by Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., +D.S.O., started on its approach-march after watering. + + +THE APPROACH-MARCH TO BEERSHEBA. + +The "going" was, most of the way, through thick sand with a lot of green +scrub. Doubtless, everybody who took part in that march will ever remember +the incidents and details of the operations--and the indescribable dust. +Temperature very cold; "loads off"; "loads on"; at frequent intervals. +So--on, through the night; generally at the walk, occasionally trotting; +hearing, at one point, intermittent rifle-fire (on the left flank), and, +with now and then, "VERY LIGHTS" being put up. Later on, a white stone +building was passed (apparently unoccupied) called "Ibn Said". + +After several hours' marching, a road and a narrow gauge Turkish railway +were crossed, both of which were understood to lead to Beersheba. At +length, the position was reached on Itwail El Semin, 7 miles south of +Beersheba, just before daybreak, where the transport ("A" Echelon) soon +found us. "A" and "B" Sub-sections were immediately attached to the +"S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." respectively, and took up positions in front of +Ras-Hablein and Goz-el-Naam. + +It was not long before it became evident that there _was_ "something +doing". Yes, the great event for which the Squadron had been preparing +since its formation was about to take place! The 7th Mounted Brigade found +itself "up against" a series of strongly-held trenches on Ras-Hablein to +Ras-Ghannam. The 60th Infantry Division was on its left and the Australians +on its right. The plan of attack, as given in the official publication: "_A +Brief Record of the Advance of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force_" was as +follows:-- + + "... for the 60th and 74th Divisions to seize the enemy works + between the Khalasa Road and the Wadi Saba, while the defences + north of the Wadi were masked by the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade + and two battalions of the 53rd Division. The Anzac Mounted + Division, Australian Mounted Division and 7th Mounted Brigade were + to attack the defences of the town from the north-east, east and + south-east". + +The progress of the attack all along the line could be seen from the top of +Itwail. The Turk, everywhere, clung tenaciously to his main positions. +During the whole morning and afternoon, rifle and shell-fire were continued +on both sides. "B" Sub-section covered the advance of the "S.N.H." The +Essex Battery R.H.A., in action at this time, came in for a bad quarter of +an hour, but fortunately escaped with slight casualties, when, at 16.00 (4 +p.m.) orders were issued to attack Beersheba! + +The Brigade at once formed up in a cloud of dust, and, led by its General +as if on a ceremonial parade at home, started off at the trot to the +attack. Soon, the dust became so dense (especially in the centre of the +Brigade), that it was impossible to see two yards in front. After going a +mile or two, a halt was made under cover of a hill for a few minutes, then +on again. To the surprise of everyone, little opposition was now offered, +and it soon became apparent that the Turk had fled, although reinforced +during the day, the sight of an English Cavalry Brigade advancing, proving +too much for him! Another halt, another trot, then the position was taken! + + +WE TAKE TURKISH TRENCHES. + +Until quite recently, the Turk had been content merely to patrol the +country south and east of Beersheba, but our concentration at Esani had +made him uneasy about his left flank, and he had hastily dug a line of +trenches and manned them, hoping to put up a strong opposition to our +advance. These were the trenches we had now taken; and they constituted a +strong position too, the hills being particularly steep in front of them. + +Having captured the position and enjoyed a short rest, the Brigade pushed +on again after dark--this time in column of route, but "at the walk," as it +was "pitch-black" and the ground rough and rocky. Well on in the evening, a +welcome change in the going occurred, as we came out upon a road (the same +one crossed in the morning); a proper road, a _real_ road like one at home +in England! It seemed strange, indeed, after the miles of desert; the +horses appreciated it too! Later, the moon having risen, a long halt was +made, after which the road towards Beersheba was resumed. Every mile or so, +by the wayside were now passed remains of Turkish camps, dead animals, +overturned wagons, abandoned ammunition, etc., etc. The enemy had evidently +left in "some" haste. But there were still isolated parties of the enemy in +the hills, from which direction shots could be heard from time to time. + + +BEERSHEBA AT LAST! + +After a long and gruelling journey, during which everyone was dead tired +and the horses badly in need of water, the outskirts of the "town" of +Beersheba were at last reached. Here the Squadron halted, whilst the units +in front "watered". It then became known to us that Beersheba had already +been occupied by the Australians, who, no doubt, had come in from the +flank. As regards the "water," this was contained in a long stone trough, +and, although it was thick with mud, it was all that could be had. Yet, of +this filth the animals drank deeply, not having tasted a drop of liquid +_for 24 hours_! + +After "watering," a camping-area for the night was allotted to the Squadron +near by. The animals having been off-saddled and fed, everyone was glad to +be able to lie down in his clothes and snatch some sleep during the few +remaining hours, until it was time to "stand to" in the morning. Before +daybreak the Squadron saddled-up and moved off into the plain outside the +town. Here it halted in "Line of Sub-section Column" and dismounted. No +sooner had the sun risen, however, when machine-gun fire broke out from all +directions. At once the order was given to extend for rifle fire. Everyone +expected to see the dust thrown up all round by the thousands of bullets +which were being fired, and prepared for a great mêlée, but--nothing +happened! _A perfect tornado of fire_ and nothing whatever could be seen! +After a few minutes, to the surprise of all, everything was quiet again! +The explanation was obtained afterwards: all that had happened was that a +Boche plane had appeared over our outpost line. He must, certainly, have +had a hot reception! + +Then "lines" were put down, animals off-saddled again and a much needed +wash-up and shave indulged in--after watering and stables. To feel clean +once more and to be able to have a sleep in the heat of the day, which at +this time was intense (in spite of the cold nights), was a treat enjoyed by +all. + +Beersheba was very disappointing. Instead of being a town, as Europeans +understand that term, a place where one can buy such things as cigarettes +and something to eat, nothing at all was obtainable, and the only buildings +in it, that were not mud huts, were empty.[2] + +During our stay at Beersheba, enemy planes, often flying quite low, paid us +several visits, for whose benefit one Sub-section always had its guns +mounted for anti-aircraft work. On one of these raids two men and several +animals, in an Australian Field Ambulance a couple of hundred yards from +the Squadron Camp, were killed. One man had a "narrow shave". He was +standing beside his horse when the plane appeared, and, for safety, he +jumped into a trench that happened to be at hand still holding the reins. +The animal was killed, but he himself escaped without a scratch! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [2] _Beersheba--"Well of the oath": See Genesis, chaps. xxi and xxvi, + v. 23 and 32._ + + +THE COASTAL SECTOR. + +To the 21st Infantry Corps in front of Gaza, had been given the task of +attracting enemy reserves to that neighbourhood, thus to lighten the task +of the troops on the right of the line, in the capture of Beersheba. On +October 27th, a bombardment of the elaborate Gaza defences had been +commenced, assisted by the Navy, and on the night of November 1st-2nd, +"Umbrella Hill" was captured, followed in the early morning _by the whole +of the front-line system of trenches_. + + +OPERATIONS AT TEL KHUWEILFEH. + +After a day's rest, the 7th Mounted Brigade started off again (on November +2nd) at 08.30. "C" Sub-section reported to the "S.N.H."; "D" Sub-section +to the "S.R.Y." The Transport ("B.1" Echelon) just arrived as the Squadron +was timed to move off, and rations had to be issued out on parade. [It may +here be mentioned that the transport had had a "rough time," and without +having accurate knowledge of what was happening to the Brigade, owing to +the many difficulties of communication _en route_, did splendidly in +arriving even when it did.] + +The railway being crossed, the Brigade "carried on," along a sort of old +track north of Beersheba for about 10 miles, where a halt was called. A +short description of the country hereabouts would not, perhaps, be out of +place. Doubtless other people will read this record besides the members of +the Squadron who have seen the "beauties" of that remote part of the world; +a brief reference to the characteristics of the locality may, therefore, be +appreciated by those who would like to spend a short holiday there! + +Now, the ground itself, baked hard by the tropical sun and total absence of +water, is covered with stones, it has practically no vegetation whatever, +any scrub, at all resembling a tree, being something to remark upon. Parts +of the country, however, are cultivated by the natives during the winter +and spring, but at the time of our campaign everything was quite bare. +Then, there are no roads; the tracks made by the natives are inches deep in +dust, which, when used by troops, rises in dense clouds, choking one's nose +and eyes, besides "caking" on the face, so that in a very short time every +man more resembles a performer in a minstrel troupe rather than a soldier +in His Majesty's Army. Everywhere hills are to be seen, upon which there +are outcrops of rock. Upon these hills, also, a small bushy plant manages +to grow (a kind of thyme), which has a very pungent smell. + +In front of the halting place, mentioned above, was a plain about a mile +wide; on each side of this was a range of hills. The "S.R.Y." and "D" +Sub-section made towards Khuweilfeh on their left front, and the "S.N.H." +and "C" Sub-section set off half-right towards the hills. The "S.N.H." met +but slight opposition from the enemy, which they easily overcame. Pushing +forward and taking, on the way, two field-guns and two ambulances abandoned +by the Turks, they, at length, gained the highest point (Ras en Nukb); from +here could be seen the Turkish position on the other side of the plain, +being attacked by the "S.R.Y." + + +A DIFFICULT PROPOSITION. + +It was clear that no further advance could be made until the Turks on the +left were dislodged. This seemed to be a difficult proposition, as enemy +reinforcements could be seen coming up in great numbers. Towards evening an +attempt was made to attack them on the other side, but the ground being +found to be very rocky, and after being shelled considerably and night +setting in, orders were received to withdraw. Then the "S.N.H." came right +back to the point where they had left the Brigade, and "C" Sub-section +remained with them for that night. After several attempts had been made to +bring in the captured guns, it was decided it was impossible to retain +them, so they were turned over a precipice. + +The next morning (November 3rd) before daylight, the "S.N.H." and "C" +Sub-section set out again, and occupied the same position which they had +evacuated the previous night, being relieved about 10.00 by the +Australians. They had, however, to stand-by for a time, as the Turks showed +signs of attacking. On the way back to the Brigade they passed British +infantry on the way up to the attack, moving under artillery fire, which +on both sides was very lively just then. + +In the meantime "D" Sub-section had been having an adventure; the following +incident being related by one who was present:-- + + "D'S" ADVENTURE. + + "Shortly after leaving the Brigade," he writes, "we came into + action on a ridge and gave overhead fire, while the S.R.Y. attacked + the enemy position which was on another ridge about 1,800 yards + off. After a short time, in order to get closer to the enemy, we + advanced to an intervening ridge about 900 yards, bringing us this + distance from the enemy. During this advance, which was carried out + at the gallop, we were subjected to very heavy machine-gun fire, + through which we were lucky to come with the loss of only one pack + mule. The second position was a good one, and we were able to bring + very effective fire on to the enemy who were in a similar position + to ourselves, only rather higher up. Observation was very bad owing + to the hard ground. + + "After being in action for a considerable time and having fired a + large quantity of ammunition, we suddenly became aware that we were + entirely "on our own," not one S.R.Y. or a man of any other unit to + be seen. Mr. Raynor went back to try to re-establish communication, + and just as it was rapidly getting dark he sent up an orderly to + tell us to come out of action, and to lead us down into a gulley + below the position we held, where he was. When we arrived at what + the guide thought was the spot, however, it was quite dark, indeed + "pitch black". He was nowhere to be found, and after sending out + scouts in all directions, and still being unable to find him in the + darkness, we took the opportunity to feed the horses. After a + short rest and being under the impression that the Brigade had + advanced (from information previously obtained) we advanced too! + After passing our former position, and descending the steep slope + beyond, we at last sighted a light, and sent out a man (Pte. + Chantry) to reconnoitre. Our surprise can be imagined, when he got + to within a hundred yards of it he was fired at. It was a party of + Turks! They immediately 'stood to' and let us have it 'hot'. We at + once galloped to cover on the left flank, but unfortunately before + we reached it Francis was hit, and we never saw the poor chap + again! The pack animal he was leading, however, came along with the + rest of the horses. + + "Just after this incident a gun 'pack' (the Bint), got loose (she + was always difficult to lead), and galloped off. But she came in by + herself the next morning, followed shortly afterwards by the horse + poor Francis had been riding when he met his end. After we reached + cover, we found the 'S.R.Y.' Headquarters close by, so we reported + there, when we were told that orders had been issued for us to + re-join the Squadron. The 'O.C.' and Mr. Raynor were there also, who + told us to remain for the night, off-saddling half at a time. The + following morning we again came into action near our original + position of the previous day, but did not fire. During the morning + we were relieved by some machine guns from the Camel Corps, and + then rejoined the Brigade". + + +"B" SUB-SECTION'S WORK. + +"B" Sub-section was early attached to the Australians and advanced, on the +right of the "S.R.Y.," on the edge of the plain. They had tough fighting +and fired a considerable quantity of ammunition. It is regretted that +information is not available, to allow of a detailed description of the +adventures of this Sub-section at Khuweilfeh, being given. It is certain, +however, that the Sub-section rendered the Australians valuable assistance, +which was greatly appreciated. + +The Brigade, having been relieved by the 53rd Division[3], now commenced +the long march back to Beersheba, a distance of at least 10 miles, through +the country we have just described. This journey, and that which followed, +were the most tiring of these operations. It must be remembered that the +horses had not been watered nor the men's water-bottles filled, since the +previous morning. When the intense heat of the day is considered, not to +mention the dust, the hardships suffered can, perhaps, be imagined! The +G.O.C. (Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O.) went along the whole column +and handed his brandy-flask to those who seemed the most exhausted. Upon +arriving at Beersheba, the town was found to be swarming with more troops, +and it was with the greatest difficulty that any water was obtained at all. +Everyone had gone without just as long as we had done--at least, so they +said! + +The next day (November 4th), was spent in watering and cleaning up. Towards +evening, "Saddle-up" was ordered; the Brigade moved at 16.00 and marched to +Karm, a distance of 15 miles--a journey which seemed interminable. The air +was so thick with dust that it was necessary to keep right on to the tail +of the horse in front, or you would have been lost in a second. "'Ware hole +on the right!" "Mind the wire!" and such like orders were passed down the +column from time to time. You had just to do what you were told, as it was +quite impossible to see even a yard ahead! + +Arrived at Karm, at about 22.00, the Brigade watered their horses from the +troughs beside the railway line, which were supplied with water brought up +in trucks by train from the pipe line at Shellal or El Arish! After a short +sleep, the Brigade moved on a few miles to Goz el Geleib, and took over a +camping area from the 8th Mounted Brigade. + +Our Squadron took over the identical ground just occupied by the 21st +Squadron, and the small party we sent on in advance learnt of the action +they had been in, when strongly attacked, and the praise they had earned +from the Commander-in-Chief. During this action, one of their officers +(Lieut. Stuart) who was known to some of the members of the "20th," was +captured. He was at first reported killed. + +The Brigade stayed here for the day in reserve. Glad enough everyone was of +this little rest, which at any time is indeed "very little" for a cavalry +unit, even when halted. That afternoon an officer of the Squadron was +ordered to proceed to a point overlooking the Wadi Imleh and establish +signalling communication with the Australian Headquarters, and to keep +watch for any enemy movement across it. The line, in this part, was held by +small posts, in some places over a mile apart. It would seem to be an easy +matter for the Turk to creep up during the night and at daybreak pour +through the gaps. It was, indeed, at this point that the 21st Squadron had +been so hard pressed. + +Nothing unusual happened on this occasion, however, and the next morning +(November 6th), the Brigade moved at 08.30 to a point north-east of Karm, +near Abu Irgeig, just behind the line. Two sub-sections were at once sent +to a line of observation overlooking Wadi Imleh. Persistent rumours of an +enemy attack from this quarter which, as has been seen, was very lightly +held, kept everyone on the alert. + +"C" Sub-section watered at Karm during the day and before night the +positions were carried by the infantry and the Brigade camped near by. But +it was on the move again the next morning (November 7th) long before +daylight (at 04.30). No person in the Squadron knew what was the +destination, and when, at length, day broke, there were many speculations +even as to the locality they were then actually in. + +Eventually a railway was crossed, and the country appeared just like that +north of Beersheba. It transpired, in fact, that they were only a few miles +from that town, but on a different road from that leading to Khuweilfeh. +After having covered about 8 miles since the morning, the Brigade +approached Tel-el-Sheria, where it came in sight of the railway station, +and under enemy shell-fire, which was pretty hot at times. At the station +itself the shelling was hotter still, as 5.9's were falling thick just +there. At night, however, all shelling ceased and the troops were able to +water their horses at 23.00 in the wadi, close to the station. + +Meanwhile at Gaza, on the coast, the intense bombardment of the Turkish +lines that had been going on, was more than the enemy could stand, and he +began to withdraw his troops. To such an extent had the withdrawal been +carried out, that a British attack on the night of November 6th-7th met +with but slight opposition, and Outpost Hill, Middlesex Hill and Ali-Munter +were captured without much trouble. The Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade +passed right through the ruins of Gaza. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [3] _The enemy by this time probably thought that a wide out-flanking + movement was to be undertaken at Khuweilfeh, and accordingly hastily + brought up still more reserves. After fighting day and night against + superior numbers, the 53rd Division was, finally, able to capture the + position on November 6th. The drawing of the Turkish reserves to this + part of the line contributed to the success elsewhere._ + + +THE BRIGADE ADVANCES. + +The following day (November 8th), at 05.00, a further advance was made by +our Brigade along the railway about 9 miles, and the enemy was sighted in +the neighbourhood of Tel Hudeiwe, whom the "S.N.H." and "C" Sub-section +were sent to dislodge. This task they accomplished at once, but a sudden +counter-attack forced back our advanced points with a rush, who sustained +some casualties. The position then held was a good one, and there were +little doubts about our being able to hold it, even if outnumbered. The +ground was so steep in the rear, that led-horses could be brought up to +within 20 yards, or less, of the guns. In front, too, the ground sloped +away sharply, and on the other side of the valley was a ridge, similar to +our own, to which the Turks had withdrawn, and where they could be seen in +large numbers. They kept up a very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, which, +however, we heartily returned. Their artillery, evidently, was being +employed elsewhere, as will be shown shortly. During the afternoon the +Turks were seen to be reinforced, and showed every sign of attempting an +attack. "B" Sub-section came up and was in action alongside "C"; "E" +Sub-section also was attached, but was held in reserve for eventualities. +It was soon seen, however, that the Turk had come to the conclusion that +"discretion was the better part of valour," for nothing further happened. + + +"D" SUB-SECTION'S CASUALTIES. + +Meanwhile "D" Sub-section had been having a rough time. They had taken up a +position close to Brigade Headquarters with the Essex Battery, to protect +it from a flank attack. The Essex and Turkish artillery had a lively duel, +during which shells fell thick, around this quarter. Lance-Corpl. Marriott +was, unfortunately, killed, while Lieut. Raynor, Ptes. Taylor and Crane, +and, later, Lance-Corpl. Green, were wounded, in this action. It may be +mentioned here, that Lieut. Raynor was hit in the arm, and after undergoing +several operations in Nasrieh Hospital, Cairo, he was sent home and finally +retired from the Army. The manner in which he had organised "D" +Sub-section, and in a few weeks made it a fighting unit of exceptional +quality, had earned him great praise. Sergt. Fleet, who assumed command +after Lieut. Raynor was hit, did splendid work and was afterwards awarded +the Military Medal. + +All was quiet during the night, and at daybreak the patrols sent out, +reported "all clear"; the Turks had "Imshied" (i.e., cleared out). After +watering, under a certain amount of shell fire, the Sub-sections that had +been in the line re-joined the Squadron; the remainder had watered late the +previous night, and were not allowed the time to water again. Then +commenced an exciting race across country towards the coast, in an +endeavour to cut off the Turkish garrison at Gaza, which was stated at this +time to be in full retreat. The Brigade advanced 16 miles that day--"Point +375," Simsin-Bureir, Huliekht, Julis--right through the ancient land of the +Philistines. + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + +A different kind of country was being met with now, much of it being, +evidently, cultivated during certain times of the year. Many villages were +also passed, some of which looked quite pretty from a distance, clustering +among their cactus hedges and a few trees. But anything green would have +looked pleasant at that moment to the men who, for so long, had seen +nothing but the arid desert. It was a case, however, of "distance lending +enchantment to the view", as a close inspection proved disappointing. The +filth in which these people live must be seen to be realised. Language +fails in this case! Their houses are simply mud huts consisting, generally, +of only one room, in which the whole family live! During the day strong +healthy men sit about outside, while the women do all the work, even to the +toilsome labour of tilling the ground! A search for water in such places is +not a very hopeful matter; at the most there might be two wells, from which +water could be got up, _a bucketful at a time_--a hopeless look out, when +there are thousands of thirsty men and horses! Nothing was seen of the +enemy that day, and when the sea came in view (what a splendid sight!), it +was evident the Gaza forces had escaped. + +What an enormous amount of ammunition and stores they had left behind! It +has been stated, unofficially, it would have been enough to last them 12 +months! Evidently, the enemy did not expect to leave in such a hurry. + +That night the Brigade bivouacked at Julis, and the next morning (November +10th), in attempting to water "B" Sub-section was shelled out of Es Suafir +el Gharbiye. The Squadron then returned to Julis, and was ordered to +off-saddle and look for water at one of the villages near the coast. +Eventually they found a moderate supply at Hamame, 3-1/2 miles away, +together with--quite unexpectedly--oranges. To say that these were +appreciated is hardly adequate, it can well be imagined that they _were_ a +luxury just then! + +Having returned to camp, Capt. Davies and Lieut. Price excited the envy of +the other officers. They had been to El-Mejdel, a few miles south of +Hamame, which turned out to be quite civilised compared with the +surrounding villages, and they had bought some tobacco and, actually, had +had a cup of coffee! + + +A REST AT HAMAME. + +An hour or two afterwards we had great news! The Brigade was to go to +Hamame for a rest and clean up, and perhaps a swim in the sea! After our +experiences it would certainly be difficult to think of anything that could +be more appreciated, unless it were a square meal; but then, there were +oranges to be had, to make up for shortcomings in that respect. + +Only 11 days since leaving Esani, yet how much had been crowded into that +short period! As much work had been done every day as was usually done in a +week. It was not the fatigue of the trekking and fighting that "told" so +much, but the lack of adequate rest; generally "turning-in" very late at +night, and often having to sleep in boots ready to move before daylight the +following morning, with nothing but "bully beef," biscuits, and (a very +little) jam to eat. Sometimes tea was available, but frequently without +sugar or milk. As regards "bully beef," this may be very sustaining, but it +is a fact difficult to believe when having nothing else to eat for weeks on +end. The look of it was enough to make one sick! Of course, in the +circumstances, no other rations were possible, and the Supply Department +certainly did wonders to keep units supplied with _any_ kind of food, when +they did not know, from one hour to another, where they would be located +next, without taking into consideration the distances that had to be +covered over roads hardly worthy to be called tracks. + +Two days were spent at Hamame, and how glorious they were! The Squadron +rode down "bare-back" to the beach each day (two miles away) and bathed, +the horses going into the sea as well. They were watered from wells just +dug by the Field Troop (R.E.). It is a curious fact that all along this +coast one has only to dig down in the sand a few feet, and there an +inexhaustible supply of fresh water is to be found. It only remains to put +up canvas troughs and hand pumps, and any number of horses can be watered, +as easily as if they were in the best watered country in the world. It is +unfortunate that this is not possible away from the coast. + + +AT JUNCTION STATION. + +At 04.30 on the morning of November 13th, the Brigade moved from its +comfortable quarters at Hamame, nearly due east to Beit Affe, and then +beyond Summeil, where a line was taken over which had been previously held +by another Brigade. On the way the Turks shelled us heavily. It is +surprising how difficult it is to hit a Brigade on the move, in "Line of +Troop Column"; shells often fell right in the centre of a Regiment, yet not +actually hitting a troop or doing any damage whatever! At night we withdrew +from the line, marched on to Tel-et-Turmus, north-west, and slept there in +a deep wadi. The next day at 05.30 we were "on the move" again and pushed +on to El Tine crossing the railway. It was evident, from the amount of kit, +dead animals, etc., on the road, that "Johnny Turk" had not been _dawdling_ +by the way! + +From El Tine we went to Kezaze and thence to Junction Station where our +eyes were gladdened by the sight of a BRICK BUILDING. On reaching the crest +of the ridge the railway leading to Jerusalem suddenly came into view, and, +parallel with it, was seen the main road to that town. Visible for several +miles until lost to sight in the distant hills, it was crowded with +retreating Turks who had been thoroughly surprised at our sudden +appearance. The station appeared to be in flames, but the Turk was still +"showing fight," and in a short time "C" Sub-section attached to the +"S.R.Y." was in action on the ridge south of the railway against the enemy, +who had a position on a hill the other side of it. In about a quarter of +an hour, however, the Turk was seen retiring, and the Sub-section came out +of action and advanced across the railway line to "let him have it" again, +in his new position in front of the village of Khulde. Evening was drawing +near, when orders were received to withdraw to the original position for +the night, and close by there, the Squadron settled down. Before that, +however, they had gone to the station to water, but the supply quickly gave +out and they had to return. Towards midnight, a fresh source having been +tapped, they turned out to water again, none having been had the day +before: _they had been 57 hours without water!_ + +The next day no serious advance was made, but the day following, after +being shelled before starting, the Brigade crossed the railway and went +through Khulde, which had been evacuated. They were heavily shelled and +unable to proceed, as they found the enemy firmly entrenched in the hills. +"D" Sub-section got some targets at Latron.[4] They returned to their old +camp; water by this time had been developed and was no difficulty. The +infantry too had arrived. + +Nothing was done the next day, and everyone was glad of the rest. +Sec.-Lieut. Kindell having contracted dysentery, was sent to hospital. It +was now November 17th, and the Squadron had become seriously reduced in +strength. More men had been lost than horses, and men leading three animals +each accompanied the transport. Two officers and 50 men had been killed, +wounded, or evacuated sick (more than a quarter of the whole Squadron), +whereas only 15 animals had been lost. This left 35 riding horses +_surplus_, men to lead which had to be found. It should be remembered that +losses in a machine gun unit are much more serious than in a regiment. The +teams for the guns have to be maintained, and when these are reduced in +strength an enormous amount of extra work falls on those who remain. + +At 05.30 on November 18th the Brigade went to Khurbet Deiran, 6 miles +north-west, arriving the same morning. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [4] _At Latron was a castle of the Knights of St. John. It was + destroyed by Saladin in A.D. 1191._ + + +THE JEWISH COLONIES OF PALESTINE. + +The first sight of really civilised country was obtained at this period. On +the way, the cultivated areas round Ramleh[5] were visible as far as the +eye could reach. This was indeed a very pleasant change from the barren +and uncultivated tracts--the interminable stretches of rocky and +boulder-strewn ground, intersected by apparently unbounded areas of flat, +dust-covered wastes:-- + + "Dust in heaps and dust in piles, dust in shifting ridges; + Dust and dust for miles and miles, and what 'aint dust is midges". + +So quoth the cynic; and the peculiar part about it is that, wherever are +large stretches of dusty ground, so also _there is the wind!_ and nothing +need be said of the result of a combat between these two forces. + +[Illustration] + +All thoughts of the country left behind, however, were immediately banished +from the mind at the sight of that which lay before us, and anticipation +ran high in the belief that these were the wonderful orange-groves which, +one had heard, were supposed to be situated in this part of Palestine. +Expectations were realised, and on nearing Deiran, orchard upon orchard +were passed with trees bending under the weight of hundreds of large and +delicious Jaffa oranges! Everyone purchased as many as it was possible to +carry, and those who had no available cash, managed to satisfy their wants +by means of barter--incidentally, be it whispered, many an odd tin of +"bully" found its way into the local inhabitants' larders. + +Practically the whole of this part of Palestine, reaching from Deiran to +several miles north of Jaffa, is split up into a number of Jewish Colonies, +settlers under the Zionist movement, and they form the nucleus of the +renascent Jewish nation. Deiran was found to be a well-laid-out village +composed of substantially-built houses of white stone, with red-tiled +roofs, "up-to-date" furniture, and with nice white lace curtains at the +windows. One could almost delude himself into the belief that he was home +again. And the delusion almost became a reality as one caught sight of +pretty young girls dressed in quite smart European frocks, standing in the +doorways with welcoming smiles, and motherly old ladies beaming with +pleasure, who handed large bunches of luscious grapes to the men as they +rode by. It must be remembered that it was only two days since that the +Turks had been somewhat hurriedly ejected from this place. The great +pleasure that these hard-working people experienced could be quite +understood when some of the barbarous acts of the Turks are brought to +mind, they being too well known to be dwelt upon here. Afterwards it was +learned from the inhabitants, that many and great were the impositions +placed upon them; the Turk simply took what he wanted, and should he happen +to take a dislike to anyone, the latter was in danger of having all his +property confiscated, without any explanation whatever being given. + +The day after the Brigade arrived at Deiran they moved via Naane[6] and +Annabe to between Harmash and Nalin, 14 miles north-east. Here they stayed +three days, watering twice daily, at Hadithe, about 3 miles east-north-east +of Ludd. About this time the weather broke and heavy rain set in. This +downpour, accompanied as it was by a considerable fall in the temperature, +was a severe trial for troops attired in summer clothing who, until a few +hours previously, had been suffering from excessive heat! + +At 09.00 on November 23rd they went through Ludd about 16 miles south-east +to Zernuka. The 24th was spent there, and on the 25th they moved in the +afternoon to Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun Kara), 6 miles due north, in reserve to +the Anzacs, as the enemy was becoming active in this quarter. They stayed +here the following day, and men were allowed to go into the town. +Rishon-le-Zion is a pretty little place, and another example of the Zionist +movement. Here are large wine distilleries, and very good wine they make +too! Before the War large quantities were regularly sent to England. + +The next morning (November 27th), the Brigade returned to Zernuka (close to +Akir[7]). They arrived about midday and watered. Late in the afternoon +Lieut. Oakley arrived, bringing 40 remounts and reinforcements for the +Brigade (none for this Squadron unfortunately); he had ridden the 70 miles +from Belah in 30 hours, and had, in fact, only left Cairo at 18.15 on the +24th. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [5] _Ramleh was a city of the Crusaders, and suffered in the wars + between the Franks and Saladin. During the French invasion Napoleon + made this town his headquarters._ + + [6] _Naane; Naamah, see Joshua xv, 41._ + + [7] _Akir = Ekron, see Joshua xv, 11, 45, xix, 43; I Sam. vi; III Kings + i; Jer. xxv, 20; Amos i, 8; Zeph. ii, 4; Zech. iv, 5._ + + +THE BEIT UR ET TAHTA OPERATIONS. + +The British line had been advanced and now extended from the River Auja +north of Jaffa on the coast, south-east to a few miles north-east of +Jerusalem and thence due south. The Turk at this time, although greatly +demoralised, was making some desperate counter-attacks. + +At 17.00 on November 27th, orders were received for a move that night at +21.00. The Brigade was required, in a great hurry, to fill a gap in the +line that the Turks had discovered, and of which they appeared to intend to +take advantage. + +Of the Machine-Gun Squadron, only Headquarters and three sub-sections ("A" +"D" and "E") were to go, but were made up to working strength by men from +"B" and "C" Sub-sections. The Officer Commanding, Capt. Marshall, was +there, and the "second in command," Capt. Davies. Lieut. Price, M.C., still +commanded "E," but Lieut. Cazalet being sick, Lieut. Hibbert took his place +in command of "A". "D" Sub-section was under Sergt. Fleet, who had just +been notified that he had been awarded the Military Medal for his splendid +work at Hudeiwe and elsewhere. + +The forced march to Tahta (a distance of 22 miles), all through the night, +after the previous operations, was "killing". The horses, however, stood +the fast going over rocky ground remarkably well, and a part of the +distance was even covered at the canter! A faint glimmer of dawn was just +visible over the tops of the surrounding hills when the Brigade, on the +morning of the 28th November, arrived, tired, dusty and dishevelled, in the +vicinity of Beit ur et Tahta, a desolate native village, about 12 miles +north-west of Jerusalem and situated at the end of a wadi along the centre +of which ran the road leading from Jimzu.[8] + + FOOTNOTES: + + [8] _Jimzu = Gimzo, see II Chron. xxviii, 18._ + + +A TURKISH SURPRISE ATTACK. + +Immediately upon arrival the horses were off-saddled and fed, the "dixies" +were unearthed from off the pack-saddles and everything pointed to an early +mug of tea and a much-needed rest. Unfortunately, the fates decreed +otherwise, for just as the water was "on the boil" a terrific fusillade of +rifle-fire broke out, seemingly from all sides. Previously to this, there +had been intermittent shelling just to the north of the village, and on the +commencement of the rifle-fire this increased in intensity until things +began to look extremely awkward. A quick glance up at the hills surrounding +the wadi gave no indication as to the source from which the firing +emanated, until, a few minutes later, when several men were seen "doubling +back" down the slope of the hill on the western side of the wadi. These +men were afterwards found to be those holding the outposts in that +particular point of the line. They came with the ominous news that the +outposts were driven in and the Turks were upon us! Almost at once this was +seen to be the case, as the enemy reached the top of the ridge and his fire +began to take its toll of men and animals. + +To gain a proper appreciation of the serious predicament in which the +Brigade was placed at this moment, it will be necessary to understand the +nature of the ground thereabouts. On both sides of the wadi were high +banks, or hills, 60 to 80 feet high, the surface of these being strewn with +large rocks and boulders. The wadi itself was about 20 yards wide with the +road winding its tortuous way down the centre between rocks and boulders +worn smooth by the passage of water which, ages ago, had run its course +from the hills. Packed in this wadi was the Brigade, absolutely at the +mercy of the withering fire of the enemy, almost from overhead. + +Immediately everything became an orderly bustle and excitement. Squadrons +of the two Yeomanry regiments were dispatched to take up defensive +positions. The Officer Commanding ordered "E" Sub-section to come into +action on the side of the hill, about 400 yards away to the left, against +a Mosque which was strongly held, and whence most of the fire appeared to +be coming. They "man-handled" their guns and took up good positions, the +rocks affording them a certain amount of cover. The gun-teams at that time +consisted of four men each, who were naturally rather exhausted after the +"trek" and rush-into-action, carrying the guns. + +These teams were composed as follows:-- + +Lance-Corpl. Grice Lance-Corpl. Thompson. +Pte. Willmore Pte. Duncan + " Crossman " Joiner + " Goldie " Roberts. + +They opened fire upon the Mosque at a range of 700 yards with good effect, +silencing two enemy machine-guns. + +After being in action about half-an-hour the "S.R.Y." sent to Lieut. Price +to deal with a party of Turks who were bringing fire to bear on their rear. +The Turks were found to be in a trench with a machine-gun. Fire was opened +on them, and all were killed except one man who escaped, mounted. Attention +was then directed to the Mosque, where the Turks were still causing some +trouble. "Covering-fire" was given to the "S.R.Y." who attacked, but +without entire success and had to withdraw. In the end the Turk was +ejected, however, and he was not able again to occupy it. + +During the day's fighting Pte. Crossman had been wounded. + + +DEATH OF LIEUT. PRICE, M.C. + +At night both guns were placed about 50 yards apart, facing up the hill. +Working hard during the night, the enemy built a breastwork on the top of +the hill, and the flash of their machine-gun fire could be seen directed +from that position across the front of the Mosque, apparently to prevent it +being occupied. About midnight Lieut. Price was walking along the line +having a look-out and had just passed his right-hand gun when he was +unfortunately hit by a bullet in the groin. Lance-Corpl. Grice at once had +him bandaged up and carried down to the dressing station by Ptes. Baker and +Roberts. To the sorrow of all his comrades, however, he died in the Field +Ambulance. He was taken to Ramleh, where he was buried. + +Just after Lieut. Price was hit, Sergt. Hawkins, who had only arrived a few +days previously, but rendered splendid service on this his first day's +fighting, was wounded (he was afterwards awarded the Military Medal) and +Corpl. Franklin then came up to take charge. He reported the casualties to +Squadron Headquarters when S.S.M. Larwood came up and "took over," sending +him to resume charge of the led horses. + +In the morning, before daylight, the guns were moved further up the hill in +line with the infantry (Scottish Rifles), who had arrived the previous +evening and advanced after dark. It was during this morning's operations +that Pte. Cowley was unfortunately wounded. The Turkish defenders of the +breastwork, after being submitted to heavy fire, came in under a German +N.C.O. and surrendered, upon which the infantry went up and occupied their +late position. The infantry soon had to fall back again, however, owing to +heavy shell fire, when the Turks re-occupied it. During the day there was a +certain amount of bombing and sniping on both sides, during which Pte. +Joiner was killed. He had been trying to account for the sniper himself, +and upon being ordered to go down the hill to see about the rations for his +sub-section he was hit as soon as he moved. + +After dark our infantry once more attacked the position, but were again +unsuccessful. At about 01.00 infantry machine-gunners came up to relieve, +being shown the way by Corpl. Franklin. The guns had to be carried down to +the led horses, as firing was still pretty hot; the ground, besides, was so +rough that it was impossible even to lead the pack animals over it. Just +before coming out of action S.S.M. Larwood and Pte. Goldie were both +unfortunately wounded, the latter so seriously that he passed away six days +later and was buried at Junction Station. + + +"A" SUB-SECTION IN ACTION. + +In the meantime the other Sub-sections had been "doing things" too. For +example, as soon as the enemy opened fire, "A" Sub-section was detailed to +join the "S.N.H." and moved over to the western side of the wadi, under +cover of the hill, where this regiment was situated; orders were received +to mount the guns on the top of this hill. After a difficult passage, under +a heavy fire, to the position indicated, the guns were brought into action +and opened fire immediately. + +It was not even necessary to adjust sights, as the enemy were within +"point-blank" range. Enfilading the enemy these guns were raking his flank +with fire, whilst he was preparing to make a final rush down into the wadi. +Had not this move been circumvented in the "nick of time," it is +impossible to estimate the disastrous consequences which would have ensued. +Almost at once, the deadly fire of the two machine-guns began to tell their +tale, and odd Turks here and there suddenly remembered "a very urgent +appointment". Within an hour the top of this hill was cleared, and the +enemy were seen to be concentrating on the further ridge. From this +vantage-point he kept up a brisk fire, both with machine-guns and rifles, +and it was an extremely risky undertaking to show one's head above the +particular rock behind which one was taking cover. Their fire, however, was +returned with interest, and it helped to make "Johnny" arrive at the +decision that it would be a very unwise thing to attack again that day, +although he _did_ once make a half-hearted attempt to regain his former +position, which was promptly frustrated. + +This state of things continued throughout the day, but the exposed position +of these two guns began to make itself very evident, as the enemy's field +guns, firing from the right flank, began to get the "hang of things" there. +It was, indeed, only by a miracle that both gun-teams were not entirely +wiped out! Night fell with the position of affairs pretty much the same, +but, later on, a welcome respite was afforded by the cessation of the +shell-fire, although machine-gun and rifle fire still continued, and if +anything, with greater intensity. + +At about midnight, a tremendous "strafe" commenced a little to the left, +bombs and flares were freely used, and although no attempt was made to +force the position, everything was in readiness, should the Turk have +decided to do so. Our left-hand gun had been moved forward to command the +approach to the ridge from which the Turks were driven earlier in the day. +At daybreak enemy shells again commenced to fall, and it soon became quite +apparent that no rest would be obtained that day. The enemy's artillery +left little to be desired from his point of view, as regards accuracy of +range, although considering the amount of shells expended our casualties +were comparatively slight. + +At about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, figures were observed to be moving on +the top of a hill about 500 yards away on our left; they seemed to be +making towards a mosque, situated at the end of the ridge. Our two machine +guns were immediately turned upon them, when the whole of the hill-side +suddenly became _alive_ with Turks, who, scared out of their cover, fled +to the further side of the ridge. A trench-mortar battery, which had come +up during the previous night, and had taken up a position about a quarter +of a mile in the rear, opened fire at once; it is feared that "Johnny" then +had a very rough and uncomfortable 10 minutes. Chase was given by some +troops in the vicinity, with the result that practically the whole of these +enemy forces were either killed or taken prisoner. This little +_contretemps_ stirred up the wrath of "our friend the enemy" somewhat, and +he strafed us continually until nightfall. At 10 o'clock, word was received +that the Brigade was to be relieved, the situation now being considered +well in hand; accordingly, about an hour later, a Lewis gun detachment of +the Scottish Rifles took over our position, and the Sub-section then +withdrew. + +Meanwhile, "D" Sub-section had been strenuously engaged, and held back the +enemy on their part of the line. Full advantage was taken of every target +that presented itself, and heavy losses were inflicted upon the Turk. + + +OUR LED-HORSES AT TAHTA. + +When we first arrived at Tahta, as soon as fire was opened on us, the +led-horses were saddled as quickly as possible and sent back under +Sub-section Corporals to cover. They had moved off only 20 yards, when +Lance-Corpl. Carr was killed. He was buried by Corpl. Rose and Pte. Wick +that day, close to where the Brigade-Major was buried, a cross being, +temporarily, put up to mark his grave. + +The disposal of the led-horses presented a serious difficulty from the +outset; their numbers were being fast reduced by casualties, and something +had to be done to save them. It was impossible, obviously, to withdraw them +the same way as they had been brought, the Turk having got astride of the +road about half a mile below. Ultimately it was decided "to make a dash for +it," and to take the horses right over the hill on the eastern side of the +wadi, although while this was being done, they would be exposed even more +than ever to the enemy's fire. This dangerous undertaking was, however, +eventually successfully accomplished. The wadi was now, more or less, clear +of men and animals, although the place was littered with killed and +wounded. Here and there were to be seen animals with limbs broken, +struggling to follow in the wake of their companions. + +In their new position the led-horses, although rather more comfortable, +were not, by any means, safe. All the "packs" and officers' horses were +kept here, but the remainder, including all the horses of the regiments, +were taken right back to Zernuka, or rather Akir, to which place the +remainder of the Squadron left behind had moved. + +At daybreak the next morning, when the enemy's artillery opened fire, the +"packs" received a very severe shaking, and during the morning several of +the mules were hit by shell splinters. Pte. Heathcote was killed by a shell +at 10.30 whilst attending one of the wounded mules here; Pte. Rush was hit +in the shoulder, an hour afterwards, and was taken to the Field Ambulance. + + +A SAD CEREMONY. + +Upon the second (and last) night at Tahta, a very pathetic, but stirring, +burial-ceremony was held at about 21.00, which those privileged to attend +will remember to the end of their days. The ground selected for the burials +was a little gully running off the main wadi. Dead animals, horses, mules +and camels lay all around; upturned wagons and limbers were to be seen +everywhere. During the deep roar and vivid flashes of our guns, just to the +rear, and the sharp crack of bullets striking the rocks just above, the +solemn and earnest words of our Chaplain could be heard. Above all, the +full moon, bathing the gully in a bright light, combined to make a fitting +background for the laying-to-rest of those who had been called upon to make +the "supreme sacrifice". + +On leaving Tahta the Squadron marched on foot to the vicinity of El Burj +(guns on packs), arriving before daylight (November 30th). Here they stayed +for the day, in reserve, cleaning guns, etc. At 18.00, that night, they +moved nearer El Burj in support of the Australians, arriving about 21.00. +Nothing happened; but the Squadron stayed all night and the next day. That +night they moved into El Burj; next morning (December 2nd) they returned, +and found their horses awaiting them. Headquarters, "A," "D" and "E" +Sub-sections now re-joined "B" and "C" Sub-sections and transport. It was +not likely that the Squadron would be required again in the Tahta district, +except in an emergency, as the country was quite unsuitable for cavalry +tactics; as it turned out, they were not destined to do any more fighting +for a long time to come. + +But the British advance had by no means been stopped, in spite of the check +in the hills. The absence of roads and shortage of water here, made +operations exceedingly difficult, and it was decided to attack the Turkish +positions covering Jerusalem, from the south-west and west, instead of from +the north-west. The troops were moved into position, and the main attack +was launched at dawn on December 8th. This attack was immediately +successful and resulted in the surrender of Jerusalem by the Turks to the +60TH DIVISION on the morning of Sunday, December 9th. Thus, after four +centuries of conquest, the Turk was ridding the land of his presence in the +bitterness of defeat. _On this same day_, 2082 years before, another race +of conquerors, equally detested, were looking their last on the city which +they could not hold, and, inasmuch as the liberation of Jerusalem in 1917 +will probably ameliorate the lot of the Jews more than that of any other +community in Palestine, it was fitting that the flight of the Turks should +have coincided with the national festival of the Hanukah, which +commemorates the re-capture of the Temple from the heathen Seleucids by +Judas Maccabæus in 165 B.C. + + + + +PART III. + + +AFTER JERUSALEM--A REST! + +During the last-mentioned operations, the Squadron had lost three officers +and 67 men (out of the total of seven officers and 182 men, with which it +started from Amr), and had only received one officer and three men as +reinforcements. The losses in animals were: 50 riding horses, 15 draught +and pack animals and one donkey. Of these animals, 25 had been killed at +Tahta alone, and, considering that the Squadron had covered nearly 300 +miles in five weeks, the losses due to fatigue, etc., were remarkably +small. It was now necessary that the Squadron be re-equipped and +re-organised, but reinforcements and remounts had first to be obtained, +when training could be re-commenced. At length on December 5th Sergt. +Knowles and Sergt. Lewis, with 10 reinforcements, arrived from the base; +Sergt. Knowles being posted to "D" Sub-section and Sergt. Lewis to "E". +Both these Sergeants did excellent work. Unfortunately, Sergt. Lewis went +to hospital shortly after he arrived, and was not able to return for a long +time; owing to ill-health and bad luck, neither of them was able to go into +action with the sub-sections they did so much towards making efficient. A +fortnight was spent at Akir in complete rest, after which the Brigade +moved, via El Mughar and Beshshit, to the sand hills north-east of Esdud +and about 1-1/2 miles from the coast. + + +"RE-GROUPING" AT ESDUD.[9] + +Conditions were not too pleasant here, but they might, perhaps, have been a +great deal worse! The weather was very wet and cold and the sudden change +from summer to winter was trying, even for the strongest constitutions. +Being upon sand, the camp and district was certainly free from mud, but in +order to water the horses a great sea of mud had to be gone through twice a +day in order to reach the troughs that were erected at the Wadi Sukereir, +two miles away. Warm clothing was issued out to all, and when fresh meat +came up from the base, the members of the Squadron felt that they were +enjoying luxury indeed! + +December 21st brought a draft of 18 good fellows; the N.C.O.'s included +Lance-Corpls. Gage, Laycock, Peach, Prior and Salter. + +December 22nd saw the return of six old members of the Squadron who had +gone to hospital during the last days of the "stunt," including Corpl. +Franklin; he, however, had only been away a fortnight. Lieut. Millman and +the personnel of "F" Section who went to Gamli from Amr, and afterwards to +Belah, re-joined the Squadron at Esdud. + +The Officer Commanding now grouped the Sub-sections together to form three +sections. "No. 1" Section (consisting of "A" and "C" Sub-sections), under +Lieut. Cazalet and Lieut. Oakley; "No. 2" Section ("B" and "D" +Sub-sections) under Lieut. Hibbert and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell (now returned +from hospital); "No. 3" Section ("E" and "F" Sub-sections) under Lieut. +Millman ("F" Sub-section was still without horses). Sergt. Fleet, M.M., of +"D" Sub-section had been promoted S.S.M., after S.S.M. Larwood had been +wounded. Sergt. Knowles took his place in "D" on arrival. Reinforcements, +and the Belah party, brought the five Sub-sections up to a reasonable +strength: such was the position of affairs when Xmas drew near. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [9] _Esdud = Ashdod of the Bible, one of the Philistine cities: See + Joshua xiii, 3; I Samuel v; II Chron. xxvi, 6; Isaiah xx, 1; Neh. xiii, + 23; Jeremiah xxv, 20; Amos i, 8, iii, 9; Zeph. ii, 4; Zech. ix, 6. In + New Testament called Azotus, Acts viii, 40._ + + +A "MERRY" XMAS, 1917. + +Everyone had been hoping to have _a real good time_ this Christmas, to make +up for the hardships endured through the "stunt". Puddings, beer and other +good things, it was known, were on the way up, but, owing to difficulties +with the bridge over the Wadi Ghuzze which interrupted railway traffic, +when the day arrived, nothing had reached camp! The "goods" eventually +turned up in time for the New Year but, there being a not very large +percentage of Scotsmen in the Squadron, this did not make up for the +disappointment at Xmas. Further, the weather on the day itself was +certainly about the worst of the whole winter; blowing hard and raining +incessantly, it was scarcely with a feeling of contentment that the men +"turned in" that night--all doubtless thinking of brighter surroundings in +the old country! + + +A BAD START IN 1918--BETTER TIMES FOLLOW! + +The first thing to happen in 1918 was a _MOVE_ to Belah; nights being spent +at Medjel and Gaza on the way. The animals in the Brigade had not yet +recovered from their previous exertions, and many a horse, unable to go +further, had unfortunately to be led away and shot. Crossing the railway at +Belah and turning to the west towards the fresh-water lake, the Brigade +went round the north-end of the latter, right on to the low cliffs at the +sea-shore, where the camp was to be located. There seemed to be promise of +better times here than had been experienced at Esdud. The water for the +horses was fairly close at hand _and there was no mud_. + +The Brigade being now south of the bridge over the Wadi Ghuzze, rations +were also likely to be better and the mail more regular; there was, in +addition, a _CANTEEN_ at Belah! + +Many changes in personnel took place about this time. Before leaving Esdud +S.Q.M.S. Harrison, Corpl. Barrett, Lance-Corpl. Blenkin, Ptes. Dransfield, +F.W. Harrison, Ellams and Hadden left to become cadets in the R.A.F. Sergt. +Fisher was promoted S.Q.M.S. Capt. Spencer, M.C., had arrived, being posted +as second in command, but was reposted a few days later, to the same +position which he had previously held in the 18th Squadron. Capt. L.F. St. +John Davies, M.C., arrived from the 21st Squadron the day Capt. Spencer +left, and became second in command. Lieut. G.M. King was posted from the +17th Squadron (January 8th), and Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. Arden arrived from the +base (January 19th); Sec.-Lieut. Kindell was admitted to hospital again, +but he returned within a few weeks. + +Reinforcements continued to arrive, consisting of both old and new faces: +January 6th, Lance.-Corpl. Keatley and six men; January 7th, Lance.-Corpl. +G. Neal and 11 men; January 17th, Lance.-Corpl. Smith and 15 men; January +23rd, Saddler Hayward and eight men. Sec.-Lieut. Arden formed "F" +Sub-section; remounts being now available. The Squadron thus became +complete, having six Sub-sections. The training commenced, mounted drill, +elementary gun drill, mechanism, "I.A.", special classes for range-finding, +signalling, also lectures. N.C.O.'s were instructed in indirect fire. +Lieut. Hibbert left for leave in the United Kingdom on February 10th, and +Lieut. King took his place in "B" Sub-section, and O.C. "No. 2" Section. + +[Illustration] + +On February 18th, Capt. D. Marshall, M.C., proceeded on leave to the United +Kingdom, and Capt. L.F. St. John Davies, M.C., became O.C., with Lieut. +Oakley second in command. On returning to the E.E.F. Capt. Marshall was +posted to the 17th Squadron. On February 22nd the Brigade moved north to +Gaza,[10] or rather to about 1-1/2 miles south of it. Here there was a +fair amount of grazing, and the animals were taken out every day for that +purpose. They had been very slow in picking up condition, and it was hoped +that this would do the necessary, as indeed it did. + +The camp was arranged in the form of a square, a favourite formation with +the Squadron, and a safe one during air raids. Water was a mile away in the +Wadi Ghuzze, and rations were drawn from Gaza. On February 25th, Lieut. +Oakley went to hospital; Lieut. King became second in command. On February +26th, Lieut. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., arrived, and was posted to "No. 1" +Section, taking command of "C" Sub-section. Training continued as at Belah, +and on February 28th there was a Divisional Field Day--"crossing the Wadi +Ghuzze," in which the 20th and 21st Squadrons were combined under Capt. +R.O. Hutchinson, M.C., of the 21st. + +On March 4th another Divisional Scheme took place on the hills south-east +of the camp, the object being to intercept and defeat an imaginary enemy +(represented in skeleton), advancing from Tel el Jemmi. This manoeuvre was +satisfactorily performed. + +On the 7th a pleasant diversion was made by a race meeting held by our +neighbours, the 22nd Mounted Brigade. They had taken great trouble in +preparing the course for both steeplechases and flat races, and on the day, +a scene was presented very similar to a meeting at home, except for the +absence of the ladies. On March 13th, Sec.-Lieut. J.W. Cummer arrived, and +was posted to "C" Sub-section, Lieut. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., being now +second in command of the Squadron--a post which he held without +interruption until he became Officer Commanding. On March 22nd, Sergt. +Wright, who had been with the Squadron since its formation, left for an +infantry cadet course at Zeitoun. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [10] _Gaza, see Judges xvi and l, 18; Genesis x, 19; Deut. ii, 23; Jer. + xxv, 20, xlvii, 1, 5; Josh. xi, 22, xv, 47; I Kings iv, 24 (Azzah); + Amos i, 7; Jeph. ii, 4; Zech. ix, 5; Acts viii, 26._ + + +INSPECTION BY H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT. + +News was at this time received that H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught would +shortly inspect our Brigade, which was now commanded by Brig.-Gen. G.V. +Clarke, D.S.O. Several preliminary parades were, therefore, held, the +inspection ultimately taking place on March 15th. After the march-past the +Brigade was formed into a Square and H.R.H. expressed his high satisfaction +with its appearance, and congratulated all ranks on their work of the +previous year. After this speech he decorated the officers, N.C.O.'s and +men, who had won distinction during the operations. + +[Illustration: At Belah. + +Officers, Warrant Officer and Sergeants.] + +The 7th Brigade races were held on the 21st, and provided a good day's +sport, but the engagement was rather spoiled by an almost continuous +downpour of rain. Towards the end of March the "O.C." stated that he would +shortly hold two test "turn-outs". At last, one morning, sub-sections were +suddenly ordered to parade at once, in _marching order_ by the troughs at +the Wadi Ghuzze a mile away. "D" Sub-section was the first to arrive there, +and the whole Squadron was at the rendezvous _within 55 minutes_--a most +creditable performance! + +The next "turn-out" was a practice "Air alarm". Ten guns were mounted +outside the camp itself, all men took cover and the line-guards tripled in +1 minute 50 seconds! + +A pleasant day's sport was provided by a friendly competition between the +Squadron and the Field Ambulance--races, mounted sports, jumping, driving, +etc.--and our Squadron proved successful in most of the events. + +On April 1st, orders were received that the Brigade would move, the next +day, back to the area previously occupied at Belah! They duly arrived, and +the Machine-Gun Squadron took over identically the same camp as before, +except that the "lines" were 100 yards further south. A few days after +arriving here, rumours got around that several units _were to be +dismounted_! Up till this time it was thought that this was the last thing +that was likely to happen after their success in the last operations, and +the knowledge of the country and open warfare that the troops had thereby +gained. Unfortunately, the rumour proved to be only too true, and _two +regiments in each Brigade_ were ordered to hand over their horses and +proceed to the base. Here they underwent a course of training for the +Machine-Gun Corps, after which they embarked for France, formed into +Machine-Gun Battalions. The 7th Brigade having only two regiments, lost +only one--the South Notts Hussars, that being the junior. At least two +"graves" may be seen at Belah, each bearing an inscription headed by +"R.I.P." and a broken spur! Also an "IN MEMORIAM" to the lost horses of the +South Notts Hussars and the Warwick Yeomanry! The mock-ceremonies, however, +were carried out _in all sincerity_, as, who was there who did not feel +that he had lost a true friend, in being parted from his horse? + +On April 7th, the 20th Squadron lent its horses to the Warwick Yeomanry to +take them to the station, and on the 8th, to the "S.N.H." for the same +purpose. Ill-luck, however, attended these regiments. After going through +their course of training they embarked at Alexandria, but they were no +sooner out at sea than their vessel was torpedoed and sunk! Many lives were +lost, including Lieut. Morris, who will be remembered by all for his +activities in the theatrical line, as, under his able direction, the +"S.N.H. AND THE 20TH COMBINED CONCERT PARTY" provided us with a very +excellent performance at Gaza. + +Shortly after the departure of the "S.N.H.", the "S.R.Y." were called upon +to assist in an attack on the other side of the Jordan. This operation was +pushed right into the enemy country, past Es Salt, which is the most +difficult ground imaginable for cavalry, but, circumstances developing in +an unexpected manner, a withdrawal had to be made. This movement was +accomplished in a truly splendid fashion. The affair, however, was not +carried out without casualties, unfortunately, and the "S.R.Y." had to +mourn the loss of Capt. Layton, one of its most prominent Squadron leaders. + + +ARRIVAL OF INDIAN TROOPS. + +The absence of the "S.R.Y." left the 7th Mounted Brigade with only the +B.H.Q. 20th M.G. Squadron, Essex Battery, Cav. F.A. and M.V.S. But it soon +became known that Indian Cavalry Regiments had arrived from France, and +were to take the place of the regiments that had been dismounted for the +M.G.C., and also to increase the number of cavalry in the country. An +advance-party at length arrived in the Brigade, consisting of an officer +from each regiment that was to join it, and these proved to be the "20th +Deccan Horse" and "34th Poona Horse". Soon afterwards the regiments +themselves arrived by train, with their horses. How these regiments would +settle down in this country after their experience in France was at first a +subject of interest to the Squadron. But the surroundings resembled, in +some respects, their native India, and they were soon "at home". They only +needed to forget the cramped warfare of the trenches in France and to +practise real cavalry tactics again, to become a true part of the "E.E.F.". +It was also evident, from the brightness of their steelwork, that they +would be second to none in any _ceremonial_ parade. + +Training continued, and the Squadron was getting very efficient, both in +the technical and tactical handling of guns. Barrage-drill (the latest +introduction from Grantham), was practised, and an exhibition barrage, +fired out to sea, proved very instructive. On April 18th, there was an +"Action" competition for sub-sections under their respective Sergeants. +They came into action at the gallop on targets at 400 yards range. "B" +Sub-section was judged "best" with "A" Sub-section second. + +Summer was rapidly approaching, and on May 15th "Reveille" had been altered +to 04.45 to allow of the heat of the day being spent, as far as possible, +in rest. An inter-unit sports competition, held with the Essex Battery, was +exciting, and included a race on donkeys between the respective officers +commanding! The total results gained were rather in favour of the Essex +Battery. + +During April a subscription list was opened for a Memorial to the fallen in +the campaign, to be built in Jerusalem to which the Squadron subscribed +£E14. + +Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M., returned on April 11th, having quite recovered from +the wound he received at Tahta. He was posted to "A" Sub-section. On the +21st Lieut. Cazalet was admitted to hospital. + +During April Belah was considerably brightened, two large stationary +hospitals being erected, to manage which _a staff of nurses arrived_! They +certainly must have found Belah a quaint place after the civilised +conditions to which they had been accustomed at Cairo and Alexandria, and +in the course of their journey, as well as subsequently, they must have +suffered many discomforts. Introductions, however, were hastily effected, +and very soon, on afternoons, ladies could be seen out, riding with members +of the British forces of the opposite sex. + +[Illustration] + +Several ladies graced a concert given in the Squadron camp, being conducted +there by certain gallants in two "G.S." wagons and "fours-in-hand"! Another +diversion to the monotony here, was a trip to Jerusalem, which was well +worth the tiring journey, although many were disappointed in the +"side-show-at-an-exhibition" effect, which many of the most sacred spots +presented. It was, however, gratifying to think, that this, the home of our +religion, for which the Crusaders had fought and died, was at last _rescued +from the hands of the infidel_. Ten days' leave was granted to Cairo, Port +Said and Alexandria, but "turns" were necessarily very slow in coming +round. + + +WE MOVE TO SARONA. + +The month of May heralded another "move," and at 09.00 on the 4th, the +Brigade concentrated at the north end of Belah lake and set off northwards. +Nights being spent, successively, three miles north-east of Gaza; two miles +north-east of El Mejdel; one mile east of Wadi Sukereir (heavy downpour of +rain on this day). On the 7th the trail led along the edge of the +sand-dunes and through Yebna[11] to Wadi Hanen. Here a halt of two hours +was made, to water and feed. The country was very picturesque, being +thickly planted with orange-groves, whilst here and there a red-tiled +building was to be seen. At 13.00 the march was continued through +Rishon-le-Zion to the main Jaffa-Ramleh road which is a thoroughly good +metal one. Along this a few miles, thence north to Sarona, two miles +north-east of Jaffa. + +Arriving at Sarona at 16.30, the Squadron encamped beside an orange-grove +and adjoining the Aerodrome. It may here be mentioned that Sarona before +the war was a German colony, and from its appearance, must have been a +prosperous one. The main street is lined on both sides with detached and +semi-detached houses, mostly with red tiles, prettily designed. Fir trees +are abundant and help to make a pleasing picture. Outside the village there +are many orange-groves and vineyards, each with its red-tiled house, which +has, either inside or in a separate building, a well with an engine for +pumping water into a stone cistern, from which it is allowed to run, as +required, along concrete gullies, and thus distributed over the land, +irrigating it. + +In consequence of the camp proving insanitary the morning after arrival, +the Squadron moved about half a mile nearer the coast into a vineyard! This +was an exceedingly pretty spot, from which an excellent view of Jaffa could +be obtained; a few trees provided us with the unaccustomed luxury of some +shade. The Brigade was attached to the 21st Infantry Corps and was "Corps +Reserve". A training-area was allotted, and every morning the Squadron went +out for mounted training through the village across the narrow gauge "Heath +Robinson" railway, and through the orange-groves out to the area beyond +Point 275 and north of the Village of Selmeh. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [11] _Yebna = Jabneh of the Bible, see Josh xv, 11; II Chron. xxvi, 6. + There are ruins of a Crusaders' Church here._ + + +INTERESTING TACTICAL INSTRUCTION. + +Capt. St. J. Davies, M.C., often gave each section a special task, or +ordered them to concentrate at some place he might select from the map. +Some of these little "stunts" were quite interesting, as often two sections +would set off in almost opposite directions and yet they would arrive at +the rendezvous at practically the same time! + +On one of these occasions the horses were taken to the little River +Auja[12] two miles north of the camp, and made to swim across, attached to +an endless rope, being afterwards followed by the men. + +On May 23rd the Brigade practised a "concentration" just north of the Auja +and south-west of Sheik Muannis. Our Squadron did well! It arrived at the +point three miles away, in full marching order within 40 minutes from the +time the order was received. On May 28th, the Brigade moved forward north +of the Auja, in reserve for the attack by the 7th Indian Division, but this +movement was merely intended to capture a few enemy posts in order to +narrow "no man's land," and thus bring ourselves into closer touch with the +enemy. The Brigade remained "standing-by" at half an hour's notice until +the evening of the 30th, when it returned to camp. + +A Brigade scheme took place on June 7th, "No. 1" Section operated with the +Poona Horse and one Squadron of "S.R.Y."; Nos. 2 and 3 Sections with the +Deccan Horse and "S.R.Y." (less one squadron). On the 13th, another scheme +was practised, "_Defence of the Dahr Selmeh Ridge_". A regimental scheme +with the Poona Horse was also practised, besides several Squadron +manoeuvres. + +Sometimes the Squadron would go out before breakfast for the whole day, the +usual routine of camp being carried on wherever they halted; returning +"home" in the afternoon. One of these excursions brought the Squadron to +the Jewish village of Mulebbis, where oranges could be bought by the +cart-load. Two limbers were, therefore, taken back to camp fully loaded up; +this was a discovery much appreciated by all, and two days later a fresh +supply was sent for. Another local product bought at Jaffa and distilled at +Rishon-le-Zion, was red wine. It was very good too! Bought by the Squadron +canteen in large barrels, it was sold at 2-1/2 pt. (6d.) a pint. + +The Squadron canteen was doing a good trade at this time. The N.A.C.B. at +Jaffa kept a good stock, and Lance-Corpl. Prior rode down every day and +bought large quantities of all kinds of provisions, as well as barrels of +beer. + +Jaffa, where the well-known Jaffa oranges are grown, is rather more like a +European town than others in the country, but still is not to be compared +in any respect with a British town of the same size.[13] A very good +Y.M.C.A. was established there, in which was a picture-house which provided +welcome amusement in the evening. Daily bathing parades were instituted; +the camp being barely a mile from the sea. The usual procedure was to ride +to the shore and "link" horses. The men would then bathe and ride back. +Quite half the horses were taken in the sea with the men, and they seemed +to enjoy the sea just as much, after the first experience. + +[Illustration] + +Reinforcements to the Squadron during May included Lieut. F.R. Wilgress +(Lovats Scouts), who was posted to "A" Sub-section (and became Officer +Commanding No. 1); Sergt. Lewis ("E" Sub-section), Lance-Corpls. Collett, +Fuller and S.S. Fox. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [12] _River Auja, the Mejarkon of Joshua xix, 46, one of the boundaries + of the tribe of Dan._ + + [13] _Jaffa, stated to be the scene of the Legend of Perseus and + Andromeda, is the Joppa and Japho of Scripture, see Josh. xix, 46; II + Chron. ii, 16; Ezra iii, 7; Jonah i, 3; Matt. xii, 40; Acts ix, 36, x, + 9. A house said to be that of Simon the Tanner can be seen in the town. + In A.D. 1799 when Napoleon invaded Palestine, he marched 10,000 men + across the desert from Egypt, took El Arish and Gaza easily, but met + with great resistance at Jaffa. Finally, the town was taken, and then + 4,000 prisoners were murdered in cold blood after life had been + promised them._ + + +INSECT LIFE IN PALESTINE. + +[Illustration] + +As has been said, the camp, when it was first taken over, was a +particularly pleasant one, but, as the summer advanced, flies became so +numerous as to affect the health of the Squadron; the trees and bushes +which at first had been looked on as an advantage, now provided excellent +breeding places for the pests. South of Beersheba there are places where +the ground is so thick with beetles that it is difficult to walk without +treading on them at every step; at other places lizards are just as +numerous, and they are as active as mice. In most parts of Palestine +centipedes abound; these, if knocked off the skin in any other but the +direction in which they are moving, are liable to cause a very bad +inflammation and perhaps blood poisoning. Scorpions and tarantula spiders +(which are just as poisonous); snakes which are deadly; sandflies, which +cause a bad fever for several days; mosquitoes, which can inject malignant +malarial germs capable of causing death in a few hours--these are a few of +the many tortures. But of all these pests _the common house fly_, if in +sufficient numbers, is a greater source of annoyance than any, besides +being a spreader of disease. There certainly must have been millions upon +millions of these flies, even within (say) 20 square yards! + +Every effort was made to keep the flies down and "straffers" (a piece of +wire gauze about three inches square provided with a handle) were issued. +With these instruments, the flies were killed as fast as the "straffers" +could be brought down upon them. Medical officers inspected the camp and +pronounced the sanitation excellent; yet the flies continued to flourish! +The result of this fly-pest is seen in the number of men that were admitted +to hospital from our Squadron: weeks ending May 10th, three; 17th, six; +24th, eight; 31st, three; June 7th, six; 14th, eight; 21st, nine; 28th, +sixteen (including two officers, Lieut. Millman and Lieut. King); total 59, +_i.e._ more than a quarter of the whole strength _within eight weeks_, and +all for sickness, believed to be caused by flies! + + +THE "R.A.F." AT SARONA. + +As mentioned before, the Squadron camp overlooked the Aerodrome, and many +fine exhibitions of flying were seen there. Boche planes paid us a visit +occasionally, but that was only when none of ours were "up," and as soon as +our men got moving he made off at top speed. Yet, the Boche brought off two +_coups_ that were, no doubt, pleasing to him! It should be mentioned that +the British had one, sometimes two, observation balloons in this sector, +from which the enemy's line, and the country behind it, could be seen very +distinctly indeed, thus enabling our artillery to make it very unpleasant +for any of the enemy's troops, not entrenched; the Turk, on the other hand, +had no such opportunities. Our balloons, therefore, became special objects +of the Turk's attention, and on two occasions, when he flew over to attack +them, he was successful in bringing down on the first occasion two, and the +second time one--in flames! Fortunately, the observers were all able _to +make their descent in parachutes_! The Turk escaped, but only just in +time--our machines were quickly on his "heels," and in spite of all his +attentions, the following day found another British balloon in position +just as if nothing had happened! + +[Illustration: At Sarona. + +A view from our camp. R.A.F. Hangars can be seen in the distance.] + + +SQUADRON COMPETITIONS. + +The Squadron, by this time, had made great progress in its training. It +was, however, prevented from reaching that high state of efficiency which +is always aimed at--owing to the constant change in its _personnel_, which +was due to such numbers "going sick" to hospital. + +A series of inter-sub-section competitions, however, was organised by the +Officer Commanding, which were spread over a few weeks and proved very +popular. The principal events were:-- + + "_Detachment Competition in Marching Order_"; points being given for + condition of animals and general turn-out--Won by No. 1 Detachment of + "E" Sub-section, under Lance-Corpl. Smith. + + "_Limber Competition_"--Won by "D" Sub-section (Drivers Harris and + Collier, who also won a previous competition at Belah). + + "_Action Competition_," under Sub-section Sergeants; points given for-- + + I. _Control_--(A) Drill; (B) Led Horses; (C) Fire Orders, etc. + + II. _Time_--taken from command "Action" to when led horses move + back. + + III. _Gun Handling, Concealment and Shooting_ (won by "D" + Sub-section, under Sergt. Pearse). + + "_Belt Filling by Limber Drivers_" (won by "C" Sub-section). + + "_Stripping, Adjustment, Minor Repairs and Immediate Action_" (1st, + Lance-Corpl. Salter; 2nd, Lance-Corpl. Galway). + + +INSPECTION BY THE "C.-IN-C.". + +In consequence of the increased number of cavalry which had arrived in the +country, the 7th Mounted Brigade now formed part of a Division, instead of +being an independent Brigade, as heretofore. This Division, which was +commanded by Major-Gen. H.J.M. MacAndrew, C.B., D.S.O., was at first styled +the "2nd Mounted Division," but, later on, it was altered to the "_5th +Cavalry Division_," comprising the 13th, 14th (the old 7th Mounted), and +15th (Imperial Service), Cavalry Brigades. + +On June 27th, the Squadron paraded with the Brigade, in full marching +order, for an inspection of the Division by the "C.-in-C.". They marched to +the plain, north of Rishon-le-Zion, and were there duly inspected and +"marched past," after which units returned to camp, independently. The +"C.-in-C." expressed his high appreciation of the new Division. The next +morning (June 28th 1918) a Divisional tactical scheme was carried out, and +it was somewhat surprising to all ranks upon returning to camp, that orders +were received _for the Brigade to move that night at 01.00_! + +[Illustration] + + + + +PART IV. + + +MARCH TO THE JORDAN VALLEY. + +Before proceeding with a description of the Squadron's "trek" to the Jordan +Valley, it might be desirable to enlighten the reader as to the actual +position of affairs at the "front". + +[Illustration] + +After the capture of Jerusalem on December 9th 1917, the Turk made one +forlorn effort to re-capture it. This attempt met with not the slightest +success, and afterwards (in February 1918), he was driven down into the +Jordan Valley, where he had to yield up the town of Jericho to us. Since +then (in March and April), two raids had been made into Turkish territory +on the eastern side of the Jordan in the hills (in which the Sherwood +Rangers Yeomanry, and Essex Battery R.H.A. participated), and on each +occasion, the towns of Es-Salt and Amman were reached. A large number of +prisoners were taken, together with machine-guns and ammunition, added to +which several bridges were destroyed, and the Hedjaz railway from Damascus +to Mecca cut, thus endangering the Turkish troops, which were operating +against the Arab Sherifian Army, further south. Elsewhere on the front, the +position of the "line" had not materially changed, and at the time of the +"20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON'S" tour of duty in the Jordan Valley, it +extended from the coast north of Jaffa south-eastwards across country +(through a point 18 miles north of Jerusalem), to the Jordan Valley, +thence, due south along the eastern bank of the river to the Dead Sea. + +Now, it will be readily imagined that when a unit has remained for any +length of time in one place it has automatically collected large quantities +of stores, equipment, etc., which naturally cannot be carried, when on the +march. On this occasion the principal difficulty lay in the stock of +"canteen goods" that we had accumulated. Fortunately the "R.A.F." came to +the rescue and bought the whole lot, "lock, stock and barrel". + +As has been stated, there was much sickness in the Squadron at this time, +but many men were able to keep themselves out of hospital because of the +fact that the Squadron was "at rest," besides, they preferred to rough it, +rather than leave their duties. A "sick-parade" was now hurriedly called in +order to dispose of those who could not be expected to take part in the +next "trek". This parade, however, was _vetoed_ from the start, and was, in +fact, unpopular. Only two men turned up! These, with the two officers +previously mentioned (all of whom ought to have "gone down the line" +several days before), were accordingly sent to hospital. Many men were +suffering from septic sores on their legs and feet; permission was asked +(and granted), for these cases, to wear "slacks" or shoes, as might be +necessary. Strange as it might seem, these men preferred to suffer and +remain with the Squadron, when there seemed a chance that they might be +able to come to grips with the enemy and do something really useful. + +In these circumstances, it was not a _very_ smart Squadron that paraded +that night, but its spirit would require a lot of beating! The _route_ lay +past Yazur, on the Jaffa road, to Ramleh, which town they were approaching +as day broke, and Ludd[14] could also be seen. The latter town will be +remembered by all who had occasion to go to Egypt for leave or to take a +course of instruction, also by reinforcements who joined the Squadron about +this time, as it was the British railhead; the journey from here to Kantara +on the Suez Canal being accomplished overnight. From Ludd, also, there is a +branch line to Jerusalem, and a narrow gauge railway to Sarona. At Ramleh, +turning off the road to the right, and passing Lieut. Price's grave, we +halted, off-saddled, watered and fed. At 14.00 a further march, arriving at +the water troughs east of Latron at 17.00, camping for the night further up +the road. Fairly on the way to the famous Jordan Valley, ill-accounts of +which they had often heard, we were soon to find that these reports had not +been at all exaggerated! + +The next morning (June 30th), the road in front being very steep, rising +continually, with often a drop of several hundred feet on either side, +units started at half-hour intervals. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [14] _Ludd was the birthplace of St. George, the Patron Saint of + England. A church built here, after his martyrdom, was destroyed on the + approach of the First Crusaders. It was re-built, however, but was + destroyed again by order of Saladin in A.D. 1191. Of this church, two + apses, two bays and the crypt still remain, and to-day the eastern end + has been restored by the Greeks, while the western end is used as a + mosque! In the crypt (belonging to the Greeks) is shown the Tomb of St. + George. + + Ludd = Lod of the Scriptures, a city of Benjamin, see I Chron. viii, + 12; Neh. xi, 35; Ezra ii, 33; Acts ix, 32._ + + +AN EXCITING MARCH ALONG THE EDGE OF PRECIPICES. + +The necessity of this soon became evident. The road was crowded with motors +of all kinds, and it was by no means a joke to ride a restive horse while +leading an obstinate mule, along the brink of a precipice! At 13.00 Enab +was reached, where the Squadron was allotted its ground, rather stony, but +next to the water troughs, which, however, saved a lot of work. + +The following afternoon (July 1st), the road being steeper still, the +transport ("A" Echelon), went ahead of the Brigade. The Squadron started at +14.30 (units still moving at half-hour intervals), and proceeded along the +main Jerusalem road through the new town, past the Damascus Gate (at +17.30), to the eastern side of the town, where the transport was passed and +the Brigade concentrated, the highest point having now been reached (2,590 +feet above sea level). A halt of two hours was made, and at 20.00 the +descent to the Jordan was commenced. Henceforth it was "down," "down," all +the way, with roads just as precipitous as before, but the mountains being +so high and steep on both sides, not a breath of air reached us. At 02.30 +after a tiring march, and after passing the "Inn of the Good Samaritan," we +arrived at the water troughs at Talat-ed-Dumm (1,018 feet above sea level). +After watering, about half an hour later, the Squadron found its camping +ground, a space barely large enough for a section. In this cramped area the +whole of the Squadron was crammed "as tight as sardines in a tin," with, +literally, not an inch to spare! + +Early next morning, when the sun began to rise, some idea was gained of +what might be expected in the Jordan Valley. Although Talat-ed-Dumm, as +already stated, is 1,018 feet above the level of the sea, shut in, as it +is, among the mountains away from any breeze, the heat there is almost +unbearable; the rays of the sun seem to take on a hundred times more power +than ever could be believed possible, blazing down from right overhead, and +leaving no shade, thus turning the place into a veritable furnace. + +The Brigade did not continue the march again until 19.00, when it moved +along the old Roman road. Still "down," "down," round sharp bends, and +still along the edges of precipices hundreds of feet deep! At length a +final, particularly steep slope, brought us to Jericho,[15] on the plain +of the Jordan Valley, and _820 feet below the level of the sea_. A halt was +made here for a short time, and then the Brigade marched north-east +(through clouds of dust), to its camping area in the Wadi Nueiame, arriving +at midnight. Here, on dismounting in the dark, _one seemed to be standing +in mud_, but, upon closer examination, this was found to be merely several +inches of fine dust! Sec.-Lieut. Cummer, whose turn it was to be with the +advance party that day, was waiting to show the Squadron its camping +ground, which turned out to be as good as could be expected, and alongside +a stream. A few bell-tents were already standing, which were appreciated. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [15] _The site of the present Jericho has only been occupied since + mediæval times. The ancient Jericho lay near the spring Ain-es-Sultan + and the City of Roman times was more to the south-west. The Biblical + references to Jericho are as follows: Deut. xxxiv; Josh. vi, 26; I + Kings xvi, 34; II Kings ii, 4, 5, 11. Only a mound exists now, to mark + the position of the ancient city, but excavations here have brought to + light some interesting relics._ + + +THE "BEAUTIFUL" VALLEY OF JORDAN. + +The following are a few extracts from the notes of a member of the +Squadron, which gives a vivid description of his experiences on the road to +the Jordan. He says:-- + + "The sun was just setting as we approached Jerusalem, and the + ancient walls of the Holy City were bathed in orange light against + an opalescent sky. The long dusty column of the Brigade toiled its + way up the steep hill into the city, and passing close by the Jaffa + Gate 'turned left' and followed the main thoroughfare towards the + Damascus Gate. Outside of Fast's Hotel (a former German concern, + but now famous throughout the E.E.F.) stands a group of officers + and soldiers, watching our brigade pass, and cheering us on as we + move into the dusk. + + "Over the Mount of Olives, past the Garden of Gethsemane (the black + points of its many cypress trees now silhouetted against the sky), + what thoughts are ours as we cross this hallowed ground amid + surroundings so deeply associated with our religion! Some of us may + never return, but yet we shall have followed to our fate along a + path that still holds memories of that greatest sacrifice the world + has ever known! + + "Dark has fallen, and the stars shine bright in a velvet sky. At + length we approach the little Village of Bethany,[16] 'the town of + Mary and Martha'; near which we dismount and breathe our horses for + a space; finding a little shop close at hand, we buy some fruit and + 'take a pull' at the water-bottle. + + "Leaving our last link with civilization we begin our long weary + descent to the Jordan Valley. Before we have covered a mile, it is + obvious that the road is falling steeply. 'Take a good breath now + of the fresh air,' say those who have already experienced the + Jordan Valley, 'for it's the last you'll get for many a day!' + + "The road now enters a valley, or more rightly passes between two + lines of rocky hills, and for a time, as it is pitch dark, we + stumble along to keep our places in the column. But soon, the + eastern crest is silhouetted by the rising moon, and as the silver + light pours down the slope we see the road before us, zig-zagging + its way 'into the depths,' and there, a mile in front, the head of + the Brigade worming its way, like a great black snake. + + "So steep is it now, and so sharp the 'hairpin' turns, that + although one hears the voices and sees the heads of troops on the + winding road forty yards below, yet these are possibly half a mile + ahead in the column! 'Down' and 'down' we go, _hotter and hotter it + grows_, dustier and dustier the atmosphere! + + "Great difficulty is now experienced in keeping touch with the + regiment in front, for in such cases it is always the Machine-Gun + Squadron that is in rear of the column and 'enjoys' the dust. In + action or danger--quite another thing; up, then, just behind the + leading regiment.... + + "Arrived at Talat-ed-Dumm, too tired now to eat or drink (having + fed our animals) we lie, or rather, fall down on a blanket. In two + minutes we are dreaming that we are back in the 'old country,' + sitting in that cool breeze under the great sycamore tree; drinking + that fine old 'home-brewed,' and talking to the sweetest of all + women. Far away in the distance is the rumbling of a coach; round + the corner it comes into sight, the horses' hoofs thudding on the + hard old Roman road! The guard raises his long coaching horn to his + lips and blows a stirring call. Someone shakes us from behind! Lo! + we open our eyes and--gone is the lovely green country, the shady + trees and the coach! 'Get up! Reveille has gone'. + + "All day we rest here, and shall move on the latter part of our + 25-mile journey as soon as dark has fallen. Horses to water--but + luckily not far to go, and though two men have fainted with the + heat already, the majority are still 'merry and bright'. + + "About 11 o'clock Talat-ed-Dumm becomes literally an oven; no + trees, no water, nothing but rock and dust--dust six inches deep; + the only protection, a single piece of canvas between one and the + pitiless sun! Gasping for breath, one reaches for the water-bottle, + but it is quite warm. Still, a warm drink brings perspiration, and + _that_ is cooling to a certain extent--in its after-effects! + + "Night falls, welcomely, and saddled up the Squadron waits for the + advance to begin and to drop into its place in the line of march as + the Brigade moves past. Voices in the darkness, then shadowy forms, + and, their horses' hoofs muffled by the dust, Brigade Headquarters + passes by. Then the three regiments, one British and two Indian, + each of the latter followed by crowds of donkeys looking ghostly + white in the gloom. At length it is _our_ turn, and behind the last + regiment we 'walk march' and once more get the clouds of dust for + our portion. Now, along the level for a time--and then down again, + down towards the valley, to many a valley of death! + + "The impression we get, on leaving Talat-ed-Dumm, is rather + different from that ascribed to tourists in the guide book to + Palestine. '_It is with regret_,' it says, '_that we drag ourselves + away from a spot of such historic interest, where so many of the + patriarchs have rested_'. God help 'em! _we_ never wish to see it + again. No wonder to us, now, that Naaman the Syrian objected to go + down to the Jordan and wash seven times in it![17] + + "The horses slip and slide as they pick their way down the old + Turkish road, and once more the moon looks over the hills and + floods her silvery radiance over all--the same moon that in two + hours will rise upon the old homestead in Blighty. But here are we, + among great mountains, rugged and cleft, fantastic shapes in high + relief, in the moonlight. We might be in the moon itself! Not a + sign of life, not a bird nor an animal! + + "By mid-night we have dropped 1,100 feet, and gradually the ground + grows less rocky, the hills on the right swing away, and on the + left, just ahead, is the square-topped El-Kuruntal, the so-called + 'Mountain of Temptation,' and the gateway of the Jordan Valley. + Reaching the plain the pace grows faster, and clouds of dust arise + worse than ever. Our connecting files find great difficulty in + keeping in touch, so that every now and then those in rear must + gallop to keep up. A small wadi to be crossed makes the pace still + more uneven. We cross the Wadi Nueiame and reach our camping + ground. Again the putting down of lines; again supperless and tired + out to lie down on a blanket in the dust, in that unnatural hollow + 1,250 feet below the SEA-LEVEL, THE PLACE OF SWELTERING SUN, + SAND-SPOUTS, SCORPIONS, SNAKES, SPIDERS AND SEPTIC SORES; OF + SCORCHING WIND AND SHADOWLESS WASTE; THAT HELLISH PLACE--THE JORDAN + VALLEY!" + + FOOTNOTES: + + [16] _See St. John, chap. xi._ + + [17] _See II Kings v, 10._ + + +INCIDENTS IN THE JORDAN VALLEY CAMPAIGN. + +A few days were necessarily spent in the Wadi Nueiame in exercising the +horses and becoming acclimatized to the temperature, which rarely falls +below 100°, even at night, and is usually 120° in the shade (or over) +during the day. On July 7th, "No. 1" Section paraded at 19.00 and proceeded +to the east of the Jordan to relieve a section of the 21st Squadron in the +line. "A" Sub-section took over the emplacements in No. 3 Post, and "C" +Sub-section those in No. 5 Post. The relief was completed by 23.00. The +next evening, the remainder of the Squadron relieved the 21st Squadron +in their camp at the Ghoraniyeh Bridge. One section only going at a time to +avoid attracting attention and being shelled by the Turks, who were posted +in the hills. The new camp was within 100 yards of the Jordan,[18] nearly +surrounded by cliffs, the tops of which were level with the plain above. +The cliffs themselves only being formed by the depression in the plain +before it gives way to the lower ground in the immediate vicinity of the +River Jordan and the east of it. The river at this point is actually 1,250 +feet below the level of the sea! + +[Illustration: Squadron Camp in the Jordan Valley. "No. 2" Section.] + +On arriving in the camp, "No. 2" Section took over the machine-gun +positions for the inner defences of the bridgehead. These had to be manned +at night only, and were on the tops of the cliffs near the camp, commanding +all the crossings of the river. Every evening just before dusk (sometimes +in a severe dust storm), the four guns were taken up on the pack-mules by +the gun-teams and brought back after light the next morning. "No. 3" +Section was in Divisional reserve, and liable to be called on at short +notice to proceed to any part of the line. It provided also all the camp +fatigues. + +It was soon found that summer-life in the Jordan Valley was about the limit +of discomfort; only those who have been there at that season can have any +idea of what it is like. If only our turn had been in the winter, when +according to all accounts the weather _is_ bearable! Needless to say that +as much work as possible was done in the early morning and evening, but +even this was extremely trying for all. Fortunately, water was available +from a small stream just outside the camp. Rush-huts and bivouacs provided +the best protection against the sun. Material for these was obtained from +the banks of the Jordan, where, for a few yards on either side, there was +luxurious vegetation--in striking contrast with the rest of the country; +during the day men were allowed to bathe in the river. + +All wheels had to be covered over during the day in order to prevent the +wood shrinking; if this had not been done, very little transport could have +been brought out of the valley at the end of the Brigade's tour of duty! + +There is, a little over a mile east of the Jordan, a series of low isolated +hills; upon these was situated our line of defence. Each hill, fortified +with barbed-wire and trenches, constituted a "post". This line was held by +Indian Infantry, the regiments of the cavalry brigade providing the patrols +in "no man's land," which, _several miles wide_, was intersected by +thousands of wadis (providing excellent cover for a stealthy enemy), also a +certain amount of tall grass. + +The enemy's position was on the mountains at the eastern side of the Jordan +Valley, completely overlooking ours. Earlier in the year they had crossed +the intervening ground, under cover of darkness, and attempted to send us +to "Jericho". They had found the posts too strong for them, however, and +had retired to the positions now mentioned. + +"C" Sub-section was on the left, on the banks of the Wadi Nimrin[19]--a +broad wadi with a small stream running along its centre. This wadi ran +right from the Turkish positions to the Jordan near the Squadron camp. "A" +Sub-section was about half a mile away to the right in the centre of a +cluster of small hills. "A's" horses were between the two Sub-sections, and +"C's" were a few hundred yards behind its position under a cliff beside the +Nimrin. If anything, it was probably more pleasant to be with the sections +in the line than in the Squadron Camp. + +Nothing of importance happened during our first week. Shells came over +every day at unexpected moments in odd places, and Boche planes paid +regular visits, dropping bombs, always, however, receiving a bombardment +from our "Archies". But on the morning of July 14th, after a night of more +than the usual amount of artillery fire, shells began to fall all around, +not to mention the shrapnel exploding overhead; this state of affairs +continued throughout the whole morning. "No. 2" Section in camp was well +protected by a high cliff, but "No. 3" was not so fortunate and had to be +moved. All the horses had been taken to another spot, and Sergt. Lewis with +some men were seeing that everything required had been removed, when a +shell pitched right in the centre of the "lines" and wounded him and Ptes. +H. Reed and L. Peach. All the day the shelling continued; the immediate +neighbourhood of the bridges over the Jordan being the "warmest" spot. A +field ambulance, close to the Squadron, behind the right reserve gun +position, suffered badly. In the evening all shelling stopped--more +suddenly even than it had started! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [18] _The River Jordan is rich in historical associations, right from + its source on Mt. Hermon to the Dead Sea, into which it flows. The + Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground (Josh. iii, 14); our Lord + was baptized there (St. John i, 28 and St. Matt. iii, 13). See also II + Kings ii, 8, x, 14; Matt. iii, 5; St. John x, 40._ + + [19] _See Isa. xv, 6._ + + +A THWARTED TURKISH ATTACK. + +Afterwards was learnt the cause of the excitement. The Turk, it was +ascertained, _had intended an attack all along the line_. At one point, +only, had the movement matured, and this was opposite the Australian +Section, on our left. Here, German troops succeeded in getting right round +some of the posts and endangering our bridgehead defences; they had moved +guns up, which enabled them to reach places previously out of range of +anything but their "heavies". Although surrounded, the posts named still +held out, and the Boches were finally driven back to their starting point, +where, it is said, they were fired on by the Turks! + +On July 17th, "No. 2" Section relieved "No. 1" in the line. "No. 3" took +over the inner defences, and "No. 1" became Divisional reserve. Lieut. E.B. +Hibbert (who left in February 1918 for leave and a course in the United +Kingdom) returned on July 25th and took command of "No. 3" Section. On +August 3rd "No. 3" Section relieved "No. 2", the inner defences being taken +over by "No. 1". A few days later "No. 3" Section was withdrawn from the +posts and camped close to Brigade Headquarters to be employed as Mobile +Reserve for the outer defences, but owing to shortage of personnel in the +posts, the guns had to be mounted in their previous positions at night. + + +THE "VALLEY" A DEATH TRAP. + +The "Valley" soon began to affect the health of the Squadron. All kinds of +fever became rampant, particularly malaria. Men would suddenly become sick, +or collapse in a fainting fit, their temperature quickly rising to 104° or +thereabouts! Doctors and medical orderlies were much overworked, and became +almost unable to cope with the "rush"; men had to be undressed and tended +on the spot by their own comrades, who sponged them down in order to reduce +their temperature. The Squadron's thanks are due to Pte. Ineson, who, as +its own medical orderly, was untiring in his attention to the sick. +Undoubtedly, but for his efforts, the list of men admitted to hospital +would have been considerably larger. + +During July, the O.C. (Capt. L.F. St. J. Davies, M.C., who soon returned, +however, although not quite recovered), and 38 men, were admitted to +hospital. On August 10th, Lieut. Wilgress and Lieut. Hibbert went to +hospital. + +When the Squadron left the Valley on August 15th (being relieved by the +21st Squadron), the total casualties were _three officers and 113 O.R.'s_. +Fortunately, a number of reinforcements had arrived, including many from +Yeomanry regiments recently dismounted. The first halt was Talat-ed-Dumm, +where the 17th Squadron was passed at 02.30 on its way down to the valley. +A better camping site was available than the last time, when we camped +here. + +The following evening the march was continued, and Jerusalem was passed +through at midnight. The next morning the Brigade arrived at Enab, having +watered at the troughs at Ain el Foka, on the way. + + +KHURBET DEIRAN + +The same evening the Brigade moved via Latron, Barriyeh and Naane to +Khurbet Deiran arriving at 07.30 the next morning, the rest of the day +being spent in laying out the new camp. That day Lieut. Cazalet returned +from hospital and temporarily took command of "No. 2" Section (while Lieut. +Kindell went on a course at Zeitoun), afterwards taking over his old +section ("No. 1"). + +No sooner had the Brigade settled down in its new quarters than very +strenuous training was re-commenced--in addition there were inspections +galore--besides tactical schemes, almost every other day. Reinforcements +came up, which included many men new to the Squadron, which was, in +consequence, soon nearly up to strength. Lieut. King returned from +hospital, but still being far from well had, soon afterwards, to go back +there. On September 13th Lieut. Millman returned from hospital and Lieut. +Kindell from his course of instruction. Lieut. Millman resumed command of +his late section ("No. 3"). On September 14th the Squadron turned out in +complete marching order with transport, for a Divisional "scheme," the +Division moving south on a six-mile frontage, sections coming into action +with an imaginary enemy at various points. + +[Illustration] + + + + +PART V. + + +THE GREAT ADVANCE OF 1918. + +So well had the secret of the great operations, that were in view by the +Commander-in-Chief, been kept, that no one in the Squadron had any idea of +a general attack being in contemplation. It was, in fact, not until the day +that the Squadron was ordered to strike camp, that any officer or man +(except perhaps the officer commanding), became aware that a serious +movement was about to take place! An attack at any time would not, of +course, have been entirely unexpected, as we were always prepared for +something of the kind, but on this occasion the rumours that usually +precede operations of importance were entirely absent--although the number +of tactical schemes recently practised should have indicated that some +particular purpose was in view. + +At 18.00 on September 17th, the Squadron paraded in full marching order, +and moved off, leaving all tents and buildings standing. _We never returned +to those quarters!_ + +The strength of the Squadron at this time was six officers, 212 O.R.'s, 181 +riding horses, 80 draft mules, 43 pack animals. So far as can be +ascertained now, the following were the officers and N.C.O.'s:-- + +_Headquarters:_ + +Major L.F. St. John Davies, M.C. +Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C. +S.S.M. Fleet, M.M. +S.Q.M.S. Fisher. +Farr.-Staff-Sergt. Robertson. +Sergt. Conuel (Transport). +Sergt. Ramsay (Orderly Room). +S.S.-Corpl. Anderson. +Sig.-Corpl. Foster. +Saddler-Corpl. Mellett. + + + _"No. 1" Section:_ + + Sec-Lieut. J.W. Cummer. + +_"A" Sub-section:_ _"C" Sub-section:_ + +Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M. Sergt. Roberts. +Corpl. Rouse. Corpl. Gage. +Lance-Corpl. Holt. Lance-Corpl. Rose. + " Moverley. " Sneddon. + + + _"No. 2" Section:_ + + Lieut. A.O.W. Kindell. + +_"B" Sub-section:_ _"D" Sub-section:_ +Sergt. Hazlehurst. Sergt. Salter. +Lance-Corpl. Lawson. Lance-Corpl. Fox. + " Stokes. " Fuller. + Corpl. Pearse. + + + _"No. 3" Section:_ + + Lieut. A.G.P. Millman. + Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. Arden. + +_"E" Sub-section:_ _"F" Sub-section:_ +Sergt. Potts. Sergt. Grice, M.M. +Corpl. Thompson. Corpl. Keetley. +Lance-Corpl. Pountain. Lance-Corpl. Buckingham. + " Woodhouse. " Patterson. + +The route taken was familiar to everyone. Passing Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun +Kara) the Squadron came upon its old friend the Jaffa Road, thence, past +Yazur to Sarona, by exactly the same way as was taken in the previous May. +Bearing to the left, past the village, we arrived at Summeil and the camp +south of the River Auja, where Sec.-Lieut. Arden, who had been sent on in +advance to take over the Squadron area, showed us our position in the camp. +Arriving at dusk the whole Brigade (horses, wagons and men), were hidden +in orange groves; it was certainly not an easy task to fit everything up in +the dark, the avenues between the trees being narrow and in most places +only allowing horses to be led in single file. + +The orders for the morrow (equally unenlightening) were to the effect that +no unnecessary movement was to take place, and that no one, on any account, +_was to go outside the groves_; the horses were to be watered at stated +hours from the stone gullies used by the natives for the irrigation of the +plantations; no fires were allowed; and all cooking was to be done with the +methylated spirit blocks which were issued out for the purpose. + +The daytime was passed without incident, but 18.30 found the Brigade +paraded outside the groves ready to march at dusk. Crossing the Auja by the +wooden bridge, and proceeding stealthily along the sea shore, below the +cliffs, about five miles to west of El Jelil, it halted in "column of +troops," off-saddled, watered from a trough, supplied by water from a well +dug beside it, "linked" horses and laid down on the sand to get some sleep. +It may be imagined that by this time everyone was wondering what the next +day would bring forth! + + +ADVANCE TO LIKTERA (EL HUDEIRA). + +Before daylight we were saddled up and "standing to"--a vigorous +bombardment of the Turkish trenches (which we had been told the previous +night to expect) was in full swing. Suddenly, it stopped! Who was there +among us who did not think of the part the infantry were then playing, and +upon whose successful attack so much was to depend? + +When would orders arrive for us, on the beach, to move? Patiently waiting +and expecting, nothing however came! Suddenly at 07.00, the troops in front +were seen mounting, and at length the surprising order came through to us +that the entire Division was _to make its way to Nazareth_--quite 50 miles +behind the enemy's line, as the crow flies! + +The 13th Brigade, being on the sands in front of the 14th, was to lead this +movement. The Poona Horse were to be the leading regiment of the 14th, with +ourselves (the 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON) immediately behind them. + + +"GET BACK OUR GUNS". + +Upon advancing a short way up the coast, we reached what had been the +British front line, and evidences of the morning's action were to be seen, +as here and there several dead men and mules were lying about. As we passed +by this spot, an officer of an Infantry Machine-Gun Company called out to +us: "Good luck, get us back our guns. They raided us this morning and +captured two!" + +A few yards further on, the old Turkish line was reached and a number of +killed and wounded Turks and animals were to be seen here also. + +Right along the coast we went, "without let or hindrance," the high cliffs +affording us protection from the few shells coming over, nearly all of +which fell into the sea. The pace was killing, and the sand and rocks made +it heavy going for the horses. They were very fit though, thanks to the +hard training they had had at Deiran! + +Still proceeding northward, about six miles along the coast, the cliffs +suddenly gave way to flatter ground; here we turned inland in a +north-easterly direction. Reports reached us that about 200 enemy infantry +(with transport) were in a wood on our right flank. "No. 1" Section and one +squadron of Poona Horse were detailed as "flank guard" to prevent the enemy +leaving the wood until the Brigade had passed by. The flank guard, however, +were instructed not to trouble to dispose of this small party, as bigger +"fish" were in view. + +At 11.30 the Brigade had reached the Nahr Iskanderun. After crossing slowly +by two small, very shaky, bridges, units hurriedly watered here, +independently, by means of buckets, the banks of the stream being very +steep. The country now became delightful, cultivated, everywhere, with +orange groves and gardens. At 12.30 the Brigade, winding its way through +the groves, came out into the pretty little Village of Liktera (a Jewish +settlement called by them Hudeira), 26 miles from the starting point. The +inhabitants were overjoyed to see us, and as a halt was made here, and +horses off-saddled and fed, they soon made us at home with gifts of bread, +eggs and milk, refusing to take any payment therefor. + +Until the inhabitants had seen the head of our Division, about a mile off, +they had not the slightest idea that there had even been a British attack! +They were particularly anxious to know how the people were faring in such +villages as Mulebbis, and other places, south of our old line, where they +had friends and relatives. As indicative that our advance was carried out +with speed and secrecy--while we were resting here, _a Boche motor lorry +arrived_! The driver, being unaware of anything unusual, drove quietly +into the town; he nearly fell off his seat when he was suddenly surrounded +by British troops! This lorry proved to be the advance guard of several +more, all of which were, of course, captured. + + +CAPTURE OF EL FULE. + +After a sleep in the afternoon (what a luxury for the first day of a +"stunt!") and tea, the Brigade saddled up and moved off at 18.00, just +before dark. What a cheery crowd it was! But they had "some" march in front +of them, the object being the capture of Nazareth and the cutting of the +Turk's principal line of communication, _which would isolate practically +the whole of his army west of the Jordan_! Just outside the village, two +large marquees--a German Field Ambulance--hurriedly evacuated, were passed. +Earlier in the day an officer of the 13th Brigade had found an untasted +breakfast here, for which he had much reason to be thankful! + +[Illustration] + +Further on, the track taken (the main route being avoided) proved very +bad, and in many places the whole division had to proceed in "single file". +In some places, also, horses were led. The natives, who had gathered upon +the road-side from the villages which we passed, stood silently watching +us. They must have been amazed, and the troops must have appeared to them +veritable "ghosts of the night". At 23.30 a halt of 30 minutes was made, at +a small village, and horses fed. In the early hours of the morning many +horses, belonging to the forward part of the column, were passed by the +wayside. They were completely "done". No doubt they were, in some cases, +able, later on, to join up, but in their present state their riders had +taken their saddles off and had lain down beside them, to sleep. For the +moment these men had nothing further to do, but they must have run a +serious risk from hostile natives when the Brigade had passed by. At 04.00 +the next morning we emerged upon the open Plain of Esdraelon.[20] + + FOOTNOTES: + + [20] _The Plain of Esdraelon stretches across Central Palestine, and + has an average width of about 10 miles. It forms a wide break between + the Mountains of Galilee on the north and those of Samaria on the + south. It has always been a great battlefield; in the Bible it is + called the Plain of Jezreel; see Judges iv, 3, v, 21, vi, 1; I Sam. + xxix, xxxi; I Kings xx, 25; Josh. xvii, 16._ + + +A GREAT MOVE! + +Now was to take place an interesting development in the operations. With +Nazareth within fairly close reach, our objective was at hand. We formed up +as quickly as possible in "Line of troop column," and then moved along the +plain to the east, heading slightly towards the north, gradually nearing +the north side as we proceeded forward. The objective for the 14th Brigade +was to cut the main road to Nazareth from the south, thus cutting off all +communication between the Turkish General Headquarters at Nazareth and +their line, which ran across the country from Arsuf to the north of the +Dead Sea. The 13th Brigade, which, it will be remembered, up to this point +had been the leading one, after forming up, made for the hills on the other +side of the plain, and, reaching them, turned to the east, towards their +objective which was _the Turkish General Headquarters at Nazareth_! + +The "going" on the plain was very bad, especially in the dark, the ground +being a network of cracks and covered with a species of tall needle-grass, +the latter making it very painful for the horses, whilst the former, +continually giving way under their weight made the risk of broken legs a +real one. Fortunately, however, no serious accidents took place. What +wonderful creatures horses are! Those who were on that trek could not fail +to realise it, if they had never done so before! As time went on and the +goal was still not reached, it seemed that they _must_ drop at any minute, +_but still they kept on_, never faltering! A few dropped out, it is true, +but they were a very small percentage of the whole. What courage and +endurance they showed, to carry a weight of (say) 18 stone, _50 miles in 24 +hours_ over the worst country imaginable! + +About half way across the plain, the railway to Haifa was "cut," and, +pushing on, there were still some miles to go when day began to break. Many +thought they would now be "in for" a hot time, and expected guns to open +upon them from all sides. + +But the Turk was still quite ignorant of our presence. In any case he was +not prepared for an attack at that distance behind his line! When it became +fully light the 13th Brigade could be seen on the top of the ridge on the +left moving parallel with us, and, in front of us, there was Mount +Tabor[21] which served as a "guide" for direction. At 05.30 enemy motor +lorries were seen crossing our front going towards Nazareth. We opened fire +upon them but they did not stop. + +Proceeding up the hill, they discovered that our 13th Brigade troops were +on the top, when they stopped about half way up and opened fire with +machine-guns. Upon this our "No. 2" Section came up and "peppered" them. +One lorry caught fire and after a short time the occupants of the convoy, +trying to escape up the hill, were captured by the 13th Brigade. Shortly +after this incident, Turkish troops were seen marching up the road towards +us, but a squadron from the Sherwood Rangers and Deccan Horse with our "No. +3" Section quickly caused them to be quite in a hurry to surrender. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [21] _Mount Tabor rather resembles a sugar-loaf in shape, flattened at + the top; its height from the plain is about 1,500 feet. It was here + that Deborah commanded Barak to muster his army: "So Barak went down + from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. And the Lord + discomfited Sisera and all his chariots and all his host, with the edge + of the sword before Barak". (Judges iv, 14, 15). See also Judges viii, + 18; Psalms xxxix, 12; Jer. xlvi, 18. The Crusaders built a church and a + monastery on Mount Tabor; they were destroyed in 1187 and the ruins + still remain. In 1255 the Knights of St. John held it but lost it in + 1263 to Bibars._ + + +THE ENEMY PANIC-STRICKEN. + +From a small rise could be seen, looking down the road, a large camp and El +Fule railway station with trucks, carriages and engines, also large dumps +of material. Everywhere, crowds of enemy troops were to be seen rushing +about; apparently in a state of great panic. In these circumstances a +squadron of the Deccan Horse went down to "look into things" and after +"dealing" with a few of the excitable "Johnnies" the remainder surrendered. +About 900 prisoners were taken that morning. Later on in the day the +Brigade moved down to the station and encamped, the horses being watered +from a trough which was discovered about a mile along the railway.[22] + +Here, there was found a large quantity of stores of all descriptions, +including Turkish cigarettes, which were not refused as a ration on such an +occasion. The capture of El Fule released an R.A.F. pilot, who, having to +land in consequence of engine trouble that morning, had been taken prisoner +by some Austrian gunners who, with their horses only, were retreating. They +were anxious to know which way the British were coming, in order to decide +which road they should take. Of course they did not learn anything, but +fortunately came along this road and thus fell into our hands. + +Here it might be mentioned that the work of the R.A.F. was truly wonderful. +Prior to the "stunt," in order to ensure that the enemy should not be aware +of the massing of our cavalry just before the attack and their subsequent +movements after the infantry had broken through, they flew continually over +the enemy aerodromes and prevented enemy airmen from rising. Perhaps it +should be said they rather tempted them to do so, but--they never did! +Consequently, on the day of our attack, the enemy had no information at all +of what was happening, as his planes were on the ground and remained there +until they were either burnt or captured. They certainly would not rise! At +El Fule a very large aerodrome had been established, and a large collection +of enemy machines was found there. It was not long before these were joined +by some of our own which arrived almost as soon as it had been taken. + +During the day the 13th Brigade had been dealing with Nazareth, and that +night our Brigade slept at El Fule. Next morning we were to go southwards +to Jenin (which might or might not have been captured), and clear the +intervening country. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [22] _About a mile south of the site of the present station at El Fule + was the scene of a great battle between the French and the Turks, on + April 16th 1799, called the Battle of Mount Tabor. Kleber with about + 1,500 men kept 25,000 Syrians at bay; he was almost defeated when + Napoleon with 600 men arrived. The Turks, thinking a large army was + upon them, fled. Here also are ruins of a church of the Crusaders, + destroyed by Saladin._ + + +JENIN[23] CROWDED WITH ABANDONED MATERIAL. + +With this end somewhat in view, Lieut. Kindell was ordered to fix up two +machine-guns in a captured Boche motor-car, and, acting as left "flank +guard" to the Brigade, was directed to go to Jenin by a road running +parallel to, and on the left of, the one to be taken by the Brigade. When +fitted up the car looked quite formidable. Lance-Corpls. Fox and Fuller and +Ptes. Boak (with signal flags) and Franklin accompanied him. The driver of +the Brigade car was lent for this special occasion. + +After re-filling with German petrol in the morning, they started off upon +their journey. They soon came up with all kinds of derelict enemy transport +and Turkish stragglers coming in. At one point ahead, could be seen a crowd +of people (which proved to be natives) around some deserted enemy motor +lorries. A troop of "S.R.Y." (detached from the Brigade for the purpose), +came galloping over, but, as already stated, they proved to be only +villagers looking about for some "plunder," and they were soon sent about +their business. Further on Lieut. Kindell's car was joined by two other +cars of the "Light Car Patrol" each with a machine-gun, so that the party +now consisted of three cars with four guns. + +On arriving at Jenin they found the streets simply choked with abandoned +Turkish transport. It was only by moving each wagon aside by hand that +they were able to proceed through the town and meet the Brigade before it +arrived there on the other side; the cars were then sent off again on a +patrol. Unfortunately, upon returning through the town, the driver of our +car, on turning a corner, ran into the pole of a wagon, and broke the +radiator. Such was the end of the Squadron "armoured" car, much to the +disappointment of the occupants, who were just beginning to enjoy their +novel experience. + +It should be stated that the town of Jenin, together with a very large +number of prisoners, had been captured the previous night by the +Australians. Here, too, was an aerodrome and several burnt enemy +planes--more evidence of the splendid work of the R.A.F. + +Our Brigade remained in the Jenin area until evening, when, having watered, +we went back along the El Fule road towards Nazareth and about half way, +bore off to the right, encamping upon the hills south-east of El Fule and +south of the El Fule-Beisan Road. The next morning (22nd September), we +moved down the hills northwards and camped just south of the Beisan Road, +near water. The day was spent in a well-earned rest. + +The transport arrived at the camp complete, and allowed of forage and +rations being replenished. How it had been able to come through the enemy +country by roads suitable for transport without being attacked, remained a +mystery to those who do not know the circumstances! During the day +thousands of Turkish and German prisoners were marched along the road from +Beisan, usually in the charge of only a few mounted men. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [23] _Josh xix, 21, xxi, 29._ + + +ON TO HAIFA AND ACRE! + +The next day (September 23rd), everything having been cleared up in this +district, the Division set out for Haifa and Acre on the coast. A glance at +the map will show that these towns are about 12 miles distant from each +other, both being about 23 miles from Nazareth--there being two separate +roads. The northern road to Acre was taken by the 13th Brigade and the +southern to Haifa by the 15th and 14th. As regards our Squadron the first +part of the journey to Haifa was just in the nature of a "route march," +although the pace ridden was fast at times. The 15th Brigade was the +leading one and the 13th Brigade as stated above made straight to Acre from +Nazareth. Passing through El Fule the 15th and 14th followed the railway +for some distance, then bearing off to the right they joined the main road +from Nazareth to Haifa along the hills bordering the plain. + +From Sheikh Abreik[24]--the highest point on the road--the sea could be +seen in the distance, a beautiful blue, whilst a refreshing breeze met the +face. A short distance further on, a halt was made. During this the sound +of guns was heard in the distance from the direction of the sea. No +opposition having been expected, all sorts of reports came down the column +concerning the cause of the firing, such as-- + +(1) British destroyers in the bay have mistaken the 15th Brigade for the +enemy! + +(2) The enemy have got a naval gun with which they are shelling the head of +the column! + +But all rumours proved to be false. What _was_ really happening was the +Turkish garrison at Haifa (about 1,000 strong) with field and machine-guns +were defending the town against our advance--a hopeless affair, considering +that they were entirely cut off, without any chance of obtaining supplies +or reinforcements. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [24] _In the days of the Romans Sheikh Abreik was the headquarters of a + Tribune._ + + +CAPTURE OF HAIFA BY THE 15TH BRIGADE. + +The Sherwood Rangers went to the assistance of the 15th Brigade which +really had a very difficult task, as the plain before Haifa was, in many +places, boggy and almost impassable; in addition there were many streams +flowing across it. The main road to Haifa runs right along the foot of +Mount Carmel[25] on the left of the plain, and bordering it. It was here +that the enemy had established themselves, covering every part of the +ground with their guns. With great dash, however, the 15th Brigade galloped +the enemy positions, and within a short time had captured the town! Much to +everybody's regret, the son of General Sir Pertab Singh was killed during +this attack. His loss was much regretted by his comrades, and all who knew +him. + +While this action was taking place, we (the 14th Brigade) descended the +hill from Sheikh Abreik, crossed a bridge, which was at a great height over +the river Kishon[26], and, turning to the right off the road, dismounted +and watered from it with buckets. It was here that, owing to over-keenness +on the part of two horses in the Squadron, they broke away, and, trying to +drink from the river, fell in! Fortunately both were rescued, but not +without great difficulty. Meanwhile, shelling was going on; luckily the +shells all fell short of us, although having descended the hill, as +mentioned, we had attracted the attention of the Turkish gunners. Later on +in the day we moved into Haifa[27] along the road which had been the scene +of the action. Passing the results of the work of the 15th Brigade and of +the "S.R.Y." which, to judge from the numbers of killed and wounded along +the road (which were being dealt with by the Cavalry Field Ambulance), must +have been of a very strenuous character, we at length encamped upon the +sea-shore, under date palms, within a mile north of the town! The distance +covered that day was 25 miles. + +The 13th Brigade, meantime, had captured Acre[28] on the north, after only +slight opposition, yet it had effected, within a few hours, the feat which +Napoleon had entirely failed to accomplish after a siege of 60 days! +Incidentally, it may be mentioned, that heaps of his cannon-balls were +found at Haifa. + +The next morning (24th), our men and horses bathed in the sea! A short +distance out, underwater, it was found that barbed wire had been fixed. +This the Turks had evidently placed in position with the object of +preventing a landing _from the sea_. These entanglements, however, in no +way impeded the bathing as they could easily be seen in the clear water. +Our troops were also allowed to visit the town, which was found to be very +interesting; there being many modern houses, it was, in several respects, +superior to any town we had previously visited in the interior. It is not +too much to say that many of the inhabitants were delighted to see the +British. They even said that they had expected us the previous year! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [25] _Mount Carmel extends from the sea coast at Haifa, inland 15 + miles, in a south-easterly direction, thus forming a separating ridge + between the Plains of Sharon and Esdraelon. Its height is about 500 + feet at the sea, and 1,800 feet at its inland extremity. The mountain + has always been associated with the name of the Prophet Elijah. It was + here that he was said to have sought shelter when Ahab was seeking his + life. A monastery stands over what is thought was the spot, and was + used as a hospital for the wounded when Napoleon was besieging Acre. + After his withdrawal it was destroyed by the Turks and afterwards + re-built through the energy of a monk who travelled and begged for 14 + years to obtain funds for the present building. The Biblical references + to the mountain are: Josh. xix, 26; Deut. xiv, 5; I Kings iv, 23, + xviii, 13; Isa. xxxv, 2, lv, 12, xxxiii, 9; Amos i, 2; Song of Solomon + vii, 5; Micah vii, 14._ + + [26] _See Judges iv, 13, and v, 21._ + + [27] _Haifa is notorious on account of its associations with Mount + Carmel. The Latin Carmelites reached Haifa in A.D. 1170 and St. Simon + Stock, from Kent, was their general in A.D. 1245. They were massacred + by the Egyptians in 1291 but regained power in the middle of the + Sixteenth Century._ + + [28] _There is only one reference to Acre in the Old Testament (Judges + i, 31), and one in the New Testament (Acts xxi, 7), under the name of + Ptolemais. It was taken by the Crusaders in A.D. 1102, and held till + 1187, as a port of the Kings of Jerusalem. After a siege it was + re-taken from Saladin in 1191, and held for a century. It was here that + the Knights of St. John, after they had been driven from every other + part of Palestine, prolonged for forty-three days their gallant + resistance to the Sultan of Egypt and his immense host; 60,000 + Christians were on that occasion slain or sold as slaves. Napoleon + besieged Acre in 1799, but was prevented from taking it by the British + under Sir William Sidney Smith. It was bombarded in 1840, by British + and Turkish Fleets, when an explosion of a magazine destroyed the + town._ + + +CAPTURE OF DAMASCUS.[29] + +After another day spent at Haifa, back again the Division went (leaving the +"S.R.Y." as a garrison), along the same road by which they had come, as +far as the top of the hill above the river. Here we branched off to the +left through Beit Lahm (a German colony), and Seffurie to Kefr Kenna, four +miles north-east of Nazareth on the Tiberias Road, said to be the "Cana of +Galilee" where the water was turned into wine[30]. The latter part of the +road was very narrow and rocky, being in parts merely a goat-track. Our +animals had no water that day--it being quite unobtainable in spite of +previous advices. + +At 02.00 the next morning (September 26th) the Division started for +Tiberias[31]. "No. 1" Section going with the advance guard, the remainder +of the Squadron following the Deccan Horse. The 14th Brigade reached the +shores of Lake Tiberias[32] (Sea of Galilee) just north of the town at +08.30 and halted until 12.00 to allow the Australian Mounted Division to +pass through on their way towards Damascus. Here, horses were "off-saddled" +and watered twice during the halt, the water being quite fresh and clear. +Being upon the shore, which was gently shelving, they were able to walk in +and drink to their hearts' content. A number of men also took the +opportunity to bathe; it was fairly hot, being 680 feet below the level of +the sea. + +The River Jordan runs right through the lake, and it is interesting to know +now that this point was 64 miles (as the crow flies), up the river from the +site of the late Squadron camp when it was previously in the Jordan Valley. +It was reported to us that the 4th Division had had tough work in the +streets of Tiberias in order to capture it. They had now gone round the +southern shores of the lake and joined forces with the Sherifian Troops, +who had been harassing the enemy's Fourth Army east of the Jordan and were +now pursuing them northwards. Practically the whole of the Turkish Seventh +and Eighth Armies, which previously held the line west of the Jordan, had +now been accounted for. + +At 12.00 we continued the advance along the shores of the lake through +pleasant, cultivated country, to the north-west corner; then northward, for +about six miles, and down an avenue of trees, past the pretty little Jewish +village of Jataine. + +The Australians, in front, were held up at Kusa Atra on the Jordan by +artillery and machine-guns at the bridge, which the enemy had destroyed. +That night the 14th Brigade encamped within two miles of this bridge, +having marched over 30 miles that day. Early the next morning (September +28th) the Australians crossed the river by the ford, and "scuppered" the +party which had been holding them up, but, unfortunately, with the loss of +a few of their number. The 14th Brigade accordingly moved down to the river +at 09.00 and watered, and at 15.00 crossed by the bridge which had, by +then, been repaired by the Royal Engineers ("No. 2" Section with advance +guard fording), and continued north-easterly along what would have been a +good road with the help of a steam roller (but at present was the reverse, +owing to the large stones put down not being rolled in), to Kuneitra (14 +miles by the map but actually hardly less than 20), arriving 23.00. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [29] _Damascus is a very ancient city, and existed even in the time of + Abraham. The story that it was here that Cain killed Abel is alluded to + by Shakespeare (I King Henry VI, I, 3). While other cities of the East, + which were at one time of equal importance, now mostly exist as mounds + in the desert, Damascus is still what it was--the capital of Syria. + + The following are some of the numerous Biblical references to Damascus: + Gen. xiv, 15; II Sam. viii, 5 ("David slew of the Syrians two and + twenty thousand men"); II Kings vi, vii, viii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi; I + Chron. xviii, 5 (accounts of battles between the Kings of Judah and + Israel and the Kings of Damascus); Isa. xvii; Amos i, 3; Jer. xlix, 23 + (prophetical). + + St. Paul was converted on his way to Damascus (Acts ix) in which + connection see also II Cor. xi, 32 and Acts ix. + + In A.D. 1860 a frightful massacre of Christians took place here. By + nightfall on July 9th of that year the whole of the Christian Quarter + was in flames, the water supply cut off and the inhabitants hemmed in + by a circle of steel. As night advanced fresh marauders entered the + city and joined the furious mob of fanatics, who now, tired of plunder, + began to cry out for blood. All through that awful night and the whole + of the following day, the pitiless massacre went on. It is probable + that not a Christian would have remained alive but for the untiring + energy of Abd-el-Kader (himself a Mohammedan of great renown, but a + just man) with his faithful Algerines, who, in 1847, mustering only + 2,500 men had completely defeated the army of the Emperor of Morocco + 60,000 strong. + + Abd-el-Kader at once set to work rescuing the Christians. Hundreds were + escorted to his house, fed, comforted and forwarded to the castle, + where, finally, nearly 12,000 were collected. Many also reached the + British Consulate. The Mohammedans, furious at being baulked of their + prey, turned their attentions to Abd-el-Kader, who, however, charged + into their midst and said: "Wretches! is this the way you honour the + Prophet!... You think you may do as you please with the Christians, but + the day of retribution will come. Not a Christian will I give up, they + are my brothers. Stand back or I will give my men the order to fire". + Not a man among them dared to raise a voice against the renowned + champion of Islam, and the crowd dispersed. British and French + intervention prevented a general massacre throughout Syria, and as a + result of European pressure an enquiry was held on the Damascus + outrage, with the result that the Military Governor of that city, three + Turkish officers and 117 individuals were shot. In addition about 400 + of the lower class and 11 notables were condemned to imprisonment or + exile and £200,000 was proposed to be levied on the city. This was all + that could be obtained to the Christian community for a loss of 6,000 + of their lives, 20,000 rendered homeless, and damage to their property + of at least £2,000,000._ + + [30] _See John ii, 1; also iv, 46, i, 47 and xxi, 2._ + + [31] _Tiberias was built by the Romans in A.D. 20. It is only once + mentioned in the Bible (John vi, 23). The modern town is much smaller + than was the ancient one. In 1837, half the population perished by a + great earthquake._ + + [32] _Lake Tiberias in the Old Testament was called the "Sea of + Chinnereth," and the "Sea of Chinneroth" (Numb. xxxiv, 11; Deut. iii, + 17; Josh. xii, 3, xix, 35). + + In the New Testament, in addition to the names in the text above, it is + called the "Lake of Gennesaret" from the plains of that name on its + north-western shore. + + In the vicinity of the lake our Lord spent the larger portion of his + life, thus we find it continually mentioned throughout the four + Gospels. Some of the references are: Matt. iv, 13, viii, 24, 28, xiii, + 1, xiv, 25, xvii, 27; John vi, 1, xxi; Luke v, 1. At that time other + towns stood upon its shores, including Capernaum and Bethsaida. + + The lake is nearly seven miles across at its greatest width and its + extreme length is just over 12 miles._ + + +TWO SNIPERS SHOT. + +The next day we rested. Troops having been sniped at by natives, a party +from the Squadron was detailed to make an example of two offenders who had +been caught "red-handed". They were taken back to their village, and after +their crime had been publicly announced by an interpreter to the chief of +the tribe and the inhabitants, they were shot by the firing party. At 18.00 +the Brigade moved off through the village along the main Damascus Road. +About nine miles out they were brought to a halt, as the Australians in +front were "held up". Later, they cleared the way, however, and we moved on +again at 04.30. A halt of half an hour was made at 07.00 to water in the +Nahr Mughaniye, after which part of the distance was covered at the trot. +At 11.30 the head of the column reached Khan-esh-Shiha, 14 miles south-east +of Damascus. + +The enemy was seen on the Deraa Road, eight miles to the east, retreating +northward, evidently being chased by the 4th Division and Hedjaz troops +(Sherifians). It was reported by aeroplanes that the enemy force numbered +about 3,000, and the 14th Brigade (less the one regiment left at Haifa), +was allotted the task of cutting them off. + + +ALL SECTIONS DO GOOD EXECUTION. + +Turning to the right across country, we proceeded at a fast pace through +fields of maize, gardens, orchards and then open country, arriving at the +hills north of Kiswe overlooking the Deraa Road. These we occupied, and +came in touch with the enemy who had sent out troops to attack. "No. 1" +Section was in action along with two squadrons of Deccan Horse. They only +reached their positions a few minutes in front of the enemy's flank guard, +who, owing to the steepness and rocky nature of the ground, was able to +approach within a few yards of the guns before being repulsed. During this +encounter it is much regretted that Pte. Staniland was killed. + +"No. 2" Section was in action on the hill occupied by Brigade Headquarters +against the enemy, on a hill 600 yards to the front. After repulsing them, +they went round and occupied the hill, being joined shortly afterwards by +"No. 1" Section. Here an extensive view was obtained of the surrounding +country--in front, the Deraa Road from Kiswe village and station, on the +right (and beyond) and on the left the town of Damascus itself. It is +impossible to imagine a more beautiful sight than that which Damascus +presented from this spot, with its white minarets shining in the sunlight, +above the orange groves, vineyards and orchards which surround it. The +panorama was more particularly striking because of the contrast it +presented with the rest of the country we had previously seen. Some good +"shooting" was obtained from here, and the road was soon cleared. Parties +of the enemy could be seen making off eastward up the hills, but out of +range. The railway from Damascus runs parallel to the road, and beyond it. +A train which was then _en route_ was fired at, but it was also rather out +of range. + +Just then the Turk got some field guns in action and sent a few shells over +at us, the very first one falling right on top of Brigade Headquarters; +fortunately, it did not hit anyone! + +"No. 3" Section accompanied the Poona Horse on the left flank, and there +had some "practice" on the road, similar to the other sections. It was +joined there by "D" Sub-section, Nos. 1 and 2 having come out of action, +as there were no further "targets" for them. "No. 1" Section was now sent, +with one squadron of Deccan Horse, to occupy a hill south-east of Ashrafie +and due north of the position they had been holding. Machine-gun fire was +met with half a mile from the hill, but only one casualty was sustained +(Pte. Knott, wounded). The Deccan Horse charged the hill, and the section +came in action on the top of it, firing upon the retreating enemy and +silencing two of their machine-guns. The groves round Ashrafie, and the +road to the east, were "traversed" and a regiment of Turkish cavalry, which +was in the groves, at length sent a representative under a white flag +expressing a desire to surrender. Outposts were now put out, and the +remainder of the Brigade was moved up to Ashrafie and watered, staying in +that vicinity for the night. + +Some splendid grapes and other minor luxuries were obtained at the village +and were very acceptable. That night the country was lit up for miles +around, and the air resounded with explosion after explosion by the +destruction of large ammunition dumps and other stores by the Turks. "No. +3" Section remained with the outposts, owing to the fact that two orderlies +who had been sent out were unable to find them. + +In the early morning they obtained some splendid "targets" on the road, +against the tail of the Turkish force which was being driven along by the +4th Division and the Hedjaz troops. Close on their heels came Lieut.-Col. +Lawrence and Major Sinclair of the Sherifian Army in a car. They would have +been fired on, but for the fact that our own troops were in the danger +zone. Their identity was discovered in time, however, and Major Davies, who +had just arrived to see how "No. 3" Section was faring, went down and spoke +to them. + + +WE ENTER DAMASCUS. + +At 07.30 the Australians having got round to the north of the city, our +Brigade moved through Ashrafie and groves eastward to the road, so +frequently referred to above, and marching along it, passed Meidan, at +09.30 entering Damascus--just 12 days from the start of operations, it +being then October 1st 1918. The approximate distance covered by the +Division was 215 miles, the distance due north of our old Line 104 miles. + +Probably the town of Damascus proved to be disappointing to the majority of +the troops. It was interesting, certainly, but those who had been long in +the East did not find the expression "_Eastern splendour_" realised here, +any more than in other towns they had seen; such an idea would seem to +exist only in the minds of those who have never been "out East". The +natives, on the whole, seemed pleased to see us, the victors, and +frequently cheered, while Major L.F. St. J. Davies, M.C., at the head of +the Squadron (which followed the Poona Horse, the leading regiment, thus +being the first _white_ troops), was exceedingly popular. + +[Illustration] + +In accordance with the Arab custom, when rejoicing, rifles were fired in +the air--and this not with "blank" either! + +Right through the centre of the town, the Brigade went, and camped in olive +groves along the main road, leading out to the north-east. The following +day it retraced its steps to the south of the town where it joined the +"C.-in-C.". He had with him the remainder of the Division and the +Australians. A triumphal entry into the town with the troops named was then +made. + +The Machine-Gun Squadron, given the choice, went independently, straight to +their next camp at El Judeide, nine miles south-west of Damascus, +preferring to rest their horses. There they camped in orange groves, being +re-joined in the evening by the remainder of the Brigade, who had taken +part in the "show". + +[Illustration] + + +AN AMUSING ADVENTURE. + +Sec.-Lieut. Arden in the meantime was having an adventure "_on his own_". +When we were ordered back to El Judeide Mr. Arden was told to go into the +town and make all the purchases he could, so as to provide the Squadron +with a few comforts. He took with him Q.M.S. Fisher, the officers' mess +cook, and his groom. Having made his purchases, Mr. Arden, who had been +told that our destination was on the western road, looked it up on the map +and found a place marked there on the road to Beyrout about 10 miles +distant named "_El Jedeide_". Off they started for this _El Jedeide_. What +an experience they had! The road, which had just previously had the close +attention of the R.A.F. and other branches of the service, was littered +with dead and all kinds of enemy material. Along they continued, meeting +everywhere sights of wreck and confusion such as they had never previously +experienced.[33] Having reached Jedeide, but failing to find any trace of +British troops, they felt they had made a mistake. But it was too late to +return that night, and there was no help for it, they were forced to spend +the night there "and trust to luck". + +Alternately taking post "on guard," some sleep was obtained. During the +night some troops passed by, which the small party feared was Turkish; +fortunately they turned out to be _French Colonial Troops_, whose dress is +somewhat in the Turkish fashion. At daylight the party retraced its steps +toward Damascus, and on the way, met a party of Australians. "What the +devil are you doing here?" the latter demanded. Upon hearing their story +the Australians ejaculated: "Why, do you know you have been for one night +the outpost of the British Army? No British soldier has been here before"! +But "all's well that ends well"; in due course, after minor adventures, Mr. +Arden's party reached the Squadron at EL JUDEIDE where, although he had to +run the gamut of chaff and banter, he was heartily welcomed! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [33] _It is a strange coincidence that a stream close to Jedeide is + called "El Maut," which means "Death"._ + + +THE VALLEY OF LEBANON-RAYAK. + +Henceforward, the 5th Cavalry Division was to become an entirely separate +force in its operations--indeed, at one time, its nearest support was 100 +miles distant. Two days were spent at El Judeide, grazing horses and +cleaning guns and saddlery, before making another move forward. A force of +Turks some 7,000 strong was reported to be at Rayak Junction on the Beirut +Railway 30 miles north-east of Damascus, and on October 5th at 06.00 the +Division, with the 14th Brigade leading (the "S.R.Y." had re-joined from +Haifa), set off to deal with them. "No. 2" Section was with the advance +guard. + +Across country to Sabura, they reached the main Beirut Road at Khan Dimez, +15 miles from Damascus, and halted for the night at Khan Meizebun a few +miles further on, with outposts out. Following the road to the bridge over +the river, south of Bar Elias (where a halt for water was made), the +advance guard ("No. 1" Section with it), was much surprised at the +extraordinary behaviour of the natives, who, sighting them from a distance, +galloped to meet them, firing their rifles in the air and shouting. Such +was their method of giving us welcome; it would have been their own fault +if they had been mistaken for the enemy, as they very nearly were! + +At this point, turning north along a track up the Valley of Lebanon[34] +(many miles wide) the Brigade pushed on to Rayak. All along the road, right +from Khan Dimez, the previous day, there was evidence of the sorry plight +of the Turk. Hundreds of dead horses, dead bodies (stripped by the +villagers), broken wagons and even overturned "gharries" strewed the route. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [34] _"Lebanon" means "White," probably employed because of the snow + which can be seen most of the year on the Lebanon range of mountains, + on the western side of the valley (see Jer. xviii, 14). Lebanon is + stated in the Bible to be on the northern border of the Promised Land + (Deut. i, 7, iii, 25, xi, 24; Josh. i, 4, ix, 1). King Solomon's palace + and temple were built of cedars and firs from Lebanon (I Kings ix, 19), + also the second temple (Ezra iii, 7). Other references to Lebanon are + Josh. xi, 17, xiii, 2; Judges iii, 1; Deut. iii, 25; II Chron. ii, 2; + Psalms xxix, 5, xcii, 12; Isa. xiv, 8, xxxv, 17, xl, 16; Solomon's Song + iv, 8, 11, 15._ + + +AN UNWELCOME WELCOME. + +Upon our approaching Rayak, as if at a word of command, suddenly, a +tremendous burst of rifle fire broke out! This outburst, however, proved +to be merely a demonstration of the population's welcome! Rayak, and some +of the villages in this district, are Christian,[35] and it may well be +imagined that the population was simply delirious with joy at the arrival +of the British. + +As the Brigade marched through the streets on each side there were crowds +of people occupied in competing with each other to keep up the most rapid +fire! They were none too particular where their shots went either!! It was +rather difficult for us to feel pleased to see our new friends, when they +were letting off their rifles under our very noses! Fortunately there were +no casualties from the spent bullets, but there were several very narrow +escapes! The Turk, it seemed, had fled two days previously, and left at the +aerodrome the remains of no fewer than 30 aeroplanes which he had burnt, +together with large quantities of stores and rolling stock.[36] + +An outpost line was established at Hosh el Ghanin, and "No. 1" Section +returned to the Squadron, which had encamped to the east of the town south +of the village of Maazi. October 7th-12th were spent in grazing, cleaning +up and resting (not much of the last). On Oct. 10th, the 13th and 14th +Brigades had moved on four miles to Tel esh Sherif, the 15th Brigade being +at Zahle, a fair-sized town on the slopes of the hills on the western side +of the plain.[37] + +At this time enemy aeroplanes began to arrive, and drop bombs, killing, on +one occasion, some Gloucesters. A few days afterwards they were chased to +their lair by the R.A.F. and--_finished off_! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [35] _After the massacre of 1860, Lebanon was made an independent + province, governed by a Christian Pasha, nominated by the Sultan of + Turkey and approved by the European Powers._ + + [36] _Rayak is the junction of the railway from Beirut to Damascus and + Aleppo to Damascus._ + + [37] _Zahle is the largest town in Lebanon, and has a population of + about 16,000, nearly all of whom are Christians. During the massacre of + 1860, it suffered terribly, being captured and burnt to the ground._ + + +THE JOURNEY TO HOMS. + +The 14th Brigade, following the 13th Brigade one day's march behind, moved +up to Baalbek on October 13th. Here we ascertained that the leading brigade +had had a similar reception to ours from the natives at Rayak. Passing +through the town and the ruins of the celebrated Roman Temple of the +Sun[38] on the left, we camped east of the Turkish barracks. + +North of Baalbek our maps were found to be very inaccurate and unreliable, +the actual position of places often proving to be many miles away from +where shown; frequently roads followed quite a different route! In one +place a railway line was omitted altogether from the map, while in another, +a river marked thereon did not exist! + +Rations, now being brought up by motor lorries nearly every day, were +issued to units as soon as they had camped for the night; mutton was the +principal meat ration, sheep being requisitioned locally, all along the +route, as also was forage. + +The transport was now able to follow close behind the Brigade, and usually +arrived in "camp" shortly after the fighting troops. The "trek" now became +a matter of routine, marching usually starting each day at 07.00. +Permission was given for the Squadron to carry some of its guns on its +transport, in order to relieve the pack-animals. + +October 14th--To Lebwe; watering from a stream on the way, and camping in +groves. + +October 15th--To El Kaa. The Squadron camped against a fig-grove and figs +were purchased for everyone. + +October 16th--To Kusseir. Camp on plain east of station. + +October 17th--To Homs. When about half way, in front could be seen what +appeared to be a large camp of bell tents, but on getting nearer they +turned out to be merely a village of mud huts of that shape, and +whitewashed! + +Afterwards many similar villages were met with, some of which were +whitewashed, some not. From hereabouts could be seen, away on the left, the +large Homs Lake, through which runs the River Orontes (Nahr el Asi). Two +miles south of the town of Homs an hour's halt was made to allow of +watering and feeding, then passing a ruined castle on an artificial mound, +we went through the centre of the town (which is an interesting old place, +and apparently well supplied with water),[39] to the main road out to the +north. Then, along a track to the north-west, we passed the 13th Brigade +camp (the 13th Brigade had been a day ahead from Tel esh Sherif), and +bivouacked at 14.45 on a nice piece of ground on the banks of the Orontes, +against the village of Deir Mati. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [38] _There are ruins of three temples at Baalbek--The Great Temple of + the Sun, Temple of Bacchus, and the Circular Temple, built about A.D. + 220._ + + [39] _The Crusaders captured Homs in A.D. 1099. It is the ancient + Zobah, see II Sam. viii, 3, 5. The population is estimated at 65,000._ + + + + +PART VI. + + +THE MARCH TO ALEPPO. + +Would we stay here at Homs, or go still further? was the question uppermost +in the minds of all. The nearest troops were at Damascus 100 miles behind +us, and Aleppo, the next town of any importance, 100 miles ahead. We had +now covered 325 miles in 28 days, and a rest was much needed. The question +was soon decided for us! Three days were occupied in washing (men, clothes +and horses), grazing and cleaning saddlery. Then, at 07.00 on October 21st +we set out on our long journey, the 15th Brigade (it being their turn to +lead), having left the day previously. Marching was carried on in +accordance with the following table:-- + +Twenty minutes' trot, one hour's walk, 10 minutes' halt; and the following +were the day's marches:-- + +October 21st--To Er Rastan. + +October 22nd.--To Hama.[40] Through the town and over the River Orontes +past the huge water wheels for which it is famous. (These wheels make a +loud humming noise and can be heard for miles. They are used for lifting +the water from the river, which is between high cliffs at this point, to +irrigate the surrounding country). + +October 23rd.--To Khan Shaikhun. + +October 24th.--To Ma'arit en Na'aman, camping east of the town. In the +afternoon rain came on and continued overnight. It was the first rain of +the season. + +October 25th.--To Seraikin, camping against some groves south-east of town. + +October 26th.--At 05.00 to Khan Tuman. The ground being suitable, the 14th +Brigade marched with its Squadrons in line of troop column on the right of +the road, and the 13th Brigade in the same formation on the left, while the +transport was in the centre, on the road itself. + +Early in the afternoon, arriving at the banks of the Kuwaik-Su, the stream +that flows through Aleppo from the north, the 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON +off-saddled and settled down, the latest information being that they would +not be required till morning. However, orders were shortly received to +continue the advance to Aleppo! The guns were also to be withdrawn from the +transport. The Squadron therefore moved off with the Brigade about 17.00. + +What had been happening in front, in the meantime? No definite news was to +hand, but an armoured-car tender came back for a fresh supply of "S.A." +ammunition for the 15th Brigade Machine-Gun Squadron, so evidently some +fighting had taken place. We had already heard that armoured cars, which +had for some time past been doing "yeoman service," had arrived before +Aleppo and scattered enemy patrols, and that an officer had been to the +town and demanded its surrender. He was received with every courtesy, but +the gallant commander _regretted_ that he was unable to surrender the city +as he had received orders from Constantinople to hold out at all costs, in +order to cover the retirement of the Mesopotamian forces! That was some +days previously. Later, we learnt that on the day in question, the 15th +Brigade, having arrived before the "city gates," the Turks withdrew after +destroying bridges, etc., and they (the Brigade) pushing on, met them on +the Alexandretta Road, put spurs to their horses, and charged them. + +Now, it may be remarked, the Turk outnumbered the 15th Brigade _by at least +five to one_, and after the Brigade had passed through them, the enemy +realised their strength, and picking up the very rifles they had thrown +down, _fired at their backs_, Lieut.-Col. Holden and many other valuable +lives being lost in this manner! + +But the Turk had really no fight left in him; his was a beaten army! He +continued his retreat, and the 15th Brigade took up an outpost-line north +and north-west of the city. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [40] _Hama (population about 80,000) is the Ancient Hamath, see I Kings + xviii, 34, xix, 13._ + + +OUR BRIGADE REACHES ALEPPO. + +The 14th Brigade heard of the capture of Aleppo when they arrived within a +few miles of it after dark. + +Reaching the southern outskirts of the town, they entered it by the road +leading past the prison up to the Clock Tower. Leaving this on the right, +they turned sharply to the left (past the present Officers' Club) almost up +to Divisional Headquarters (_then already established_), where they bore to +the right, down to the bridge under the railway, at the French railway +station. The bridge had been blown up and a truck which was hanging down, +completely blocked the roadway, causing considerable delay, as the whole +Brigade had to lead their horses in "single file" up the steep embankment, +across the railway lines, and down the other side, in order to regain the +road. Two and a half miles along the Alexandretta Road the Brigade turned +to the left off the road, east of Bileramum, and halted for the night, it +being then 23.45. + +The next morning, at 05.30, the 14th Brigade took over the outpost-line +from the 15th Brigade. The Deccan Horse and "No. 3" Section held the ground +west of the road. The Poona Horse and "No. 1" Section held the road itself +and east of it. An enemy rearguard patrol was seen retiring, and was +followed up by Sherifian troops, but nothing more was seen of the Turk. +During the morning the 13th Brigade took over the ground to the west of the +road, thus relieving the Deccan Horse and "No. 3" Section. "No. 2" Section +relieved "No. 1" Section. + +At night, "No. 1" Section with "S.R.Y." and "No. 3" with Deccan Horse took +over the line. Members of the Squadron who took part in the operations from +Khan Tuman onwards, will remember that "No. 2" and "No. 3" Sections, owing +to shortage of personnel due to sickness (principally malaria or +dysentery), had only been able to man three guns each, instead of their +full complement of four, so that when "No. 2" Section was on duty "No. 3" +Section supplied a detachment to make them complete, "No. 2" doing the same +when "No. 3" was on duty, whilst in order to have all the guns in the +Squadron available in case of emergency, the Squadron headquarter troops +manned the remaining two guns. The next two days (October 28th and 29th) +the outpost-line was still held, and nothing in the way of active +operations occurred; men not on duty were granted passes to visit Aleppo. + + +ARMISTICE WITH TURKEY. + +On the morning of October 30th, our Brigade was relieved by the "13th," and +moved eastwards across the railway, then northward to MUSLIMIE JUNCTION. No +enemy being encountered, an outpost line was established about two miles +north, "No. 1" Section with "S.R.Y." and "No. 2" (with one detachment of +"No. 3") with the Poona Horse. The latter section was entirely alone during +the day, as it was not considered necessary to have so many troops on duty +as at night time, and the Squadron being too far away to allow of the +Section doing the double journey with any degree of comfort, it remained +where it was. + +At 12.00 on October 31st _an armistice with Turkey was proclaimed_, the +good news being communicated to the Sections on outpost duty by orderlies +from Headquarters. The Sections, however, had orders to remain at their +posts. November 4th brought the further news of an armistice with Austria, +and early the following day Indian prisoners, released by the Turks, began +to return to us through our outpost line. + +It was at this time that Major Davies, our O.C. (who had not been well +since leaving the Jordan Valley, and for some time past had only been able +to keep out of hospital by dint of great strength of mind and powers of +endurance, in spite of the advice of his own, and medical, officers), was +at last sent to the hospital in Aleppo, which had been established by the +14th C.F.A. He had only been there a few days, however, when, to the grief +of all, he passed away in the clutches of that dread disease, malignant +malaria. + +He was buried in the Aleppo Protestant Cemetery on November 11th 1918, in +the presence of the Divisional Commander, the Brigade Commander, the C.O.'s +of all the units in the Brigades, and many members of his Squadron, all of +whom felt how regrettable it was that he had not been spared to hear THE +GREAT NEWS which we all then felt was so close at hand, and towards the +obtaining of which he had, ever since the outbreak of the War, contributed +so much energy and ability. The "H.A.C." kindly provided us with a +gun-carriage upon which to convey him to his resting place, and Capt. +Powell, C.F., the Brigade Chaplain, officiated. + + +NEARING THE END. + +As those who had been present at the ceremony were waiting for the motor +lorries to take them back to Muslimie the momentous news was received that +_an armistice had been signed with Germany!_ + +It was universally felt to be a sad coincidence that he who had come +through the war from start to finish should thus have been laid low at the +very end of his labours. That Major St. John Davies, M.C., was undoubtedly +a great leader and very considerate of his men's welfare, was universally +known. There can be no doubt that he would have had a successful career, +had he been spared, in any profession he might have chosen. + +Malaria was taking its toll, and a few days later Signaller Boak, who had +been the Squadron's Brigade Orderly throughout the last operations, fell +another victim to its clutches. He was buried in the Military Cemetery, +Aleppo, a number of his comrades being present at the graveside. + + +AFTER THE ARMISTICE. + +Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., now took command, with Lieut. A.O.W. Kindell +as Second-in-Command. The strength of the Squadron was now four officers, +145 O.R.'s, 116 riding horses, 77 draught mules, 36 pack animals, and, as +no reinforcements had reached the Squadron since the start of operations on +September 19th, these figures represented a loss of two officers, 67 +O.R.'s, 65 riding horses, three draught mules and seven pack animals. +Considering that the Squadron had covered 450 miles in 43 days, in addition +to the fighting, the loss in animals (especially draught) was extremely +small, and results show that the Squadron has every reason to be proud of +its horsemastership. + +The Sections were now withdrawn from "outpost" and the Squadron moved into +Muslimie station, where a certain number of buildings appeared to be +available, and capable of affording protection from the wet weather, which +showed signs of coming on. + +Unfortunately, after clearing out several buildings, these had to be +relinquished to a regiment of the 15th Brigade, which came up to take over +the station. The Squadron, however, was allowed to use, as billets, some +old railway trucks which could not be moved, owing to the points being +blown up. It was expected, at one time, that the Division would proceed to +Alexandretta, on the coast, for the winter, but this did not eventuate. + +[Illustration: Muslimie Junction Station.] + +About this time we had to say farewell to our old friend, Capt. Powell, +C.F., the Brigade Padre, who was compelled to go into hospital after +repeated attacks of malaria, and was eventually invalided home to England. +Capt. Powell had been with the Brigade since its original formation as the +"7th Mounted," and was a great favourite amongst all ranks. + +The following brief record of the events and doings of the Squadron during +its long spell of duty at Aleppo (and Muslimie) may be interesting to some +members:-- + +1918. + +Nov. 13--"No. 3" Section absorbed in "Nos. 1 and 2". + " 15--Inspection of horses by Corps Commander. + " 17--Memorial service in main station building. + " 18--Headquarters attached to "Nos. 1 and 2" Sections. + " 22--Inspection of Transport by Divisional Commander. + " 28--Inspection of horses by G.O.C. Brigade. + " 30--Ration strength: 4 officers, 122 O.R.s, 208 animals. +Dec. 4--Divisional Commander inspects horses. + " 5--Preparation for visit of "C.-in-C.". + " 9--Capt. J.B. Oakley and Lieut. E.P. Cazalet, with 60 reinforcements, + arrive from base. Capt. Oakley becomes Second-in-Command of + Squadron. + " 10--Four officers and 80 O.R.'s proceed to Aleppo mounted for-- + " 11--"C.-in-C.'s" procession, and return to camp. + " 17--Thanksgiving Day. + " 24--"B" Echelon (and donkeys) arrive. + " 25--Anthrax in Brigade. + " 27--One case of anthrax in Squadron. + +1919. + +Jan. 3--Inspection of Transport by Divisional Commander. + " 4--"No. 1" Sub-section proceeds to Aleppo with two troops "S.R.Y." to + escort "C.-in-C." by train to Jerablus. + " 6--Return of party. + " 20--Short range practice. + " 25--Classes opened in Brigade for shorthand, engineering, lectures, + etc. + " 27--Coalminers leave for "demob.". + " 28--G.O.C. Brigade inspects horses. +Feb. 1--Classification of horses: A.30, B.33, C.II.42, D.8. + " 3--Divisional Commander inspects animals and first line transport. + " 11--Orders to move to Aleppo. Dismounted party with surplus equipment + proceeds by train. + " 12--Squadron moves to Aleppo. + " 14--Corps Commander visits lines during stables. + " 19--Sec.-Lieut. Arden appointed Brigade Educational Officer and + promoted Captain whilst so employed. + " 20--Move to old 19th Squadron camp. + " 23--Twenty-two farmers proceed "homeward" ("demob." camp at Kantara). + " 26--Divisional Commander visits lines during stables. + " 27--Eleven O.R.'s to "Homeward". + " 28--An Armenian massacre; Squadron proceeds to centre of town, four + guns in position, one sub-section ("D") to Brigade Headquarters + for night. +Mar. 1-3--Fifteen O.R.'s "demob.". + " 6--Move to camp in the centre of Aleppo. + " 11--Twenty-seven horses evacuated to M.V.S. + " 17--Farewell parade to the G.O.C., Desert Mounted Corps, Lieut.-Gen. + Sir H.G. Chauvel, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. + " 19--Fifteen reinforcements arrive from base. + " 20--Twenty horses and 26 mules to Corrals (paddocks formed by the + Division to take the surplus animals resulting from + demobilization). + " 27--One sub-section short-range practice. + " 29--Eleven horses and 32 mules to Corrals. + " 31--Squadron strength: four officers, 124 O.R.'s, 185 animals. +Apr. 1--G.O.C. Brigade inspects horses. + " 3--One sub-section short-range practice. + " 15--"Stand-to" 05.30-08.00, one sub-section mounted, six guns on + limbers. + " 16--Ditto (as precaution against further massacre of the Armenians). + " 22--Practice scheme with Brigade. + " 23--Issue of summer clothing. + " 30--Divisional Horse Show. +May 1-2--Ditto. Squadron won Special Prize with pack mule "Pansy," and had + one limber and G.S. wagon in final; Pte. Carruthers also + qualified for jumping finals. + " 31--Squadron strength: four officers, 75 O.R.'s, 189 horses and + mules. +June 18--Inspection of horses and transport by Divisional Commander. + " 30--Peace celebrations. The Squadron, reduced to the strength of one + sub-section, took part in "march past". Strength: three officers, + 48 O.R.'s, 30 horses, 23 mules. + +[Illustration] + +The following, by a member of the Squadron, is typical of the life in the +ARMIES OF OCCUPATION. He says:-- + + "Although these (the Armies of Occupation) officially have only + existed since February 1st 1919, they have in reality, on certain + fronts, been in operation since November 1918. The 5th Cavalry + Division, pressing hard on the heels of the flying Turk, entered + Aleppo on the evening of 26th October last. Trek-tired and weary, + the Fighting Division under Major-Gen. H.J.M. MacAndrew, C.B., + D.S.O., wound its lengthy column over the Kuwaik-Su Bridge and + entered the ancient Turkish stronghold. Some of the units were at + once stationed close to the town, taking over the barracks and vast + stores and depots vacated by the enemy, whilst some of us, not so + lucky, were pushed forward to Muslimie, the important junction of + the Mesopotamian and Palestine Railways; and there formed a line of + outpost defence, just 300 miles due north of the line held six + weeks previously. + + + "LOW VITALITY OF TROOPS. + + "On the 4th November the Armistice with Turkey was signed, and + shortly after several cavalry units were sent still further north + to Killis, Jerablus (on the Euphrates), and Aintab, and the outpost + line near Aleppo was thus no longer required. Now followed a period + even more difficult to put up with than actual war itself. A trek + of over 400 miles in a space of two months, following that + nightmare of a sojourn in the Jordan Valley, had reduced the + vitality of both man and horse to a very low ebb, and consequently + the sick roll in both cases was large. Malignant malaria contracted + in the valley took toll of many brave lives, and an outbreak of + anthrax, coupled with debility, caused havoc among the horses. + + + "LIFE AT MUSLIMIE. + + "Railway communication not being completed, and roads rendered + unfit by heavy rains, delayed the passage of canteen stores, and + the rations had perforce to consist chiefly of mutton caught, + killed and eaten the same day. Shall we ever forget the taste of + it? Of course, we _did_ get goat sometimes as a variation. Xmas Day + was on the horizon and no hope of any puddings, but most units were + able to produce some kind of Xmas dinner, and a pudding concocted + from local ingredients. Followed special trains to the 'Palmtrees' + Concert Party in Aleppo, and a fox hunt on New Year's Day. Whist + drives and 'sing-songs' helped to break the deadly monotony of the + long winter evenings, and during the day there was plenty to occupy + one; roads to make in the mud, stones to be carted, buildings and + shelters erected, and more than all, the attempt to get a little of + the dirt off one's animal, and a little more flesh on his bones. + After the 130 degrees or so of heat (in the shade) in the Jordan + Valley, the cold in Syria, during the winter, seemed intense, and + ice had frequently to be broken before the morning wash. The snow + on the Taurus Mountains was not reassuring either, and firewood and + coal became almost unobtainable. + + [Illustration] + + + "SEEING THE NEW YEAR IN. + + "The only beverages obtainable at this time were native wines and + army rum, and as the former consisted chiefly of sweet Alicante, + methylated cognac and Arak, one became quite a connoisseur of the + latter and the different methods of making rum punch. + + "One Quartermaster-Sergeant in particular made quite a reputation + for himself as a punch mixer, and I know that among his favourite + ingredients were oranges, lemons, figs, condensed milk, cloves, + nutmeg, pepper, ginger, boiling water. + + "New Year's Eve saw (and heard) an officers' dinner, and all those + from far and near flocked to a small building near the station, and + under the able Presidency of popular Lieut.-Col. Wigan, of the + Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, and the direction of a Yorkshire vet. + and a Captain of the Deccan Horse, the Old Year (and in some cases + two Old Years) was seen out amid a score of toasts, the fumes of + aromatic punch, and the strain of a buckshee piano. Personally, I + crossed eight sets of Bagdad railway track in three strides. + + + "THE BRIGADE RACE MEETING. + + "In February the 14th Cavalry Brigade held a Race Meeting on a + short grass track of two and a half furlongs, discovered hiding + among the rocks. A 'totalisator' run by an Australian in the + interest of the Brigade, was run on sound lines, and if your horse + won you got your money back and a little over, which isn't the case + with some totalisators that we know of! Several 'scurries' and mule + races took place, and everyone enjoyed the fun thoroughly, + especially the mules. The machine-gun element sprung a surprise on + all by winning the Grand Prix, open to the 5th Cavalry Division, + with 'Nobbler,' a horse which was to have run at Gaza in 1918, but + was 'scratched' owing to lameness. 'Lion,' a mobilisation horse of + the Sherwood Rangers, and a prime favourite, came in second, and + both horses were ridden at 11-7. + +[Illustration: Aleppo. + +Squadron camp in the town.] + + + "THE FIRST ALEPPO MEETING. + + "In March the 14th Cavalry Brigade took over its Aleppo quarters + from the 13th, and the latter were moved many miles to the north, + where they also held a local meeting. Capt. Fraser of the R.H.A. + was now given the task of turning a waste piece of ground on the + western side of the town into a racecourse, and, by dint of much + hard work and begging of materials, he completed a quite good + course of four furlongs. The Royal Engineers erected a grand stand + of sandbags, and a totalisator. The first Aleppo Race Meeting was + held on March 8th, and a goodly representative gathering of the + army and civilian inhabitants of Aleppo assembled. After this, race + meetings were held regularly every alternate Saturday throughout + the summer. The course was laid on fairly level ground, and at the + start of the season had a thin covering of grass, which, + unfortunately, soon was burnt up by the fierce sun and worn bare by + frequent use, being replaced afterwards by litter. Though at first + only a four furlong 'scurry,' the course has now been extended to + eight furlongs, and laid much in the same fashion as Kempton Park + with a 'straight' of four furlongs and the remainder an oval. One + drawback to this course is that it crosses a high road in two + places. On race days mounted military police are stationed outside + the rails to keep order, and British troops are on duty in the + enclosures keeping the gates, serving refreshments, and assisting + in the totalisator. The latest attraction has been the admirable + rendering of popular music by the Band of the Queen's Bays. + + + "INCIDENTS AT THE RACES. + + "Of amateur jockeys and gentlemen riders there have been plenty; + among the most successful being Lieut.-Col. Vincent, R.A.S.C., + Major Walker, R.A., Capt. Sir Robin Paul, Lieut. Dowling. We much + missed Lieut. Stanley Wooten, of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, who + has hitherto been such a popular rider in the E.E.F. Major-Gen. Sir + Harry MacAndrew, C.B., D.S.O., Lieut.-Gen. Sir H.G. Chauvel, + K.C.B., K.C.M.G., have all, in turn, shown much interest in the + races, and Gen. Geaffar Pasha, the Military Governor of Aleppo, and + successor to Gen. Shukri Pasha (generally known to us as 'Sugary + Parsnips'), often enters one of his beautiful Arab chargers in the + Arab class races, and is often successful. His jockey rides in the + colours of the Hedjaz Army, red, white, black and green. + + [Illustration] + + "But the horses are now paraded in the paddock, and we must go and + inspect them. This is an Arab race, and all sorts of conditions of + men and horses are in the ring, and a terrific hubbub is going on. + Some of the ponies are well groomed, and fit, others thin and badly + cared for. Some have long unkempt manes and tails, others are + bedecked with beads and shells and long scarlet tassels. Saddle + cloths of brilliant hue are numerous, while the riders are a + curious and a motley assembly. Some bare-foot, some booted and + spurred (and a spur is a spur with an Arab, something after the + implement mother marks the pastry with). Others are in long flowing + robes with the burnous and kafeia of the Bedouin flying in the + wind, some with knives, some with swords, some with pistols, and + some with sticks, and lastly two are dressed like real jockeys, and + they know it, and show it too! Just now there is a little of chaos + as half the competitors are evidently of the opinion that they + should go round the paddock in one direction, while the other half + wishes to go the reverse. Wherefore there is loud shouting and much + gesticulating, with many 'Waheds' and 'Achmeds' and 'Macknoons'. + + + "ALL THE WORLD AND HIS WIFE THERE. + + "But there, the bell goes, and the starters begin to file out of + the gate as they struggle out of the seething mass. Away down the + course to the starting point; and here the starter will no doubt + have his work cut out. A variegated crowd is lining the rails on + the opposite side of the track. Turbaned Abduls and Yussefs, boys + and little girls, men and donkeys, fruit-sellers, arabiyehs, + camels, all in brightest colours and a pandemonium of noise. Stray + pi-dogs are continually being warned off the course, and venerable + Arab Sheiks who don't understand, and start for a nice walk along + the wide grass track. Yes, there is plenty for the smart military + policemen to do, and their burnished swords and bright shoulder + epaulets flash in the sun as they 'chivvy' the crowd out of danger. + In the officers' enclosure there are many strange types. Abdul + Achmed Yussef is there with a scimitar in one hand like the Sultan + of Turkey, and a huge white umbrella in the other hand, and on his + head he wears a red tarbush. _Iskanderianabedian_ is there with his + fat wife, and two fat daughters, all the latter in black silk gowns + and white silk stockings, and if the girls' ankles aren't as thick + as my calves, call me a liar, but this is the Turkish style of + beauty you know. The better bred the fatter is their standard, and + very nice too. Arab troops and Arab gendarmerie in their quaint + spiked head-gear; while hundreds of British staff officers (where + they come from, or what they do I don't know), with tabs of all + colours (and as one officer remarked to me only the other day, + 'When the blue and green tabs appear it's time to capture another + town'!) And a sprinkling of combatant officers, English sisters, + French attachés, and American Red Cross workers, represent the + western world. + + + "THE RACING. + + "Now we go and place our solitary 10 pt. on a promising pony ridden + by one of the two 'real' jockeys. It is all we can spare, as the + Field Cashier happens to be away (as usual). Suddenly a bugle + blows, and we hear the usual cry 'They're off!' But they aren't; at + least two are and there's no stopping those two. No, they mean to + carry on now; neck and neck they go, and soon they are round the + distant corner, and thundering past the four furlong point. On they + come shouting for Allah and Mohammed, and standing high in their + stirrups they wave their sticks madly in the air, yelling at each + other with all the frenzy of the faithful followers of El Islam! A + dead heat they reach the post and gallop wildly on, to end up + somewhere on the banks of the Kuwaik Su! + + "Now, the bugle goes again, and the start has really begun this + time, the field getting away something like a compact lump. But + soon they string out, and we notice our two orthodox men well in + rear. This time the race is even more exciting, and as the post is + neared the yells of defiance, the flowing robes, the waving arms + and the bump, bump, bump of the riders brings pictures to the mind + of the fiery followers of Saladin, or an attack by the Arabs in the + 'Tragedy of the Korosko'. + + + "HOME AGAIN! + + "Well, it's over at last, and our 'choice' and the other smartly + dressed jockey are miles behind. But that doesn't matter as I hear + the winner is only paying out 5 pt. Oh! that 'Tote'! Six races are + the usual number run; and then the sun sinks behind the Taurus + Mountains, the shadows fall long and blue, and the high-up Citadel, + flanked by mosques and minarets, becomes bathed in the orange light + of the setting rays. As the last horse is led in, the crowd flows + back towards the town, and then the arabiyehs crack their whips, + the camels grunt, the staff start up their motor cars, and the + combatant officers with light hearts and lighter pockets mount + their chargers, and wend their way back to camp. + + "Such is an Aleppo Race Meeting, and so do we attempt to pass the + monotony of an enforced exile in a barren and a dreamy land. + + "Very soon the rain will come, and then the mud, and then we shall + look for the Christmas parcels, British books, local papers, and + more than all--that long-promised holiday for the + Army-of-Occupation-Volunteer!!". + +[Illustration] + + + + +PART VII. + +Epilogue. + + +The following extract from a letter from an officer at Aleppo to a former +"O.C." of the Squadron (now demobilized) will perhaps serve as a fitting +close to the record of the service of the 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON. + +"Aleppo. +"4-10-19. + + "Dear..... + + "Just a line to let you know how we are getting on. The 14th B'de + has been abolished and several Units disbanded. The Cadre of the + Sherwoods also, who are now in the 13th Brigade, is going home, but + there are only a few of them to go to U.K. The 20th M.G.S. is to be + disbanded, and the personnel to go to the 19th Squadron. We got + orders yesterday to wind up the '20th' and send the personnel to + the '19th' and I have to report to the 10th Cav. Bde. at Homs. What + for I don't know yet. One consolation, all the men but five are now + eligible for U.K.!! Well, well, it can't be helped, and perhaps it + is as well we were broken up now as the men will perhaps be home by + Xmas if the Strike is over. + + "Hope you are enjoying 'Civvy' life. + +"Yours, &c., +".....". + +The following are extracts from THE TIMES of the 24th July 1919 and the +DAILY MAIL of 28th July 1919. They will not be read without sincere regret +by all those members of the 20th "M.G.S." who had previously served in the +5th Cavalry Division. + + + + GENERAL SIR HENRY MACANDREW. + + Major-General Sir Henry John Milnes Macandrew, K.C.B., D.S.O., died + from heart failure, resulting from burns, on the 16th inst. in + Syria, where he was serving in command of the 5th (Indian) Cavalry + Division. + + A son of the late Sir Henry Macandrew, of Aisthorpe, Inverness, he + was born on August 7th 1866, and joined the 2nd Batt. Cameron + Highlanders in 1884, being transferred to the Lincoln Regiment two + years later. Entering the Indian Army in 1888, he joined the 5th + Cavalry, to which regiment he belonged until his promotion to + major-general in 1917, and of which he was honorary colonel when he + died. + + He had extensive staff experience, being a graduate of the staff + college and having spent about one-third of his service in the + Indian Army on the staff. He went through the Tirah Campaign as + brigade transport officer in 1897-98 (dispatches and frontier medal + with two clasps), and he served through the South African War in + various capacities, gaining the South African medal and four + clasps, the King's medal and two clasps, and the D.S.O., and being + twice mentioned in dispatches. He was brigade-major to the + Inspector-General of Cavalry in India in 1903-5. + + He served in France on the staff of the Indian Cavalry divisions + from 1914 till 1917, when he was promoted major-general and + received command of the 5th Cavalry Division. His services in + France secured four mentions in dispatches and the K.C.B. He + proceeded to Palestine with the Indian Cavalry Corps, and served + under General Allenby in his successful advance from the Egyptian + border to Aleppo. The division under his command was prominent in + these operations, and the general was mentioned by Sir Edmund + Allenby in dispatches for his excellent services. + + General Macandrew was well known as a rider across country and on + flat. He earned the reputation of being one of the best and most + dashing of our cavalry leaders in the war, and his untimely death + is a severe loss to the Indian Army. He married, in 1892, the + youngest daughter of Mr. H.R. Cooper, J.P., of Ballindalloch, + Stirlingshire, and leaves a young daughter. + + From "The Times," July 24th 1919. + + * * * * * + + GENERAL MACANDREW. + + KILLED BY PETROL ON TUNIC. + + CAIRO, Friday. + + Major-Gen. H.J. Macandrew, commander of the Fifth Division, + stationed at Aleppo, died a tragic death last week. His tunic had + been cleaned with petrol and was hanging in a room to dry when the + general, wearing pyjamas, entered smoking a cigarette. The petrol + vapours exploded, burning General Macandrew so severely that he + died in hospital a week later.--Reuter. + + It is possible that too much petrol was used or that the heat of + the sun vaporised the petrol and thus rendered it so easily + inflammable. An exactly similar accident is not recorded in our own + climate. + + From "Daily Mail," July 28th 1919. + + + FRENCH IN SYRIA. + + BRITISH WITHDRAWN. + + Cairo, Dec. 10th 1919. + + In accordance with arrangements with the Government concerned a + change has been made in the military administration of Syria (north + of Arabian Desert, including Palestine and Cilicia), the Valley of + Adana, and Tarsus (which since the Allied occupation have been + under the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force). + The administration of Cilicia and the area known as "occupied enemy + territory (west)," including Lebanon, Beirut, Tripoli, and + Alexandretta, has been handed over to General Gouraud, the French + High Commissioner. + + The British military posts in the Marash, Aintab, Urfa, and + Jerablus areas, where the administration remains under the Turkish + authorities, have also been relieved by the French. + + The territory known as "occupied enemy territory (east)" including + Damascus, Homs, Hamah, and Aleppo, has been handed over to the Arab + administration under the Emir Feisul (whom the Syrians welcome). + + All the British troops have been withdrawn from Syria, and the + military administration of Syria by the British Commander-in-Chief + has ceased.--Reuter. + +[Illustration] + + + + +Names and Addresses of the Members of the 20th Machine-Gun Squadron. + + +NOTE:--_A copy of this list has been sent by post to the address of every +member for verification before going to Press._--AUTHOR, _1st June 1920_ + + +Officers. + +Major L.F. ST. JOHN DAVIES, M.C., Antringham Rectory, North Walsham, +Norfolk (Died 10-11-18). + +Major R.H. FAIRBAIRNS, M.C., 63 Alleyn Park, Dulwich, S.E. + +Capt. E. DAVIES, c/o Messrs. Cox & Co., 16 Charing Cross, S.W. + +Capt. D. MARSHALL, M.C., Margaret Place, Dollar, Fife. + +Capt. J.B. OAKLEY, Grimston Hill, York. + +Capt. F.A. SPENCER, M.C., c/o Messrs. Sir C.R. McGrigor, Bart., & Co. +Panton St., S.W. + +Lieut. E.P. CAZALET, Brunswick Rd., Sutton, Surrey. + +Lieut. E.B. HIBBERT, "Babworth," Watson Ave., Mansfield, Notts. + +Lieut. A.O.W. KINDELL, Rolle Cottage, Bourne End, Bucks. + +Lieut. G.M. KING, York House, Headroomgate Rd., St. Annes-on-Sea, Lancs. + +Lieut. C.D. MACMILLAN, Brackenhurst Hall, Southwell, Notts. + +Lieut. A.G.P. MILLMAN, Liskeard, Cornwall. + +Lieut. H.A. PRICE, M.C., "Homewood," Branksome Ave., Bournemouth (killed). + +Lieut. R. RAYNOR, Jingewick Rectory, Bucks. + +Lieut. F.R. WILGRESS, c/o The Bank of Montreal, Waterloo Place, London. + +Second-Lieut. J.K.W. ARDEN, "Mayhills," nr. Petersfield, Hants. + +Second-Lieut. J.W. CUMMER, 1221 13 Avenue, West Calgary Alta, Canada. + + +Squadron Sergeant Majors. + +FISHER, H., 65 Crosby Rd., West Bridgford, Notts. + +FLEET, T., M.M., 32 Trinity St., Dorchester, Dorset. + +JACKSON, J.B., M.M., "Denstone," Rocester, Staffs. + +LARWOOD, E., D.C.M., Thorpe Farm, Shadwell, Thetford. + +PHILLIPS, H., 21 Sutherland Rd., Bow, London, E. + +SALTER, E.G., 16 Grays Rd., Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. + + +Squadron Quartermaster Sergeants. + +CRISP, J., 14 Spencer Rd., Mitcham, Surrey. + +FISHER, H., _See_ under S.S.M.'s. + +HARRISON, N.M., Pocklington, Yorks. + + +Staff Farrier Sergeant. + +ROBERTSON, T., 85 Bo'ness Rd., Grangemouth, Scotland. + + +Sergeants. + +ANDERSON, W. (Farrier), Steetley Farm, Whitwell, nr. Mansfield, Notts. + +BUCKINGHAM, T., Lower Hayford, nr. Weedon, Northants. + +COLLETT, J.H., High Rd., Vange, Essex. + +CONUEL, T. (Transport), "Elmton," Chesterfield, Derby. + +DUGUID, L.W.J., 42 Blenheim Gardens, Reading. + +FELL, R.O. (Transport), 14 King's Avenue, Rhyl, N. Wales. + +GAGE, L., Camden Stores, Lower Bristol Rd., Bath. + +GRICE, T., M.M., 70 Olbury Rd., Smethwick, Staffs. + +HAWKINS, E.W., M.M., 26 Springfield Rd., Gorleston-on-Sea, Suffolk. + +HAZLEHURST, C.E., Low St., Carlton, nr. Worksop, Notts. + +HOLT, F.F., 18 Sandhill St., Worksop, Notts. + +KIRKE, C. (Orderly Room), 6 Curzon St., Derby. + +KEETLEY, H., S. Megby, nr. Mansfield, Notts. + +KNOWLES, G., "Tredethy," Bodmin, Cornwall. + +LEWIS, R., "Craiglea," Penparke, Aberystwith, N. Wales. + +MORDEN, W.H., 89 Ashburton Avenue, Addiscombe, nr. Croydon, Surrey (died at +Havre, 4th March 1919, _en route_ for home). + +O'NEILL, W., Barford Cottages, Churt, nr. Farnham, Surrey. + +PARKER, W.R. (Farrier), Hermitage St., Crewkerne, Somerset. + +PEADON, S., 103 Nottingham Rd., Long Eaton, Derby. + +PEARSE, T., Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxon. + +POTTS, C., 9 Castle Hill Square, Worksop, Notts. + +POUNTAIN, J., 79 Derby St., Derby. + +RAMSAY, G. (Orderly Room), 94 Highfields, Coalville, nr. Leicester. + +ROBERTS, C, 319 Ropery Rd., Gainsborough, Lincs. + +ROUSE, F., Park Rd., Mansfield, Woodhouse, Notts. + +SNEDDON, H., West Calder, Midlothian. + +THOMPSON, S.C. (Transport), 11 Canterbury Rd., West Croydon, Surrey. + +WRIGHT, W.J.P., 3 Beacon Hill Rd., Newark, Notts. + + +Corporals and Lance-Corporals. + +ADCOCK, H., 34 York Terrace, Gainsborough, Lincs. + +BAGGS, F., Brook House, West Malling, Kent. + +BARRATT, J.G., Ashby Rd., Loughboro', Linc. + +BARTHORPE, F., 2 Ebenezer Place, Gainsboro', Lincs. + +BITCHILY, H., 37 Park Terrace East, Hors ham, Sussex. + +BILHAM J. (Signaller Corporal). + +BINNINGTON, C. (Signaller Corporal), "Beaconsfield," Anlaby Rd., Hull. + +BRADLEY, W., 46 Healey St., Nottingham. + +CARR, F., Doncaster (killed at El Tahta). + +CHINNERY, T.A. (Signaller Corporal), 7 Ashmead Rd., St. John's, Lewisham, +S.E. + +CLARK, G.H., Syston, Leicester. + +FAIRLEY, J., 2 Brandfield St., Edinburgh. + +FOSTER, G. (Signaller Corporal), Sgt. 3rd M.G. Sqdn., Risalpur, N.W.F.P., +India. + +FOX, P.W., Rollerton Mill Farm, R.S.O., Notts. + +FRANKLIN, R.H., 13 Hyde Park Corner, Leeds. + +FULLER, E.J., 2 Surrey St., Luton, Beds. + +GALWAY, L., 54 Firgrove Rd., Freemantle, Southampton. + +GAVAGAN, T., The Bazaar, Shrewton, Wilts. + +GILL, H., 98 St. Anne's Well Rd., Nottingham. + +GREEN, A., 16 Maria St., West Bromwich, Staffs. + +GORING, A.C. (Signaller Corporal), 92 Coleridge St., Hove, Sussex. + +HALEY, J., 3 Queen Victoria St., Wakefield, Yorks. + +HOLMES, C. (S/Smith Corporal), 56 Mar Hill Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +HUGHES, J., Queens Walk, Nottingham. + +HUTCHINGS, F.G., "Maesgwyn," Ton Pentre, Glamorgan. + +INESON, C., 20 Primrose Lane, off Burton Rd., Leeds. + +IRELAND, C, "Bay Villa," Rosehill Rd., Ipswich. + +JAMES, J., 76 Llangyfelach St., Swansea, S. Wales. + +KIDD, S., 18 Aviary Mount, Armley, Leeds. + +KINGS, E., 1 King Barton St., Gloucester. + +KNIGHT, T.N., 29 Millicent Rd., West Bridgford, Notts. + +LAWSON, A.P., 36 Castle Terrace, Nottingham. + +LAYCOCK, F.J., 34 Highcroft Terrace, Brighton. + +MARRIOTT, A., 65 Nottingham Rd., Stapleford, Notts, (killed). + +MELLETT, C.W. (Saddler Corporal), 1 Park Terrace, Hillingdon Rd., Uxbridge, +Middlesex. + +MOVERLEY, S., 26 Wharncliffe St., Hull. + +NEAL, G., 16 Nova Scotia St., Failsworth, Lancs. + +PALMER, C.P., 26 Drake St., Gainsborough, Lincs. + +PATTERSON, W., 72 High St., Dumfries, Scotland. + +ROE, A.E., 184 St. Paul's Rd., Canonbury, London, N. + +ROGERS, L.B., 122 Hillaries Rd., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham. + +ROSE, J.B., 44 Ball St., Wells Rd., Nottingham. + +SEDDON, H., 54 The Avenue, Leigh, Lancs. + +SHARPE, H.E., 138 Sherrard Rd., Forest Gate, Essex. + +SMALL, F., Earls Common, nr. Droitwich, Worcester. + +SMITH, C.C., West St., Oundle, Northants. + +STOKES, H., Sir John Barleycorn Hotel, Cadnam, Southampton. + +UFF, G., 28 St. James St., Walthamstow, London. + +WADDLOW, J. (S/Smith Corporal), Marylands, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough. + +WAKE, T., 14 Roxburgh Place, Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne. + +WALSHAW, L.J., 56 Canon St., Belgrave, Leicester. + +WILLMORE, A.C., 2B Lakefield Villas, Westbury Avenue, Wood Green, N. + +WOODHOUSE, H., 11 Queen St., Whittingtonoor, Chesterfield, Derby. + + +Privates. + +ACE, E., 7 Carlos St., Port Talbot, S. Wales. + +ADAMS, C.W., Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, Staffs. + +ADDISON, A., High St., Navenby, Lines. + +ALLEN, L., 20 Liddington St., Basford, Notts. + +AMOR, L.G., Road Common, Southwick, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. + +APPLEY, T., Station Rd., Laughton Common, Yorks. + +ARNELL, F., 35 Fernie Avenue, Melton Mowbray, Leicester. + +ARNOLD, H.T., 29 High St., Old Basford, Notts. + +ASHALL, R., 5 Bolton St., Park Rd., St. Helens, Lancs. + +ASHE, A.E., 5 Barley Close, Chippenham, Wilts. + +ATTWATER, L. (Signaller), 22 Dryburgh Rd., Putney, S.W. + +AVERILL, R., Fox and Hounds Hotel, Brynmenyn, Bridgend, Glam. + +BAKER, A., The Row, Eltham, Kent. + +BAKER, C.E. + +BALL, F., 1 Gladstone Terrace, Bunbury St., Nottingham. + +BARTRAM, R., Froy Moor Farm, Briston, Melton Constable, Norfolk. + +BEESTON, T., The Green, Middleton, Winkworth, Derby + +BOAK, G., 3 St. Thomas' Place, Stockport, Cheshire (died at Aleppo). + +BOHN, A. + +BOYLING, F., 1 Claughton Villas, Priory Rd., Dudley. + +BRADY, W., 7 Mill St., Kingston-on-Thames. + +BRAMALL, T., "Broom Cottage," Carlton, Worksop, Notts. + +BRANTON, F., 306 High St., Walton, Felixstowe. + +BRETT, J., Highland Cottages, Clavering Newport, Essex. + +BROWNE, R.A., "Rosemoyne," Warwick Rd., Sutton, Surrey. + +BUTCHER, P.F., 34 Nursery Rd., Chelmsford, Essex. + +CANE, E.W., "The Hollies," Swallowfield, nr. Reading. + +CAPEL, B., "Woodbine Cottage," Dysart, Fife (died 17th Oct. 1918). + +CARDER, W., Raynes Park, nr. Braintree, Essex. + +CARRUTHERS, W., Keppoch, Kardros, Dumbarton Scotland. + +CASH, J., 17 Ard Lane, Kiverton Park, nr. Sheffield. + +CHANTRY, P., 5 St. James' St., Grantham (died of wounds). + +CHARTERS, H.J., "Loch Lomond," Cheltenham Rd., Southend-on-Sea. + +CHATTERTON (Transport), Flixton, nr. Manchester. + +CHILDS, J.L. (S/Smith), "Holly Bank," Bourne End, Bucks. + +CHIPPENDALE, E., 30 Moore St., Nelson, Lancs. + +CLARKE, F.J., Post Office, Harpole, Northants. + +CLARKE, H., 450 Leeming St., Mansfield, Notts. + +CLARKE, S.H., 112 Aberdeen Rd., Winson Green, Birmingham. + +CLARKE, W.E., Middle St., Wickham Market, Suffolk. + +CLARKE, W.J., 88 Whitley Wood Lane, Reading, Berks. + +CLAY, T., 24 High St., Kimberley, Notts. + +CLAYTON, H., 3 Rutland Terrace, Meadows, Nottingham. + +CLUTTEN, E.G., Church House, Wangford, Suffolk. + +COLES, A.R. (S/Smith), The Forge, Epwell, Banbury. + +COLLIER, A., 12 Rice St., New Basford, Notts. + +COMRIE, G.E.L., 15 Dixon Avenue, Crosshill, Glasgow. + +COOK, J., 32 Glen St., Paisley, Scotland. + +COOKE, H.S., 19 Rosina St., High St., Homerton, N.E. + +COOPER, J.E., Easton Royal Farm, Pewsey, Wilts. + +CORY, P.F.P., Morecombe Farm, Milton Damerell, Brandis Corner, Devon. + +COWELL, E., 47 Earl St., Lower Broughton, Manchester. + +COX, A., 17 Belvedere St., Mansfield, Notts. + +COZENS, C.F., 27 Acres St., Wandsworth, S.W. + +CRANE, W.R., 6 Seventh Row, Ashington, Northb. + +CRANFIELD, F., 72 Farnley Rd., South Norwood, S.E. + +CROSSMAN, H., Bridgwater, Somerset. + +CUNDALL, C.F., 12 Milton St., Middlesbrough, Yorks. + +CURTIS, J., 96 Merchant St., Bullwell, Nott. + +CURTIS, W., Royston House, Misterton, Doncaster, Yorks. + +DALE, A.M., Crawford Gardens, North Down, Cliftonville, Margate. + +DAVIES, C.L., 32 Carlton Rd., Sneinton Market, Notts. + +DAVIES, H.C.P. (S/smith), 13 Artesian Rd., Bayswater, W. + +DEWEY, C., 192 Ealing Rd., South Ealing, W. + +DIPLOCK, P.H., 8 Everest Rd., Eltham, Kent. + +DOWNS, A.F., Alnwick Villas, Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +DRANSFIELD, D.V., Newlands Farm, Mansfield, Notts. + +DRANSFIELD, S.A., Newlands Farm, Mansfield, Notts. + +DREW, T.C., 25 Hamilton Rd., Long Eaton, Notts. + +DROUET, A.G.E., "Ajow House," Speedwell Rd., Egbaston, Birmingham. + +DUNCAN, J.C., 1 Wellgate, Kirriemuir, Forfar. + +EALDON, E., 11 Railway Terrace, Sittingbourne, Kent. + +EDGAR, W.J., 73 Sugarfield St., Belfast. + +EDWARDS, A., 44 Greaves Rd., Lancaster. + +EDWARDS, A.E., 18 Prospect Terrace, King's Cross, N. + +ELLAMS, G., Capenhurst, nr. Chester. + +ELLIOTT, G.W., 51 Shipstone St., New Basford, Notts. + +ELLIS, C.L. (S/smith), 4 King Edward Rd., Brentwood, Essex. + +ELPHICK, J., 15 George St., Fishergate, Sussex. + +EWELS, P., Preston-on-Severn, nr. Shrewsbury. + +FARDELL, A., 3 Hertford St., Colchester, Essex. + +FARMER, J., 103 Newcombe Rd., Handsworth, Birmingham. + +FEAR, J., 1 Greenhill Cottages, Cwmtillery, Wales. + +FEWELL, H.P., 162 Upper Bridge Rd., Chelmsford, Essex. + +FLETCHER, W., 54 Cranmer St., Nottingham. + +FLORY, C., 7 Castle Rd., Colchester, Essex. + +FOSTER, S., Wharncliffe Nurseries, Christchurch Rd., Boscombe. + +FOX, W.H., 7 Nelson Terrace, Hutchinson St., Nottingham. + +FRANCIS, H., Broxhall Farm, Lower Hardis, Canterbury. + +FRANCIS, R.C., The Dairy, Woolaton, Notts. + +FROST, E., c/o Mrs. Coleman, Forest View, Skegley, Notts. + +FRYER, C.S., "A" Squadron, M.G.C. (Cav.) Depot Shorncliffe. + +GALLAGHER, C. (Signaller), 47 Alderson Rd., Liverpool. + +GARDNER, S.J.M., Billingford, Scole, Norfolk. + +GENT, A., Baggholme Rd., Lincoln. + +GILL, J., 117 Gloucester Rd., Bootle, Liverpool. + +GODFREY, W., 1 Gladstone St., Carlton, Notts. + +GOLDIE, H.C., 12 Morpeth St., Spring Bank, Hull (died of wounds, +3-12-1917). + +GOODWIN, C.S., 24 Hawksley Rd., Nottingham. + +GOODWIN, G., Robine Cossall, nr. Nottingham. + +GRANT, R., 5 Gilburn Place, Bo'ness, Scotland. + +GREENBAUM, ----, 94 Bridge St., Burdett Rd., London, E. + +GREENBURY, W.H., 73 Sleaford, Newark, Notts. + +GREGORY, R.H., "Pomona House," Furlong Avenue, Arnold, Notts. + +GREIG, L.C., Braunstone, Leicester. + +GRESSWELL, W.F., 110 Percival Rd., Sherwood, Notts. + +GRIFFITHS, W., 43 East Side, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. + +GYTE, J., Taylor Barn, Wessington, nr. Alfreton, Derby. + +HADDEN, W.E., 228 Sharland Rd., Maida Hill, London. + +HALL, J.E., 10 Clark St., Leicester. + +HALLAM, F., 45 Labden St., Long Eaton, Derby. + +HARDY, R.M., Cropwell Bishop, nr. Ratcliffe-on-Trent, Notts. + +HARMSWORTH, A., "Dowend," Chatsworth Rd., Worthing, Sussex. + +HARNESS, H., 66 Barnby Gate, Newark, Notts. + +HARRIS, S.A., Lower Herne, Herne, Kent. + +HARRIS, T., 5 Baranden St., Notting Hill, London. + +HARRISON, A.E., 123 Philip St., Patricroft, Manchester. + +HARRISON, F.W., 18 Seeley Rd., Lenton Sands, Notts. + +HARRY, R.R., 110 Nolton St., Bridgend, Glam. + +HART, E., 32 Church St., Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. + +HART, J., 5 Arundel Drive, Mansfield, Notts. + +HARTILL, E., Smyth Cottage, Maidstone, Kent. + +HAYES, H., Belle Eau Park Farm, Kirklington, Notts. + +HAYES, J.C., Belle Eau Park Farm, Kirklington, Notts. + +HAYMAN, J.T., Foresters Arms, High St., Reynsham, Bristol. + +HAYWARD, J. (Saddler), 33 Princess Rd., Lower Broughton, Manchester. + +HEARN, G., 3 Westfield Rd., Edinburgh. + +HEATHCOTE, E., 16 Cromwell Rd., Nottingham (killed at Tahta). + +HEMMINGWAY, F., 21 High St., Batley Carr, Batley, Yorks. + +HENDERSON, A., The Smithy, Carnoustie, Scotland. + +HENSON, T., 47 Chaplain St., Lincoln. + +HERRINGTON, R., South Carlton, nr. Worksop, Notts. + +HESKETH, E., Newton Green, Alfreton, Derbyshire. + +HESLOP, W., 53 Heath St., Stepney, E. + +HICKING, J.S., Chatham House, Munday St., Henor, Derby. + +HOLBOROW, J., Didmarton, Badminton, Glos. + +HOLDER, J., 40 Braydon Rd., Clapton, N. + +HOLLINGWORTH, T., 74 Westfield Rd., Caversham, nr. Reading. + +HOODLESS, J., Bridgend, Dalston. + +HORSTEAD, H., 23 Winterton Rd., Sunthorpe, Lincs. + +HOWLETT, J., 119 Brookdale Rd., Catford, S.E. + +HUDSON, G.H., 5 Blackfriar St., Stamford. + +HUDSON, L., 84 Low St., Keighley, Yorks. + +HUDSON, ----, Westgate Rd. Fire Station, Newcastle-on-Tyne. + +HUGGETT, G., 19 Cornwall Rd., Brixton, S.W. + +HUNT, B., 140 Armagh Rd., Bow, E. + +HUNT, E., 5 Bartholomew Cottages, Gillingham, Kent. + +HUNT, J., 68 St. Paul's Terrace, Holgate Rd., York. + +HUNT, S.F.R., Box 53 P.O., Prince George, British Columbia. + +HUTCHINS, G. (Saddle Cpl.), Orchard Lane, Alton, Hants. + +HYDE, E.W., 141 Glyn Rd., London, N.E. + +INGRAM, F.A., 85 Broad St., Tottenham, London, N. + +INKLEY, E.A., 96 St. Anne's Well Rd., Nottingham. + +IRVINE, R.J., 140 Roebank St., Dennistoun, Glasgow. + +JACQUES, A., 3 Halls Cottages, Stapleford, Notts. + +JACQUES, J., " " " + +JAMES, C.F., 34 Newcastle Hill, Bridgend, Glam. + +JARVIS, E., 75 Lyndhurst Rd., Sneinton Dale, Nottingham. + +JARVIS, W.B., 70 Eldon St., Greenock, Scotland. + +JENKINS, E., West Farm, Llantwith Major, Cardiff. + +JOHNSTON, J., 52 Hyde Park St., Anderston, Glasgow (died 15-10-18, +Damascus). + +JOHNSTON, R., Charleston-by-Glamis, Forfar. + +JOYNCE, C. + +KAVANAH, R., 14 Park Grove Rd., Leytonstone, Essex. + +KEARN, G., Dean Farm, Willey Broseley, Salop. + +KEMP, A., 13 Baumont St., Sneinton, Notts. + +KEMSLEY, J., Breadgar, nr. Sittingbourne, Kent. + +KENNY, R., Newton-on-Ouse, nr. York. + +KENT. S.C., 28 Scaresdale St., Carr Vale, Bolsover, Derbyshire. + +KITE, W.J., Witney Rd., Finstock, Charlbury, Oxon. + +KNIGHT, L.J., Hanescombe, nr. Brookthorpe, Gloucester. + +KNOTT, E., Lord St., Mansfield, Notts. + +LAKE, J., 8 King St., Tibshelf, nr. Alfreton, Derby. + +LAMBDEN, E.J., Ivy Bridge, Bourne End, Bucks. + +LAMBIE, J., 21 Shamrock St., New City Rd., Glasgow. + +LAND, F., Lynton Rd., Porlock, Somerset. + +LARCOMBE, W., Chardstock, Chard, Somerset. + +LAURIE, W., 27 Margaret St., Hixbourne, Birmingham. + +LEAFE, F.F., 5 Birkland Avenue, Peel St., Nottingham (killed Tel el +Quelfi). + +LEE, P., 7 Strawberry Terrace, Newtown, Retford, Notts. + +LEEDALE, J.B., Victoria House, Bourne, Lincs. + +LESLIE, C., 145 Princess St., Dundee. + +LEVERTON, C., Abbott St., Asworth, Notts. + +LINES, A.J., 66 Church St., Oldbury, Staffs. + +LOWE, W.H., Cuckney, Mansfield, Notts. + +LOY, P.A., "St. Malo," Mildmay Rd., Romford, Essex. + +LUMB, P.J., 2 Upper Oxford St., Doncaster. + +MACINTOSH, A., 157 Ewart Rd., Forest Fields, Nottingham. + +MACKENZIE, W., The Cottage, Balfour Place, Kirkcaldy. + +MANN, J., Seafield St., Cullen, Banffshire. + +MAPLETOFT, L., The Cottage, Great Gonerby, Grantham. + +MARRIOTT, J., 63 Nottingham Rd., Stapleford, Notts. + +MARSHALL, F., 19 Lawrence St., York. + +MARSHALL, J.L., 257 Sherwood St., Nottingham. + +MATHEWS, W.H., 39 Eperns Rd., Fulham, S.W. + +MATTOCKS, W.J., 122 Lower Addiscombe Rd., East Croydon, Surrey. + +MCDONALD, M., Sabbell Village, Carradale, Argyleshire. + +MCLELLAN, E.R., 110 Leddard Rd., Langside, Glasgow. + +MCLENNAN, J., 80 Culdrethal Rd., Inverness. + +MELLOWS, S., 12 Whyburn St., Hucknall, Nott. (died). + +MILES, A.H., 25 Rutland St., Pimlico, S.W. + +MILES, A.H. (Wheeler), 49 Greet Rd., Brentford, Middlesex. + +MILLAN, T., West Bank Place, Falkirk, Scotland. + +MILNTHORPE, H., 28 South Parade, Doncaster. + +MITCHELL, J.P., 99 Whitfield St., Fitzroy Square, London. + +MORRIS, S., 64 Darrel Rd., Retford, Notts. + +MOYES, A.E., 6 West Lane, Sittingbourne, Kent. + +MURRAY, J.J., Porters Well, Uddingston, Lanark. + +MUSSON, J., 176 Foxhill Rd., Carlton, Notts. (killed in action, Damascus, +30-9-18). + +NIX, T.V., Cherry House, Red Hill Rd., Arnold, Notts. + +OLDHAM, J.J., Carleton-on-Trent, Newark. + +OLIVANT, G., Nettleham Lodge, Nr. Lincoln. + +ORDISH, E.A., 17 Sketchley St., Bluebell Hill, Nottingham. + +OSBORNE, A.W., 32 New St., Chelmsford, Essex. + +PAMPLING, W., 193 Newmarket Rd., Cambridge (died). + +PARKIN, F.W., The Lodge, Scrooby, Bawtry, Yorks. + +PARKIN, S., 31 Kilbourne St., Nottingham. + +PATTERSON, W., Monaltrie Rd., Ballater. + +PEACH, L., Eccleston, Amersham, Bucks. + +PEARSON, H., 32 Hope St., Brampton, Chesterfield. + +PEARSON, T., 20 Bloomsgrove St., Radford, Notts. + +PEEL, A., Newport, Lincoln. + +PERRY, A., Sturtingale Cottage, Rush Hill, Bath. + +PHILLIPS, C., 29 Thorn St., Derby. + +PITTS, J., 10 South Parade, Bath. + +PRICE, E., The Turfs, Norton Canes, Camrock, Staffs. + +PRICE, M., Quinton, Pennfields, Wolverhampton. + +PRICE, W.A.C.H., 8 Camden Rd., Stamford. + +PRITCHARD, S., Rosemount, Ponkey, Wrexham. + +QUESTED, R., Park Gate Farm, Elham, nr. Canterbury, Kent. + +RATCLIFFE, J., 17 Old Paradise St., Lambeth, S.E. + +REED, H., 33 Church Terrace, Tower Rd., Erith. + +REEKMANS, W. (Saddler), 20 Ducie St., Brixton, S.W. + +RICHMOND, E.J., Moorgate Hill, Retford, Notts. + +RIDGWAY, A., "Goat's Head," Lillingstone, Daysell, Bucks. + +RILEY, E.A., 31 Weston St., Nechells, Birmingham (taken prisoner 1-11-17, +supposed wounded, not since heard of, presumed dead by W.O.). + +RIPPIN, F., 10 King's Head Place, Market Harboro', Leics. + +ROBERTS, W., 82 Brunswick St., The Mount, York. + +ROBERTSON, A., 192 New City Rd., Glasgow. + +ROBINSON, H. (Signaller), 120 Nottingham Rd., Mansfield, Notts. + +RUARK, A.C., 8 Wanlip Rd., Plaistow, E. + +RUSH, E., Co-Operative Yard, Worksop, Notts. + +SAVORY, S.W., St. Peter's Rd., Cleethorpes, Lincs. + +SCOTT, W., 20 Thames St., Retford, Notts. + +SEAMAN, C.W., 60 Lee St., Holderness Rd., Hull. + +SEARS (S/Smith), 9 Back Cottages, Commercial Rd., Bullwell, Notts. + +SHARPE, C.A., 51 Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +SHARPE, W.F., 119 Ryland Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham. + +SHEPHERD, J., 37 Plantation St., Wallsend-on-Tyne. + +SHERRATT, C., 4 Crown Terrace, Basford, Notts. + +SHORT, P.C., North Aston, nr. Deddington, Oxon. + +SIDDALL, J.C., 11 Sedd St., Ratcliffe, nr. Manchester. + +SINCLAIR, J., 42 Stewart Terrace, Edinburgh. + +SISSON, A., 41 Hempshill Lane, Bulwell, Notts. + +SISSONS, E., 3 Honey Place, Main St., Bulwell, Notts. + +SLEIGHTHOLME, A., Atworth, Melksham, Wilts. + +SMITH, C., Kneeton Rd., East Bridgford, Notts. + +SMITH, C.W., 37 Bishopbridge Rd., Norwich. + +SMITH, E.C., 1 Fern Cottages, St. Osyth Rd., Clacton-on-Sea. + +SMITH, H., 4 Dulwich Rd., Radford, Notts. + +SMITH, W., 94 Blackstone St., Nottingham. + +SMITH, W.J., The Barracks, Westcott, nr. Dorking, Surrey. + +SOPER, W., 36 Brandon Buildings, Clifton, Bristol. + +SOUTHEY, G.E., 46 Brownlow Rd., Putney, S.W. + +SPENCER, F., 80 Laughton Rd., Dennington, nr. Rotherham. + +SPENCER, G., 37 Ortzen St., Radford, Notts. + +SPENCER, G., 37 Padiham Rd., Burnley, Lancs. (died). + +SPINKS, W.K., West End, Ely, Cambs. + +SPRATT, B., 13 Methley St., Meadow Rd., Leeds. + +SPRINGETT, A.J., Avon's Dale, Colchester. + +STANILAND, A., 6 Howard Rd., Mansfield, Notts. (killed Damascus). + +STANLEY, A.B. (Signaller), 16 New Rd., Ridgwood, Uckfield, Sussex. + +STAPLETON, H., Bulcot Lodge Farm, Burton Joyce, Notts. + +STRANKS, T.H., 43 Quarry St., Milverton, Leamington. + +STRAW, A., 2 Tennyson Terrace, Hawksley Rd., Nottingham. + +STROSS, G., 40 Brighton Rd., Birkdale, Southport. + +TALBOTT, F.C., 134 Church Square, Newport, Salop. + +TANNER, H.G., Police Station, Amesbury, Wilts. + +TAYLOR, E.E., "Brim Cottage," Griffiths Crossing, Carnarvon. + +TEGGIN, H., "The Pentre," St. Martins, Oswestry, Salop. + +THOMAS, J.E., Pillford, Milford Haven. + +THOMPSON, A., Whitwell, Mansfield, Notts. + +THOMPSON, A.M., Greenhead Gate, Lanark. + +THOMPSON, D.J., 61 Henderson St., Glasgow. + +THORNHILL, H., 48 Park Rd., Lenton, Nottingham. + +THORPE, C., 18 Gordon Hill, Enfield, Middx. + +TIVEY, A., 5 Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +TOINTON, J., Elmsford House, Spalding, Lincs. + +TOLHURST, W.G., 9 Marden Lane, London. + +TOOKE, R., "Horseshoes," Scottow, Norwich. + +TOOLEY, H.A. + +TRIPP, S.H., 116 Nag's Head Hill, St. George, Bristol. + +TUBBS, H.C., 7 Warwick Villas, Homerton, N.E. + +TURNBULL, J., 16 Lothian St., Hawick. + +TURNER, G. + +TURNER, W.E., "The Admiral Napier," Weedington Rd., Kentish Town, N.W. + +TYLER, B.H. School House, Ironville, Derby. + +VAUGHAN, T.G., Rock House, nr. Bewley, Worcester. + +VEITCH, J. (S/Smith), 86 Scott St., Galashiels, Scotland. + +WALKER, A., 150 Moorbottom Rd., Crosland Moor, Huddersfield. + +WALLACE, G., 828 Argyle St., Glasgow. + +WALPOLE, A.N., Anthills Farm, Redhall, Harleston, Norfolk. + +WALSHAW, L.J., 56 Cannon St., Belgrave, Leicester. + +WANSTALL, P.N. + +WARD, B.V., "Sankta Koro," Vallance Rd., Muswell Hill, N. + +WATERSON, A., 16 North Junction St., Leith, Scotland. + +WATSON, B.E., Rose Cottage, Girton, Cambridge. + +WATSON, J., 2 Lightfoot Buildings, Cinque Ports St., Rye, Sussex. + +WATTS, C.P., 7 Brown's Rd., Plaistow, E. + +WEATHERLEY, E.J., 120 Lovatt St., Grimsby. + +WEBB, C.J., 21 Lower Addiscombe Rd., Croydon, Surrey. + +WEIGHILL, A., 70 Oxford St., Barnsley. + +WHITBY, J., 26 Lower Brook St., Long Eaton, Notts. + +WHITE, C.F., 21 Pelham St., Brighton, Sussex. + +WHITE, S., Frilsham, Yattendon, Newbury, Berks. + +WHITLOCK, G.H., 44 Bushy Park, Tottendown, Bristol. + +WICK, S., 13 Golden Dog's Lane, Norwich. + +WILBRAHAM, ----, Barton, Malpas, Cheshire. + +WILLIAMS, G., Collets Green, Porwick, Worcester. + +WILSON, A., 21 Chisholm Rd., Croydon, Surrey. + +WINFIELD, R.J., Checkendon, nr. Reading, Oxon. + +WOOD, F., 6 Barfields, Bletchingley, Surrey. + +WORTHINGTON, J.W., 41 The Hill, Kirby-in-Ashfield. + +WRIGHT, T., "Ivy House," Aixley, Corringham Gainsboro', Lincs. + +WROOT, B., High St., Misterton, Notts. + + +Roll of Honour. + +As a result of the circular letter dated 3-6-20, referred to on page 172, +the following names have been received of those Members of the 20th +Machine-Gun Squadron who have made the SUPREME SACRIFICE in their Country's +service:-- + +Major L.F. ST. JOHN DAVIES, M.C. +Lieut. H.A. PRICE, M.C. +Sergt. W.H. MORDEN. +Lce. Corpls. F. CARR. + A. MARRIOTT. +Privates G. BOAK. + B. CAPEL. + P. CHANTRY. + H.C. GOLDIE. + E. HEATHCOTE. + J. JOHNSTON. + F.F. LEAFE. + S. MELLOWS. + J. MUSSON. + W. PAMPLING. + E.A. RILEY. + G. SPENCER. + A. STANILAND. + +(_N.B.--The above, it is feared, does not include all the names in spite of +every effort that has been made to obtain a complete list._) + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Palestine with the 20th +Machine Gun Squadron, by Unknown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE *** + +***** This file should be named 17109-8.txt or 17109-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/1/0/17109/ + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Sigal Alon and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Through Palestine with the 20th Machine Gun Squadron + +Author: Unknown + +Release Date: November 19, 2005 [EBook #17109] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Sigal Alon and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 379px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="379" height="488" alt="Cover" title="Cover" /> +</div> + +<div style="width: 80%; margin: auto; clear: both; font-family: monospace;"> +<table cellpadding="6" summary="Transcriber's Note" width="80%"> + <tr> + <td> + <b>Transcriber's Note:</b> + </td> + </tr> + <tr><td> +1. Some of the biblical references in the original seem to be mistaken. All +the references were left as in the original. The following is a list of +uncertain references, usually together with a possible alternate reference. + +<pre> +<b>Footnote Original Suggestion</b> + +<a href="#Footnote_7_7">[7]</a> III Kings i II Kings i + Zech. iv, 5 Zech. ix, 5 + +<a href="#Footnote_10_10">[10]</a> Judges l, 18 Judges i, 18 + Jeph. ii, 4 Zeph. ii, 4 + +<a href="#Footnote_13_13">[13]</a> Matt. xii, 40 ? + Acts x, 9 Several times in Acts x, + but not verse 9 + +<a href="#Footnote_15_15">[15]</a> II Kings ii, 11 II Kings ii, 15 + +<a href="#Footnote_20_20">[20]</a> Judges iv, 3 Judges vi, 33 + v, 21 Mentions the Kishon which + borders Esdraelon + vi, 1 Judges vii, 1 + +<a href="#Footnote_21_21">[21]</a> Psalms xxxix, 12 Psalms lxxxix, 12 + +<a href="#Footnote_25_25">[25]</a> Deut. xiv, 5 ? + I Kings iv, 23 I Kings iv, 11 mentions Dor, a village in + the vicinity + xviii, 13 xviii, 19 + Isa. lv, 12 ? + +<a href="#Footnote_29_29">[29]</a> II Kings vi II Kings v + vii ? + xiii ? + xv ? + +<a href="#Footnote_30_30">[30]</a> John i, 47 ? + +<a href="#Footnote_34_34">[34]</a> Josh. xiii, 2 Josh. xiii, 5 + Judges iii, 1 Judges iii, 3 + II Chron. ii, 2 II Chron. ii, 8 or 16 + Isa. xxxv, 17 Isa. xxxv, 2 + +<a href="#Footnote_40_40">[40]</a> I Kings xviii, 34 II Kings xviii, 34 + xix, 13 II Kings xix, 13 +</pre> +</td></tr><tr><td> +2. As there is no one way to transcribe Arabic and Hebrew place names, I +left all the names as they appear in the original. Nevertheless, I tried to +keep consistency and used a single spelling when a place was mentioned +using two possible spellings.</td> + </tr> +<tr><td> +3. The inconsistency of capitalization (e.g., Sub-section/sub-section, +Sergeant/sergeant) and punctuation (mostly inside/outside quotation marks) +are thus in the original book. +</td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<h1>Through Palestine<br /> +with the<br /> +Twentieth<br /> +Machine-Gun<br /> +Squadron.<br /><br /></h1> + +<p class="midbox">Printed and Published<br /> +for private circulation<br /> +by<br /> +J.M. BAXTER & CO.,<br /> +20 Appold Street,<br /> +London—E.C.2. +</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 284px; margin-top: 2em;"> +<a href="images/title.png" > +<img src="images/titletn.png" width="284" height="353" alt="Title Page" title="Title Page" /> +</a> +</div> + +<hr /> +<h3>Contents:<br /><br /></h3> +<p style="margin-left: 20%;"> +<a href="#Foreword"><b>Foreword.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Glossary"><b>Glossary.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#PART_I"><b>PART I.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#PART_II"><b>PART II. The Beersheba Campaign.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#PART_III"><b>PART III.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#PART_IV"><b>PART IV.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#PART_V"><b>PART V.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#PART_VI"><b>PART VI.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#PART_VII"><b>PART VII. Epilogue.</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Names_and_Addresses_of_the_Members_of_the"><b>Names and Addresses of the Members of the 20th Machine-Gun Squadron.</b></a><br /> +</p> +<hr /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 374px;"> +<a href="images/map.png"> +<img src="images/maptn.png" width="374" height="450" alt="Sketch Map Covering Area of Operation in Egypt, Palestine and Asia Minor" title="Sketch Map Covering Area of Operation in Egypt, Palestine and Asia Minor" /> +<span class="caption">Sketch Map Covering Area of Operation in Egypt, Palestine and Asia Minor</span> +</a> +</div> + +<h2><a name="Foreword" id="Foreword"></a>Foreword.</h2> + + +<p>This Booklet has been compiled with the object of +enabling the members of the 20th Machine-Gun +Squadron to recall the principal incidents in its +history, as well as to allow their friends and relations +to obtain some idea of their experiences whilst they +were serving with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.</p> + +<p>Although no pains have been spared to obtain +accuracy, the statements made must, necessarily, +not be regarded as <i>absolutely</i> authoritative.</p> + +<p>Beyond doubt, many brave deeds, fully deserving +of mention in these pages, must have been unavoidably +overlooked, in which case the leniency of readers +is requested.</p> + +<p>In view of the probability that the incidents +described herein may be read by many persons who +have not been to the East, explanations have +frequently been included, which might appear to some +as unnecessary.</p> + +<p>The writer is indebted to several members of the +Squadron for their valuable assistance, without which, +obviously, it would have been very difficult to have +given an adequate account of any particular incident +at which he was not present in person.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">The Author</span>.</p> +<p><i>1st July 1920.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Glossary" id="Glossary"></a>Glossary.</h2> + + +<p>The following are a few descriptive terms which +occur in the following pages, with place-names, and +the abbreviations used:—</p> + +<table summary="Glossary"> +<tr><td>ABU</td><td>Father.</td></tr> +<tr><td>AIN</td><td>Spring.</td></tr> +<tr><td>BEIT</td><td>House.</td></tr> +<tr><td>BIRKETT</td><td>Pool.</td></tr> +<tr><td>BIR</td><td>Well.</td></tr> +<tr><td>DEIR</td><td>Monastery.</td></tr> +<tr><td>ED, EL, ER, ES, EZ</td><td>The definite article THE</td></tr> +<tr><td>JEBEL</td><td>Mountain.</td></tr> +<tr><td>JISR</td><td>Bridge.</td></tr> +<tr><td>KEFR</td><td>Village.</td></tr> +<tr><td>KAHN</td><td>Inn.</td></tr> +<tr><td>KHURBET (abbrev. KH.)</td><td>Ruin.</td></tr> +<tr><td>MAKHADET</td><td>Ford.</td></tr> +<tr><td>NAHR</td><td>River.</td></tr> +<tr><td>NEBY</td><td>A Prophet.</td></tr> +<tr><td>RAS</td><td>Head, cape, top.</td></tr> +<tr><td>SHEIKH (abbrev. SH.)</td><td>Chief, elder, saint.</td></tr> +<tr><td>TEL</td><td>Mound (especially one covering ruins).</td></tr> +<tr><td>WADI</td><td>A watercourse (normally dry).</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>TIME.</h3> + +<p>The following table shows the military method of +stating the time which is used throughout this book:—</p> + +<table summary="time terms"> +<tr><td>1</td><td>a.m.</td><td>01.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>2</td><td> "</td><td>02.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>3.15</td><td> "</td><td>03.15</td></tr> +<tr><td>6.45</td><td> "</td><td>06.45</td></tr> +<tr><td>12</td><td>midday</td><td>12.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>1</td><td>p.m.</td><td>13.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>2.35</td><td> "</td><td>14.35</td></tr> +<tr><td>3.50</td><td> "</td><td>15.50</td></tr> +<tr><td>8</td><td>p.m.</td><td>20.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>10</td><td> "</td><td>22.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>12</td><td>midnight</td><td>24.00</td></tr> +<tr><td>12.15</td><td>a.m.</td><td>00.15</td></tr> +</table> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PART_I" id="PART_I"></a>PART I.</h2> + + +<p class="sectionh">Formation of the Squadron.</p> + +<p>It was on the 4th July 1917 that authority was +given to the 7th Mounted Brigade (then at Ferry-Post, +Ismailia), for the formation of a <span class="smcap">Machine-Gun +Squadron</span> to be known as the "20th." It was to +consist of "Headquarters" and only three sub-sections, +there being but two regiments (instead of +the usual three) in the 7th Brigade.</p> + +<p>On July 4th, Lieut. E.P. Cazalet and Lieut. +E.B. Hibbert, machine gun officers of the Notts +(Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry and South Notts +Hussars respectively, brought their sub-sections to +the new camp. Lieut. C.D. Macmillan also arrived +from the "S.N.H." From these two regiments there +came, in all, 3 officers, 121 men and 98 animals +(horses and mules). The "A" Sub-section was +formed of "S.R.Y." men; the "B" Sub-section of +"S.N.H." men, "C" Sub-section being composed of +both "S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." men.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>From the commencement, the Squadron "carried +on" under very difficult conditions, as, out of its +total strength of 121, only 30 men were qualified +gunners, and 63 had never previously been attached +to a Machine Gun Section. Then there were fresh +animals to draw from "Remounts" besides new +saddlery and equipment from "Ordnance". The +health of the Squadron, also, was at first none too +good; a large number of men had contracted malaria +whilst with the Brigade in Salonica, and many others +were liable to septic sores, after two years' sojourn +in Egypt, Suvla and Salonica. From time to time, +seven days' leave was granted to small parties to +the Rest Camp, Port Said, and lucky were those men +whose turn it was to go!</p> + +<p>In due course, on July 30th 1917, Lieut. D. +Marshall (Fife & Forfar Yeomanry), arrived from the +4th "M.G." Company. He had been "posted" as +Commanding Officer, and "took over" from Lieut. +Cazalet; shortly afterwards he was promoted to the +rank of Captain.</p> + +<p>The first reinforcements to reach the Squadron +from the training centre at Maresfield Park, England, +were Ptes. Ramsay and Wick on August 4th 1917. +Pte. Ramsay at once took up the duties of orderly-room +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>clerk, and was subsequently promoted sergeant. +The work of equipping, organising and training were +hurried on, the new guns tested on the range, and at +length, on August 6th, the Squadron was inspected +with the Brigade by General Bailloud.</p> + +<p>On August 8th, Capt. E. Davies (previously with +the 7th Brigade in Egypt) arrived from "leave" in +the United Kingdom, and was posted to the Squadron +as "second in command". Orders were received on +August 10th that the Brigade would move to the +Palestine front on the 12th—within a month of the +M.G. Squadron being formed!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Our Trek to Amr, through the Desert of the +Sinai Peninsula.</p> + +<p>The forthcoming continuous trek (which lasted +18 days) through the desert at the hottest time of the +year was no light task for a new unit to contemplate, +and the two days in which to make all the preparations +were none too many; yet, everything <i>was</i> ready +by the time ordered for parade, and from that moment +the "<span class="smcap">20th M.G. Squadron</span>" became a fighting force! +There was, however, a lot of training still to be done, +before it could hope to play its proper part in active +operations.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>The organisation of the transport for the unit +was one of the greatest difficulties to be overcome. +No one, unless he has actually seen it, would believe +the energy required to pull even a lightly loaded +wheeled vehicle through the desert sand, which, in +places, is of the soft "silver" variety found at many +English seaside resorts.</p> + +<p>Each "G.S." (general service) limbered wagon is +designed to carry about a ton, and is drawn by 4 +mules. On this occasion, however, 4 cwts. was the +maximum load, and for this 6 mules were required +in every case. In spite of such a team, the going +was hard enough, in very truth, and sore shoulders +were not uncommon, owing to the mules being so +"soft," and the new breast-collars so hard!</p> + +<p>It was not long before the advantage a "M.G." +Squadron possesses, in being able to change "pack" +mules to "draught" and <i>vice versa</i>, was seen, this +method relieving sore shoulders and sore backs by +one simple operation. Although an early start was +made every day, many miles had to be traversed with +the sun right overhead; the afternoon was usually +well advanced before the horses had been watered, +lines put down, and shelters erected, blankets, rifles, +bayonets and bits of string being used for this purpose.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>The following were the days' marches:—</p> + +<p>1917.</p> + +<p> +August 12th to El Ferdan.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 13th " Kantara (Hill 70). Long day in great heat.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 14th at Kantara drawing ordnance stores.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 15th to Pelusium 13 miles.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 16th " Romani 7 miles. Heavy going.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 17th " Khirba 14 miles.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 18th " Bir el Abd 7 miles. Heavy going.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 19th " Tilul, watering at Salmana.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 20th " Bir el Masar 8 miles.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 21st " Maadan 15 miles. Very heavy going and particularly hot.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 22nd " Bardawil 8 miles. Good going.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 23rd " El Arish 8 miles. Heavy going.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 24th Rested.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 25th to El Burd 11 miles.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 26th " Sheikh Zowaid, by the shore. Very heavy.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 27th " Rafa.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 28th at Rafa obtaining stores which were sent forward by rail.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 29th to Amr into camp, 1 mile south of railway.</span><br /> +</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>It may here be mentioned that, at this time, the +Kantara Military Railway had been completed as +far as Shellal, and whilst on the march, rations and +forage were drawn from "dumps" which had been +placed at intervals along the line. As regards drinking +water, this was brought up every day on camels. +The supply of water was not too plentiful by any +means, and it required a certain amount of care +and self-restraint to make it last the appointed +time, in fact, strict water-discipline was very +necessary among all ranks. It was a tired but wiser +Squadron that arrived at Amr! Many were the +difficulties that had been overcome, and many the +hardships that had been silently endured!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Squadron at Amr.</p> + +<p>Having arrived at Amr, further progress was +made in the training of the unit. Each day one man +was "told off" to three animals, the remainder thus +being free for work on the gun. The "horse-men" +did one hour on the gun, remainder of day on animals. +"Gun-numbers" worked one hour at stables and the +remainder of the day on the gun. The daily routine +was as follows:—Reveille 04.30; Parades, 06.30 to 10.00 +and 15.00 to 17.30. Horses were watered twice (from +troughs at the railway), and fed four times a day.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>As early as September 8th, there was a test "turn-out" +of the Squadron in full marching order, with +guns on packs. The new regulations regarding +rations and forage included "Iron" and two days' +emergency-rations (in wallets) for the man, and +one day's emergency-forage (9 lbs. of grain), in +a "sandbag" rolled in a ground-sheet and carried +on the front arch of the saddle, for the horse, +in addition to the two days' forage carried in +the nosebags; furthermore one day's rations and +forage were carried on the wagons. The time +taken for the turn-out was actually 2 hours 10 +minutes. No doubt many members who read this +will smile at the recollection of the incident—and +well they might! Three days later the Squadron +paraded in exactly <i>half</i> that time, and when, on +September 13th, there was a test Divisional "turn-out," +all that was needed was 44 minutes—not a +bad achievement for marching-order with nothing +ready!</p> + +<p>On September 13th the formation of a fourth +Sub-section was approved. It was just about this +time that the "Khamseen" became very troublesome. +This is a strong wind that blows at this +season of the year, particularly in the afternoon.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +The soil at Amr being a mixture of fine sand and dust, +the result can be better imagined than described; +it was so bad that on two days training was entirely +suspended!</p> + +<p>"Mounted" training was started on September +22nd, and in the absence, at that time, of any +"set" official-drill (one actually did exist, but was +known only to those who had passed through the +Machine-Gun Cavalry training centre in England of +whom there were not half-a-dozen in the Squadron), +the O.C. (Capt. D. Marshall) thought out, and +perfected, a drill that was easy to pick up, and was one +which, in all respects, fulfilled requirements. Everything +was proceeding most satisfactorily, the men +were keen, and, towards the end of September, firing +practice was started on a 25-yard range. Everybody +fired the course.</p> + +<p>In a Machine-Gun Squadron every man is mounted +on a horse (some Squadrons, however, had mules +for draught as did the "20th"), except the cooks, +who are allowed bicycles. As the speed of bicycles +in the middle of a desert proved to be quite out of +proportion to the labour expended, 13 donkeys were +finally issued in lieu thereof. These splendid little +animals were found to be very useful, besides providing +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>a source of amusement for a long time to come. +In camp they would play about just like dogs, +standing up on their hind legs and romping about +with each other. The natives' usual method of +riding a donkey in the East is rather comical. They +sit <i>well</i> to the rear, in fact right over the hind-quarters, +and with their feet forward, these they wave in and +out between the animal's legs, and thereby make him +increase his pace. A turn to either flank is +accomplished by their hitting him on the neck with +a stick, or putting their toe in his eye!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 208px;"> +<img src="images/gs016.png" width="208" height="203" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>On October 1st-3rd "A" Sub-section went on a +reconnaissance with the Brigade, which, however, +was "in support" at Reshid Beck, and not called +upon for active work. Meanwhile the training continued—Squadron +drill, section schemes and N.C.O.'s +rides. The completion of the Squadron to the full +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>establishment of six Sub-sections (12 guns) was +sanctioned on October 9th, although the supply +of horses was stated to be doubtful. On that +date the Squadron was inspected by the G.O.C. +the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., +D.S.O.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Draft from Maresfield Park, England.</p> + +<p>Lieut. Raynor arrived with 47 "O.R.'s" on Oct. +9th. These were part of a draft of 15 officers and +250 men under Capt. R.O. Hutchinson, who had left +England on September 13th. Before starting on +their journey the draft had been complimented upon +their appearance by the C.O. of the Training Centre, +and told that "they should consider themselves lucky +to be going to a country where real cavalry tactics +could be employed". And so it proved to be! This +draft arrived at Alexandria on September 27th, and +proceeded to the M.G.C. Base Depot, Helmieh, +Cairo, after a very pleasant but uneventful journey, +via Southampton, Havre, Marseilles and Malta. The +journey through France was by a route not previously +used for troops, and the French people were very +friendly and enthusiastic, cheering frequently. Apparently +the population here were not accustomed to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>the sight of British troops. At Marseilles they +embarked on H.M.T. "Minetonka" (a splendid +ship, but very crowded), which, being built for +the North-Atlantic traffic, was rather hot for +the Mediterranean. Two very efficient Japanese +destroyers escorted her throughout the whole +journey.</p> + +<p>At first, it was thought that the "draft" was +intended to form an entirely new unit, but they had +not long been in Egypt before officers and men were +posted to various existing Squadrons. The importance +of this draft is indicated, to some extent, +by the fact that within a short time every Machine +Gun Squadron in the E.E.F. (except one), was +commanded by an officer who had come out +with it.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Preparations for War.</p> + +<p>Early in October 1917, the C.O.'s of units were +informed of the approaching operations against the +enemy, and given a general idea of the plan of +campaign. On the 17th of the month, Headquarters +and three Sub-sections marched, with the Brigade, +across the desert to Bir el Esani. The country, up +to this point, was patrolled by the Imperial Camel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> +Corps (I.C.C.), and it might be termed the limit of the +country so far in British occupation, as, at Esani, +patrols of British and Turks were frequently in the +habit of watering their horses in the wadi <i>when the +other was not about</i>! The next day (October 18th), a +reconnaissance was made across the Wadi Mirtaba +and towards Goz-el-Naam. "B" and "C" Sub-sections +were attached to the "S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." +but saw no "targets" to justify the opening of +machine-gun fire. "A" Sub-section was in reserve. +The following day (the 19th), the Brigade returned +to Amr. The experience gained by the Machine +Gun Squadron during these operations proved to be +most valuable; the animals were fit, but certainly +rather fagged; the transport was found to be +too heavily loaded, and the pack-animals were also +tired.</p> + +<p>Orders were now received that when operations +started the Squadron would move out five Sub-sections +strong. This would mean a severe test for +"D" and "E" Sub-sections. "D" Sub-section +under Lieut. Raynor, was well in hand, although +only formed a few weeks previously, but the +equipment for "E" (and "F") had only just been +drawn!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">High-Speed Work.</p> + +<p>On October 20th, Lieut. Price, M.C., Lieut. +Millman and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell (all from the recent +draft from Maresfield) arrived at the Camp. Lieut. +Price at once took over the organization of "E"; +Lieut. Millman was nominally posted to "F" and +Sec.-Lieut. Kindell supernumerary, for the time +being. It could hardly be said that the formation of +"E" Sub-section had been "rushed"! The term +is hardly suitable—"Cyclonic" would be nearer the +mark! It literally had horses and equipment issued +to it one day, and was fighting the next. At length, +on October 25th, definite orders were received for +the first phase of the projected operations against +Beersheba to be undertaken, and, the next day, +Sec.-Lieut. Kindell and three O.R.'s (Ptes. Carr, +Ineson and Marshall), with representatives from other +units of the Brigade, proceeded with the Staff Captain +and Brigade Intelligence Officer, to Esani, in order +to "take-over" the camping area and reconnoitre the +outpost-line there.</p> + +<p>Lieut. Macmillan and five O.R.'s (Ptes. J. Howlett, +A. Jacques, S. Morris, A. Tivey and E.A. Riley), who +were chosen as stout-hearted men, reported to +Col. Newcombe, R.E., D.S.O., at Gamli, for special +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>duty. Bad luck attended them, however! The +whole party was captured a few days later.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> + +<p>The following is the official account of this +adventure:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"To assist in completing the rout of the Turkish troops +retiring from Beersheba, a small mobile force on camels, consisting +of Lewis gunners, machine gunners, and a few Sudanese +Arab scouts, under Lieut.-Col. S.F. Newcombe, R.E., D.S.O., +left Asluj on October 30. It had a number of machine guns and +Lewis guns, a large quantity of small-arms ammunition, and +carried three days' rations. Moving rapidly, it established its +headquarters at Yutta, and on October 31 occupied some high +ground west of, and commanding the road between Dhaheriyeh +and Hebron. It was hoped that the Turks, retiring by night +from Beersheba, would encounter this force, which, taking them +by surprise, would, by its large fire-power put them to rout, and +cause a general débâcle on the Turkish left-wing. However, as +the Anzac Mounted Division had cut the road further south, the +Turkish forces from Beersheba retired north to Tel esh Sheria. +The force, nevertheless, succeeded in intercepting and capturing +the motor transport with supplies, which was endeavouring to +reach Beersheba from Jerusalem.</p> + +<p>"The Turks were surprised by the appearance of this force, +and having no idea of its numbers, despatched the 12th Depot +Regiment from Hebron, and the 143rd Regiment from Tel esh +Sheria—six battalions in all—to dislodge it. It held out +resolutely, but, after sustaining heavy casualties and having +exhausted all its ammunition, was obliged to surrender on +November 2 or 3."</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>The personnel (32 O.R.'s) and equipment of "F" +Sub-sections, were sent to "Brigade Details" at +Gamli under Lieut. Millman, no horses being then +available.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 206px;"> +<img src="images/gs022.png" width="206" height="208" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PART_II" id="PART_II"></a>PART II.</h2> + +<h3>The Beersheba Campaign.</h3> + + +<p class="sectionh">March to Esani.</p> + +<p>On the morning of October 28th 1917, the +Squadron marched from Amr, across the 16 miles of +desert to Esani. It consisted of—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Seven officers, 182 men, 10 guns, 156 riding horses, 70 draught +and 31 pack animals, 13 donkeys; with transport of ("A" +Echelon), water cart, 12 limbered G.S. wagons; ("B.1" Echelon) +three L.G.S. wagons, carrying reserve day's forage and rations; +("B.2" Echelon) one G.S. wagon.</p></div> + +<p>So far as can be ascertained now, the following were +the W.O. and N.C.O.'s of the Squadron at this time:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Headquarters</i>: S.S.M. Larwood, S.Q.M.S. Harrison, Far.-Sergt. +Robertson, Transport-Sergt. Conuel, Sig.-Corpl. Billam, +S.S.-Corpl. Holmes, Saddler-Corpl. Mellett.</p> + +<p><i>"A" Sub-section</i>: Sergt. Fisher, Lance-Corpl. Rouse, +Lance-Corpl. Keetley.</p> + +<p><i>"B" Sub-section</i>: Sergt. Potts, Corpl. Hazlehurst, Lance-Corpl. +Hughes, Lance-Corpl. Peadon.</p> + +<p><i>"C" Sub-section</i>: Sergt. Wright, Corpl. Gill, Nos. 1. +Pte. S. Kidd, Pte. P. Lee.</p> + +<p><i>"D" Sub-section</i>: Sergt. Fleet, Corpl. Barrett, Lance-Corpl. +Green, Lance-Corpl. Marriott.</p> + +<p><i>"E" Sub-section</i>: Sergt. O'Neill, Corpl. Franklin, +Lance-Corpl. Grice, Lance-Corpl. Thompson.</p></div> + +<p>Upon arrival at their destination, everyone who +had previously been there, on reconnaissance, was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>struck by the great changes that had taken place +within such a short time; the locality had, in fact, +become one huge camp. There were armoured cars, +R.E.s, motor-tractors, besides thousands of camels—indeed, +every branch of the service was represented. +Incidentally, it may be mentioned that these preparations +were not hidden from the Turks, whose aeroplanes +came over every day and dropped bombs, +without, however, doing much damage.</p> + +<p>The camping site for the Squadron proved to be +in a wide gully, leading up from the Wadi Ghuzze, +between two hills. After watering in the wadi (to +reach which a rather steep slope had to be negotiated), +"lines" were put up and the new bivouac sheets +recently issued, erected, after which, having had +something to eat, the Squadron was able to enjoy +a well-earned rest. In the very early hours of the +following morning "C" Sub-section, under Sec.-Lieut. +Kindell (who now took command in the absence +of Lieut. Macmillan), proceeded with the "S.R.Y." +to take up the day outpost-line some few miles north-east +of Reshid Beck. It soon became evident that +the Turk had intended to occupy this line, as he +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>contested it with rifle fire; he was, however, <i>just a +little too late</i> and had to withdraw! The position +we now occupied afforded splendid observation of +all the surrounding country. In fact, the ground +dropped abruptly to a plain several miles wide, cut by +wadis and studded with low mounds; on the right +the Wadi Ghuzze with a narrow stream of water on +one side, wended its way across the plain, almost to +our lines.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 582px;"> +<img src="images/gs024.png" width="582" height="167" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>On the other side of the plain, on the banks of the +wadi, the tents of a Turkish camp could plainly be +seen, and (by the aid of a pair of field glasses), the +Turks themselves, going about their work. During +the day various officers from an infantry division +came up to the post in order to view the ground, +over which, they stated, they were going to attack, +in two days' time. At dusk our troops withdrew +through the night-outpost line; "C" Sub-section, +with the one limber that accompanied it, +returned to camp, independently. On this day the +Squadron watering-party was bombed by hostile +aircraft, but no casualties occurred. October 30th +was spent in "resting," and in the afternoon every +man was directed to lie down in his "bivvy" from +13.00 to 17.00 hrs. (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)! Upon being +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>asked by the Orderly Officer why he was not complying +with this order, one man remarked to his pal: "Well, +that's the first time I've been stopped doing work +in the Army"! It was, however, very necessary, +as, that night at 20.30 (8.30 p.m.), the Brigade, +commanded by Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., +D.S.O., started on its approach-march after watering.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Approach-March to Beersheba.</p> + +<p>The "going" was, most of the way, through +thick sand with a lot of green scrub. Doubtless, +everybody who took part in that march will ever +remember the incidents and details of the operations—and +the indescribable dust. Temperature very cold; +"loads off"; "loads on"; at frequent intervals. +So—on, through the night; generally at the walk, +occasionally trotting; hearing, at one point, intermittent +rifle-fire (on the left flank), and, with now and +then, "<span class="smcap">Very Lights</span>" being put up. Later on, +a white stone building was passed (apparently +unoccupied) called "Ibn Said".</p> + +<p>After several hours' marching, a road and a narrow +gauge Turkish railway were crossed, both of which +were understood to lead to Beersheba. At length, the +position was reached on Itwail El Semin, 7 miles +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>south of Beersheba, just before daybreak, where the +transport ("A" Echelon) soon found us. "A" and +"B" Sub-sections were immediately attached to the +"S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." respectively, and took up +positions in front of Ras-Hablein and Goz-el-Naam.</p> + +<p>It was not long before it became evident that there +<i>was</i> "something doing". Yes, the great event for +which the Squadron had been preparing since its +formation was about to take place! The 7th Mounted +Brigade found itself "up against" a series of strongly-held +trenches on Ras-Hablein to Ras-Ghannam. +The 60th Infantry Division was on its left and the +Australians on its right. The plan of attack, as given +in the official publication: "<i>A Brief Record of the +Advance of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force</i>" was +as follows:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"... for the 60th and 74th Divisions to seize the enemy +works between the Khalasa Road and the Wadi Saba, while +the defences north of the Wadi were masked by the Imperial +Camel Corps Brigade and two battalions of the 53rd Division. +The Anzac Mounted Division, Australian Mounted Division and +7th Mounted Brigade were to attack the defences of the town +from the north-east, east and south-east".</p></div> + +<p>The progress of the attack all along the line could +be seen from the top of Itwail. The Turk, everywhere, +clung tenaciously to his main positions.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +During the whole morning and afternoon, rifle and +shell-fire were continued on both sides. "B" Sub-section +covered the advance of the "S.N.H." The +Essex Battery R.H.A., in action at this time, came in +for a bad quarter of an hour, but fortunately escaped +with slight casualties, when, at 16.00 (4 p.m.) orders +were issued to attack Beersheba!</p> + +<p>The Brigade at once formed up in a cloud of dust, +and, led by its General as if on a ceremonial parade +at home, started off at the trot to the attack. Soon, +the dust became so dense (especially in the centre of +the Brigade), that it was impossible to see two yards +in front. After going a mile or two, a halt was made +under cover of a hill for a few minutes, then on again. +To the surprise of everyone, little opposition was now +offered, and it soon became apparent that the Turk +had fled, although reinforced during the day, the sight +of an English Cavalry Brigade advancing, proving +too much for him! Another halt, another trot, then +the position was taken!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">We take Turkish Trenches.</p> + +<p>Until quite recently, the Turk had been content +merely to patrol the country south and east of +Beersheba, but our concentration at Esani had made +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>him uneasy about his left flank, and he had +hastily dug a line of trenches and manned them, +hoping to put up a strong opposition to our +advance. These were the trenches we had now +taken; and they constituted a strong position too, +the hills being particularly steep in front of +them.</p> + +<p>Having captured the position and enjoyed a short +rest, the Brigade pushed on again after dark—this +time in column of route, but "at the walk," as it was +"pitch-black" and the ground rough and rocky. +Well on in the evening, a welcome change in the +going occurred, as we came out upon a road (the same +one crossed in the morning); a proper road, a <i>real</i> +road like one at home in England! It seemed strange, +indeed, after the miles of desert; the horses +appreciated it too! Later, the moon having risen, +a long halt was made, after which the road towards +Beersheba was resumed. Every mile or so, by the +wayside were now passed remains of Turkish camps, +dead animals, overturned wagons, abandoned +ammunition, etc., etc. The enemy had evidently +left in "some" haste. But there were still isolated +parties of the enemy in the hills, from which direction +shots could be heard from time to time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Beersheba at last!</p> + +<p>After a long and gruelling journey, during which +everyone was dead tired and the horses badly in need +of water, the outskirts of the "town" of Beersheba +were at last reached. Here the Squadron halted, +whilst the units in front "watered". It then +became known to us that Beersheba had already been +occupied by the Australians, who, no doubt, had +come in from the flank. As regards the "water," +this was contained in a long stone trough, and, +although it was thick with mud, it was all that could +be had. Yet, of this filth the animals drank deeply, +not having tasted a drop of liquid <i>for 24 hours</i>!</p> + +<p>After "watering," a camping-area for the night +was allotted to the Squadron near by. The animals +having been off-saddled and fed, everyone was glad +to be able to lie down in his clothes and snatch some +sleep during the few remaining hours, until it was time +to "stand to" in the morning. Before daybreak the +Squadron saddled-up and moved off into the plain +outside the town. Here it halted in "Line of Sub-section +Column" and dismounted. No sooner had +the sun risen, however, when machine-gun fire broke +out from all directions. At once the order was +given to extend for rifle fire. Everyone expected to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>see the dust thrown up all round by the thousands +of bullets which were being fired, and prepared for +a great mêlée, but—nothing happened! <i>A perfect +tornado of fire</i> and nothing whatever could be seen! +After a few minutes, to the surprise of all, everything +was quiet again! The explanation was obtained +afterwards: all that had happened was that a Boche +plane had appeared over our outpost line. He must, +certainly, have had a hot reception!</p> + +<p>Then "lines" were put down, animals off-saddled +again and a much needed wash-up and shave indulged +in—after watering and stables. To feel clean once +more and to be able to have a sleep in the heat of the +day, which at this time was intense (in spite of the +cold nights), was a treat enjoyed by all.</p> + +<p>Beersheba was very disappointing. Instead of +being a town, as Europeans understand that term, +a place where one can buy such things as cigarettes +and something to eat, nothing at all was obtainable, +and the only buildings in it, that were not mud huts, +were empty.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> + +<p>During our stay at Beersheba, enemy planes, +often flying quite low, paid us several visits, for +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>whose benefit one Sub-section always had its guns +mounted for anti-aircraft work. On one of these +raids two men and several animals, in an Australian +Field Ambulance a couple of hundred yards from the +Squadron Camp, were killed. One man had a +"narrow shave". He was standing beside his horse +when the plane appeared, and, for safety, he jumped +into a trench that happened to be at hand still holding +the reins. The animal was killed, but he himself +escaped without a scratch!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Coastal Sector.</p> + +<p>To the 21st Infantry Corps in front of Gaza, had +been given the task of attracting enemy reserves to +that neighbourhood, thus to lighten the task of the +troops on the right of the line, in the capture of +Beersheba. On October 27th, a bombardment of +the elaborate Gaza defences had been commenced, +assisted by the Navy, and on the night of November +1st-2nd, "Umbrella Hill" was captured, followed in +the early morning <i>by the whole of the front-line system +of trenches</i>.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Operations at Tel Khuweilfeh.</p> + +<p>After a day's rest, the 7th Mounted Brigade +started off again (on November 2nd) at 08.30. "C" Sub-section +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>reported to the "S.N.H."; "D" Sub-section +to the "S.R.Y." The Transport ("B.1" Echelon) +just arrived as the Squadron was timed to move off, +and rations had to be issued out on parade. [It may +here be mentioned that the transport had had a +"rough time," and without having accurate knowledge +of what was happening to the Brigade, owing +to the many difficulties of communication <i>en route</i>, +did splendidly in arriving even when it did.]</p> + +<p>The railway being crossed, the Brigade "carried +on," along a sort of old track north of Beersheba for +about 10 miles, where a halt was called. A short +description of the country hereabouts would not, +perhaps, be out of place. Doubtless other people +will read this record besides the members of the +Squadron who have seen the "beauties" of that +remote part of the world; a brief reference to the +characteristics of the locality may, therefore, be +appreciated by those who would like to spend a +short holiday there!</p> + +<p>Now, the ground itself, baked hard by the tropical +sun and total absence of water, is covered with stones, +it has practically no vegetation whatever, any scrub, +at all resembling a tree, being something to remark +upon. Parts of the country, however, are cultivated +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>by the natives during the winter and spring, but at +the time of our campaign everything was quite bare. +Then, there are no roads; the tracks made by the +natives are inches deep in dust, which, when used by +troops, rises in dense clouds, choking one's nose and +eyes, besides "caking" on the face, so that in a very +short time every man more resembles a performer in a +minstrel troupe rather than a soldier in His Majesty's +Army. Everywhere hills are to be seen, upon which +there are outcrops of rock. Upon these hills, also, a +small bushy plant manages to grow (a kind of thyme), +which has a very pungent smell.</p> + +<p>In front of the halting place, mentioned above, +was a plain about a mile wide; on each side of this was +a range of hills. The "S.R.Y." and "D" Sub-section +made towards Khuweilfeh on their left front, +and the "S.N.H." and "C" Sub-section set off +half-right towards the hills. The "S.N.H." met but +slight opposition from the enemy, which they easily +overcame. Pushing forward and taking, on the way, +two field-guns and two ambulances abandoned by the +Turks, they, at length, gained the highest point +(Ras en Nukb); from here could be seen the Turkish +position on the other side of the plain, being attacked +by the "S.R.Y."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">A Difficult Proposition.</p> + +<p>It was clear that no further advance could be +made until the Turks on the left were dislodged. +This seemed to be a difficult proposition, as enemy +reinforcements could be seen coming up in great +numbers. Towards evening an attempt was made to +attack them on the other side, but the ground being +found to be very rocky, and after being shelled +considerably and night setting in, orders were +received to withdraw. Then the "S.N.H." came +right back to the point where they had left the +Brigade, and "C" Sub-section remained with them +for that night. After several attempts had been +made to bring in the captured guns, it was decided +it was impossible to retain them, so they were turned +over a precipice.</p> + +<p>The next morning (November 3rd) before daylight, +the "S.N.H." and "C" Sub-section set out +again, and occupied the same position which they +had evacuated the previous night, being relieved +about 10.00 by the Australians. They had, +however, to stand-by for a time, as the Turks +showed signs of attacking. On the way back to +the Brigade they passed British infantry on the +way up to the attack, moving under artillery +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>fire, which on both sides was very lively just +then.</p> + +<p>In the meantime "D" Sub-section had been +having an adventure; the following incident being +related by one who was present:—</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"D's" Adventure.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Shortly after leaving the Brigade," he writes, "we came +into action on a ridge and gave overhead fire, while the S.R.Y. +attacked the enemy position which was on another ridge about +1,800 yards off. After a short time, in order to get closer to the +enemy, we advanced to an intervening ridge about 900 yards, +bringing us this distance from the enemy. During this advance, +which was carried out at the gallop, we were subjected to very +heavy machine-gun fire, through which we were lucky to come +with the loss of only one pack mule. The second position was a +good one, and we were able to bring very effective fire on to the +enemy who were in a similar position to ourselves, only rather +higher up. Observation was very bad owing to the hard ground.</p> + +<p>"After being in action for a considerable time and having +fired a large quantity of ammunition, we suddenly became aware +that we were entirely "on our own," not one S.R.Y. or a man of +any other unit to be seen. Mr. Raynor went back to try to re-establish +communication, and just as it was rapidly getting dark +he sent up an orderly to tell us to come out of action, and to lead +us down into a gulley below the position we held, where he was. +When we arrived at what the guide thought was the spot, however, +it was quite dark, indeed "pitch black". He was nowhere to be +found, and after sending out scouts in all directions, and still +being unable to find him in the darkness, we took the opportunity +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>to feed the horses. After a short rest and being under the +impression that the Brigade had advanced (from information +previously obtained) we advanced too! After passing our former +position, and descending the steep slope beyond, we at last +sighted a light, and sent out a man (Pte. Chantry) to reconnoitre. +Our surprise can be imagined, when he got to within a hundred +yards of it he was fired at. It was a party of Turks! They +immediately 'stood to' and let us have it 'hot'. We at once +galloped to cover on the left flank, but unfortunately before we +reached it Francis was hit, and we never saw the poor chap +again! The pack animal he was leading, however, came along +with the rest of the horses.</p> + +<p>"Just after this incident a gun 'pack' (the Bint), got loose +(she was always difficult to lead), and galloped off. But she came +in by herself the next morning, followed shortly afterwards by the +horse poor Francis had been riding when he met his end. After +we reached cover, we found the 'S.R.Y.' Headquarters close by, +so we reported there, when we were told that orders had been +issued for us to re-join the Squadron. The 'O.C.' and Mr. +Raynor were there also, who told us to remain for the night, +off-saddling half at a time. The following morning we again +came into action near our original position of the previous day, +but did not fire. During the morning we were relieved by some +machine guns from the Camel Corps, and then rejoined the +Brigade".</p></div> + + +<p class="sectionh">"B" Sub-section's Work.</p> + +<p>"B" Sub-section was early attached to the +Australians and advanced, on the right of the +"S.R.Y.," on the edge of the plain. They had tough +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>fighting and fired a considerable quantity of +ammunition. It is regretted that information is not +available, to allow of a detailed description of the +adventures of this Sub-section at Khuweilfeh, being +given. It is certain, however, that the Sub-section +rendered the Australians valuable assistance, which +was greatly appreciated.</p> + +<p>The Brigade, having been relieved by the 53rd +Division<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>, now commenced the long march back to +Beersheba, a distance of at least 10 miles, through the +country we have just described. This journey, and +that which followed, were the most tiring of these +operations. It must be remembered that the horses +had not been watered nor the men's water-bottles +filled, since the previous morning. When the intense +heat of the day is considered, not to mention the dust, +the hardships suffered can, perhaps, be imagined! +The G.O.C. (Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O.) +went along the whole column and handed his brandy-flask +to those who seemed the most exhausted. +Upon arriving at Beersheba, the town was found to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>be swarming with more troops, and it was with the +greatest difficulty that any water was obtained at +all. Everyone had gone without just as long as we +had done—at least, so they said!</p> + +<p>The next day (November 4th), was spent in +watering and cleaning up. Towards evening, "Saddle-up" +was ordered; the Brigade moved at 16.00 +and marched to Karm, a distance of 15 miles—a +journey which seemed interminable. The air was so +thick with dust that it was necessary to keep right on +to the tail of the horse in front, or you would have been +lost in a second. "'Ware hole on the right!" +"Mind the wire!" and such like orders were passed +down the column from time to time. You had just +to do what you were told, as it was quite impossible +to see even a yard ahead!</p> + +<p>Arrived at Karm, at about 22.00, the Brigade +watered their horses from the troughs beside the +railway line, which were supplied with water brought +up in trucks by train from the pipe line at Shellal or +El Arish! After a short sleep, the Brigade moved +on a few miles to Goz el Geleib, and took over a +camping area from the 8th Mounted Brigade.</p> + +<p>Our Squadron took over the identical ground just +occupied by the 21st Squadron, and the small party +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>we sent on in advance learnt of the action they had +been in, when strongly attacked, and the praise they +had earned from the Commander-in-Chief. During +this action, one of their officers (Lieut. Stuart) who was +known to some of the members of the "20th," was +captured. He was at first reported killed.</p> + +<p>The Brigade stayed here for the day in reserve. +Glad enough everyone was of this little rest, which at +any time is indeed "very little" for a cavalry unit, +even when halted. That afternoon an officer of the +Squadron was ordered to proceed to a point overlooking +the Wadi Imleh and establish signalling communication +with the Australian Headquarters, and +to keep watch for any enemy movement across it. +The line, in this part, was held by small posts, in some +places over a mile apart. It would seem to be an +easy matter for the Turk to creep up during the night +and at daybreak pour through the gaps. It was, +indeed, at this point that the 21st Squadron had been +so hard pressed.</p> + +<p>Nothing unusual happened on this occasion, +however, and the next morning (November 6th), +the Brigade moved at 08.30 to a point north-east of +Karm, near Abu Irgeig, just behind the line. Two +sub-sections were at once sent to a line of observation +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>overlooking Wadi Imleh. Persistent rumours of an +enemy attack from this quarter which, as has been +seen, was very lightly held, kept everyone on the alert.</p> + +<p>"C" Sub-section watered at Karm during the +day and before night the positions were carried by the +infantry and the Brigade camped near by. But it +was on the move again the next morning (November +7th) long before daylight (at 04.30). No person +in the Squadron knew what was the destination, and +when, at length, day broke, there were many +speculations even as to the locality they were then +actually in.</p> + +<p>Eventually a railway was crossed, and the +country appeared just like that north of Beersheba. +It transpired, in fact, that they were only a few miles +from that town, but on a different road from that +leading to Khuweilfeh. After having covered about +8 miles since the morning, the Brigade approached +Tel-el-Sheria, where it came in sight of the railway +station, and under enemy shell-fire, which was pretty +hot at times. At the station itself the shelling was +hotter still, as 5.9's were falling thick just there. At +night, however, all shelling ceased and the troops +were able to water their horses at 23.00 in the wadi, +close to the station.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>Meanwhile at Gaza, on the coast, the intense +bombardment of the Turkish lines that had been +going on, was more than the enemy could stand, and +he began to withdraw his troops. To such an extent +had the withdrawal been carried out, that a British +attack on the night of November 6th-7th met with but +slight opposition, and Outpost Hill, Middlesex Hill +and Ali-Munter were captured without much trouble. +The Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade passed right +through the ruins of Gaza.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Brigade Advances.</p> + +<p>The following day (November 8th), at 05.00, a +further advance was made by our Brigade along the +railway about 9 miles, and the enemy was sighted +in the neighbourhood of Tel Hudeiwe, whom the +"S.N.H." and "C" Sub-section were sent to dislodge. +This task they accomplished at once, but a +sudden counter-attack forced back our advanced +points with a rush, who sustained some casualties. +The position then held was a good one, and there were +little doubts about our being able to hold it, even if +outnumbered. The ground was so steep in the rear, +that led-horses could be brought up to within 20 yards, +or less, of the guns. In front, too, the ground sloped +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>away sharply, and on the other side of the valley was +a ridge, similar to our own, to which the Turks had +withdrawn, and where they could be seen in large +numbers. They kept up a very heavy rifle and +machine-gun fire, which, however, we heartily +returned. Their artillery, evidently, was being +employed elsewhere, as will be shown shortly. During +the afternoon the Turks were seen to be reinforced, +and showed every sign of attempting an attack. +"B" Sub-section came up and was in action alongside +"C"; "E" Sub-section also was attached, but +was held in reserve for eventualities. It was soon +seen, however, that the Turk had come to the +conclusion that "discretion was the better part of +valour," for nothing further happened.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"D" Sub-section's Casualties.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile "D" Sub-section had been having +a rough time. They had taken up a position close +to Brigade Headquarters with the Essex Battery, +to protect it from a flank attack. The Essex and +Turkish artillery had a lively duel, during which +shells fell thick, around this quarter. Lance-Corpl. +Marriott was, unfortunately, killed, while Lieut. +Raynor, Ptes. Taylor and Crane, and, later, Lance-Corpl.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +Green, were wounded, in this action. It may +be mentioned here, that Lieut. Raynor was hit in the +arm, and after undergoing several operations in +Nasrieh Hospital, Cairo, he was sent home and finally +retired from the Army. The manner in which he had +organised "D" Sub-section, and in a few weeks made +it a fighting unit of exceptional quality, had earned +him great praise. Sergt. Fleet, who assumed command +after Lieut. Raynor was hit, did splendid +work and was afterwards awarded the Military +Medal.</p> + +<p>All was quiet during the night, and at daybreak +the patrols sent out, reported "all clear"; the Turks +had "Imshied" (i.e., cleared out). After watering, +under a certain amount of shell fire, the Sub-sections +that had been in the line re-joined the Squadron; +the remainder had watered late the previous night, +and were not allowed the time to water again. Then +commenced an exciting race across country towards +the coast, in an endeavour to cut off the Turkish +garrison at Gaza, which was stated at this time to be +in full retreat. The Brigade advanced 16 miles +that day—"Point 375," Simsin-Bureir, Huliekht, +Julis—right through the ancient land of the +Philistines.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> +<div class="figright" style="width: 275px;"> +<img src="images/gs045a.png" width="275" height="161" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>A different kind of country was being met with +now, much of it being, evidently, cultivated during +certain times of the year. +Many villages were also passed, +some of which looked quite +pretty from a distance, clustering +among their cactus hedges +and a few trees. But anything +green would have looked +pleasant at that moment to the men who, for so long, +had seen nothing but the arid desert. It was a case, +however, of "distance lending enchantment to the view", +as a close inspection proved disappointing. The filth in +which these people live must be seen to be realised. +Language fails in this case! Their houses are simply +mud huts consisting, generally, of only +one room, in which the whole family live! +During the day strong healthy men sit +about outside, while the women do all the +work, even to the toilsome labour of +tilling the ground! A search for water in +such places is not a very hopeful matter; +at the most there might be two wells, from +which water could be got up, <i>a bucketful +at a time</i>—a hopeless look out, when there +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>are thousands of thirsty men and horses! Nothing +was seen of the enemy that day, and when the sea +came in view (what a splendid sight!), it was evident +the Gaza forces had escaped.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 183px;"> +<img src="images/gs045b.png" width="183" height="316" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>What an enormous amount of ammunition and +stores they had left behind! It has been stated, +unofficially, it would have been enough to last them +12 months! Evidently, the enemy did not expect +to leave in such a hurry.</p> + +<p>That night the Brigade bivouacked at Julis, and +the next morning (November 10th), in attempting +to water "B" Sub-section was shelled out of Es +Suafir el Gharbiye. The Squadron then returned to +Julis, and was ordered to off-saddle and look for water +at one of the villages near the coast. Eventually +they found a moderate supply at Hamame, 3½ miles +away, together with—quite unexpectedly—oranges. +To say that these were appreciated is hardly adequate, it +can well be imagined that they <i>were</i> a luxury just then!</p> + +<p>Having returned to camp, Capt. Davies and Lieut. +Price excited the envy of the other officers. They +had been to El-Mejdel, a few miles south of Hamame, +which turned out to be quite civilised compared with +the surrounding villages, and they had bought some +tobacco and, actually, had had a cup of coffee!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">A Rest at Hamame.</p> + +<p>An hour or two afterwards we had great news! +The Brigade was to go to Hamame for a rest and +clean up, and perhaps a swim in the sea! After our +experiences it would certainly be difficult to think of +anything that could be more appreciated, unless it +were a square meal; but then, there were oranges to +be had, to make up for shortcomings in that respect.</p> + +<p>Only 11 days since leaving Esani, yet how much +had been crowded into that short period! As much +work had been done every day as was usually done in +a week. It was not the fatigue of the trekking and +fighting that "told" so much, but the lack of adequate +rest; generally "turning-in" very late at night, and +often having to sleep in boots ready to move before +daylight the following morning, with nothing but +"bully beef," biscuits, and (a very little) jam to eat. +Sometimes tea was available, but frequently without +sugar or milk. As regards "bully beef," this may be +very sustaining, but it is a fact difficult to believe +when having nothing else to eat for weeks on end. +The look of it was enough to make one sick! Of +course, in the circumstances, no other rations were +possible, and the Supply Department certainly did +wonders to keep units supplied with <i>any</i> kind of food, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>when they did not know, from one hour to another, +where they would be located next, without taking +into consideration the distances that had to be covered +over roads hardly worthy to be called tracks.</p> + +<p>Two days were spent at Hamame, and how +glorious they were! The Squadron rode down +"bare-back" to the beach each day (two miles away) +and bathed, the horses going into the sea as well. +They were watered from wells just dug by the Field +Troop (R.E.). It is a curious fact that all along this +coast one has only to dig down in the sand a few feet, +and there an inexhaustible supply of fresh water is +to be found. It only remains to put up canvas +troughs and hand pumps, and any number of horses +can be watered, as easily as if they were in the best +watered country in the world. It is unfortunate +that this is not possible away from the coast.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">At Junction Station.</p> + +<p>At 04.30 on the morning of November 13th, the +Brigade moved from its comfortable quarters at +Hamame, nearly due east to Beit Affe, and then +beyond Summeil, where a line was taken over which +had been previously held by another Brigade. On the +way the Turks shelled us heavily. It is surprising +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>how difficult it is to hit a Brigade on the move, in +"Line of Troop Column"; shells often fell right +in the centre of a Regiment, yet not actually hitting +a troop or doing any damage whatever! At night +we withdrew from the line, marched on to Tel-et-Turmus, +north-west, and slept there in a deep wadi. +The next day at 05.30 we were "on the move" +again and pushed on to El Tine crossing the railway. +It was evident, from the amount of kit, dead animals, +etc., on the road, that "Johnny Turk" had not +been <i>dawdling</i> by the way!</p> + +<p>From El Tine we went to Kezaze and thence to +Junction Station where our eyes were gladdened by +the sight of a <span class="smcap">brick building</span>. On reaching the crest +of the ridge the railway leading to Jerusalem suddenly +came into view, and, parallel with it, was seen the +main road to that town. Visible for several miles +until lost to sight in the distant hills, it was crowded +with retreating Turks who had been thoroughly +surprised at our sudden appearance. The station +appeared to be in flames, but the Turk was still +"showing fight," and in a short time "C" Sub-section +attached to the "S.R.Y." was in action on the +ridge south of the railway against the enemy, who had +a position on a hill the other side of it. In about a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>quarter of an hour, however, the Turk was seen +retiring, and the Sub-section came out of action and +advanced across the railway line to "let him have it" +again, in his new position in front of the village of +Khulde. Evening was drawing near, when orders +were received to withdraw to the original position +for the night, and close by there, the Squadron settled +down. Before that, however, they had gone to the +station to water, but the supply quickly gave out +and they had to return. Towards midnight, a fresh +source having been tapped, they turned out to water +again, none having been had the day before: <i>they had +been 57 hours without water!</i></p> + +<p>The next day no serious advance was made, but +the day following, after being shelled before starting, +the Brigade crossed the railway and went through +Khulde, which had been evacuated. They were +heavily shelled and unable to proceed, as they found +the enemy firmly entrenched in the hills. "D" +Sub-section got some targets at Latron.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> They +returned to their old camp; water by this time had +been developed and was no difficulty. The infantry +too had arrived.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>Nothing was done the next day, and everyone +was glad of the rest. Sec.-Lieut. Kindell having +contracted dysentery, was sent to hospital. It was +now November 17th, and the Squadron had become +seriously reduced in strength. More men had been +lost than horses, and men leading three animals each +accompanied the transport. Two officers and 50 men +had been killed, wounded, or evacuated sick (more +than a quarter of the whole Squadron), whereas only +15 animals had been lost. This left 35 riding horses +<i>surplus</i>, men to lead which had to be found. It +should be remembered that losses in a machine gun +unit are much more serious than in a regiment. +The teams for the guns have to be maintained, and +when these are reduced in strength an enormous +amount of extra work falls on those who remain.</p> + +<p>At 05.30 on November 18th the Brigade went to +Khurbet Deiran, 6 miles north-west, arriving the same +morning.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Jewish Colonies of Palestine.</p> + +<p>The first sight of really civilised country was +obtained at this period. On the way, the cultivated +areas round Ramleh<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> were visible as far as the eye +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>could reach. This was indeed a very pleasant change +from the barren and uncultivated tracts—the interminable +stretches of rocky and boulder-strewn ground, +intersected by apparently unbounded areas of flat, +dust-covered wastes:—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Dust in heaps and dust in piles, dust in shifting ridges;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dust and dust for miles and miles, and what 'aint dust is midges".<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>So quoth the cynic; and the peculiar part about it +is that, wherever are large stretches of dusty ground, +so also <i>there is the wind!</i> and nothing need be said +of the result of a combat between these two forces.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 190px;"> +<img src="images/gs052a.png" width="190" height="317" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>All thoughts of the country left +behind, however, were immediately +banished from the mind at the sight +of that which lay before us, and +anticipation ran high in the belief +that these were the wonderful orange-groves +which, one had heard, were +supposed to be situated in this +part of Palestine. Expectations +were realised, and on nearing +Deiran, orchard upon orchard were +passed with trees bending under +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>the weight of hundreds of large and delicious Jaffa +oranges! Everyone purchased as many as it was +possible to carry, and those who had no available +cash, managed to satisfy their wants by means of +barter—incidentally, be it whispered, many an +odd tin of "bully" found its way into the local +inhabitants' larders.</p> + +<p>Practically the whole of this part of Palestine, +reaching from Deiran to several miles north of +Jaffa, is split up into a number of Jewish Colonies, +settlers under the Zionist movement, and they form +the nucleus of the renascent Jewish nation. Deiran +was found to be a well-laid-out village composed +of substantially-built houses of white stone, with red-tiled +roofs, "up-to-date" furniture, and with nice +white lace curtains at the windows. One could +almost delude himself into the belief that he was +home again. And the delusion almost became +a reality as one caught sight of pretty young girls +dressed in quite smart European frocks, standing in +the doorways with welcoming smiles, and motherly +old ladies beaming with pleasure, who handed large +bunches of luscious grapes to the men as they rode by. +It must be remembered that it was only two days +since that the Turks had been somewhat hurriedly +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>ejected from this place. The great pleasure that +these hard-working people experienced could be quite +understood when some of the barbarous acts of the +Turks are brought to mind, they being too well known +to be dwelt upon here. Afterwards it was learned +from the inhabitants, that many and great were the +impositions placed upon them; the Turk simply took +what he wanted, and should he happen to take a +dislike to anyone, the latter was in danger of having +all his property confiscated, without any explanation +whatever being given.</p> + +<p>The day after the Brigade arrived at Deiran they +moved via Naane<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> and Annabe to between Harmash +and Nalin, 14 miles north-east. Here they stayed +three days, watering twice daily, at Hadithe, about +3 miles east-north-east of Ludd. About this time the +weather broke and heavy rain set in. This downpour, +accompanied as it was by a considerable fall in the +temperature, was a severe trial for troops attired in +summer clothing who, until a few hours previously, +had been suffering from excessive heat!</p> + +<p>At 09.00 on November 23rd they went through +Ludd about 16 miles south-east to Zernuka. The +24th was spent there, and on the 25th they moved +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>in the afternoon to Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun Kara), +6 miles due north, in reserve to the Anzacs, as the +enemy was becoming active in this quarter. They +stayed here the following day, and men were allowed +to go into the town. Rishon-le-Zion is a pretty little +place, and another example of the Zionist movement. +Here are large wine distilleries, and very good wine +they make too! Before the War large quantities +were regularly sent to England.</p> + +<p>The next morning (November 27th), the Brigade +returned to Zernuka (close to Akir<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a>). They arrived +about midday and watered. Late in the afternoon +Lieut. Oakley arrived, bringing 40 remounts and reinforcements +for the Brigade (none for this Squadron +unfortunately); he had ridden the 70 miles from +Belah in 30 hours, and had, in fact, only left Cairo +at 18.15 on the 24th.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Beit ur et Tahta Operations.</p> + +<p>The British line had been advanced and +now extended from the River Auja north of Jaffa +on the coast, south-east to a few miles north-east +of Jerusalem and thence due south. The Turk +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>at this time, although greatly demoralised, was making +some desperate counter-attacks.</p> + +<p>At 17.00 on November 27th, orders were received +for a move that night at 21.00. The Brigade was +required, in a great hurry, to fill a gap in the line that +the Turks had discovered, and of which they +appeared to intend to take advantage.</p> + +<p>Of the Machine-Gun Squadron, only Headquarters +and three sub-sections ("A" "D" and +"E") were to go, but were made up to working +strength by men from "B" and "C" Sub-sections. +The Officer Commanding, Capt. Marshall, was there, +and the "second in command," Capt. Davies. Lieut. +Price, M.C., still commanded "E," but Lieut. +Cazalet being sick, Lieut. Hibbert took his place in +command of "A". "D" Sub-section was under +Sergt. Fleet, who had just been notified that he had +been awarded the Military Medal for his splendid work +at Hudeiwe and elsewhere.</p> + +<p>The forced march to Tahta (a distance of 22 miles), +all through the night, after the previous operations, +was "killing". The horses, however, stood the fast +going over rocky ground remarkably well, and a part +of the distance was even covered at the canter! +A faint glimmer of dawn was just visible over the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>tops of the surrounding hills when the Brigade, on +the morning of the 28th November, arrived, tired, +dusty and dishevelled, in the vicinity of Beit ur et +Tahta, a desolate native village, about 12 miles +north-west of Jerusalem and situated at the end of +a wadi along the centre of which ran the road leading +from Jimzu.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">A Turkish Surprise Attack.</p> + +<p>Immediately upon arrival the horses were off-saddled +and fed, the "dixies" were unearthed from +off the pack-saddles and everything pointed to an +early mug of tea and a much-needed rest. Unfortunately, +the fates decreed otherwise, for just as +the water was "on the boil" a terrific fusillade of +rifle-fire broke out, seemingly from all sides. Previously +to this, there had been intermittent shelling just to +the north of the village, and on the commencement of +the rifle-fire this increased in intensity until things +began to look extremely awkward. A quick glance up +at the hills surrounding the wadi gave no indication +as to the source from which the firing emanated, until, +a few minutes later, when several men were seen +"doubling back" down the slope of the hill on the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>western side of the wadi. These men were afterwards +found to be those holding the outposts in that +particular point of the line. They came with the +ominous news that the outposts were driven in and the +Turks were upon us! Almost at once this was seen to be +the case, as the enemy reached the top of the ridge +and his fire began to take its toll of men and animals.</p> + +<p>To gain a proper appreciation of the serious +predicament in which the Brigade was placed at this +moment, it will be necessary to understand the nature +of the ground thereabouts. On both sides of the wadi +were high banks, or hills, 60 to 80 feet high, the surface +of these being strewn with large rocks and +boulders. The wadi itself was about 20 yards wide +with the road winding its tortuous way down the +centre between rocks and boulders worn smooth by +the passage of water which, ages ago, had run its course +from the hills. Packed in this wadi was the Brigade, +absolutely at the mercy of the withering fire of the +enemy, almost from overhead.</p> + +<p>Immediately everything became an orderly bustle +and excitement. Squadrons of the two Yeomanry +regiments were dispatched to take up defensive +positions. The Officer Commanding ordered "E" +Sub-section to come into action on the side of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>hill, about 400 yards away to the left, against a +Mosque which was strongly held, and whence most +of the fire appeared to be coming. They "man-handled" +their guns and took up good positions, the +rocks affording them a certain amount of cover. The +gun-teams at that time consisted of four men each, +who were naturally rather exhausted after the +"trek" and rush-into-action, carrying the guns.</p> + +<p>These teams were composed as follows:—</p> + +<table summary="team composition"> +<tr><td>Lance-Corpl. Grice </td><td>Lance-Corpl. Thompson.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pte. Willmore</td><td>Pte. Duncan</td></tr> +<tr><td> " Crossman</td><td> " Joiner</td></tr> +<tr><td> " Goldie</td><td> " Roberts.</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>They opened fire upon the Mosque at a range of +700 yards with good effect, silencing two enemy +machine-guns.</p> + +<p>After being in action about half-an-hour the +"S.R.Y." sent to Lieut. Price to deal with a party +of Turks who were bringing fire to bear on their rear. +The Turks were found to be in a trench with a machine-gun. +Fire was opened on them, and all were killed +except one man who escaped, mounted. Attention +was then directed to the Mosque, where the Turks +were still causing some trouble. "Covering-fire" was +given to the "S.R.Y." who attacked, but without entire +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>success and had to withdraw. In the end the Turk +was ejected, however, and he was not able again to +occupy it.</p> + +<p>During the day's fighting Pte. Crossman had been +wounded.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Death of Lieut. Price, M.C.</p> + +<p>At night both guns were placed about 50 yards +apart, facing up the hill. Working hard during the +night, the enemy built a breastwork on the top of the +hill, and the flash of their machine-gun fire could be +seen directed from that position across the front of +the Mosque, apparently to prevent it being occupied. +About midnight Lieut. Price was walking along the +line having a look-out and had just passed his right-hand +gun when he was unfortunately hit by a bullet +in the groin. Lance-Corpl. Grice at once had him +bandaged up and carried down to the dressing station +by Ptes. Baker and Roberts. To the sorrow of all +his comrades, however, he died in the Field Ambulance. +He was taken to Ramleh, where he was buried.</p> + +<p>Just after Lieut. Price was hit, Sergt. Hawkins, +who had only arrived a few days previously, but +rendered splendid service on this his first day's +fighting, was wounded (he was afterwards awarded +the Military Medal) and Corpl. Franklin then came up +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>to take charge. He reported the casualties to +Squadron Headquarters when S.S.M. Larwood came +up and "took over," sending him to resume charge +of the led horses.</p> + +<p>In the morning, before daylight, the guns were +moved further up the hill in line with the infantry +(Scottish Rifles), who had arrived the previous +evening and advanced after dark. It was during +this morning's operations that Pte. Cowley was +unfortunately wounded. The Turkish defenders of +the breastwork, after being submitted to heavy fire, +came in under a German N.C.O. and surrendered, +upon which the infantry went up and occupied their +late position. The infantry soon had to fall back +again, however, owing to heavy shell fire, when the +Turks re-occupied it. During the day there was a +certain amount of bombing and sniping on both sides, +during which Pte. Joiner was killed. He had been +trying to account for the sniper himself, and upon +being ordered to go down the hill to see about the +rations for his sub-section he was hit as soon as he +moved.</p> + +<p>After dark our infantry once more attacked the +position, but were again unsuccessful. At about +01.00 infantry machine-gunners came up to relieve, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>being shown the way by Corpl. Franklin. The guns +had to be carried down to the led horses, as firing was +still pretty hot; the ground, besides, was so rough that +it was impossible even to lead the pack animals over +it. Just before coming out of action S.S.M. Larwood +and Pte. Goldie were both unfortunately wounded, +the latter so seriously that he passed away six days +later and was buried at Junction Station.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"A" Sub-section in Action.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the other Sub-sections had been +"doing things" too. For example, as soon as the +enemy opened fire, "A" Sub-section was detailed to +join the "S.N.H." and moved over to the western +side of the wadi, under cover of the hill, where this +regiment was situated; orders were received to +mount the guns on the top of this hill. After a +difficult passage, under a heavy fire, to the position +indicated, the guns were brought into action and +opened fire immediately.</p> + +<p>It was not even necessary to adjust sights, as the +enemy were within "point-blank" range. Enfilading +the enemy these guns were raking his flank with fire, +whilst he was preparing to make a final rush down into +the wadi. Had not this move been circumvented in +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>the "nick of time," it is impossible to estimate the +disastrous consequences which would have ensued. +Almost at once, the deadly fire of the two machine-guns +began to tell their tale, and odd Turks here and +there suddenly remembered "a very urgent appointment". +Within an hour the top of this hill was +cleared, and the enemy were seen to be concentrating +on the further ridge. From this vantage-point he +kept up a brisk fire, both with machine-guns and +rifles, and it was an extremely risky undertaking to +show one's head above the particular rock behind +which one was taking cover. Their fire, however, +was returned with interest, and it helped to +make "Johnny" arrive at the decision that it would +be a very unwise thing to attack again that day, +although he <i>did</i> once make a half-hearted attempt +to regain his former position, which was promptly +frustrated.</p> + +<p>This state of things continued throughout the day, +but the exposed position of these two guns began to +make itself very evident, as the enemy's field guns, +firing from the right flank, began to get the "hang of +things" there. It was, indeed, only by a miracle +that both gun-teams were not entirely wiped out! +Night fell with the position of affairs pretty much the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>same, but, later on, a welcome respite was afforded +by the cessation of the shell-fire, although machine-gun +and rifle fire still continued, and if anything, +with greater intensity.</p> + +<p>At about midnight, a tremendous "strafe" commenced +a little to the left, bombs and flares were +freely used, and although no attempt was made to +force the position, everything was in readiness, should +the Turk have decided to do so. Our left-hand gun +had been moved forward to command the approach +to the ridge from which the Turks were driven +earlier in the day. At daybreak enemy shells again +commenced to fall, and it soon became quite +apparent that no rest would be obtained that +day. The enemy's artillery left little to be +desired from his point of view, as regards accuracy +of range, although considering the amount of +shells expended our casualties were comparatively +slight.</p> + +<p>At about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, figures were +observed to be moving on the top of a hill about +500 yards away on our left; they seemed to be making +towards a mosque, situated at the end of the ridge. +Our two machine guns were immediately turned upon +them, when the whole of the hill-side suddenly became<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +<i>alive</i> with Turks, who, scared out of their cover, fled +to the further side of the ridge. A trench-mortar +battery, which had come up during the previous +night, and had taken up a position about a quarter +of a mile in the rear, opened fire at once; it is feared +that "Johnny" then had a very rough and uncomfortable +10 minutes. Chase was given by some +troops in the vicinity, with the result that practically +the whole of these enemy forces were either killed or +taken prisoner. This little <i>contretemps</i> stirred up the +wrath of "our friend the enemy" somewhat, and he +strafed us continually until nightfall. At 10 o'clock, +word was received that the Brigade was to be relieved, +the situation now being considered well in hand; +accordingly, about an hour later, a Lewis gun detachment +of the Scottish Rifles took over our position, +and the Sub-section then withdrew.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, "D" Sub-section had been strenuously +engaged, and held back the enemy on their +part of the line. Full advantage was taken of every +target that presented itself, and heavy losses were +inflicted upon the Turk.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Our Led-Horses at Tahta.</p> + +<p>When we first arrived at Tahta, as soon as fire +was opened on us, the led-horses were saddled as +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>quickly as possible and sent back under Sub-section +Corporals to cover. They had moved off only 20 +yards, when Lance-Corpl. Carr was killed. He was +buried by Corpl. Rose and Pte. Wick that day, close +to where the Brigade-Major was buried, a cross being, +temporarily, put up to mark his grave.</p> + +<p>The disposal of the led-horses presented a serious +difficulty from the outset; their numbers were being +fast reduced by casualties, and something had to be +done to save them. It was impossible, obviously, to +withdraw them the same way as they had been +brought, the Turk having got astride of the road +about half a mile below. Ultimately it was decided +"to make a dash for it," and to take the horses +right over the hill on the eastern side of the wadi, +although while this was being done, they would be +exposed even more than ever to the enemy's fire. +This dangerous undertaking was, however, eventually +successfully accomplished. The wadi was now, more +or less, clear of men and animals, although the place +was littered with killed and wounded. Here and +there were to be seen animals with limbs broken, +struggling to follow in the wake of their companions.</p> + +<p>In their new position the led-horses, although +rather more comfortable, were not, by any means, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>safe. All the "packs" and officers' horses were kept +here, but the remainder, including all the horses of +the regiments, were taken right back to Zernuka, or +rather Akir, to which place the remainder of the +Squadron left behind had moved.</p> + +<p>At daybreak the next morning, when the enemy's +artillery opened fire, the "packs" received a very +severe shaking, and during the morning several of the +mules were hit by shell splinters. Pte. Heathcote +was killed by a shell at 10.30 whilst attending one +of the wounded mules here; Pte. Rush was hit in the +shoulder, an hour afterwards, and was taken to the +Field Ambulance.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh"> A Sad Ceremony.</p> + +<p>Upon the second (and last) night at Tahta, a very +pathetic, but stirring, burial-ceremony was held at +about 21.00, which those privileged to attend will +remember to the end of their days. The ground +selected for the burials was a little gully running off +the main wadi. Dead animals, horses, mules and +camels lay all around; upturned wagons and limbers +were to be seen everywhere. During the deep roar +and vivid flashes of our guns, just to the rear, and the +sharp crack of bullets striking the rocks just above, +the solemn and earnest words of our Chaplain could be +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>heard. Above all, the full moon, bathing the gully +in a bright light, combined to make a fitting background +for the laying-to-rest of those who had been +called upon to make the "supreme sacrifice".</p> + +<p>On leaving Tahta the Squadron marched on foot +to the vicinity of El Burj (guns on packs), arriving +before daylight (November 30th). Here they stayed +for the day, in reserve, cleaning guns, etc. At 18.00, +that night, they moved nearer El Burj in support of +the Australians, arriving about 21.00. Nothing happened; +but the Squadron stayed all night and the +next day. That night they moved into El Burj; +next morning (December 2nd) they returned, and +found their horses awaiting them. Headquarters, +"A," "D" and "E" Sub-sections now re-joined +"B" and "C" Sub-sections and transport. It was +not likely that the Squadron would be required again +in the Tahta district, except in an emergency, as the +country was quite unsuitable for cavalry tactics; +as it turned out, they were not destined to do any +more fighting for a long time to come.</p> + +<p>But the British advance had by no means been +stopped, in spite of the check in the hills. The +absence of roads and shortage of water here, made +operations exceedingly difficult, and it was decided +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>to attack the Turkish positions covering Jerusalem, +from the south-west and west, instead of from the +north-west. The troops were moved into position, +and the main attack was launched at dawn on +December 8th. This attack was immediately successful +and resulted in the surrender of Jerusalem by +the Turks to the <span class="smcap">60th Division</span> on the morning of +Sunday, December 9th. Thus, after four centuries +of conquest, the Turk was ridding the land of his +presence in the bitterness of defeat. <i>On this same day</i>, +2082 years before, another race of conquerors, equally +detested, were looking their last on the city which +they could not hold, and, inasmuch as the liberation +of Jerusalem in 1917 will probably ameliorate the lot +of the Jews more than that of any other community +in Palestine, it was fitting that the flight of the Turks +should have coincided with the national festival of the +Hanukah, which commemorates the re-capture of +the Temple from the heathen Seleucids by Judas +Maccabæus in 165 B.C.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PART_III" id="PART_III"></a>PART III.</h2> + + +<p class="sectionh">After Jerusalem—A Rest!</p> + +<p>During the last-mentioned operations, the Squadron +had lost three officers and 67 men (out of the total of +seven officers and 182 men, with which it started from +Amr), and had only received one officer and three men +as reinforcements. The losses in animals were: +50 riding horses, 15 draught and pack animals and one +donkey. Of these animals, 25 had been killed at +Tahta alone, and, considering that the Squadron had +covered nearly 300 miles in five weeks, the losses due +to fatigue, etc., were remarkably small. It was now +necessary that the Squadron be re-equipped and +re-organised, but reinforcements and remounts had +first to be obtained, when training could be +re-commenced. At length on December 5th Sergt. +Knowles and Sergt. Lewis, with 10 reinforcements, +arrived from the base; Sergt. Knowles being posted +to "D" Sub-section and Sergt. Lewis to "E". Both +these Sergeants did excellent work. Unfortunately, +Sergt. Lewis went to hospital shortly after he arrived, +and was not able to return for a long time; owing to +ill-health and bad luck, neither of them was able to +go into action with the sub-sections they did +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>so much towards making efficient. A fortnight was +spent at Akir in complete rest, after which the +Brigade moved, via El Mughar and Beshshit, to the +sand hills north-east of Esdud and about 1½ miles +from the coast.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"Re-Grouping" at Esdud.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> + +<p>Conditions were not too pleasant here, but they +might, perhaps, have been a great deal worse! The +weather was very wet and cold and the sudden change +from summer to winter was trying, even for the +strongest constitutions. Being upon sand, the camp +and district was certainly free from mud, but in order +to water the horses a great sea of mud had to be gone +through twice a day in order to reach the troughs that +were erected at the Wadi Sukereir, two miles away. +Warm clothing was issued out to all, and when +fresh meat came up from the base, the members of +the Squadron felt that they were enjoying luxury +indeed!</p> + +<p>December 21st brought a draft of 18 good fellows; +the N.C.O.'s included Lance-Corpls. Gage, Laycock, +Peach, Prior and Salter.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>December 22nd saw the return of six old members +of the Squadron who had gone to hospital during the +last days of the "stunt," including Corpl. Franklin; +he, however, had only been away a fortnight. Lieut. +Millman and the personnel of "F" Section who went +to Gamli from Amr, and afterwards to Belah, re-joined +the Squadron at Esdud.</p> + +<p>The Officer Commanding now grouped the Sub-sections +together to form three sections. "No. 1" +Section (consisting of "A" and "C" Sub-sections), +under Lieut. Cazalet and Lieut. Oakley; "No. 2" +Section ("B" and "D" Sub-sections) under Lieut. +Hibbert and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell (now returned from +hospital); "No. 3" Section ("E" and "F" Sub-sections) +under Lieut. Millman ("F" Sub-section was +still without horses). Sergt. Fleet, M.M., of "D" +Sub-section had been promoted S.S.M., after S.S.M. +Larwood had been wounded. Sergt. Knowles took +his place in "D" on arrival. Reinforcements, and +the Belah party, brought the five Sub-sections up to +a reasonable strength: such was the position of +affairs when Xmas drew near.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">A "Merry" Xmas, 1917.</p> + +<p>Everyone had been hoping to have <i>a real good time</i> +this Christmas, to make up for the hardships endured +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>through the "stunt". Puddings, beer and other +good things, it was known, were on the way up, but, +owing to difficulties with the bridge over the Wadi +Ghuzze which interrupted railway traffic, when the +day arrived, nothing had reached camp! The +"goods" eventually turned up in time for the New +Year but, there being a not very large percentage of +Scotsmen in the Squadron, this did not make up for +the disappointment at Xmas. Further, the weather +on the day itself was certainly about the worst of the +whole winter; blowing hard and raining incessantly, +it was scarcely with a feeling of contentment that the +men "turned in" that night—all doubtless thinking +of brighter surroundings in the old country!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">A Bad Start in 1918—Better Times follow!</p> + +<p>The first thing to happen in 1918 was a <i>MOVE</i> to +Belah; nights being spent at Medjel and Gaza on the +way. The animals in the Brigade had not yet +recovered from their previous exertions, and many a +horse, unable to go further, had unfortunately +to be led away and shot. Crossing the railway at +Belah and turning to the west towards the fresh-water +lake, the Brigade went round the north-end of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>latter, right on to the low cliffs at the sea-shore, where +the camp was to be located. There seemed to be +promise of better times here than had been experienced +at Esdud. The water for the horses was fairly close +at hand <i>and there was no mud</i>.</p> + +<p>The Brigade being now south of the bridge over +the Wadi Ghuzze, rations were also likely to be +better and the mail more regular; there was, in +addition, a <i>CANTEEN</i> at Belah!</p> + +<p>Many changes in personnel took place about this +time. Before leaving Esdud S.Q.M.S. Harrison, +Corpl. Barrett, Lance-Corpl. Blenkin, Ptes. Dransfield, +F.W. Harrison, Ellams and Hadden left to +become cadets in the R.A.F. Sergt. Fisher was +promoted S.Q.M.S. Capt. Spencer, M.C., had arrived, +being posted as second in command, but was reposted +a few days later, to the same position which he had +previously held in the 18th Squadron. Capt. L.F. +St. John Davies, M.C., arrived from the 21st Squadron +the day Capt. Spencer left, and became second in +command. Lieut. G.M. King was posted from the +17th Squadron (January 8th), and Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. +Arden arrived from the base (January 19th); Sec.-Lieut. +Kindell was admitted to hospital again, but he +returned within a few weeks.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>Reinforcements continued to arrive, consisting of +both old and new faces: January 6th, Lance.-Corpl. +Keatley and six men; January 7th, Lance.-Corpl. +G. Neal and 11 men; January 17th, Lance.-Corpl. +Smith and 15 men; January 23rd, Saddler Hayward +and eight men. Sec.-Lieut. Arden formed "F" Sub-section; +remounts being now available. The Squadron +thus became complete, having six Sub-sections. +The training commenced, mounted drill, elementary +gun drill, mechanism, "I.A.", special classes for +range-finding, signalling, also lectures. N.C.O.'s were +instructed in indirect fire. Lieut. Hibbert left for +leave in the United Kingdom on February 10th, and +Lieut. King took his place in "B" Sub-section, and +O.C. "No. 2" Section.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 167px;"> +<img src="images/gs075.png" width="167" height="208" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>On February 18th, Capt. D. Marshall, M.C., +proceeded on leave to the United Kingdom, +and Capt. L.F. St. John Davies, +M.C., became O.C., with Lieut. Oakley +second in command. On returning to +the E.E.F. Capt. Marshall was posted to +the 17th Squadron. On February 22nd +the Brigade moved north to Gaza,<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> or +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>rather to about 1½ miles south of it. Here there was a +fair amount of grazing, and the animals were taken +out every day for that purpose. They had been very +slow in picking up condition, and it was hoped that +this would do the necessary, as indeed it did.</p> + +<p>The camp was arranged in the form of a square, +a favourite formation with the Squadron, and a safe +one during air raids. Water was a mile away in the +Wadi Ghuzze, and rations were drawn from Gaza. +On February 25th, Lieut. Oakley went to hospital; +Lieut. King became second in command. On +February 26th, Lieut. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., arrived, +and was posted to "No. 1" Section, taking command +of "C" Sub-section. Training continued as at Belah, +and on February 28th there was a Divisional Field +Day—"crossing the Wadi Ghuzze," in which the +20th and 21st Squadrons were combined under +Capt. R.O. Hutchinson, M.C., of the 21st.</p> + +<p>On March 4th another Divisional Scheme took +place on the hills south-east of the camp, the object +being to intercept and defeat an imaginary enemy +(represented in skeleton), advancing from Tel el +Jemmi. This manœuvre was satisfactorily performed.</p> + +<p>On the 7th a pleasant diversion was made by a +race meeting held by our neighbours, the 22nd<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +Mounted Brigade. They had taken great trouble in +preparing the course for both steeplechases and +flat races, and on the day, a scene was presented very +similar to a meeting at home, except for the absence +of the ladies. On March 13th, Sec.-Lieut. J.W. +Cummer arrived, and was posted to "C" Sub-section, +Lieut. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., being now +second in command of the Squadron—a post which +he held without interruption until he became Officer +Commanding. On March 22nd, Sergt. Wright, who +had been with the Squadron since its formation, left +for an infantry cadet course at Zeitoun.</p> + + +<p class="swctionh">Inspection by H.R.H. The Duke of +Connaught.</p> + +<p>News was at this time received that H.R.H. The +Duke of Connaught would shortly inspect our Brigade, +which was now commanded by Brig.-Gen. G.V. Clarke, +D.S.O. Several preliminary parades were, therefore, +held, the inspection ultimately taking place on +March 15th. After the march-past the Brigade was +formed into a Square and H.R.H. expressed his high +satisfaction with its appearance, and congratulated +all ranks on their work of the previous year. After +this speech he decorated the officers, N.C.O.'s and +men, who had won distinction during the operations.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 334px;"> +<a href="images/gs078.jpg" > +<img src="images/gs078tn.jpg" width="334" height="192" alt="At Belah. Officers, Warrant Officer and Sergeants." title="At Belah. Officers, Warrant Officer and Sergeants." /> +<span class="caption">At Belah. <br /> Officers, Warrant Officer and Sergeants.</span> +</a> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +The 7th Brigade races were held on the 21st, and +provided a good day's sport, but the engagement was +rather spoiled by an almost continuous downpour of +rain. Towards the end of March the "O.C." stated +that he would shortly hold two test "turn-outs". +At last, one morning, sub-sections were suddenly +ordered to parade at once, in <i>marching order</i> by +the troughs at the Wadi Ghuzze a mile away. +"D" Sub-section was the first to arrive there, and +the whole Squadron was at the rendezvous <i>within +55 minutes</i>—a most creditable performance!</p> + +<p>The next "turn-out" was a practice "Air alarm". +Ten guns were mounted outside the camp itself, all +men took cover and the line-guards tripled in 1 minute +50 seconds!</p> + +<p>A pleasant day's sport was provided by a friendly +competition between the Squadron and the Field +Ambulance—races, mounted sports, jumping, driving, +etc.—and our Squadron proved successful in most of +the events.</p> + +<p>On April 1st, orders were received that the Brigade +would move, the next day, back to the area previously +occupied at Belah! They duly arrived, and the +Machine-Gun Squadron took over identically the +same camp as before, except that the "lines" were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +100 yards further south. A few days after arriving +here, rumours got around that several units <i>were +to be dismounted</i>! Up till this time it was thought +that this was the last thing that was likely to happen +after their success in the last operations, and the +knowledge of the country and open warfare that the +troops had thereby gained. Unfortunately, the +rumour proved to be only too true, and <i>two regiments +in each Brigade</i> were ordered to hand over their horses +and proceed to the base. Here they underwent a +course of training for the Machine-Gun Corps, after +which they embarked for France, formed into Machine-Gun +Battalions. The 7th Brigade having only two +regiments, lost only one—the South Notts Hussars, +that being the junior. At least two "graves" may +be seen at Belah, each bearing an inscription headed +by "R.I.P." and a broken spur! Also an "<span class="smcap">In +Memoriam</span>" to the lost horses of the South Notts +Hussars and the Warwick Yeomanry! The mock-ceremonies, +however, were carried out <i>in all sincerity</i>, +as, who was there who did not feel that he had lost a +true friend, in being parted from his horse?</p> + +<p>On April 7th, the 20th Squadron lent its horses +to the Warwick Yeomanry to take them to the +station, and on the 8th, to the "S.N.H." for the same +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>purpose. Ill-luck, however, attended these regiments. +After going through their course of training they +embarked at Alexandria, but they were no sooner +out at sea than their vessel was torpedoed and sunk! +Many lives were lost, including Lieut. Morris, who +will be remembered by all for his activities in the +theatrical line, as, under his able direction, the +<span class="smcap">"S.N.H. and the 20th combined Concert Party"</span> +provided us with a very excellent performance at +Gaza.</p> + +<p>Shortly after the departure of the "S.N.H.", +the "S.R.Y." were called upon to assist in an attack +on the other side of the Jordan. This operation was +pushed right into the enemy country, past Es Salt, +which is the most difficult ground imaginable for +cavalry, but, circumstances developing in an unexpected +manner, a withdrawal had to be made. +This movement was accomplished in a truly splendid +fashion. The affair, however, was not carried out +without casualties, unfortunately, and the "S.R.Y." +had to mourn the loss of Capt. Layton, one of its most +prominent Squadron leaders.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Arrival of Indian Troops.</p> + +<p>The absence of the "S.R.Y." left the 7th Mounted +Brigade with only the B.H.Q. 20th M.G. Squadron,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +Essex Battery, Cav. F.A. and M.V.S. But it soon +became known that Indian Cavalry Regiments had +arrived from France, and were to take the place of the +regiments that had been dismounted for the M.G.C., +and also to increase the number of cavalry in the +country. An advance-party at length arrived in the +Brigade, consisting of an officer from each regiment +that was to join it, and these proved to be the "20th +Deccan Horse" and "34th Poona Horse". Soon +afterwards the regiments themselves arrived by train, +with their horses. How these regiments would settle +down in this country after their experience in France +was at first a subject of interest to the Squadron. +But the surroundings resembled, in some respects, +their native India, and they were soon "at home". +They only needed to forget the cramped warfare of +the trenches in France and to practise real cavalry +tactics again, to become a true part of the "E.E.F.". +It was also evident, from the brightness of their steelwork, +that they would be second to none in any +<i>ceremonial</i> parade.</p> + +<p>Training continued, and the Squadron was getting +very efficient, both in the technical and tactical +handling of guns. Barrage-drill (the latest introduction +from Grantham), was practised, and an +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>exhibition barrage, fired out to sea, proved very +instructive. On April 18th, there was an "Action" +competition for sub-sections under their respective +Sergeants. They came into action at the gallop on +targets at 400 yards range. "B" Sub-section was +judged "best" with "A" Sub-section second.</p> + +<p>Summer was rapidly approaching, and on May 15th +"Reveille" had been altered to 04.45 to allow of the heat +of the day being spent, as far as possible, in rest. An inter-unit +sports competition, held with the Essex Battery, +was exciting, and included a race on donkeys between +the respective officers commanding! The total results +gained were rather in favour of the Essex Battery.</p> + +<p>During April a subscription list was opened for a +Memorial to the fallen in the campaign, to be built in +Jerusalem to which the Squadron subscribed £E14.</p> + +<p>Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M., returned on April 11th, +having quite recovered from the wound he received +at Tahta. He was posted to "A" Sub-section. +On the 21st Lieut. Cazalet was admitted to hospital.</p> + +<p>During April Belah was considerably brightened, +two large stationary hospitals being erected, to +manage which <i>a staff of nurses arrived</i>! They +certainly must have found Belah a quaint place after +the civilised conditions to which they had been +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>accustomed at Cairo and Alexandria, and in the +course of their journey, as well as subsequently, they +must have suffered many discomforts. Introductions, +however, were hastily effected, and very soon, +on afternoons, ladies could be seen out, riding with +members of the British forces of the opposite sex.</p> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 338px;"> +<img src="images/gs085.png" width="338" height="197" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>Several ladies graced a concert given in the +Squadron camp, being conducted there by certain +gallants in two "G.S." wagons and "fours-in-hand"! +Another diversion to the monotony here, was a trip +to Jerusalem, which was well worth the tiring journey, +although many were disappointed in the "side-show-at-an-exhibition" +effect, which many of the most +sacred spots +presented. It +was, however, +gratifying to +think, that +this, the home +of our religion, +for +which the +Crusaders had +fought and died, was at last <i>rescued from the hands +of the infidel</i>. Ten days' leave was granted to Cairo,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +Port Said and Alexandria, but "turns" were +necessarily very slow in coming round.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">We Move to Sarona.</p> + +<p>The month of May heralded another "move," and +at 09.00 on the 4th, the Brigade concentrated at the +north end of Belah lake and set off northwards. +Nights being spent, successively, three miles north-east +of Gaza; two miles north-east of El Mejdel; +one mile east of Wadi Sukereir (heavy downpour of +rain on this day). On the 7th the trail led along the +edge of the sand-dunes and through Yebna<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> to Wadi +Hanen. Here a halt of two hours was made, to water +and feed. The country was very picturesque, being +thickly planted with orange-groves, whilst here and +there a red-tiled building was to be seen. At 13.00 +the march was continued through Rishon-le-Zion to +the main Jaffa-Ramleh road which is a thoroughly +good metal one. Along this a few miles, thence north +to Sarona, two miles north-east of Jaffa.</p> + +<p>Arriving at Sarona at 16.30, the Squadron encamped +beside an orange-grove and adjoining the +Aerodrome. It may here be mentioned that Sarona +before the war was a German colony, and from its +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>appearance, must have been a prosperous one. The +main street is lined on both sides with detached and +semi-detached houses, mostly with red tiles, prettily +designed. Fir trees are abundant and help to make a +pleasing picture. Outside the village there are many +orange-groves and vineyards, each with its red-tiled +house, which has, either inside or in a separate +building, a well with an engine for pumping water into +a stone cistern, from which it is allowed to run, as +required, along concrete gullies, and thus distributed +over the land, irrigating it.</p> + +<p>In consequence of the camp proving insanitary +the morning after arrival, the Squadron moved +about half a mile nearer the coast into a vineyard! +This was an exceedingly pretty spot, from which an +excellent view of Jaffa could be obtained; a few trees +provided us with the unaccustomed luxury of some +shade. The Brigade was attached to the 21st +Infantry Corps and was "Corps Reserve". A +training-area was allotted, and every morning the +Squadron went out for mounted training through the +village across the narrow gauge "Heath Robinson" +railway, and through the orange-groves out to the +area beyond Point 275 and north of the Village of +Selmeh.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Interesting Tactical Instruction.</p> + +<p>Capt. St. J. Davies, M.C., often gave each section a +special task, or ordered them to concentrate at some +place he might select from the map. Some of these +little "stunts" were quite interesting, as often two +sections would set off in almost opposite directions +and yet they would arrive at the rendezvous at +practically the same time!</p> + +<p>On one of these occasions the horses were taken to +the little River Auja<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> two miles north of the camp, +and made to swim across, attached to an endless rope, +being afterwards followed by the men.</p> + +<p>On May 23rd the Brigade practised a "concentration" +just north of the Auja and south-west of +Sheik Muannis. Our Squadron did well! It arrived +at the point three miles away, in full marching order +within 40 minutes from the time the order was +received. On May 28th, the Brigade moved forward +north of the Auja, in reserve for the attack by the +7th Indian Division, but this movement was merely +intended to capture a few enemy posts in order to +narrow "no man's land," and thus bring ourselves +into closer touch with the enemy. The Brigade +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>remained "standing-by" at half an hour's notice +until the evening of the 30th, when it returned to +camp.</p> + +<p>A Brigade scheme took place on June 7th, "No. 1" +Section operated with the Poona Horse and one +Squadron of "S.R.Y."; Nos. 2 and 3 Sections with +the Deccan Horse and "S.R.Y." (less one squadron). +On the 13th, another scheme was practised, "<i>Defence +of the Dahr Selmeh Ridge</i>". A regimental scheme with +the Poona Horse was also practised, besides several +Squadron manœuvres.</p> + +<p>Sometimes the Squadron would go out before breakfast +for the whole day, the usual routine of camp being +carried on wherever they halted; returning "home" +in the afternoon. One of these excursions brought +the Squadron to the Jewish village of Mulebbis, +where oranges could be bought by the cart-load. +Two limbers were, therefore, taken back to camp +fully loaded up; this was a discovery much appreciated +by all, and two days later a fresh supply was +sent for. Another local product bought at Jaffa +and distilled at Rishon-le-Zion, was red wine. It +was very good too! Bought by the Squadron +canteen in large barrels, it was sold at 2½ pt. (6d.) +a pint.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 133px;"> +<img src="images/gs090.png" width="133" height="299" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>The Squadron canteen was doing a good trade at +this time. The N.A.C.B. at Jaffa kept a good stock, +and Lance-Corpl. Prior rode down every day and +bought large quantities of all kinds of provisions, +as well as barrels of beer.</p> + +<p>Jaffa, where the well-known Jaffa oranges are +grown, is rather more like a European town than +others in the country, but still is not to be +compared in any respect with a British +town of the same size.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> A very good Y.M.C.A. +was established there, in which was a picture-house +which provided welcome amusement in +the evening. Daily bathing parades were +instituted; the camp being barely a mile +from the sea. The usual procedure was to +ride to the shore and "link" horses. The men +would then bathe and ride back. Quite half +the horses were taken in the sea with the men, +and they seemed to enjoy the sea just as much, after +the first experience.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>Reinforcements to the Squadron during May +included Lieut. F.R. Wilgress (Lovats Scouts), who +was posted to "A" Sub-section (and became Officer +Commanding No. 1); Sergt. Lewis ("E" Sub-section), +Lance-Corpls. Collett, Fuller and S.S. Fox.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Insect Life in Palestine.</p> + +<p>As has been said, the camp, when it was first taken +over, was a particularly pleasant one, but, as the +summer advanced, flies became so numerous as to +affect the health of the Squadron; the trees and +bushes which at first had been looked on as an +advantage, now provided excellent breeding places +for the pests. South of Beersheba there are places +where the ground is so thick with beetles that it is +difficult to walk without treading on them at every +step; at other places lizards are just as numerous, and +they are as active as mice. In most parts of Palestine +centipedes abound; these, if knocked off the skin +in any other but the direction in which they are +moving, are liable to cause a very bad inflammation +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>and perhaps blood poisoning. Scorpions and tarantula +spiders (which are just as poisonous); snakes +which are deadly; sandflies, which cause a bad fever +for several days; mosquitoes, which can inject +malignant malarial germs capable of causing death in +a few hours—these are a few of the many tortures. +But of all these pests <i>the common house fly</i>, if in +sufficient numbers, is a greater source of annoyance +than any, besides being a spreader of disease. There +certainly must have been millions upon millions of +these flies, even within (say) 20 square yards!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 506px;"> +<img src="images/gs091.png" width="506" height="111" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>Every effort was made to keep the flies down and +"straffers" (a piece of wire gauze about three inches +square provided with a handle) were issued. With +these instruments, the flies were killed as fast as the +"straffers" could be brought down upon them. +Medical officers inspected the camp and pronounced +the sanitation excellent; yet the flies continued to +flourish! The result of this fly-pest is seen in the +number of men that were admitted to hospital from +our Squadron: weeks ending May 10th, three; +17th, six; 24th, eight; 31st, three; June 7th, six; +14th, eight; 21st, nine; 28th, sixteen (including +two officers, Lieut. Millman and Lieut. King); +total 59, <i>i.e.</i> more than a quarter of the whole strength<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +<i>within eight weeks</i>, and all for sickness, believed to +be caused by flies!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The "R.A.F." at Sarona.</p> + +<p>As mentioned before, the Squadron camp overlooked +the Aerodrome, and many fine exhibitions of flying +were seen there. Boche planes paid us a visit +occasionally, but that was only when none of ours +were "up," and as soon as our men got moving he +made off at top speed. Yet, the Boche brought off +two <i>coups</i> that were, no doubt, pleasing to him! +It should be mentioned that the British had one, +sometimes two, observation balloons in this sector, +from which the enemy's line, and the country behind +it, could be seen very distinctly indeed, thus enabling +our artillery to make it very unpleasant for any of the +enemy's troops, not entrenched; the Turk, on the +other hand, had no such opportunities. Our balloons, +therefore, became special objects of the Turk's +attention, and on two occasions, when he flew over to +attack them, he was successful in bringing down on +the first occasion two, and the second time one—in +flames! Fortunately, the observers were all able <i>to +make their descent in parachutes</i>! The Turk escaped, +but only just in time—our machines were quickly +on his "heels," and in spite of all his attentions, the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +following day found another British balloon in +position just as if nothing had happened!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 363px;"> +<a href="images/gs094.jpg" > +<img src="images/gs094tn.jpg" width="363" height="276" alt="At Sarona. A view from our camp. R.A.F. Hangars can be seen in the distance." title="At Sarona. A view from our camp. R.A.F. Hangars can be seen in the distance." /> +<span class="caption">At Sarona. <br />A view from our camp. R.A.F. Hangars can be seen in the distance.</span> +</a> +</div> + + +<p class="sectionh">Squadron Competitions.</p> + +<p>The Squadron, by this time, had made great +progress in its training. It was, however, prevented +from reaching that high state of efficiency which is +always aimed at—owing to the constant change in +its <i>personnel</i>, which was due to such numbers "going +sick" to hospital.</p> + +<p>A series of inter-sub-section competitions, however, +was organised by the Officer Commanding, +which were spread over a few weeks and proved very +popular. The principal events were:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<i>Detachment Competition in Marching Order</i>"; +points being given for condition of animals and +general turn-out—Won by No. 1 Detachment +of "E" Sub-section, under Lance-Corpl. +Smith.</p> + +<p>"<i>Limber Competition</i>"—Won by "D" Sub-section +(Drivers Harris and Collier, who also +won a previous competition at Belah).</p> + +<p>"<i>Action Competition</i>," under Sub-section Sergeants; +points given for—</p></div> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<ul class="urlist"> +<li><i>Control</i>—(A) Drill; (B) Led Horses; (C) Fire +Orders, etc.</li> + +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span><i>Time</i>—taken from command "Action" to +when led horses move back.</li> + +<li><i>Gun Handling, Concealment and Shooting</i> +(won by "D" Sub-section, under Sergt. +Pearse).</li></ul></div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<i>Belt Filling by Limber Drivers</i>" (won by "C" +Sub-section).</p> + +<p>"<i>Stripping, Adjustment, Minor Repairs and Immediate +Action</i>" (1st, Lance-Corpl. Salter; +2nd, Lance-Corpl. Galway).</p></div> + + +<p class="sectionh">Inspection by the "C.-in-C.".</p> + +<p>In consequence of the increased number of cavalry +which had arrived in the country, the 7th Mounted +Brigade now formed part of a Division, instead of +being an independent Brigade, as heretofore. This +Division, which was commanded by Major-Gen. +H.J.M. MacAndrew, C.B., D.S.O., was at first styled +the "2nd Mounted Division," but, later on, it was +altered to the "<i>5th Cavalry Division</i>," comprising +the 13th, 14th (the old 7th Mounted), and 15th +(Imperial Service), Cavalry Brigades.</p> + +<p>On June 27th, the Squadron paraded with the +Brigade, in full marching order, for an inspection of +the Division by the "C.-in-C.". They marched to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>the plain, north of Rishon-le-Zion, and were there duly +inspected and "marched past," after which units +returned to camp, independently. The "C.-in-C." +expressed his high appreciation of the new Division. +The next morning (June 28th 1918) a Divisional +tactical scheme was carried out, and it was somewhat +surprising to all ranks upon returning to camp, +that orders were received <i>for the Brigade to move that +night at 01.00</i>!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 206px;"> +<img src="images/gs098.png" width="206" height="219" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PART_IV" id="PART_IV"></a>PART IV.</h2> + + +<p class="sectionh">March to the Jordan Valley.</p> + +<p>Before proceeding with a description of the +Squadron's "trek" to the Jordan Valley, it +might be desirable +to enlighten +the reader +as to the actual +position of +affairs at the +"front".</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 292px;"> +<img src="images/gs099.png" width="292" height="225" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>After the +capture of +Jerusalem on +December 9th +1917, the Turk +made one forlorn effort to re-capture it. This +attempt met with not the slightest success, and +afterwards (in February 1918), he was driven down +into the Jordan Valley, where he had to yield +up the town of Jericho to us. Since then (in March +and April), two raids had been made into Turkish +territory on the eastern side of the Jordan in the hills +(in which the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> +Essex Battery R.H.A. participated), and on each +occasion, the towns of Es-Salt and Amman were +reached. A large number of prisoners were taken, +together with machine-guns and ammunition, added +to which several bridges were destroyed, and the +Hedjaz railway from Damascus to Mecca cut, thus +endangering the Turkish troops, which were operating +against the Arab Sherifian Army, further south. +Elsewhere on the front, the position of the "line" +had not materially changed, and at the time of the +"<span class="smcap">20th Machine-Gun Squadron's</span>" tour of duty in +the Jordan Valley, it extended from the coast north +of Jaffa south-eastwards across country (through a +point 18 miles north of Jerusalem), to the Jordan +Valley, thence, due south along the eastern bank of +the river to the Dead Sea.</p> + +<p>Now, it will be readily imagined that when a unit +has remained for any length of time in one place it +has automatically collected large quantities of stores, +equipment, etc., which naturally cannot be carried, +when on the march. On this occasion the principal +difficulty lay in the stock of "canteen goods" that +we had accumulated. Fortunately the "R.A.F." +came to the rescue and bought the whole lot, "lock, +stock and barrel".</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>As has been stated, there was much sickness in +the Squadron at this time, but many men were able +to keep themselves out of hospital because of the fact +that the Squadron was "at rest," besides, they +preferred to rough it, rather than leave their duties. +A "sick-parade" was now hurriedly called in order to +dispose of those who could not be expected to take +part in the next "trek". This parade, however, was +<i>vetoed</i> from the start, and was, in fact, unpopular. +Only two men turned up! These, with the two +officers previously mentioned (all of whom ought to +have "gone down the line" several days before), +were accordingly sent to hospital. Many men were +suffering from septic sores on their legs and feet; +permission was asked (and granted), for these cases, +to wear "slacks" or shoes, as might be necessary. +Strange as it might seem, these men preferred to +suffer and remain with the Squadron, when there +seemed a chance that they might be able to come +to grips with the enemy and do something really +useful.</p> + +<p>In these circumstances, it was not a <i>very</i> smart +Squadron that paraded that night, but its spirit +would require a lot of beating! The <i>route</i> lay past +Yazur, on the Jaffa road, to Ramleh, which town +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>they were approaching as day broke, and Ludd<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> +could also be seen. The latter town will be remembered +by all who had occasion to go to Egypt for +leave or to take a course of instruction, also by +reinforcements who joined the Squadron about this +time, as it was the British railhead; the journey +from here to Kantara on the Suez Canal being +accomplished overnight. From Ludd, also, there +is a branch line to Jerusalem, and a narrow gauge +railway to Sarona. At Ramleh, turning off the road +to the right, and passing Lieut. Price's grave, we +halted, off-saddled, watered and fed. At 14.00 a +further march, arriving at the water troughs east of +Latron at 17.00, camping for the night further up the +road. Fairly on the way to the famous Jordan +Valley, ill-accounts of which they had often heard, +we were soon to find that these reports had not +been at all exaggerated!</p> + +<p>The next morning (June 30th), the road in front +being very steep, rising continually, with often a drop +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>of several hundred feet on either side, units started +at half-hour intervals.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">An Exciting March Along the Edge of +Precipices.</p> + +<p>The necessity of this soon became evident. The +road was crowded with motors of all kinds, and it was +by no means a joke to ride a restive horse while leading +an obstinate mule, along the brink of a precipice! +At 13.00 Enab was reached, where the Squadron +was allotted its ground, rather stony, but next +to the water troughs, which, however, saved a +lot of work.</p> + +<p>The following afternoon (July 1st), the road being +steeper still, the transport ("A" Echelon), went +ahead of the Brigade. The Squadron started at +14.30 (units still moving at half-hour intervals), and +proceeded along the main Jerusalem road through the +new town, past the Damascus Gate (at 17.30), to the +eastern side of the town, where the transport was +passed and the Brigade concentrated, the highest +point having now been reached (2,590 feet above sea +level). A halt of two hours was made, and at 20.00 the +descent to the Jordan was commenced. Henceforth +it was "down," "down," all the way, with roads just +as precipitous as before, but the mountains being so +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>high and steep on both sides, not a breath of air +reached us. At 02.30 after a tiring march, and after +passing the "Inn of the Good Samaritan," we arrived +at the water troughs at Talat-ed-Dumm (1,018 feet +above sea level). After watering, about half an hour +later, the Squadron found its camping ground, a +space barely large enough for a section. In this +cramped area the whole of the Squadron was crammed +"as tight as sardines in a tin," with, literally, not an +inch to spare!</p> + +<p>Early next morning, when the sun began to rise, +some idea was gained of what might be expected in +the Jordan Valley. Although Talat-ed-Dumm, as +already stated, is 1,018 feet above the level of the sea, +shut in, as it is, among the mountains away from any +breeze, the heat there is almost unbearable; the rays +of the sun seem to take on a hundred times more power +than ever could be believed possible, blazing down +from right overhead, and leaving no shade, thus +turning the place into a veritable furnace.</p> + +<p>The Brigade did not continue the march again +until 19.00, when it moved along the old Roman road. +Still "down," "down," round sharp bends, and still +along the edges of precipices hundreds of feet deep! +At length a final, particularly steep slope, brought us +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>to Jericho,<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> on the plain of the Jordan Valley, and +<i>820 feet below the level of the sea</i>. A halt was made +here for a short time, and then the Brigade marched +north-east (through clouds of dust), to its camping +area in the Wadi Nueiame, arriving at midnight. +Here, on dismounting in the dark, <i>one seemed to be +standing in mud</i>, but, upon closer examination, this +was found to be merely several inches of fine dust! +Sec.-Lieut. Cummer, whose turn it was to be with the +advance party that day, was waiting to show the +Squadron its camping ground, which turned out to be +as good as could be expected, and alongside a stream. +A few bell-tents were already standing, which were +appreciated.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The "Beautiful" Valley of Jordan.</p> + +<p>The following are a few extracts from the notes of a +member of the Squadron, which gives a vivid description +of his experiences on the road to the Jordan. +He says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The sun was just setting as we approached Jerusalem, and +the ancient walls of the Holy City were bathed in orange light +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>against an opalescent sky. The long dusty column of the +Brigade toiled its way up the steep hill into the city, and passing +close by the Jaffa Gate 'turned left' and followed the main +thoroughfare towards the Damascus Gate. Outside of Fast's +Hotel (a former German concern, but now famous throughout the +E.E.F.) stands a group of officers and soldiers, watching our +brigade pass, and cheering us on as we move into the dusk.</p> + +<p>"Over the Mount of Olives, past the Garden of Gethsemane +(the black points of its many cypress trees now silhouetted +against the sky), what thoughts are ours as we cross this hallowed +ground amid surroundings so deeply associated with our +religion! Some of us may never return, but yet we shall have +followed to our fate along a path that still holds memories of that +greatest sacrifice the world has ever known!</p> + +<p>"Dark has fallen, and the stars shine bright in a velvet +sky. At length we approach the little Village of Bethany,<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> +'the town of Mary and Martha'; near which we dismount and +breathe our horses for a space; finding a little shop close at +hand, we buy some fruit and 'take a pull' at the water-bottle.</p> + +<p>"Leaving our last link with civilization we begin our long +weary descent to the Jordan Valley. Before we have covered +a mile, it is obvious that the road is falling steeply. 'Take a +good breath now of the fresh air,' say those who have already +experienced the Jordan Valley, 'for it's the last you'll get for +many a day!'</p> + +<p>"The road now enters a valley, or more rightly passes +between two lines of rocky hills, and for a time, as it is pitch +dark, we stumble along to keep our places in the column. But +soon, the eastern crest is silhouetted by the rising moon, and as +the silver light pours down the slope we see the road before us, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>zig-zagging its way 'into the depths,' and there, a mile in front, +the head of the Brigade worming its way, like a great black snake.</p> + +<p>"So steep is it now, and so sharp the 'hairpin' turns, that +although one hears the voices and sees the heads of troops on the +winding road forty yards below, yet these are possibly half a mile +ahead in the column! 'Down' and 'down' we go, <i>hotter and +hotter it grows</i>, dustier and dustier the atmosphere!</p> + +<p>"Great difficulty is now experienced in keeping touch with +the regiment in front, for in such cases it is always the Machine-Gun +Squadron that is in rear of the column and 'enjoys' the dust. +In action or danger—quite another thing; up, then, just behind +the leading regiment....</p> + +<p>"Arrived at Talat-ed-Dumm, too tired now to eat or drink +(having fed our animals) we lie, or rather, fall down on a blanket. +In two minutes we are dreaming that we are back in the 'old +country,' sitting in that cool breeze under the great sycamore +tree; drinking that fine old 'home-brewed,' and talking to the +sweetest of all women. Far away in the distance is the rumbling +of a coach; round the corner it comes into sight, the horses' +hoofs thudding on the hard old Roman road! The guard raises +his long coaching horn to his lips and blows a stirring call. Someone +shakes us from behind! Lo! we open our eyes and—gone +is the lovely green country, the shady trees and the coach! +'Get up! Reveille has gone'.</p> + +<p>"All day we rest here, and shall move on the latter part +of our 25-mile journey as soon as dark has fallen. Horses to +water—but luckily not far to go, and though two men have +fainted with the heat already, the majority are still 'merry and +bright'.</p> + +<p>"About 11 o'clock Talat-ed-Dumm becomes literally an +oven; no trees, no water, nothing but rock and dust—dust six +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>inches deep; the only protection, a single piece of canvas between +one and the pitiless sun! Gasping for breath, one reaches for +the water-bottle, but it is quite warm. Still, a warm drink brings +perspiration, and <i>that</i> is cooling to a certain extent—in its +after-effects!</p> + +<p>"Night falls, welcomely, and saddled up the Squadron waits +for the advance to begin and to drop into its place in the line +of march as the Brigade moves past. Voices in the darkness, +then shadowy forms, and, their horses' hoofs muffled by the +dust, Brigade Headquarters passes by. Then the three +regiments, one British and two Indian, each of the latter followed +by crowds of donkeys looking ghostly white in the gloom. At +length it is <i>our</i> turn, and behind the last regiment we 'walk +march' and once more get the clouds of dust for our portion. +Now, along the level for a time—and then down again, down +towards the valley, to many a valley of death!</p> + +<p>"The impression we get, on leaving Talat-ed-Dumm, is +rather different from that ascribed to tourists in the guide book +to Palestine. '<i>It is with regret</i>,' it says, '<i>that we drag ourselves +away from a spot of such historic interest, where so many of the +patriarchs have rested</i>'. God help 'em! <i>we</i> never wish to see it +again. No wonder to us, now, that Naaman the Syrian objected +to go down to the Jordan and wash seven times in it!<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p> + +<p>"The horses slip and slide as they pick their way down the +old Turkish road, and once more the moon looks over the hills +and floods her silvery radiance over all—the same moon that in +two hours will rise upon the old homestead in Blighty. But +here are we, among great mountains, rugged and cleft, fantastic +shapes in high relief, in the moonlight. We might be in the +moon itself! Not a sign of life, not a bird nor an animal!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>"By mid-night we have dropped 1,100 feet, and gradually +the ground grows less rocky, the hills on the right swing away, and +on the left, just ahead, is the square-topped El-Kuruntal, the +so-called 'Mountain of Temptation,' and the gateway of the +Jordan Valley. Reaching the plain the pace grows faster, and +clouds of dust arise worse than ever. Our connecting files find +great difficulty in keeping in touch, so that every now and then +those in rear must gallop to keep up. A small wadi to be crossed +makes the pace still more uneven. We cross the Wadi Nueiame +and reach our camping ground. Again the putting down of +lines; again supperless and tired out to lie down on a blanket +in the dust, in that unnatural hollow 1,250 feet below the +<span class="smcap">sea-level, the place of Sweltering Sun, Sand-Spouts, +Scorpions, Snakes, Spiders and Septic Sores; of Scorching +Wind and Shadowless Waste; that hellish place—The +Jordan Valley</span>!"</p></div> + + +<p class="sectionh">Incidents in the Jordan Valley Campaign.</p> + +<p>A few days were necessarily spent in the Wadi +Nueiame in exercising the horses and becoming +acclimatized to the temperature, which rarely falls +below 100°, even at night, and is usually 120° in the +shade (or over) during the day. On July 7th, +"No. 1" Section paraded at 19.00 and proceeded to +the east of the Jordan to relieve a section of the +21st Squadron in the line. "A" Sub-section took +over the emplacements in No. 3 Post, and "C" +Sub-section those in No. 5 Post. The relief was +completed by 23.00. The next evening, the remainder +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +of the Squadron relieved the 21st Squadron in their +camp at the Ghoraniyeh Bridge. One section only +going at a time to avoid attracting attention and +being shelled by the Turks, who were posted in the +hills. The new camp was within 100 yards of the +Jordan,<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> nearly surrounded by cliffs, the tops of which +were level with the plain above. The cliffs themselves +only being formed by the depression in the plain +before it gives way to the lower ground in the +immediate vicinity of the River Jordan and the east +of it. The river at this point is actually 1,250 feet +below the level of the sea!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 369px;"> +<a href="images/gs110.jpg" > +<img src="images/gs110tn.jpg" width="369" height="273" alt="Squadron Camp in the Jordan Valley. "No. 2" Section." title="Squadron Camp in the Jordan Valley. "No. 2" Section." /> +<span class="caption">Squadron Camp in the Jordan Valley. "No. 2" Section.</span> +</a> +</div> + +<p>On arriving in the camp, "No. 2" Section took +over the machine-gun positions for the inner defences +of the bridgehead. These had to be manned at night +only, and were on the tops of the cliffs near the camp, +commanding all the crossings of the river. Every +evening just before dusk (sometimes in a severe dust +storm), the four guns were taken up on the pack-mules +by the gun-teams and brought back after light the +next morning. "No. 3" Section was in Divisional +reserve, and liable to be called on at short notice to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>proceed to any part of the line. It provided also all +the camp fatigues.</p> + +<p>It was soon found that summer-life in the Jordan +Valley was about the limit of discomfort; only those +who have been there at that season can have any idea +of what it is like. If only our turn had been in the +winter, when according to all accounts the weather <i>is</i> +bearable! Needless to say that as much work as +possible was done in the early morning and evening, +but even this was extremely trying for all. Fortunately, +water was available from a small stream just +outside the camp. Rush-huts and bivouacs provided +the best protection against the sun. Material for +these was obtained from the banks of the Jordan, +where, for a few yards on either side, there was +luxurious vegetation—in striking contrast with the +rest of the country; during the day men were allowed +to bathe in the river.</p> + +<p>All wheels had to be covered over during the day +in order to prevent the wood shrinking; if this had +not been done, very little transport could have been +brought out of the valley at the end of the Brigade's +tour of duty!</p> + +<p>There is, a little over a mile east of the Jordan, a +series of low isolated hills; upon these was situated +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>our line of defence. Each hill, fortified with barbed-wire +and trenches, constituted a "post". This line +was held by Indian Infantry, the regiments of the +cavalry brigade providing the patrols in "no man's +land," which, <i>several miles wide</i>, was intersected by +thousands of wadis (providing excellent cover for a +stealthy enemy), also a certain amount of tall grass.</p> + +<p>The enemy's position was on the mountains at +the eastern side of the Jordan Valley, completely +overlooking ours. Earlier in the year they had +crossed the intervening ground, under cover of +darkness, and attempted to send us to "Jericho". +They had found the posts too strong for them, +however, and had retired to the positions now +mentioned.</p> + +<p>"C" Sub-section was on the left, on the banks of +the Wadi Nimrin<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a>—a broad wadi with a small stream +running along its centre. This wadi ran right from +the Turkish positions to the Jordan near the +Squadron camp. "A" Sub-section was about half +a mile away to the right in the centre of a cluster of +small hills. "A's" horses were between the two +Sub-sections, and "C's" were a few hundred yards +behind its position under a cliff beside the Nimrin.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +If anything, it was probably more pleasant to be with +the sections in the line than in the Squadron Camp.</p> + +<p>Nothing of importance happened during our first +week. Shells came over every day at unexpected +moments in odd places, and Boche planes paid regular +visits, dropping bombs, always, however, receiving +a bombardment from our "Archies". But on the +morning of July 14th, after a night of more than the +usual amount of artillery fire, shells began to fall +all around, not to mention the shrapnel exploding +overhead; this state of affairs continued throughout +the whole morning. "No. 2" Section in camp was +well protected by a high cliff, but "No. 3" was not +so fortunate and had to be moved. All the horses +had been taken to another spot, and Sergt. Lewis +with some men were seeing that everything required +had been removed, when a shell pitched right in the +centre of the "lines" and wounded him and Ptes. +H. Reed and L. Peach. All the day the shelling +continued; the immediate neighbourhood of the +bridges over the Jordan being the "warmest" spot. +A field ambulance, close to the Squadron, behind the +right reserve gun position, suffered badly. In the +evening all shelling stopped—more suddenly even +than it had started!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">A Thwarted Turkish Attack.</p> + +<p>Afterwards was learnt the cause of the excitement. +The Turk, it was ascertained, <i>had intended an attack +all along the line</i>. At one point, only, had the movement +matured, and this was opposite the Australian +Section, on our left. Here, German troops succeeded +in getting right round some of the posts and endangering +our bridgehead defences; they had moved +guns up, which enabled them to reach places previously +out of range of anything but their "heavies". +Although surrounded, the posts named still held out, +and the Boches were finally driven back to their +starting point, where, it is said, they were fired on by +the Turks!</p> + +<p>On July 17th, "No. 2" Section relieved "No. 1" +in the line. "No. 3" took over the inner defences, +and "No. 1" became Divisional reserve. Lieut. +E.B. Hibbert (who left in February 1918 for leave +and a course in the United Kingdom) returned on +July 25th and took command of "No. 3" Section. +On August 3rd "No. 3" Section relieved "No. 2", +the inner defences being taken over by "No. 1". +A few days later "No. 3" Section was withdrawn +from the posts and camped close to Brigade Headquarters +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>to be employed as Mobile Reserve for the +outer defences, but owing to shortage of personnel in +the posts, the guns had to be mounted in their previous +positions at night.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The "Valley" a Death Trap.</p> + +<p>The "Valley" soon began to affect the health of +the Squadron. All kinds of fever became rampant, +particularly malaria. Men would suddenly become +sick, or collapse in a fainting fit, their temperature +quickly rising to 104° or thereabouts! Doctors and +medical orderlies were much overworked, and became +almost unable to cope with the "rush"; men had +to be undressed and tended on the spot by their own +comrades, who sponged them down in order to reduce +their temperature. The Squadron's thanks are due +to Pte. Ineson, who, as its own medical orderly, +was untiring in his attention to the sick. Undoubtedly, +but for his efforts, the list of men admitted +to hospital would have been considerably larger.</p> + +<p>During July, the O.C. (Capt. L.F. St. J. Davies, +M.C., who soon returned, however, although not +quite recovered), and 38 men, were admitted to +hospital. On August 10th, Lieut. Wilgress and +Lieut. Hibbert went to hospital.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>When the Squadron left the Valley on August 15th +(being relieved by the 21st Squadron), the total +casualties were <i>three officers and 113 O.R.'s</i>. Fortunately, +a number of reinforcements had arrived, +including many from Yeomanry regiments recently +dismounted. The first halt was Talat-ed-Dumm, +where the 17th Squadron was passed at 02.30 on its +way down to the valley. A better camping site was +available than the last time, when we camped here.</p> + +<p>The following evening the march was continued, +and Jerusalem was passed through at midnight. +The next morning the Brigade arrived at Enab, having +watered at the troughs at Ain el Foka, on the way.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Khurbet Deiran</p> + +<p>The same evening the Brigade moved via Latron, +Barriyeh and Naane to Khurbet Deiran +arriving at 07.30 the next morning, the rest of the +day being spent in laying out the new camp. That +day Lieut. Cazalet returned from hospital and +temporarily took command of "No. 2" Section +(while Lieut. Kindell went on a course at Zeitoun), +afterwards taking over his old section ("No. 1").</p> + +<p>No sooner had the Brigade settled down in its +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>new quarters than very strenuous training was +re-commenced—in addition there were inspections +galore—besides tactical schemes, almost every other +day. Reinforcements came up, which included many +men new to the Squadron, which was, in consequence, +soon nearly up to strength. Lieut. King returned +from hospital, but still being far from well had, soon +afterwards, to go back there. On September 13th +Lieut. Millman returned from hospital and Lieut. +Kindell from his course of instruction. Lieut. Millman +resumed command of his late section ("No. 3"). +On September 14th the Squadron turned out in complete +marching order with transport, for a Divisional +"scheme," the Division moving south on a six-mile +frontage, sections coming into action with an +imaginary enemy at various points.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 262px;"> +<img src="images/gs119.png" width="262" height="104" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PART_V" id="PART_V"></a>PART V.</h2> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Great Advance of 1918.</p> + +<p>So well had the secret of the great operations, that +were in view by the Commander-in-Chief, been kept, +that no one in the Squadron had any idea of a general +attack being in contemplation. It was, in fact, not +until the day that the Squadron was ordered to strike +camp, that any officer or man (except perhaps the +officer commanding), became aware that a serious +movement was about to take place! An attack at +any time would not, of course, have been entirely +unexpected, as we were always prepared for something +of the kind, but on this occasion the rumours that +usually precede operations of importance were entirely +absent—although the number of tactical schemes +recently practised should have indicated that some +particular purpose was in view.</p> + +<p>At 18.00 on September 17th, the Squadron paraded +in full marching order, and moved off, leaving all +tents and buildings standing. <i>We never returned to +those quarters!</i></p> + +<p>The strength of the Squadron at this time was +six officers, 212 O.R.'s, 181 riding horses, 80 draft +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>mules, 43 pack animals. So far as can be ascertained +now, the following were the officers and +N.C.O.'s:—</p> + +<table summary="squadron strength" border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2"> +<tr><td align="center"><i>Headquarters:</i></td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Major L.F. St. John Davies, M.C.<br /> +Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C.<br /> +S.S.M. Fleet, M.M.<br /> +S.Q.M.S. Fisher.<br /> +Farr.-Staff-Sergt. Robertson.<br /> +Sergt. Conuel (Transport).<br /> +Sergt. Ramsay (Orderly Room).<br /> +S.S.-Corpl. Anderson.<br /> +Sig.-Corpl. Foster.<br /> +Saddler-Corpl. Mellett.<br /> +</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"> +<i>"No. 1" Section:</i><br /> +Sec-Lieut. J.W. Cummer.<br /> +</td></tr> +<tr><td> +<i>"A" Sub-section:</i><br /> +Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M. <br /> +Corpl. Rouse. <br /> +Lance-Corpl. Holt. <br /> + " Moverley.<br /> +</td><td> +<i>"C" Sub-section:</i><br /> +Sergt. Roberts.<br /> +Corpl. Gage.<br /> +Lance-Corpl. Rose.<br /> + " Sneddon.<br /> +</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"> +<i>"No. 2" Section:</i><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +Lieut. A.O.W. Kindell.<br /> +</td></tr> +<tr><td> +<i>"B" Sub-section:</i><br /> +Sergt. Hazlehurst.<br /> +Lance-Corpl. Lawson.<br /> + " Stokes.<br /> +</td><td> +<i>"D" Sub-section:</i><br /> +Sergt. Salter.<br /> +Lance-Corpl. Fox.<br /> + " Fuller.<br /> +</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center">Corpl. Pearse.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"> +<i>"No. 3" Section:</i><br /> +Lieut. A.G.P. Millman.<br /> +Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. Arden.<br /> +</td></tr> +<tr> +<td> +<br /> +<i>"E" Sub-section:</i><br /> +Sergt. Potts.<br /> +Corpl. Thompson.<br /> +Lance-Corpl. Pountain.<br /> + " Woodhouse. +</td> +<td> +<i>"F" Sub-section:</i><br /> +Sergt. Grice, M.M.<br /> +Corpl. Keetley.<br /> +Lance-Corpl. Buckingham.<br /> + " Patterson. +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The route taken was familiar to everyone. +Passing Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun Kara) the Squadron +came upon its old friend the Jaffa Road, thence, past +Yazur to Sarona, by exactly the same way as was +taken in the previous May. Bearing to the left, past +the village, we arrived at Summeil and the camp +south of the River Auja, where Sec.-Lieut. Arden, who +had been sent on in advance to take over the Squadron +area, showed us our position in the camp. Arriving +at dusk the whole Brigade (horses, wagons and men), +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>were hidden in orange groves; it was certainly not +an easy task to fit everything up in the dark, the +avenues between the trees being narrow and in +most places only allowing horses to be led in +single file.</p> + +<p>The orders for the morrow (equally unenlightening) +were to the effect that no unnecessary movement +was to take place, and that no one, on any account, +<i>was to go outside the groves</i>; the horses were to be +watered at stated hours from the stone gullies used +by the natives for the irrigation of the plantations; +no fires were allowed; and all cooking was to be done +with the methylated spirit blocks which were issued +out for the purpose.</p> + +<p>The daytime was passed without incident, but 18.30 +found the Brigade paraded outside the groves ready +to march at dusk. Crossing the Auja by the wooden +bridge, and proceeding stealthily along the sea shore, +below the cliffs, about five miles to west of El Jelil, +it halted in "column of troops," off-saddled, watered +from a trough, supplied by water from a well dug +beside it, "linked" horses and laid down on the sand +to get some sleep. It may be imagined that by this +time everyone was wondering what the next day +would bring forth!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Advance to Liktera (El Hudeira).</p> + +<p>Before daylight we were saddled up and "standing +to"—a vigorous bombardment of the Turkish +trenches (which we had been told the previous night +to expect) was in full swing. Suddenly, it stopped! +Who was there among us who did not think of the part +the infantry were then playing, and upon whose +successful attack so much was to depend?</p> + +<p>When would orders arrive for us, on the beach, +to move? Patiently waiting and expecting, nothing +however came! Suddenly at 07.00, the troops in +front were seen mounting, and at length the surprising +order came through to us that the entire Division was +<i>to make its way to Nazareth</i>—quite 50 miles behind the +enemy's line, as the crow flies!</p> + +<p>The 13th Brigade, being on the sands in front +of the 14th, was to lead this movement. The Poona +Horse were to be the leading regiment of the 14th, +with ourselves (the <span class="smcap">20th Machine-Gun Squadron</span>) +immediately behind them.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"Get Back our Guns".</p> + +<p>Upon advancing a short way up the coast, we +reached what had been the British front line, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>evidences of the morning's action were to be seen, as +here and there several dead men and mules were +lying about. As we passed by this spot, an officer +of an Infantry Machine-Gun Company called out to +us: "Good luck, get us back our guns. They raided +us this morning and captured two!"</p> + +<p>A few yards further on, the old Turkish line was +reached and a number of killed and wounded Turks +and animals were to be seen here also.</p> + +<p>Right along the coast we went, "without let or +hindrance," the high cliffs affording us protection +from the few shells coming over, nearly all of which +fell into the sea. The pace was killing, and the sand +and rocks made it heavy going for the horses. They +were very fit though, thanks to the hard training they +had had at Deiran!</p> + +<p>Still proceeding northward, about six miles along +the coast, the cliffs suddenly gave way to flatter +ground; here we turned inland in a north-easterly +direction. Reports reached us that about 200 enemy +infantry (with transport) were in a wood on our right +flank. "No. 1" Section and one squadron of Poona +Horse were detailed as "flank guard" to prevent +the enemy leaving the wood until the Brigade had +passed by. The flank guard, however, were instructed +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>not to trouble to dispose of this small party, as bigger +"fish" were in view.</p> + +<p>At 11.30 the Brigade had reached the Nahr +Iskanderun. After crossing slowly by two small, +very shaky, bridges, units hurriedly watered here, +independently, by means of buckets, the banks of the +stream being very steep. The country now became +delightful, cultivated, everywhere, with orange groves +and gardens. At 12.30 the Brigade, winding its way +through the groves, came out into the pretty little +Village of Liktera (a Jewish settlement called by them +Hudeira), 26 miles from the starting point. The +inhabitants were overjoyed to see us, and as a halt was +made here, and horses off-saddled and fed, they soon +made us at home with gifts of bread, eggs and milk, +refusing to take any payment therefor.</p> + +<p>Until the inhabitants had seen the head of our +Division, about a mile off, they had not the slightest +idea that there had even been a British attack! +They were particularly anxious to know how the +people were faring in such villages as Mulebbis, and +other places, south of our old line, where they had +friends and relatives. As indicative that our advance +was carried out with speed and secrecy—while we +were resting here, <i>a Boche motor lorry arrived</i>!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> +The driver, being unaware of anything unusual, drove +quietly into the town; he nearly fell off his seat +when he was suddenly surrounded by British troops! +This lorry proved to be the advance guard of several +more, all of which were, of course, captured.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Capture of El Fule.</p> + +<p>After a sleep in the afternoon (what a luxury for +the first day of a "stunt!") and tea, the Brigade +saddled up and moved off at 18.00, just before dark. +What a cheery crowd it was! But they had "some" +march in front of them, the object being the capture of +Nazareth and the cutting of the Turk's principal line +of communication, <i>which would isolate practically the +whole of his army west of the Jordan</i>! Just outside +the village, two large marquees—a German Field +Ambulance—hurriedly evacuated, were passed. +Earlier in the day an officer of the 13th Brigade had +found an untasted breakfast here, for which he had +much reason to be thankful!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> +<img src="images/gs127.png" width="440" height="113" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>Further on, the track taken (the main route being +avoided) proved very bad, and in many places the +whole division had to proceed in "single file". In +some places, also, horses were led. The natives, who +had gathered upon the road-side from the villages +which we passed, stood silently watching us. They +must have been amazed, and the troops must have +appeared to them veritable "ghosts of the night". +At 23.30 a halt of 30 minutes was made, at a small +village, and horses fed. In the early hours of the +morning many horses, belonging to the forward part +of the column, were passed by the wayside. They +were completely "done". No doubt they were, in +some cases, able, later on, to join up, but in their +present state their riders had taken their saddles off +and had lain down beside them, to sleep. For the +moment these men had nothing further to do, but they +must have run a serious risk from hostile natives when +the Brigade had passed by. At 04.00 the next +morning we emerged upon the open Plain of +Esdraelon.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> + +<p class="sectionh">A Great Move!</p> + +<p>Now was to take place an interesting development +in the operations. With Nazareth within fairly close +reach, our objective was at hand. We formed up as +quickly as possible in "Line of troop column," and +then moved along the plain to the east, heading +slightly towards the north, gradually nearing the +north side as we proceeded forward. The objective +for the 14th Brigade was to cut the main road to +Nazareth from the south, thus cutting off all communication +between the Turkish General Headquarters +at Nazareth and their line, which ran across +the country from Arsuf to the north of the Dead +Sea. The 13th Brigade, which, it will be remembered, +up to this point had been the leading one, after +forming up, made for the hills on the other side of +the plain, and, reaching them, turned to the east, +towards their objective which was <i>the Turkish General +Headquarters at Nazareth</i>!</p> + +<p>The "going" on the plain was very bad, especially +in the dark, the ground being a network of cracks and +covered with a species of tall needle-grass, the latter +making it very painful for the horses, whilst the +former, continually giving way under their weight +made the risk of broken legs a real one. Fortunately, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>however, no serious accidents took place. What +wonderful creatures horses are! Those who were on +that trek could not fail to realise it, if they had never +done so before! As time went on and the goal was +still not reached, it seemed that they <i>must</i> drop at +any minute, <i>but still they kept on</i>, never faltering! A +few dropped out, it is true, but they were a very small +percentage of the whole. What courage and endurance +they showed, to carry a weight of (say) 18 stone, <i>50 +miles in 24 hours</i> over the worst country imaginable!</p> + +<p>About half way across the plain, the railway to +Haifa was "cut," and, pushing on, there were still +some miles to go when day began to break. Many +thought they would now be "in for" a hot time, and +expected guns to open upon them from all sides.</p> + +<p>But the Turk was still quite ignorant of our +presence. In any case he was not prepared for an +attack at that distance behind his line! When it +became fully light the 13th Brigade could be seen +on the top of the ridge on the left moving parallel +with us, and, in front of us, there was Mount Tabor<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +which served as a "guide" for direction. At 05.30 +enemy motor lorries were seen crossing our front +going towards Nazareth. We opened fire upon them +but they did not stop.</p> + +<p>Proceeding up the hill, they discovered that our +13th Brigade troops were on the top, when they +stopped about half way up and opened fire with +machine-guns. Upon this our "No. 2" Section came +up and "peppered" them. One lorry caught fire +and after a short time the occupants of the convoy, +trying to escape up the hill, were captured by the +13th Brigade. Shortly after this incident, Turkish +troops were seen marching up the road towards us, +but a squadron from the Sherwood Rangers and +Deccan Horse with our "No. 3" Section quickly +caused them to be quite in a hurry to surrender.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Enemy Panic-Stricken.</p> + +<p>From a small rise could be seen, looking down the +road, a large camp and El Fule railway station with +trucks, carriages and engines, also large dumps of +material. Everywhere, crowds of enemy troops were +to be seen rushing about; apparently in a state of +great panic. In these circumstances a squadron of the +Deccan Horse went down to "look into things" and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>after "dealing" with a few of the excitable +"Johnnies" the remainder surrendered. About 900 +prisoners were taken that morning. Later on in the +day the Brigade moved down to the station and +encamped, the horses being watered from a trough +which was discovered about a mile along the railway.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a></p> + +<p>Here, there was found a large quantity of stores of +all descriptions, including Turkish cigarettes, which +were not refused as a ration on such an occasion. The +capture of El Fule released an R.A.F. pilot, who, +having to land in consequence of engine trouble that +morning, had been taken prisoner by some Austrian +gunners who, with their horses only, were retreating. +They were anxious to know which way the British +were coming, in order to decide which road they +should take. Of course they did not learn anything, +but fortunately came along this road and thus fell +into our hands.</p> + +<p>Here it might be mentioned that the work of the +R.A.F. was truly wonderful. Prior to the "stunt," in +order to ensure that the enemy should not be aware of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>the massing of our cavalry just before the attack and +their subsequent movements after the infantry had +broken through, they flew continually over the enemy +aerodromes and prevented enemy airmen from rising. +Perhaps it should be said they rather tempted them +to do so, but—they never did! Consequently, on the +day of our attack, the enemy had no information at +all of what was happening, as his planes were on the +ground and remained there until they were either +burnt or captured. They certainly would not rise! +At El Fule a very large aerodrome had been established, +and a large collection of enemy machines was +found there. It was not long before these were joined +by some of our own which arrived almost as soon as +it had been taken.</p> + +<p>During the day the 13th Brigade had been dealing +with Nazareth, and that night our Brigade slept at +El Fule. Next morning we were to go southwards +to Jenin (which might or might not have been +captured), and clear the intervening country.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Jenin<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> Crowded with Abandoned Material.</p> + +<p>With this end somewhat in view, Lieut. Kindell +was ordered to fix up two machine-guns in a captured<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> +Boche motor-car, and, acting as left "flank guard" +to the Brigade, was directed to go to Jenin by a road +running parallel to, and on the left of, the one to be +taken by the Brigade. When fitted up the car looked +quite formidable. Lance-Corpls. Fox and Fuller and +Ptes. Boak (with signal flags) and Franklin accompanied +him. The driver of the Brigade car was +lent for this special occasion.</p> + +<p>After re-filling with German petrol in the morning, +they started off upon their journey. They soon came +up with all kinds of derelict enemy transport and +Turkish stragglers coming in. At one point ahead, +could be seen a crowd of people (which proved to be +natives) around some deserted enemy motor lorries. +A troop of "S.R.Y." (detached from the Brigade for +the purpose), came galloping over, but, as already +stated, they proved to be only villagers looking about +for some "plunder," and they were soon sent about +their business. Further on Lieut. Kindell's car +was joined by two other cars of the "Light Car +Patrol" each with a machine-gun, so that the party +now consisted of three cars with four guns.</p> + +<p>On arriving at Jenin they found the streets +simply choked with abandoned Turkish transport. +It was only by moving each wagon aside by +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>hand that they were able to proceed through the +town and meet the Brigade before it arrived there +on the other side; the cars were then sent off +again on a patrol. Unfortunately, upon returning +through the town, the driver of our car, on turning +a corner, ran into the pole of a wagon, and broke +the radiator. Such was the end of the Squadron +"armoured" car, much to the disappointment of +the occupants, who were just beginning to enjoy +their novel experience.</p> + +<p>It should be stated that the town of Jenin, +together with a very large number of prisoners, had +been captured the previous night by the Australians. +Here, too, was an aerodrome and several burnt +enemy planes—more evidence of the splendid work +of the R.A.F.</p> + +<p>Our Brigade remained in the Jenin area until +evening, when, having watered, we went back along +the El Fule road towards Nazareth and about half +way, bore off to the right, encamping upon the hills +south-east of El Fule and south of the El Fule-Beisan +Road. The next morning (22nd September), we +moved down the hills northwards and camped just +south of the Beisan Road, near water. The day was +spent in a well-earned rest.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>The transport arrived at the camp complete, and +allowed of forage and rations being replenished. How +it had been able to come through the enemy country +by roads suitable for transport without being +attacked, remained a mystery to those who do not +know the circumstances! During the day thousands +of Turkish and German prisoners were marched along +the road from Beisan, usually in the charge of only a +few mounted men.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">On to Haifa and Acre!</p> + +<p>The next day (September 23rd), everything having +been cleared up in this district, the Division set out +for Haifa and Acre on the coast. A glance at the +map will show that these towns are about 12 miles +distant from each other, both being about 23 miles +from Nazareth—there being two separate roads. The +northern road to Acre was taken by the 13th Brigade +and the southern to Haifa by the 15th and 14th. As +regards our Squadron the first part of the journey +to Haifa was just in the nature of a "route march," +although the pace ridden was fast at times. The +15th Brigade was the leading one and the 13th Brigade +as stated above made straight to Acre from Nazareth. +Passing through El Fule the 15th and 14th followed +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>the railway for some distance, then bearing off to the +right they joined the main road from Nazareth to +Haifa along the hills bordering the plain.</p> + +<p>From Sheikh Abreik<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a>—the highest point on the +road—the sea could be seen in the distance, a +beautiful blue, whilst a refreshing breeze met the +face. A short distance further on, a halt was made. +During this the sound of guns was heard in the +distance from the direction of the sea. No +opposition having been expected, all sorts of reports +came down the column concerning the cause of the +firing, such as—</p> + +<p>(1) British destroyers in the bay have mistaken +the 15th Brigade for the enemy!</p> + +<p>(2) The enemy have got a naval gun with which +they are shelling the head of the column!</p> + +<p>But all rumours proved to be false. What <i>was</i> really +happening was the Turkish garrison at Haifa (about +1,000 strong) with field and machine-guns were +defending the town against our advance—a hopeless +affair, considering that they were entirely cut off, +without any chance of obtaining supplies or +reinforcements. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> + +<p class="sectionh">Capture of Haifa by the 15th Brigade.</p> + +<p>The Sherwood Rangers went to the assistance of +the 15th Brigade which really had a very difficult +task, as the plain before Haifa was, in many places, +boggy and almost impassable; in addition there were +many streams flowing across it. The main road to +Haifa runs right along the foot of Mount Carmel<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> on +the left of the plain, and bordering it. It was here +that the enemy had established themselves, covering +every part of the ground with their guns. With +great dash, however, the 15th Brigade galloped the +enemy positions, and within a short time had captured +the town! Much to everybody's regret, the son of +General Sir Pertab Singh was killed during this +attack. His loss was much regretted by his +comrades, and all who knew him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>While this action was taking place, we (the 14th +Brigade) descended the hill from Sheikh Abreik, +crossed a bridge, which was at a great height over +the river Kishon<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a>, and, turning to the right off the +road, dismounted and watered from it with buckets. +It was here that, owing to over-keenness on the part +of two horses in the Squadron, they broke away, and, +trying to drink from the river, fell in! Fortunately +both were rescued, but not without great difficulty. +Meanwhile, shelling was going on; luckily the shells +all fell short of us, although having descended the hill, +as mentioned, we had attracted the attention of the +Turkish gunners. Later on in the day we moved into +Haifa<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> along the road which had been the scene of the +action. Passing the results of the work of the +15th Brigade and of the "S.R.Y." which, to judge +from the numbers of killed and wounded along the +road (which were being dealt with by the Cavalry +Field Ambulance), must have been of a very strenuous +character, we at length encamped upon the sea-shore, +under date palms, within a mile north of the town! +The distance covered that day was 25 miles.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>The 13th Brigade, meantime, had captured Acre<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> +on the north, after only slight opposition, yet it had +effected, within a few hours, the feat which Napoleon +had entirely failed to accomplish after a siege of +60 days! Incidentally, it may be mentioned, +that heaps of his cannon-balls were found at Haifa.</p> + +<p>The next morning (24th), our men and horses +bathed in the sea! A short distance out, underwater, +it was found that barbed wire had been fixed. +This the Turks had evidently placed in position with +the object of preventing a landing <i>from the sea</i>. +These entanglements, however, in no way impeded +the bathing as they could easily be seen in the clear +water. Our troops were also allowed to visit the +town, which was found to be very interesting; there +being many modern houses, it was, in several respects, +superior to any town we had previously visited in +the interior. It is not too much to say that many of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>the inhabitants were delighted to see the British. +They even said that they had expected us the previous +year!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Capture of Damascus.<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></p> + +<p>After another day spent at Haifa, back again the +Division went (leaving the "S.R.Y." as a garrison), +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>along the same road by which they had come, as far +as the top of the hill above the river. Here we +branched off to the left through Beit Lahm (a German +colony), and Seffurie to Kefr Kenna, four miles +north-east of Nazareth on the Tiberias Road, said to +be the "Cana of Galilee" where the water was turned +into wine<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a>. The latter part of the road was very +narrow and rocky, being in parts merely a goat-track. +Our animals had no water that day—it +being quite unobtainable in spite of previous +advices.</p> + +<p>At 02.00 the next morning (September 26th) the +Division started for Tiberias<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a>. "No. 1" Section +going with the advance guard, the remainder of the +Squadron following the Deccan Horse. The 14th +Brigade reached the shores of Lake Tiberias<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> (Sea +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>of Galilee) just north of the town at 08.30 and halted +until 12.00 to allow the Australian Mounted Division +to pass through on their way towards Damascus. +Here, horses were "off-saddled" and watered twice +during the halt, the water being quite fresh and clear. +Being upon the shore, which was gently shelving, they +were able to walk in and drink to their hearts' content. +A number of men also took the opportunity to bathe; +it was fairly hot, being 680 feet below the level of +the sea.</p> + +<p>The River Jordan runs right through the lake, and +it is interesting to know now that this point was +64 miles (as the crow flies), up the river from the site +of the late Squadron camp when it was previously +in the Jordan Valley. It was reported to us that the +4th Division had had tough work in the streets of +Tiberias in order to capture it. They had now +gone round the southern shores of the lake and joined +forces with the Sherifian Troops, who had been +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>harassing the enemy's Fourth Army east of the Jordan +and were now pursuing them northwards. Practically +the whole of the Turkish Seventh and Eighth Armies, +which previously held the line west of the Jordan, +had now been accounted for.</p> + +<p>At 12.00 we continued the advance along the shores +of the lake through pleasant, cultivated country, to +the north-west corner; then northward, for about +six miles, and down an avenue of trees, past the pretty +little Jewish village of Jataine.</p> + +<p>The Australians, in front, were held up at Kusa +Atra on the Jordan by artillery and machine-guns +at the bridge, which the enemy had destroyed. That +night the 14th Brigade encamped within two miles +of this bridge, having marched over 30 miles that +day. Early the next morning (September 28th) the +Australians crossed the river by the ford, and +"scuppered" the party which had been holding them +up, but, unfortunately, with the loss of a few of their +number. The 14th Brigade accordingly moved down +to the river at 09.00 and watered, and at 15.00 crossed +by the bridge which had, by then, been repaired by +the Royal Engineers ("No. 2" Section with advance guard +fording), and continued north-easterly along +what would have been a good road with the help of a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>steam roller (but at present was the reverse, owing to +the large stones put down not being rolled in), to +Kuneitra (14 miles by the map but actually hardly +less than 20), arriving 23.00.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Two Snipers Shot.</p> + +<p>The next day we rested. Troops having been +sniped at by natives, a party from the Squadron was +detailed to make an example of two offenders who +had been caught "red-handed". They were taken +back to their village, and after their crime had been +publicly announced by an interpreter to the chief of +the tribe and the inhabitants, they were shot by the +firing party. At 18.00 the Brigade moved off through +the village along the main Damascus Road. About +nine miles out they were brought to a halt, as the +Australians in front were "held up". Later, they +cleared the way, however, and we moved on again +at 04.30. A halt of half an hour was made at 07.00 to +water in the Nahr Mughaniye, after which part of the +distance was covered at the trot. At 11.30 the head +of the column reached Khan-esh-Shiha, 14 miles +south-east of Damascus.</p> + +<p>The enemy was seen on the Deraa Road, eight miles +to the east, retreating northward, evidently being +chased by the 4th Division and Hedjaz troops<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> +(Sherifians). It was reported by aeroplanes that the +enemy force numbered about 3,000, and the 14th +Brigade (less the one regiment left at Haifa), was +allotted the task of cutting them off.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">All Sections Do Good Execution.</p> + +<p>Turning to the right across country, we proceeded +at a fast pace through fields of maize, gardens, +orchards and then open country, arriving at the hills +north of Kiswe overlooking the Deraa Road. These +we occupied, and came in touch with the enemy who +had sent out troops to attack. "No. 1" Section was +in action along with two squadrons of Deccan Horse. +They only reached their positions a few minutes in +front of the enemy's flank guard, who, owing to the +steepness and rocky nature of the ground, was able +to approach within a few yards of the guns before +being repulsed. During this encounter it is much +regretted that Pte. Staniland was killed.</p> + +<p>"No. 2" Section was in action on the hill occupied +by Brigade Headquarters against the enemy, on a hill +600 yards to the front. After repulsing them, they +went round and occupied the hill, being joined shortly +afterwards by "No. 1" Section. Here an extensive +view was obtained of the surrounding country—in +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>front, the Deraa Road from Kiswe village and station, +on the right (and beyond) and on the left the town +of Damascus itself. It is impossible to imagine a +more beautiful sight than that which Damascus +presented from this spot, with its white minarets +shining in the sunlight, above the orange groves, +vineyards and orchards which surround it. The +panorama was more particularly striking because of +the contrast it presented with the rest of the country +we had previously seen. Some good "shooting" +was obtained from here, and the road was +soon cleared. Parties of the enemy could be seen +making off eastward up the hills, but out of +range. The railway from Damascus runs parallel +to the road, and beyond it. A train which was +then <i>en route</i> was fired at, but it was also rather out +of range.</p> + +<p>Just then the Turk got some field guns in action +and sent a few shells over at us, the very first one +falling right on top of Brigade Headquarters; +fortunately, it did not hit anyone!</p> + +<p>"No. 3" Section accompanied the Poona Horse +on the left flank, and there had some "practice" on +the road, similar to the other sections. It was joined +there by "D" Sub-section, Nos. 1 and 2 having come +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>out of action, as there were no further "targets" for +them. "No. 1" Section was now sent, with one +squadron of Deccan Horse, to occupy a hill south-east +of Ashrafie and due north of the position they had +been holding. Machine-gun fire was met with half +a mile from the hill, but only one casualty was +sustained (Pte. Knott, wounded). The Deccan Horse +charged the hill, and the section came in action on the +top of it, firing upon the retreating enemy and +silencing two of their machine-guns. The groves +round Ashrafie, and the road to the east, were +"traversed" and a regiment of Turkish cavalry, +which was in the groves, at length sent a representative +under a white flag expressing a desire to surrender. +Outposts were now put out, and the remainder of the +Brigade was moved up to Ashrafie and watered, +staying in that vicinity for the night.</p> + +<p>Some splendid grapes and other minor luxuries +were obtained at the village and were very acceptable. +That night the country was lit up for miles around, and +the air resounded with explosion after explosion by +the destruction of large ammunition dumps and other +stores by the Turks. "No. 3" Section remained +with the outposts, owing to the fact that two orderlies +who had been sent out were unable to find them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>In the early morning they obtained some splendid +"targets" on the road, against the tail of the Turkish +force which was being driven along by the 4th +Division and the Hedjaz troops. Close on their +heels came Lieut.-Col. Lawrence and Major Sinclair +of the Sherifian Army in a car. They would have +been fired on, but for the fact that our own troops +were in the danger zone. Their identity was discovered +in time, however, and Major Davies, who had +just arrived to see how "No. 3" Section was faring, +went down and spoke to them.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">We Enter Damascus.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 153px;"> +<img src="images/gs150.png" width="153" height="290" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>At 07.30 the Australians having got round to the +north of the city, our Brigade moved through Ashrafie +and groves eastward to the road, so frequently referred +to above, and marching along it, passed Meidan, at +09.30 entering Damascus—just 12 days from the start +of operations, it being then October 1st 1918. The +approximate distance covered by the Division was 215 +miles, the distance due north of our old Line 104 miles.</p> + +<p>Probably the town of Damascus proved to be +disappointing to the majority of the troops. It was +interesting, certainly, but those who had been long +in the East did not find the expression "<i>Eastern +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>splendour</i>" realised here, any more than in other +towns they had seen; such an idea would seem to exist +only in the minds of those +who have never been "out +East". The natives, on the +whole, seemed pleased to see +us, the victors, and frequently +cheered, while Major L.F. +St. J. Davies, M.C., at the head +of the Squadron (which +followed the Poona Horse, the +leading regiment, thus being +the first <i>white</i> troops), was +exceedingly popular.</p> + +<p>In accordance with the +Arab custom, when rejoicing, +rifles were fired in the air—and +this not with "blank" either!</p> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 392px;"> +<img src="images/gs151.png" width="392" height="172" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>Right through the centre +of the town, the Brigade +went, and camped in olive +groves along the main road, +leading out to the north-east. The following day it retraced +its steps to the south of the town where it joined +the "C.-in-C.". He had with him the remainder of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>the Division and the Australians. A triumphal entry +into the town with the troops named was then made.</p> + +<p>The Machine-Gun Squadron, given the choice, +went independently, straight to their next camp at +El Judeide, nine +miles south-west +of Damascus, +preferring to +rest their horses. +There they +camped in +orange groves, +being re-joined in the evening by the remainder of +the Brigade, who had taken part in the "show".</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">An Amusing Adventure.</p> + +<p>Sec.-Lieut. Arden in the meantime was having +an adventure "<i>on his own</i>". When we were ordered +back to El Judeide Mr. Arden was told to go into the +town and make all the purchases he could, so as to +provide the Squadron with a few comforts. He +took with him Q.M.S. Fisher, the officers' mess cook, +and his groom. Having made his purchases, Mr. +Arden, who had been told that our destination was +on the western road, looked it up on the map and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>found a place marked there on the road to Beyrout +about 10 miles distant named "<i>El Jedeide</i>". Off +they started for this <i>El Jedeide</i>. What an experience +they had! The road, which had just previously had +the close attention of the R.A.F. and other branches +of the service, was littered with dead and all kinds +of enemy material. Along they continued, meeting +everywhere sights of wreck and confusion such as +they had never previously experienced.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> Having +reached Jedeide, but failing to find any trace of +British troops, they felt they had made a mistake. +But it was too late to return that night, and there was +no help for it, they were forced to spend the night +there "and trust to luck".</p> + +<p>Alternately taking post "on guard," some sleep +was obtained. During the night some troops passed +by, which the small party feared was Turkish; +fortunately they turned out to be <i>French Colonial +Troops</i>, whose dress is somewhat in the Turkish +fashion. At daylight the party retraced its steps +toward Damascus, and on the way, met a party of +Australians. "What the devil are you doing here?" +the latter demanded. Upon hearing their story the +Australians ejaculated: "Why, do you know you +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>have been for one night the outpost of the British +Army? No British soldier has been here before"! +But "all's well that ends well"; in due course, after +minor adventures, Mr. Arden's party reached the +Squadron at <span class="smcap">El Judeide</span> where, although he had to +run the gamut of chaff and banter, he was heartily +welcomed!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Valley of Lebanon-Rayak.</p> + +<p>Henceforward, the 5th Cavalry Division was to +become an entirely separate force in its operations—indeed, +at one time, its nearest support was 100 miles +distant. Two days were spent at El Judeide, grazing +horses and cleaning guns and saddlery, before making +another move forward. A force of Turks some +7,000 strong was reported to be at Rayak Junction +on the Beirut Railway 30 miles north-east of +Damascus, and on October 5th at 06.00 the +Division, with the 14th Brigade leading (the +"S.R.Y." had re-joined from Haifa), set off to +deal with them. "No. 2" Section was with the +advance guard.</p> + +<p>Across country to Sabura, they reached the main +Beirut Road at Khan Dimez, 15 miles from Damascus, +and halted for the night at Khan Meizebun a few miles +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>further on, with outposts out. Following the road +to the bridge over the river, south of Bar Elias (where +a halt for water was made), the advance guard +("No. 1" Section with it), was much surprised +at the extraordinary behaviour of the natives, who, +sighting them from a distance, galloped to meet +them, firing their rifles in the air and shouting. +Such was their method of giving us welcome; it +would have been their own fault if they had been +mistaken for the enemy, as they very nearly were!</p> + +<p>At this point, turning north along a track up the +Valley of Lebanon<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> (many miles wide) the Brigade +pushed on to Rayak. All along the road, right from +Khan Dimez, the previous day, there was evidence of +the sorry plight of the Turk. Hundreds of dead horses, +dead bodies (stripped by the villagers), broken wagons +and even overturned "gharries" strewed the route.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">An Unwelcome Welcome.</p> + +<p>Upon our approaching Rayak, as if at a word of +command, suddenly, a tremendous burst of rifle fire +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>broke out! This outburst, however, proved to be merely +a demonstration of the population's welcome! Rayak, +and some of the villages in this district, are Christian,<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> +and it may well be imagined that the population +was simply delirious with joy at the arrival of the +British.</p> + +<p>As the Brigade marched through the streets on +each side there were crowds of people occupied in +competing with each other to keep up the most rapid +fire! They were none too particular where their +shots went either!! It was rather difficult for us to +feel pleased to see our new friends, when they were +letting off their rifles under our very noses! +Fortunately there were no casualties from the spent +bullets, but there were several very narrow escapes! +The Turk, it seemed, had fled two days previously, +and left at the aerodrome the remains of no fewer than +30 aeroplanes which he had burnt, together with +large quantities of stores and rolling stock.<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p> + +<p>An outpost line was established at Hosh el +Ghanin, and "No. 1" Section returned to the +Squadron, which had encamped to the east of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>town south of the village of Maazi. October 7th-12th +were spent in grazing, cleaning up and resting (not +much of the last). On Oct. 10th, the 13th and 14th +Brigades had moved on four miles to Tel esh Sherif, +the 15th Brigade being at Zahle, a fair-sized town on +the slopes of the hills on the western side of the +plain.<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p> + +<p>At this time enemy aeroplanes began to arrive, +and drop bombs, killing, on one occasion, some +Gloucesters. A few days afterwards they were +chased to their lair by the R.A.F. and—<i>finished +off</i>!</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">The Journey to Homs.</p> + +<p>The 14th Brigade, following the 13th Brigade one +day's march behind, moved up to Baalbek on +October 13th. Here we ascertained that the leading +brigade had had a similar reception to ours from the +natives at Rayak. Passing through the town and +the ruins of the celebrated Roman Temple of the Sun<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> +on the left, we camped east of the Turkish barracks.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>North of Baalbek our maps were found to be +very inaccurate and unreliable, the actual position +of places often proving to be many miles away from +where shown; frequently roads followed quite a +different route! In one place a railway line was +omitted altogether from the map, while in another, +a river marked thereon did not exist!</p> + +<p>Rations, now being brought up by motor lorries +nearly every day, were issued to units as soon as they +had camped for the night; mutton was the principal +meat ration, sheep being requisitioned locally, all +along the route, as also was forage.</p> + +<p>The transport was now able to follow close behind +the Brigade, and usually arrived in "camp" shortly +after the fighting troops. The "trek" now became +a matter of routine, marching usually starting each +day at 07.00. Permission was given for the Squadron +to carry some of its guns on its transport, in order to +relieve the pack-animals.</p> + +<p>October 14th—To Lebwe; watering from a +stream on the way, and camping in groves.</p> + +<p>October 15th—To El Kaa. The Squadron camped +against a fig-grove and figs were purchased for everyone.</p> + +<p>October 16th—To Kusseir. Camp on plain east +of station.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>October 17th—To Homs. When about half way, in +front could be seen what appeared to be a large camp +of bell tents, but on getting nearer they turned out to +be merely a village of mud huts of that shape, and +whitewashed!</p> + +<p>Afterwards many similar villages were met with, +some of which were whitewashed, some not. From +hereabouts could be seen, away on the left, the large +Homs Lake, through which runs the River Orontes +(Nahr el Asi). Two miles south of the town of Homs +an hour's halt was made to allow of watering and +feeding, then passing a ruined castle on an artificial +mound, we went through the centre of the town +(which is an interesting old place, and apparently +well supplied with water),<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> to the main road out to +the north. Then, along a track to the north-west, we +passed the 13th Brigade camp (the 13th Brigade had +been a day ahead from Tel esh Sherif), and bivouacked +at 14.45 on a nice piece of ground on the banks of the +Orontes, against the village of Deir Mati.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PART_VI" id="PART_VI"></a>PART VI.</h2> + + +<p class="sectionh">The March to Aleppo.</p> + +<p>Would we stay here at Homs, or go still further? +was the question uppermost in the minds of all. The +nearest troops were at Damascus 100 miles behind us, +and Aleppo, the next town of any importance, 100 +miles ahead. We had now covered 325 miles in +28 days, and a rest was much needed. The question +was soon decided for us! Three days were occupied +in washing (men, clothes and horses), grazing and +cleaning saddlery. Then, at 07.00 on October 21st +we set out on our long journey, the 15th Brigade +(it being their turn to lead), having left the day +previously. Marching was carried on in accordance +with the following table:—</p> + +<p>Twenty minutes' trot, one hour's walk, 10 minutes' +halt; and the following were the day's marches:—</p> + +<p>October 21st—To Er Rastan.</p> + +<p>October 22nd.—To Hama.<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> Through the town +and over the River Orontes past the huge water +wheels for which it is famous. (These wheels make a +loud humming noise and can be heard for miles. +They are used for lifting the water from the river, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>which is between high cliffs at this point, to irrigate the +surrounding country).</p> + +<p>October 23rd.—To Khan Shaikhun.</p> + +<p>October 24th.—To Ma'arit en Na'aman, camping +east of the town. In the afternoon rain came on and +continued overnight. It was the first rain of the +season.</p> + +<p>October 25th.—To Seraikin, camping against +some groves south-east of town.</p> + +<p>October 26th.—At 05.00 to Khan Tuman. The +ground being suitable, the 14th Brigade marched with +its Squadrons in line of troop column on the right of +the road, and the 13th Brigade in the same formation +on the left, while the transport was in the centre, on +the road itself.</p> + +<p>Early in the afternoon, arriving at the banks of +the Kuwaik-Su, the stream that flows through +Aleppo from the north, the <span class="smcap">20th Machine-Gun +Squadron</span> off-saddled and settled down, the latest +information being that they would not be required +till morning. However, orders were shortly received +to continue the advance to Aleppo! The guns were +also to be withdrawn from the transport. The +Squadron therefore moved off with the Brigade +about 17.00.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>What had been happening in front, in the meantime? +No definite news was to hand, but an +armoured-car tender came back for a fresh supply of +"S.A." ammunition for the 15th Brigade Machine-Gun +Squadron, so evidently some fighting had taken +place. We had already heard that armoured cars, +which had for some time past been doing "yeoman +service," had arrived before Aleppo and scattered +enemy patrols, and that an officer had been to the +town and demanded its surrender. He was received +with every courtesy, but the gallant commander +<i>regretted</i> that he was unable to surrender the city as he +had received orders from Constantinople to hold out +at all costs, in order to cover the retirement of the +Mesopotamian forces! That was some days previously. +Later, we learnt that on the day in question, +the 15th Brigade, having arrived before the "city +gates," the Turks withdrew after destroying bridges, +etc., and they (the Brigade) pushing on, met them +on the Alexandretta Road, put spurs to their horses, +and charged them.</p> + +<p>Now, it may be remarked, the Turk outnumbered +the 15th Brigade <i>by at least five to one</i>, and after the +Brigade had passed through them, the enemy realised +their strength, and picking up the very rifles they had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>thrown down, <i>fired at their backs</i>, Lieut.-Col. Holden +and many other valuable lives being lost in this +manner!</p> + +<p>But the Turk had really no fight left in him; his +was a beaten army! He continued his retreat, and +the 15th Brigade took up an outpost-line north and +north-west of the city.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Our Brigade Reaches Aleppo.</p> + +<p>The 14th Brigade heard of the capture of Aleppo +when they arrived within a few miles of it after dark.</p> + +<p>Reaching the southern outskirts of the town, they +entered it by the road leading past the prison up to the +Clock Tower. Leaving this on the right, they turned +sharply to the left (past the present Officers' Club) +almost up to Divisional Headquarters (<i>then already +established</i>), where they bore to the right, down to +the bridge under the railway, at the French railway +station. The bridge had been blown up and a truck which +was hanging down, completely blocked the roadway, +causing considerable delay, as the whole Brigade had +to lead their horses in "single file" up the steep +embankment, across the railway lines, and down the +other side, in order to regain the road. Two and a +half miles along the Alexandretta Road the Brigade +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>turned to the left off the road, east of Bileramum, and +halted for the night, it being then 23.45.</p> + +<p>The next morning, at 05.30, the 14th Brigade took +over the outpost-line from the 15th Brigade. The +Deccan Horse and "No. 3" Section held the ground +west of the road. The Poona Horse and "No. 1" +Section held the road itself and east of it. An enemy +rearguard patrol was seen retiring, and was followed +up by Sherifian troops, but nothing more was seen +of the Turk. During the morning the 13th Brigade +took over the ground to the west of the road, thus +relieving the Deccan Horse and "No. 3" Section. +"No. 2" Section relieved "No. 1" Section.</p> + +<p>At night, "No. 1" Section with "S.R.Y." and +"No. 3" with Deccan Horse took over the line. +Members of the Squadron who took part in the +operations from Khan Tuman onwards, will remember +that "No. 2" and "No. 3" Sections, owing to shortage +of personnel due to sickness (principally malaria or +dysentery), had only been able to man three guns +each, instead of their full complement of four, so that +when "No. 2" Section was on duty "No. 3" Section +supplied a detachment to make them complete, +"No. 2" doing the same when "No. 3" was on +duty, whilst in order to have all the guns in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +Squadron available in case of emergency, the +Squadron headquarter troops manned the remaining +two guns. The next two days (October 28th and +29th) the outpost-line was still held, and nothing in +the way of active operations occurred; men not on +duty were granted passes to visit Aleppo.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Armistice with Turkey.</p> + +<p>On the morning of October 30th, our Brigade was +relieved by the "13th," and moved eastwards across the +railway, then northward to <span class="smcap">Muslimie Junction</span>. No +enemy being encountered, an outpost line was +established about two miles north, "No. 1" Section +with "S.R.Y." and "No. 2" (with one detachment +of "No. 3") with the Poona Horse. The latter section +was entirely alone during the day, as it was not +considered necessary to have so many troops on duty +as at night time, and the Squadron being too far +away to allow of the Section doing the double +journey with any degree of comfort, it remained where +it was.</p> + +<p>At 12.00 on October 31st <i>an armistice with Turkey +was proclaimed</i>, the good news being communicated +to the Sections on outpost duty by orderlies from +Headquarters. The Sections, however, had orders +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>to remain at their posts. November 4th brought the +further news of an armistice with Austria, and early +the following day Indian prisoners, released by the +Turks, began to return to us through our outpost line.</p> + +<p>It was at this time that Major Davies, our O.C. +(who had not been well since leaving the Jordan +Valley, and for some time past had only been able +to keep out of hospital by dint of great strength of +mind and powers of endurance, in spite of the advice +of his own, and medical, officers), was at last sent to +the hospital in Aleppo, which had been established +by the 14th C.F.A. He had only been there a few +days, however, when, to the grief of all, he passed away +in the clutches of that dread disease, malignant +malaria.</p> + +<p>He was buried in the Aleppo Protestant Cemetery +on November 11th 1918, in the presence of the +Divisional Commander, the Brigade Commander, +the C.O.'s of all the units in the Brigades, and +many members of his Squadron, all of whom +felt how regrettable it was that he had not been +spared to hear <span class="smcap">the great news</span> which we all +then felt was so close at hand, and towards +the obtaining of which he had, ever since the outbreak +of the War, contributed so much energy and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>ability. The "H.A.C." kindly provided us with a +gun-carriage upon which to convey him to his resting +place, and Capt. Powell, C.F., the Brigade Chaplain, +officiated.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">Nearing the End.</p> + +<p>As those who had been present at the ceremony +were waiting for the motor lorries to take them back +to Muslimie the momentous news was received that +<i>an armistice had been signed with Germany!</i></p> + +<p>It was universally felt to be a sad coincidence that +he who had come through the war from start to finish +should thus have been laid low at the very end of his +labours. That Major St. John Davies, M.C., was +undoubtedly a great leader and very considerate of +his men's welfare, was universally known. There +can be no doubt that he would have had a successful +career, had he been spared, in any profession he +might have chosen.</p> + +<p>Malaria was taking its toll, and a few days later +Signaller Boak, who had been the Squadron's Brigade +Orderly throughout the last operations, fell another +victim to its clutches. He was buried in the Military +Cemetery, Aleppo, a number of his comrades being +present at the graveside.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sectionh">After the Armistice.</p> + +<p>Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., now took command, +with Lieut. A.O.W. Kindell as Second-in-Command. +The strength of the Squadron was now four officers, +145 O.R.'s, 116 riding horses, 77 draught mules, +36 pack animals, and, as no reinforcements had +reached the Squadron since the start of operations on +September 19th, these figures represented a loss of +two officers, 67 O.R.'s, 65 riding horses, three draught +mules and seven pack animals. Considering that the +Squadron had covered 450 miles in 43 days, in +addition to the fighting, the loss in animals (especially +draught) was extremely small, and results show that +the Squadron has every reason to be proud of its +horsemastership.</p> + +<p>The Sections were now withdrawn from "outpost" +and the Squadron moved into Muslimie station, +where a certain number of buildings appeared to be +available, and capable of affording protection from +the wet weather, which showed signs of coming on.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately, after clearing out several buildings, +these had to be relinquished to a regiment of the +15th Brigade, which came up to take over the station. +The Squadron, however, was allowed to use, as +billets, some old railway trucks which could not +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +be moved, owing to the points being blown up. It +was expected, at one time, that the Division would +proceed to Alexandretta, on the coast, for the winter, +but this did not eventuate.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 367px;"> +<a href="images/gs168.jpg"> +<img src="images/gs168tn.jpg" width="367" height="275" alt="Muslimie Junction Station." title="Muslimie Junction Station." /> +<span class="caption">Muslimie Junction Station.</span> +</a> +</div> + +<p>About this time we had to say farewell to our +old friend, Capt. Powell, C.F., the Brigade Padre, +who was compelled to go into hospital after repeated +attacks of malaria, and was eventually invalided +home to England. Capt. Powell had been with the +Brigade since its original formation as the "7th +Mounted," and was a great favourite amongst all +ranks.</p> + +<p>The following brief record of the events and +doings of the Squadron during its long spell of duty +at Aleppo (and Muslimie) may be interesting to some +members:—</p> + +<ul class="namel"> +<li>1918.<br /> +<br /></li> +<li>Nov. 13—"No. 3" Section absorbed in "Nos. 1 and 2".</li> +<li> " 15—Inspection of horses by Corps Commander.</li> +<li> " 17—Memorial service in main station building.</li> +<li> " 18—Headquarters attached to "Nos. 1 and 2" Sections.</li> +<li> " 22—Inspection of Transport by Divisional Commander.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></li> +<li> " 28—Inspection of horses by G.O.C. Brigade.</li> +<li> " 30—Ration strength: 4 officers, 122 O.R.s, 208 animals.</li> +<li>Dec. 4—Divisional Commander inspects horses.</li> +<li> " 5—Preparation for visit of "C.-in-C.".</li> +<li> " 9—Capt. J.B. Oakley and Lieut. E.P. Cazalet, with 60 reinforcements, +arrive from base. Capt. Oakley becomes Second-in-Command of Squadron.</li> +<li> " 10—Four officers and 80 O.R.'s proceed to Aleppo mounted for—</li> +<li> " 11—"C.-in-C.'s" procession, and return to camp.</li> +<li> " 17—Thanksgiving Day.</li> +<li> " 24—"B" Echelon (and donkeys) arrive.</li> +<li> " 25—Anthrax in Brigade.</li> +<li> " 27—One case of anthrax in Squadron.<br /><br /></li> +<li>1919.<br /> +<br /></li> +<li>Jan. 3—Inspection of Transport by Divisional Commander.</li> +<li> " 4—"No. 1" Sub-section proceeds to Aleppo with two troops "S.R.Y." to +escort "C.-in-C." by train to Jerablus.</li> +<li> " 6—Return of party.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></li> +<li> " 20—Short range practice.</li> +<li> " 25—Classes opened in Brigade for shorthand, +engineering, lectures, etc.</li> +<li> " 27—Coalminers leave for "demob.".</li> +<li> " 28—G.O.C. Brigade inspects horses.</li> +<li>Feb. 1—Classification of horses: A.30, B.33, C.II.42, D.8.</li> +<li> " 3—Divisional Commander inspects animals and first line transport.</li> +<li> " 11—Orders to move to Aleppo. Dismounted party with surplus +equipment proceeds by train.</li> +<li> " 12—Squadron moves to Aleppo.</li> +<li> " 14—Corps Commander visits lines during stables.</li> +<li> " 19—Sec.-Lieut. Arden appointed Brigade Educational +Officer and promoted Captain whilst so employed.</li> +<li> " 20—Move to old 19th Squadron camp.</li> +<li> " 23—Twenty-two farmers proceed "homeward" ("demob." camp at Kantara).</li> +<li> " 26—Divisional Commander visits lines during stables.</li> +<li> " 27—Eleven O.R.'s to "Homeward".<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></li> +<li> " 28—An Armenian massacre; Squadron proceeds +to centre of town, four guns in +position, one sub-section ("D") to +Brigade Headquarters for night.</li> +<li>Mar. 1-3—Fifteen O.R.'s "demob.".</li> +<li> " 6—Move to camp in the centre of Aleppo.</li> +<li> " 11—Twenty-seven horses evacuated to M.V.S.</li> +<li> " 17—Farewell parade to the G.O.C., Desert +Mounted Corps, Lieut.-Gen. Sir H.G. +Chauvel, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.</li> +<li> " 19—Fifteen reinforcements arrive from base.</li> +<li> " 20—Twenty horses and 26 mules to Corrals +(paddocks formed by the Division to +take the surplus animals resulting from +demobilization).</li> +<li> " 27—One sub-section short-range practice.</li> +<li> " 29—Eleven horses and 32 mules to Corrals.</li> +<li> " 31—Squadron strength: four officers, 124 O.R.'s, +185 animals.</li> +<li>Apr. 1—G.O.C. Brigade inspects horses.</li> +<li> " 3—One sub-section short-range practice.</li> +<li> " 15—"Stand-to" 05.30-08.00, one sub-section +mounted, six guns on limbers.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></li> +<li> " 16—Ditto (as precaution against further +massacre of the Armenians).</li> +<li> " 22—Practice scheme with Brigade.</li> +<li> " 23—Issue of summer clothing.</li> +<li> " 30—Divisional Horse Show.</li> +<li>May 1-2—Ditto. Squadron won Special Prize with +pack mule "Pansy," and had one limber +and G.S. wagon in final; Pte. Carruthers +also qualified for jumping finals.</li> +<li> " 31—Squadron strength: four officers, 75 O.R.'s, +189 horses and mules.</li> +<li>June 18—Inspection of horses and transport by +Divisional Commander.</li> +<li> " 30—Peace celebrations. The Squadron, reduced +to the strength of one sub-section, took +part in "march past". Strength: three +officers, 48 O.R.'s, 30 horses, 23 mules.</li> +</ul> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 272px;"> +<img src="images/gs174.png" width="272" height="103" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>The following, by a member of the Squadron, is +typical of the life in the <span class="smcap">Armies of Occupation</span>. +He says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Although these (the Armies of Occupation) officially have +only existed since February 1st 1919, they have in reality, on +certain fronts, been in operation since November 1918. The +5th Cavalry Division, pressing hard on the heels of the flying +Turk, entered Aleppo on the evening of 26th October last. +Trek-tired and weary, the Fighting Division under Major-Gen. +H.J.M. MacAndrew, C.B., D.S.O., wound its lengthy column +over the Kuwaik-Su Bridge and entered the ancient Turkish +stronghold. Some of the units were at once stationed close to +the town, taking over the barracks and vast stores and depots +vacated by the enemy, whilst some of us, not so lucky, were +pushed forward to Muslimie, the important junction of the +Mesopotamian and Palestine Railways; and there formed a +line of outpost defence, just 300 miles due north of the line held +six weeks previously.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"Low Vitality of Troops.</p> + +<p>"On the 4th November the Armistice with Turkey was +signed, and shortly after several cavalry units were sent still +further north to Killis, Jerablus (on the Euphrates), and Aintab, +and the outpost line near Aleppo was thus no longer required. +Now followed a period even more difficult to put up with than +actual war itself. A trek of over 400 miles in a space of two +months, following that nightmare of a sojourn in the Jordan +Valley, had reduced the vitality of both man and horse to a very +low ebb, and consequently the sick roll in both cases was large. +Malignant malaria contracted in the valley took toll of many brave +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>lives, and an outbreak of anthrax, coupled with debility, caused +havoc among the horses.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"Life at Muslimie.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 259px;"> +<img src="images/gs176.png" width="259" height="190" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>"Railway communication not being completed, and roads +rendered unfit by heavy rains, delayed the passage of canteen +stores, and the rations had perforce to consist chiefly of mutton +caught, killed and eaten the same day. Shall we ever forget +the taste of it? Of course, we <i>did</i> get goat sometimes as a +variation. Xmas Day was on the horizon and no hope of any +puddings, but most units were able to produce some kind of +Xmas dinner, and a pudding concocted from local ingredients. +Followed special trains to the 'Palmtrees' Concert Party in +Aleppo, and a fox hunt on New Year's Day. Whist drives and +'sing-songs' helped to break the deadly monotony of the long +winter evenings, and during the day +there was plenty to occupy one; roads +to make in the mud, stones to be +carted, buildings and shelters erected, +and more than all, the attempt to get +a little of the dirt off one's animal, +and a little more flesh on his bones. +After the 130 degrees or so of heat +(in the shade) in the Jordan Valley, the cold in Syria, +during the winter, seemed intense, and ice had frequently +to be broken before the morning wash. The snow on the +Taurus Mountains was not reassuring either, and firewood and +coal became almost unobtainable.</p> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Seeing the New Year in</span>.</p> + +<p>"The only beverages obtainable at this time were native +wines and army rum, and as the former consisted chiefly of sweet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +Alicante, methylated cognac and Arak, one became quite a +connoisseur of the latter and the different methods of making +rum punch.</p> + +<p>"One Quartermaster-Sergeant in particular made quite +a reputation for himself as a punch mixer, and I know that +among his favourite ingredients were oranges, lemons, figs, +condensed milk, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, ginger, boiling water.</p> + +<p>"New Year's Eve saw (and heard) an officers' dinner, and +all those from far and near flocked to a small building near the +station, and under the able Presidency of popular Lieut.-Col. +Wigan, of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, and the direction +of a Yorkshire vet. and a Captain of the Deccan Horse, the +Old Year (and in some cases two Old Years) was seen out amid +a score of toasts, the fumes of aromatic punch, and the strain of +a buckshee piano. Personally, I crossed eight sets of Bagdad +railway track in three strides.</p> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">The Brigade Race Meeting</span>.</p> + +<p>"In February the 14th Cavalry Brigade held a Race Meeting +on a short grass track of two and a half furlongs, discovered +hiding among the rocks. A 'totalisator' run by an Australian +in the interest of the Brigade, was run on sound lines, and if your +horse won you got your money back and a little over, which +isn't the case with some totalisators that we know of! Several +'scurries' and mule races took place, and everyone enjoyed the +fun thoroughly, especially the mules. The machine-gun element +sprung a surprise on all by winning the Grand Prix, open to the +5th Cavalry Division, with 'Nobbler,' a horse which was to +have run at Gaza in 1918, but was 'scratched' owing to lameness. +'Lion,' a mobilisation horse of the Sherwood Rangers, and a +prime favourite, came in second, and both horses were ridden +at 11-7.</p></div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 366px;"> +<a href="images/gs178.jpg"> +<img src="images/gs178tn.jpg" width="366" height="274" alt="Aleppo. Squadron camp in the town." title="" /> +<span class="caption">Aleppo. Squadron camp in the town.</span> +</a> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="sectionh"><span class="smcap">"The First Aleppo Meeting.</span></p> + +<p>"In March the 14th Cavalry Brigade took over its Aleppo +quarters from the 13th, and the latter were moved many miles +to the north, where they also held a local meeting. Capt. Fraser +of the R.H.A. was now given the task of turning a waste piece of +ground on the western side of the town into a racecourse, and, +by dint of much hard work and begging of materials, he completed +a quite good course of four furlongs. The Royal Engineers +erected a grand stand of sandbags, and a totalisator. The first +Aleppo Race Meeting was held on March 8th, and a goodly +representative gathering of the army and civilian inhabitants of +Aleppo assembled. After this, race meetings were held regularly +every alternate Saturday throughout the summer. The course +was laid on fairly level ground, and at the start of the season had +a thin covering of grass, which, unfortunately, soon was burnt +up by the fierce sun and worn bare by frequent use, being replaced +afterwards by litter. Though at first only a four furlong 'scurry,' +the course has now been extended to eight furlongs, and laid +much in the same fashion as Kempton Park with a 'straight' +of four furlongs and the remainder an oval. One drawback to +this course is that it crosses a high road in two places. On +race days mounted military police are stationed outside the +rails to keep order, and British troops are on duty in the +enclosures keeping the gates, serving refreshments, and assisting +in the totalisator. The latest attraction has been the admirable +rendering of popular music by the Band of the Queen's Bays.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh"><span class="smcap">"Incidents at the Races</span>.</p> + +<p>"Of amateur jockeys and gentlemen riders there have been +plenty; among the most successful being Lieut.-Col. Vincent, +R.A.S.C., Major Walker, R.A., Capt. Sir Robin Paul, Lieut.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +Dowling. We much missed Lieut. Stanley Wooten, of the +Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, who has hitherto been such a +popular rider in the E.E.F. Major-Gen. Sir Harry MacAndrew, +C.B., D.S.O., Lieut.-Gen. Sir H.G. Chauvel, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., +have all, in turn, shown much interest in the races, and Gen. +Geaffar Pasha, the Military Governor of Aleppo, and successor +to Gen. Shukri Pasha (generally known to us as 'Sugary +Parsnips'), often enters one of his beautiful Arab chargers in the +Arab class races, and is often successful. His jockey rides in the +colours of the Hedjaz Army, red, white, black and green.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 310px;"> +<img src="images/gs181.png" width="310" height="283" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>"But the horses are now paraded in the paddock, and we +must go and inspect them. This is an Arab race, and all sorts +of conditions of men and horses are +in the ring, and a terrific hubbub +is going on. Some of the ponies are +well groomed, and fit, others thin +and badly cared for. Some have +long unkempt manes and tails, +others are bedecked with beads and +shells and long scarlet tassels. +Saddle cloths of brilliant hue are +numerous, while the riders are a +curious and a motley assembly. +Some bare-foot, some booted and +spurred (and a spur is a spur with +an Arab, something after the implement mother marks the pastry +with). Others are in long flowing robes with the burnous and +kafeia of the Bedouin flying in the wind, some with knives, some +with swords, some with pistols, and some with sticks, and lastly +two are dressed like real jockeys, and they know it, and show it +too! Just now there is a little of chaos as half the competitors +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>are evidently of the opinion that they should go round the +paddock in one direction, while the other half wishes to go the +reverse. Wherefore there is loud shouting and much gesticulating, +with many 'Waheds' and 'Achmeds' and 'Macknoons'.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh">"All the World and his Wife there.</p> + +<p>"But there, the bell goes, and the starters begin to file out +of the gate as they struggle out of the seething mass. Away +down the course to the starting point; and here the starter will +no doubt have his work cut out. A variegated crowd is lining +the rails on the opposite side of the track. Turbaned Abduls +and Yussefs, boys and little girls, men and donkeys, fruit-sellers, +arabiyehs, camels, all in brightest colours and a pandemonium +of noise. Stray pi-dogs are continually being warned off the +course, and venerable Arab Sheiks who don't understand, and +start for a nice walk along the wide grass track. Yes, there is +plenty for the smart military policemen to do, and their burnished +swords and bright shoulder epaulets flash in the sun as they +'chivvy' the crowd out of danger. In the officers' enclosure +there are many strange types. Abdul Achmed Yussef is there +with a scimitar in one hand like the Sultan of Turkey, and a huge +white umbrella in the other hand, and on his head he wears a +red tarbush. <i>Iskanderianabedian</i> is there with his fat wife, and +two fat daughters, all the latter in black silk gowns and white +silk stockings, and if the girls' ankles aren't as thick as my calves, +call me a liar, but this is the Turkish style of beauty you know. +The better bred the fatter is their standard, and very nice too. +Arab troops and Arab gendarmerie in their quaint spiked head-gear; +while hundreds of British staff officers (where they come +from, or what they do I don't know), with tabs of all colours +(and as one officer remarked to me only the other day, 'When the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>blue and green tabs appear it's time to capture another town'!) +And a sprinkling of combatant officers, English sisters, French +attachés, and American Red Cross workers, represent the +western world.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh"><span class="smcap">"The Racing</span>.</p> + +<p>"Now we go and place our solitary 10 pt. on a promising +pony ridden by one of the two 'real' jockeys. It is all we can +spare, as the Field Cashier happens to be away (as usual). Suddenly +a bugle blows, and we hear the usual cry 'They're off!' +But they aren't; at least two are and there's no stopping those +two. No, they mean to carry on now; neck and neck they go, +and soon they are round the distant corner, and thundering past +the four furlong point. On they come shouting for Allah and +Mohammed, and standing high in their stirrups they wave their +sticks madly in the air, yelling at each other with all the frenzy +of the faithful followers of El Islam! A dead heat they reach +the post and gallop wildly on, to end up somewhere on the banks +of the Kuwaik Su!</p> + +<p>"Now, the bugle goes again, and the start has really begun +this time, the field getting away something like a compact lump. +But soon they string out, and we notice our two orthodox men +well in rear. This time the race is even more exciting, and as the +post is neared the yells of defiance, the flowing robes, the waving +arms and the bump, bump, bump of the riders brings pictures +to the mind of the fiery followers of Saladin, or an attack by the +Arabs in the 'Tragedy of the Korosko'.</p> + + +<p class="sectionh"><span class="smcap">"Home Again</span>!</p> + +<p>"Well, it's over at last, and our 'choice' and the other +smartly dressed jockey are miles behind. But that doesn't +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>matter as I hear the winner is only paying out 5 pt. Oh! that +'Tote'! Six races are the usual number run; and then the +sun sinks behind the Taurus Mountains, the shadows fall long +and blue, and the high-up Citadel, flanked by mosques and +minarets, becomes bathed in the orange light of the setting rays. +As the last horse is led in, the crowd flows back towards the +town, and then the arabiyehs crack their whips, the camels +grunt, the staff start up their motor cars, and the combatant +officers with light hearts and lighter pockets mount their chargers, +and wend their way back to camp.</p> + +<p>"Such is an Aleppo Race Meeting, and so do we attempt to +pass the monotony of an enforced exile in a barren and a dreamy +land.</p> + +<p>"Very soon the rain will come, and then the mud, and then +we shall look for the Christmas parcels, British books, local +papers, and more than all—that long-promised holiday for the +Army-of-Occupation-Volunteer!!".</p></div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/gs184.png" width="300" height="203" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PART_VII" id="PART_VII"></a>PART VII.</h2> + +<h3>Epilogue.</h3> + + +<p>The following extract from a letter from an officer +at Aleppo to a former "O.C." of the Squadron (now +demobilized) will perhaps serve as a fitting close to +the record of the service of the <span class="smcap">20th Machine-Gun +Squadron</span>.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="right"> +<span style="margin-right: 2em;">"Aleppo.<br /></span> +"4-10-19.<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Dear.....</p> + +<p>"Just a line to let you know how we are getting on. +The 14th B'de has been abolished and several Units disbanded. +The Cadre of the Sherwoods also, who are now in the 13th Brigade, +is going home, but there are only a few of them to go to U.K. +The 20th M.G.S. is to be disbanded, and the personnel to go to +the 19th Squadron. We got orders yesterday to wind up the +'20th' and send the personnel to the '19th' and I have to +report to the 10th Cav. Bde. at Homs. What for I don't know +yet. One consolation, all the men but five are now eligible for +U.K.!! Well, well, it can't be helped, and perhaps it is as well +we were broken up now as the men will perhaps be home by +Xmas if the Strike is over.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 2em;">"Hope you are enjoying 'Civvy' life.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em;">"Yours, &c.,</p> +<p style="margin-left: 16em;">".....".</p> +</div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>The following are extracts from <span class="smcap">The Times</span> of +the 24th July 1919 and the <span class="smcap">Daily Mail</span> of 28th July +1919. They will not be read without sincere regret +by all those members of the 20th "M.G.S." who had +previously served in the 5th Cavalry Division.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="sectionh">General Sir Henry Macandrew.</p> + +<p>Major-General Sir Henry John Milnes Macandrew, K.C.B., +D.S.O., died from heart failure, resulting from burns, on the +16th inst. in Syria, where he was serving in command of the +5th (Indian) Cavalry Division.</p> + +<p>A son of the late Sir Henry Macandrew, of Aisthorpe, +Inverness, he was born on August 7th 1866, and joined the +2nd Batt. Cameron Highlanders in 1884, being transferred to the +Lincoln Regiment two years later. Entering the Indian Army +in 1888, he joined the 5th Cavalry, to which regiment he belonged +until his promotion to major-general in 1917, and of which he +was honorary colonel when he died.</p> + +<p>He had extensive staff experience, being a graduate of the +staff college and having spent about one-third of his service in the +Indian Army on the staff. He went through the Tirah Campaign +as brigade transport officer in 1897-98 (dispatches and frontier +medal with two clasps), and he served through the South African +War in various capacities, gaining the South African medal and +four clasps, the King's medal and two clasps, and the D.S.O., +and being twice mentioned in dispatches. He was brigade-major +to the Inspector-General of Cavalry in India in 1903-5.</p> + +<p>He served in France on the staff of the Indian Cavalry +divisions from 1914 till 1917, when he was promoted major-general +and received command of the 5th Cavalry Division. His services +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>in France secured four mentions in dispatches and the K.C.B. +He proceeded to Palestine with the Indian Cavalry Corps, and +served under General Allenby in his successful advance from the +Egyptian border to Aleppo. The division under his command +was prominent in these operations, and the general was mentioned +by Sir Edmund Allenby in dispatches for his excellent services.</p> + +<p>General Macandrew was well known as a rider across +country and on flat. He earned the reputation of being one of +the best and most dashing of our cavalry leaders in the war, and +his untimely death is a severe loss to the Indian Army. He +married, in 1892, the youngest daughter of Mr. H.R. Cooper, +J.P., of Ballindalloch, Stirlingshire, and leaves a young daughter.</p> + +<p>From "The Times," July 24th 1919.</p></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="sectionh">General Macandrew.</p> + +<p class="sectionh">Killed by Petrol on Tunic.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap" >Cairo</span>, Friday.</p> + +<p>Major-Gen. H.J. Macandrew, commander of the Fifth +Division, stationed at Aleppo, died a tragic death last week. +His tunic had been cleaned with petrol and was hanging in +a room to dry when the general, wearing pyjamas, entered +smoking a cigarette. The petrol vapours exploded, burning +General Macandrew so severely that he died in hospital a week +later.—Reuter.</p> + +<p>It is possible that too much petrol was used or that the heat +of the sun vaporised the petrol and thus rendered it so easily +inflammable. An exactly similar accident is not recorded in +our own climate.</p> + +<p class="right">From "Daily Mail," July 28th 1919.</p></div> +<div class="blockquot"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> + +<p class="sectionh">French in Syria.</p> + +<p class="sectionh">British Withdrawn.</p> + +<p class="right">Cairo, Dec. 10th 1919.</p> + +<p>In accordance with arrangements with the Government +concerned a change has been made in the military administration +of Syria (north of Arabian Desert, including Palestine and Cilicia), +the Valley of Adana, and Tarsus (which since the Allied occupation +have been under the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian +Expeditionary Force). The administration of Cilicia and the +area known as "occupied enemy territory (west)," including +Lebanon, Beirut, Tripoli, and Alexandretta, has been handed over +to General Gouraud, the French High Commissioner.</p> + +<p>The British military posts in the Marash, Aintab, Urfa, +and Jerablus areas, where the administration remains under the +Turkish authorities, have also been relieved by the French.</p> + +<p>The territory known as "occupied enemy territory (east)" +including Damascus, Homs, Hamah, and Aleppo, has been +handed over to the Arab administration under the Emir Feisul +(whom the Syrians welcome).</p> + +<p>All the British troops have been withdrawn from Syria, +and the military administration of Syria by the British +Commander-in-Chief has ceased.—Reuter.</p></div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 158px;"> +<img src="images/gs188.png" width="158" height="168" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Names_and_Addresses_of_the_Members_of_the" id="Names_and_Addresses_of_the_Members_of_the"></a>Names and Addresses of the Members of the +20th Machine-Gun Squadron.</h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>:—<i>A copy of this list has been sent by post to the address of every member for +verification before going to Press.</i>—<span class="smcap">Author</span>, <i>1st June 1920</i></p> + + +<h3>Officers.</h3> +<ul class="namel"> +<li>Major L.F. <span class="smcap">St. John Davies</span>, M.C., Antringham Rectory, North Walsham, Norfolk (Died 10-11-18).</li> +<li>Major R.H. <span class="smcap">Fairbairns</span>, M.C., 63 Alleyn Park, Dulwich, S.E.</li> +<li>Capt. E. <span class="smcap">Davies</span>, c/o Messrs. Cox & Co., 16 Charing Cross, S.W.</li> +<li>Capt. D. <span class="smcap">Marshall</span>, M.C., Margaret Place, Dollar, Fife.</li> +<li>Capt. J.B. <span class="smcap">Oakley</span>, Grimston Hill, York.</li> +<li>Capt. F.A. <span class="smcap">Spencer</span>, M.C., c/o Messrs. Sir C.R. McGrigor, Bart., & Co. Panton St., S.W.</li> +<li>Lieut. E.P. <span class="smcap">Cazalet</span>, Brunswick Rd., Sutton, Surrey.</li> +<li>Lieut. E.B. <span class="smcap">Hibbert</span>, "Babworth," Watson Ave., Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li>Lieut. A.O.W. <span class="smcap">Kindell</span>, Rolle Cottage, Bourne End, Bucks.</li> +<li>Lieut. G.M. <span class="smcap">King</span>, York House, Headroomgate Rd., St. Annes-on-Sea, Lancs.</li> +<li>Lieut. C.D. <span class="smcap">Macmillan</span>, Brackenhurst Hall, Southwell, Notts.</li> +<li>Lieut. A.G.P. <span class="smcap">Millman</span>, Liskeard, Cornwall.</li> +<li>Lieut. H.A. <span class="smcap">Price</span>, M.C., "Homewood," Branksome Ave., Bournemouth (killed).</li> +<li>Lieut. R. <span class="smcap">Raynor</span>, Jingewick Rectory, Bucks.</li> +<li>Lieut. F.R. <span class="smcap">Wilgress</span>, c/o The Bank of Montreal, Waterloo Place, London.</li> +<li>Second-Lieut. J.K.W. <span class="smcap">Arden</span>, "Mayhills," nr. Petersfield, Hants.</li> +<li>Second-Lieut. J.W. <span class="smcap">Cummer</span>, 1221 13 Avenue, West Calgary Alta, Canada.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></li> +</ul> + +<h3>Squadron Sergeant Majors.</h3> +<ul class="namel"> +<li><span class="smcap">Fisher, H.,</span> 65 Crosby Rd., West Bridgford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fleet, T.,</span> M.M., 32 Trinity St., Dorchester, Dorset.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Jackson, J.B.,</span> M.M., "Denstone," Rocester, Staffs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Larwood, E.,</span> D.C.M., Thorpe Farm, Shadwell, Thetford.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Phillips, H.,</span> 21 Sutherland Rd., Bow, London, E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Salter, E.G.,</span> 16 Grays Rd., Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.</li> +</ul> + +<h3>Squadron Quartermaster Sergeants.</h3> +<ul class="namel"> +<li><span class="smcap">Crisp, J.,</span> 14 Spencer Rd., Mitcham, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fisher, H.,</span> <i>See</i> under S.S.M.'s.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harrison, N.M.,</span> Pocklington, Yorks.</li> +</ul> + +<h3>Staff Farrier Sergeant.</h3> +<ul class="namel"> +<li><span class="smcap">Robertson, T.,</span> 85 Bo'ness Rd., Grangemouth, Scotland.</li> +</ul> + +<h3>Sergeants.</h3> +<ul class="namel"> +<li><span class="smcap">Anderson, W.</span> (Farrier), Steetley Farm, Whitwell, nr. Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Buckingham, T.,</span> Lower Hayford, nr. Weedon, Northants.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Collett, J.H.,</span> High Rd., Vange, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Conuel, T.</span> (Transport), "Elmton," Chesterfield, Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Duguid</span>, L.W.J., 42 Blenheim Gardens, Reading.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fell, R.O.</span> (Transport), 14 King's Avenue, Rhyl, N. Wales.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gage, L.,</span> Camden Stores, Lower Bristol Rd., Bath.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Grice, T.,</span> M.M., 70 Olbury Rd., Smethwick, Staffs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hawkins, E.W.,</span> M.M., 26 Springfield Rd., Gorleston-on-Sea, Suffolk.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hazlehurst, C.E.,</span> Low St., Carlton, nr. Worksop, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Holt, F.F.,</span> 18 Sandhill St., Worksop, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kirke, C.</span> (Orderly Room), 6 Curzon St., Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Keetley, H.,</span> S. Megby, nr. Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Knowles, G.,</span> "Tredethy," Bodmin, Cornwall.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lewis, R.,</span> "Craiglea," Penparke, Aberystwith, N. Wales.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Morden, W.H.,</span> 89 Ashburton Avenue, Addiscombe, nr. Croydon, Surrey (died at Havre, 4th March 1919, <i>en route</i> for home).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">O'Neill, W.,</span> Barford Cottages, Churt, nr. Farnham, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Parker, W.R.</span> (Farrier), Hermitage St., Crewkerne, Somerset.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Peadon, S.,</span> 103 Nottingham Rd., Long Eaton, Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Pearse, T.,</span> Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxon.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Potts, C.,</span> 9 Castle Hill Square, Worksop, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Pountain, J.,</span> 79 Derby St., Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ramsay, G.</span> (Orderly Room), 94 Highfields, Coalville, nr. Leicester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, C, 319 Ropery Rd., Gainsborough, Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Rouse, F.,</span> Park Rd., Mansfield, Woodhouse, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sneddon, H.,</span> West Calder, Midlothian.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Thompson, S.C.</span> (Transport), 11 Canterbury Rd., West Croydon, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wright</span>, W.J.P., 3 Beacon Hill Rd., Newark, Notts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></li> +</ul> + +<h3>Corporals and Lance-Corporals.</h3> +<ul class="namel"> +<li><span class="smcap">Adcock, H.,</span> 34 York Terrace, Gainsborough, Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Baggs, F.,</span> Brook House, West Malling, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Barratt, J.G.,</span> Ashby Rd., Loughboro', Linc.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Barthorpe, F.,</span> 2 Ebenezer Place, Gainsboro', Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Bitchily, H.,</span> 37 Park Terrace East, Hors ham, Sussex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Bilham</span> J. (Signaller Corporal).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Binnington, C.</span> (Signaller Corporal), "Beaconsfield," Anlaby Rd., Hull.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Bradley, W.,</span> 46 Healey St., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Carr, F.,</span> Doncaster (killed at El Tahta).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Chinnery, T.A.</span> (Signaller Corporal), 7 Ashmead Rd., St. John's, Lewisham, S.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clark, G.H.,</span> Syston, Leicester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fairley, J.,</span> 2 Brandfield St., Edinburgh.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Foster, G.</span> (Signaller Corporal), Sgt. 3rd M.G. Sqdn., Risalpur, N.W.F.P., India.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fox, P.W.,</span> Rollerton Mill Farm, R.S.O., Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Franklin, R.H.,</span> 13 Hyde Park Corner, Leeds.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fuller, E.J.,</span> 2 Surrey St., Luton, Beds.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Galway, L.,</span> 54 Firgrove Rd., Freemantle, Southampton.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gavagan, T.,</span> The Bazaar, Shrewton, Wilts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gill, H.,</span> 98 St. Anne's Well Rd., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Green, A.,</span> 16 Maria St., West Bromwich, Staffs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Goring, A.C.</span> (Signaller Corporal), 92 Coleridge St., Hove, Sussex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Haley, J.,</span> 3 Queen Victoria St., Wakefield, Yorks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Holmes, C.</span> (S/Smith Corporal), 56 Mar Hill Rd., Carlton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hughes, J.,</span> Queens Walk, Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hutchings, F.G.,</span> "Maesgwyn," Ton Pentre, Glamorgan.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ineson, C.,</span> 20 Primrose Lane, off Burton Rd., Leeds.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ireland</span>, C, "Bay Villa," Rosehill Rd., Ipswich.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">James, J.,</span> 76 Llangyfelach St., Swansea, S. Wales.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kidd, S.,</span> 18 Aviary Mount, Armley, Leeds.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kings, E.,</span> 1 King Barton St., Gloucester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Knight, T.N.,</span> 29 Millicent Rd., West Bridgford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lawson, A.P.,</span> 36 Castle Terrace, Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Laycock, F.J.,</span> 34 Highcroft Terrace, Brighton.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Marriott, A.,</span> 65 Nottingham Rd., Stapleford, Notts, (killed).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Mellett, C.W.</span> (Saddler Corporal), 1 Park Terrace, Hillingdon Rd., Uxbridge, Middlesex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Moverley, S.,</span> 26 Wharncliffe St., Hull.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Neal, G.,</span> 16 Nova Scotia St., Failsworth, Lancs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Palmer, C.P.,</span> 26 Drake St., Gainsborough, Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Patterson, W.,</span> 72 High St., Dumfries, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Roe, A.E.,</span> 184 St. Paul's Rd., Canonbury, London, N.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Rogers, L.B.,</span> 122 Hillaries Rd., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Rose, J.B.,</span> 44 Ball St., Wells Rd., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Seddon, H.,</span> 54 The Avenue, Leigh, Lancs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sharpe, H.E.,</span> 138 Sherrard Rd., Forest Gate, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Small, F.,</span> Earls Common, nr. Droitwich, Worcester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Smith, C.C.,</span> West St., Oundle, Northants.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Stokes, H.,</span> Sir John Barleycorn Hotel, Cadnam, Southampton.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Uff, G.,</span> 28 St. James St., Walthamstow, London.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Waddlow, J.</span> (S/Smith Corporal), Marylands, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wake, T.,</span> 14 Roxburgh Place, Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Walshaw, L.J.,</span> 56 Canon St., Belgrave, Leicester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Willmore, A.C.,</span> <span class="smcap">2b</span> Lakefield Villas, Westbury Avenue, Wood Green, N.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Woodhouse, H.,</span> 11 Queen St., Whittingtonoor, Chesterfield, Derby.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></li> +</ul> + +<h3>Privates.</h3> +<ul class="namel"> +<li><span class="smcap">Ace, E.,</span> 7 Carlos St., Port Talbot, S. Wales.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Adams, C.W.,</span> Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, Staffs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Addison, A.,</span> High St., Navenby, Lines.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Allen, L.,</span> 20 Liddington St., Basford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Amor, L.G.,</span> Road Common, Southwick, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Appley, T.,</span> Station Rd., Laughton Common, Yorks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Arnell, F.,</span> 35 Fernie Avenue, Melton Mowbray, Leicester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Arnold, H.T.,</span> 29 High St., Old Basford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ashall, R.,</span> 5 Bolton St., Park Rd., St. Helens, Lancs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ashe, A.E.,</span> 5 Barley Close, Chippenham, Wilts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Attwater, L.</span> (Signaller), 22 Dryburgh Rd., Putney, S.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Averill, R.,</span> Fox and Hounds Hotel, Brynmenyn, Bridgend, Glam.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Baker, A.,</span> The Row, Eltham, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Baker</span>, C.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ball, F.,</span> 1 Gladstone Terrace, Bunbury St., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Bartram, R.,</span> Froy Moor Farm, Briston, Melton Constable, Norfolk.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Beeston, T.,</span> The Green, Middleton, Winkworth, Derby</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Boak, G.,</span> 3 St. Thomas' Place, Stockport, Cheshire (died at Aleppo).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Bohn</span>, A.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Boyling, F.,</span> 1 Claughton Villas, Priory Rd., Dudley.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Brady, W.,</span> 7 Mill St., Kingston-on-Thames.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Bramall, T.,</span> "Broom Cottage," Carlton, Worksop, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Branton, F.,</span> 306 High St., Walton, Felixstowe.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Brett, J.,</span> Highland Cottages, Clavering Newport, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Browne, R.A.,</span> "Rosemoyne," Warwick Rd., Sutton, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Butcher, P.F.,</span> 34 Nursery Rd., Chelmsford, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cane, E.W.,</span> "The Hollies," Swallowfield, nr. Reading.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Capel, B.,</span> "Woodbine Cottage," Dysart, Fife (died 17th Oct. 1918).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Carder, W.,</span> Raynes Park, nr. Braintree, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Carruthers, W.,</span> Keppoch, Kardros, Dumbarton Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cash, J.,</span> 17 Ard Lane, Kiverton Park, nr. Sheffield.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Chantry, P.,</span> 5 St. James' St., Grantham (died of wounds).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Charters, H.J.,</span> "Loch Lomond," Cheltenham Rd., Southend-on-Sea.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Chatterton</span> (Transport), Flixton, nr. Manchester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Childs, J.L.</span> (S/Smith), "Holly Bank," Bourne End, Bucks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Chippendale, E.,</span> 30 Moore St., Nelson, Lancs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clarke, F.J.,</span> Post Office, Harpole, Northants.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clarke, H.,</span> 450 Leeming St., Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clarke, S.H.,</span> 112 Aberdeen Rd., Winson Green, Birmingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clarke, W.E.,</span> Middle St., Wickham Market, Suffolk.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clarke, W.J.,</span> 88 Whitley Wood Lane, Reading, Berks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clay, T.,</span> 24 High St., Kimberley, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clayton, H.,</span> 3 Rutland Terrace, Meadows, Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Clutten, E.G.,</span> Church House, Wangford, Suffolk.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Coles, A.R.</span> (S/Smith), The Forge, Epwell, Banbury.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Collier, A.,</span> 12 Rice St., New Basford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Comrie</span>, G.E.L., 15 Dixon Avenue, Crosshill, Glasgow.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cook, J.,</span> 32 Glen St., Paisley, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cooke, H.S.,</span> 19 Rosina St., High St., Homerton, N.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cooper, J.E.,</span> Easton Royal Farm, Pewsey, Wilts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cory</span>, P.F.P., Morecombe Farm, Milton Damerell, Brandis Corner, Devon.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cowell, E.,</span> 47 Earl St., Lower Broughton, Manchester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cox, A.,</span> 17 Belvedere St., Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cozens, C.F.,</span> 27 Acres St., Wandsworth, S.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Crane, W.R.,</span> 6 Seventh Row, Ashington, Northb.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cranfield, F.,</span> 72 Farnley Rd., South Norwood, S.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Crossman, H.,</span> Bridgwater, Somerset.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Cundall, C.F.,</span> 12 Milton St., Middlesbrough, Yorks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Curtis, J.,</span> 96 Merchant St., Bullwell, Nott.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Curtis, W.,</span> Royston House, Misterton, Doncaster, Yorks.</li> +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span><span class="smcap">Dale, A.M.,</span> Crawford Gardens, North Down, Cliftonville, Margate.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Davies, C.L.,</span> 32 Carlton Rd., Sneinton Market, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Davies</span>, H.C.P. (S/smith), 13 Artesian Rd., Bayswater, W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Dewey, C.,</span> 192 Ealing Rd., South Ealing, W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Diplock, P.H.,</span> 8 Everest Rd., Eltham, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Downs, A.F.,</span> Alnwick Villas, Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Dransfield, D.V.,</span> Newlands Farm, Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Dransfield, S.A.,</span> Newlands Farm, Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Drew, T.C.,</span> 25 Hamilton Rd., Long Eaton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Drouet</span>, A.G.E., "Ajow House," Speedwell Rd., Egbaston, Birmingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Duncan, J.C.,</span> 1 Wellgate, Kirriemuir, Forfar.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ealdon, E.,</span> 11 Railway Terrace, Sittingbourne, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Edgar, W.J.,</span> 73 Sugarfield St., Belfast.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Edwards, A.,</span> 44 Greaves Rd., Lancaster.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Edwards, A.E.,</span> 18 Prospect Terrace, King's Cross, N.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ellams, G.,</span> Capenhurst, nr. Chester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Elliott, G.W.,</span> 51 Shipstone St., New Basford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ellis, C.L.</span> (S/smith), 4 King Edward Rd., Brentwood, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Elphick, J.,</span> 15 George St., Fishergate, Sussex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ewels, P.,</span> Preston-on-Severn, nr. Shrewsbury.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fardell, A.,</span> 3 Hertford St., Colchester, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Farmer, J.,</span> 103 Newcombe Rd., Handsworth, Birmingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fear, J.,</span> 1 Greenhill Cottages, Cwmtillery, Wales.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fewell, H.P.,</span> 162 Upper Bridge Rd., Chelmsford, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fletcher, W.,</span> 54 Cranmer St., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Flory, C.,</span> 7 Castle Rd., Colchester, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Foster, S.,</span> Wharncliffe Nurseries, Christchurch Rd., Boscombe.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fox, W.H.,</span> 7 Nelson Terrace, Hutchinson St., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Francis, H.,</span> Broxhall Farm, Lower Hardis, Canterbury.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Francis, R.C.,</span> The Dairy, Woolaton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Frost, E.,</span> c/o Mrs. Coleman, Forest View, Skegley, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Fryer, C.S.,</span> "A" Squadron, M.G.C. (Cav.) Depot Shorncliffe.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gallagher, C.</span> (Signaller), 47 Alderson Rd., Liverpool.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gardner</span>, S.J.M., Billingford, Scole, Norfolk.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gent, A.,</span> Baggholme Rd., Lincoln.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gill, J.,</span> 117 Gloucester Rd., Bootle, Liverpool.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Godfrey, W.,</span> 1 Gladstone St., Carlton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Goldie, H.C.,</span> 12 Morpeth St., Spring Bank, Hull (died of wounds, 3-12-1917).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Goodwin, C.S.,</span> 24 Hawksley Rd., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Goodwin, G.,</span> Robine Cossall, nr. Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Grant, R.,</span> 5 Gilburn Place, Bo'ness, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Greenbaum</span>, ——, 94 Bridge St., Burdett Rd., London, E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Greenbury, W.H.,</span> 73 Sleaford, Newark, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gregory, R.H.,</span> "Pomona House," Furlong Avenue, Arnold, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Greig, L.C.,</span> Braunstone, Leicester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gresswell, W.F.,</span> 110 Percival Rd., Sherwood, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Griffiths, W.,</span> 43 East Side, Prendergast, Haverfordwest.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Gyte, J.,</span> Taylor Barn, Wessington, nr. Alfreton, Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hadden, W.E.,</span> 228 Sharland Rd., Maida Hill, London.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hall, J.E.,</span> 10 Clark St., Leicester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hallam, F.,</span> 45 Labden St., Long Eaton, Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hardy, R.M.,</span> Cropwell Bishop, nr. Ratcliffe-on-Trent, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harmsworth, A.,</span> "Dowend," Chatsworth Rd., Worthing, Sussex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harness, H.,</span> 66 Barnby Gate, Newark, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harris, S.A.,</span> Lower Herne, Herne, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harris, T.,</span> 5 Baranden St., Notting Hill, London.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harrison, A.E.,</span> 123 Philip St., Patricroft, Manchester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harrison, F.W.,</span> 18 Seeley Rd., Lenton Sands, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Harry, R.R.,</span> 110 Nolton St., Bridgend, Glam.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hart, E.,</span> 32 Church St., Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hart, J.,</span> 5 Arundel Drive, Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hartill, E.,</span> Smyth Cottage, Maidstone, Kent.</li> +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span><span class="smcap">Hayes, H.,</span> Belle Eau Park Farm, Kirklington, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hayes, J.C.,</span> Belle Eau Park Farm, Kirklington, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hayman, J.T.,</span> Foresters Arms, High St., Reynsham, Bristol.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hayward, J.</span> (Saddler), 33 Princess Rd., Lower Broughton, Manchester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hearn, G.,</span> 3 Westfield Rd., Edinburgh.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Heathcote, E.,</span> 16 Cromwell Rd., Nottingham (killed at Tahta).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hemmingway, F.,</span> 21 High St., Batley Carr, Batley, Yorks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Henderson, A.,</span> The Smithy, Carnoustie, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Henson, T.,</span> 47 Chaplain St., Lincoln.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Herrington, R.,</span> South Carlton, nr. Worksop, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hesketh, E.,</span> Newton Green, Alfreton, Derbyshire.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Heslop, W.,</span> 53 Heath St., Stepney, E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hicking, J.S.,</span> Chatham House, Munday St., Henor, Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Holborow, J.,</span> Didmarton, Badminton, Glos.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Holder, J.,</span> 40 Braydon Rd., Clapton, N.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hollingworth, T.,</span> 74 Westfield Rd., Caversham, nr. Reading.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hoodless, J.,</span> Bridgend, Dalston.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Horstead, H.,</span> 23 Winterton Rd., Sunthorpe, Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Howlett, J.,</span> 119 Brookdale Rd., Catford, S.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hudson, G.H.,</span> 5 Blackfriar St., Stamford.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hudson, L.,</span> 84 Low St., Keighley, Yorks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hudson</span>, ——, Westgate Rd. Fire Station, Newcastle-on-Tyne.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Huggett, G.,</span> 19 Cornwall Rd., Brixton, S.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hunt, B.,</span> 140 Armagh Rd., Bow, E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hunt, E.,</span> 5 Bartholomew Cottages, Gillingham, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hunt, J.,</span> 68 St. Paul's Terrace, Holgate Rd., York.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hunt</span>, S.F.R., Box 53 P.O., Prince George, British Columbia.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hutchins, G.</span> (Saddle Cpl.), Orchard Lane, Alton, Hants.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Hyde, E.W.,</span> 141 Glyn Rd., London, N.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ingram, F.A.,</span> 85 Broad St., Tottenham, London, N.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Inkley, E.A.,</span> 96 St. Anne's Well Rd., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Irvine, R.J.,</span> 140 Roebank St., Dennistoun, Glasgow.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Jacques, A.,</span> 3 Halls Cottages, Stapleford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Jacques, J.,</span> " " "</li> +<li><span class="smcap">James, C.F.,</span> 34 Newcastle Hill, Bridgend, Glam.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Jarvis, E.,</span> 75 Lyndhurst Rd., Sneinton Dale, Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Jarvis, W.B.,</span> 70 Eldon St., Greenock, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Jenkins, E.,</span> West Farm, Llantwith Major, Cardiff.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Johnston, J.,</span> 52 Hyde Park St., Anderston, Glasgow (died 15-10-18, Damascus).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Johnston, R.,</span> Charleston-by-Glamis, Forfar.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Joynce</span>, C.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kavanah, R.,</span> 14 Park Grove Rd., Leytonstone, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kearn, G.,</span> Dean Farm, Willey Broseley, Salop.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kemp, A.,</span> 13 Baumont St., Sneinton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kemsley, J.,</span> Breadgar, nr. Sittingbourne, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kenny, R.,</span> Newton-on-Ouse, nr. York.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kent</span>. S.C., 28 Scaresdale St., Carr Vale, Bolsover, Derbyshire.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Kite, W.J.,</span> Witney Rd., Finstock, Charlbury, Oxon.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Knight, L.J.,</span> Hanescombe, nr. Brookthorpe, Gloucester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Knott, E.,</span> Lord St., Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lake, J.,</span> 8 King St., Tibshelf, nr. Alfreton, Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lambden, E.J.,</span> Ivy Bridge, Bourne End, Bucks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lambie, J.,</span> 21 Shamrock St., New City Rd., Glasgow.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Land, F.,</span> Lynton Rd., Porlock, Somerset.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Larcombe, W.,</span> Chardstock, Chard, Somerset.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Laurie, W.,</span> 27 Margaret St., Hixbourne, Birmingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Leafe, F.F.,</span> 5 Birkland Avenue, Peel St., Nottingham (killed Tel el Quelfi).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lee, P.,</span> 7 Strawberry Terrace, Newtown, Retford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Leedale, J.B.,</span> Victoria House, Bourne, Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Leslie, C.,</span> 145 Princess St., Dundee.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Leverton, C.,</span> Abbott St., Asworth, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lines, A.J.,</span> 66 Church St., Oldbury, Staffs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Lowe, W.H.,</span> Cuckney, Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Loy, P.A.,</span> "St. Malo," Mildmay Rd., Romford, Essex.</li> +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span><span class="smcap">Lumb, P.J.,</span> 2 Upper Oxford St., Doncaster.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Macintosh, A.,</span> 157 Ewart Rd., Forest Fields, Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">MacKenzie, W.,</span> The Cottage, Balfour Place, Kirkcaldy.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Mann, J.,</span> Seafield St., Cullen, Banffshire.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Mapletoft, L.,</span> The Cottage, Great Gonerby, Grantham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Marriott, J.,</span> 63 Nottingham Rd., Stapleford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Marshall, F.,</span> 19 Lawrence St., York.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Marshall, J.L.,</span> 257 Sherwood St., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Mathews, W.H.,</span> 39 Eperns Rd., Fulham, S.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Mattocks, W.J.,</span> 122 Lower Addiscombe Rd., East Croydon, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">McDonald, M.,</span> Sabbell Village, Carradale, Argyleshire.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">McLellan, E.R.,</span> 110 Leddard Rd., Langside, Glasgow.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">McLennan, J.,</span> 80 Culdrethal Rd., Inverness.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Mellows, S.,</span> 12 Whyburn St., Hucknall, Nott. (died).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Miles, A.H.,</span> 25 Rutland St., Pimlico, S.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Miles, A.H.</span> (Wheeler), 49 Greet Rd., Brentford, Middlesex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Millan, T.,</span> West Bank Place, Falkirk, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Milnthorpe, H.,</span> 28 South Parade, Doncaster.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Mitchell, J.P.,</span> 99 Whitfield St., Fitzroy Square, London.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Morris, S.,</span> 64 Darrel Rd., Retford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Moyes, A.E.,</span> 6 West Lane, Sittingbourne, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Murray, J.J.,</span> Porters Well, Uddingston, Lanark.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Musson, J.,</span> 176 Foxhill Rd., Carlton, Notts. (killed in action, Damascus, 30-9-18).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Nix, T.V.,</span> Cherry House, Red Hill Rd., Arnold, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Oldham, J.J.,</span> Carleton-on-Trent, Newark.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Olivant, G.,</span> Nettleham Lodge, Nr. Lincoln.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ordish, E.A.,</span> 17 Sketchley St., Bluebell Hill, Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Osborne, A.W.,</span> 32 New St., Chelmsford, Essex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Pampling, W.,</span> 193 Newmarket Rd., Cambridge (died).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Parkin, F.W.,</span> The Lodge, Scrooby, Bawtry, Yorks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Parkin, S.,</span> 31 Kilbourne St., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Patterson, W.,</span> Monaltrie Rd., Ballater.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Peach, L.,</span> Eccleston, Amersham, Bucks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Pearson, H.,</span> 32 Hope St., Brampton, Chesterfield.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Pearson, T.,</span> 20 Bloomsgrove St., Radford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Peel, A.,</span> Newport, Lincoln.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Perry, A.,</span> Sturtingale Cottage, Rush Hill, Bath.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Phillips, C.,</span> 29 Thorn St., Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Pitts, J.,</span> 10 South Parade, Bath.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Price, E.,</span> The Turfs, Norton Canes, Camrock, Staffs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Price, M.,</span> Quinton, Pennfields, Wolverhampton.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Price</span>, W.A.C.H., 8 Camden Rd., Stamford.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Pritchard, S.,</span> Rosemount, Ponkey, Wrexham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Quested, R.,</span> Park Gate Farm, Elham, nr. Canterbury, Kent.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ratcliffe, J.,</span> 17 Old Paradise St., Lambeth, S.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Reed, H.,</span> 33 Church Terrace, Tower Rd., Erith.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Reekmans, W.</span> (Saddler), 20 Ducie St., Brixton, S.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Richmond, E.J.,</span> Moorgate Hill, Retford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ridgway, A.,</span> "Goat's Head," Lillingstone, Daysell, Bucks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Riley, E.A.,</span> 31 Weston St., Nechells, Birmingham (taken prisoner 1-11-17, supposed wounded, not since heard of, presumed dead by W.O.).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Rippin, F.,</span> 10 King's Head Place, Market Harboro', Leics.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Roberts, W.,</span> 82 Brunswick St., The Mount, York.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Robertson, A.,</span> 192 New City Rd., Glasgow.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Robinson, H.</span> (Signaller), 120 Nottingham Rd., Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ruark, A.C.,</span> 8 Wanlip Rd., Plaistow, E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Rush, E.,</span> Co-Operative Yard, Worksop, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Savory, S.W.,</span> St. Peter's Rd., Cleethorpes, Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Scott, W.,</span> 20 Thames St., Retford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Seaman, C.W.,</span> 60 Lee St., Holderness Rd., Hull.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sears</span> (S/Smith), 9 Back Cottages, Commercial Rd., Bullwell, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sharpe, C.A.,</span> 51 Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sharpe, W.F.,</span> 119 Ryland Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Shepherd, J.,</span> 37 Plantation St., Wallsend-on-Tyne.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sherratt, C.,</span> 4 Crown Terrace, Basford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Short, P.C.,</span> North Aston, nr. Deddington, Oxon.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Siddall, J.C.,</span> 11 Sedd St., Ratcliffe, nr. Manchester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sinclair, J.,</span> 42 Stewart Terrace, Edinburgh.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sisson, A.,</span> 41 Hempshill Lane, Bulwell, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sissons, E.,</span> 3 Honey Place, Main St., Bulwell, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Sleightholme, A.,</span> Atworth, Melksham, Wilts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Smith, C.,</span> Kneeton Rd., East Bridgford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span><span class="smcap">Smith, C.W.,</span> 37 Bishopbridge Rd., Norwich.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Smith, E.C.,</span> 1 Fern Cottages, St. Osyth Rd., Clacton-on-Sea.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Smith, H.,</span> 4 Dulwich Rd., Radford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Smith, W.,</span> 94 Blackstone St., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Smith, W.J.,</span> The Barracks, Westcott, nr. Dorking, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Soper, W.,</span> 36 Brandon Buildings, Clifton, Bristol.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Southey, G.E.,</span> 46 Brownlow Rd., Putney, S.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Spencer, F.,</span> 80 Laughton Rd., Dennington, nr. Rotherham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Spencer, G.,</span> 37 Ortzen St., Radford, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Spencer, G.,</span> 37 Padiham Rd., Burnley, Lancs. (died).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Spinks, W.K.,</span> West End, Ely, Cambs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Spratt, B.,</span> 13 Methley St., Meadow Rd., Leeds.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Springett, A.J.,</span> Avon's Dale, Colchester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Staniland, A.,</span> 6 Howard Rd., Mansfield, Notts. (killed Damascus).</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Stanley, A.B.</span> (Signaller), 16 New Rd., Ridgwood, Uckfield, Sussex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Stapleton, H.,</span> Bulcot Lodge Farm, Burton Joyce, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Stranks, T.H.,</span> 43 Quarry St., Milverton, Leamington.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Straw, A.,</span> 2 Tennyson Terrace, Hawksley Rd., Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Stross, G.,</span> 40 Brighton Rd., Birkdale, Southport.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Talbott, F.C.,</span> 134 Church Square, Newport, Salop.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tanner, H.G.,</span> Police Station, Amesbury, Wilts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Taylor, E.E.,</span> "Brim Cottage," Griffiths Crossing, Carnarvon.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Teggin, H.,</span> "The Pentre," St. Martins, Oswestry, Salop.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Thomas, J.E.,</span> Pillford, Milford Haven.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Thompson, A.,</span> Whitwell, Mansfield, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Thompson, A.M.,</span> Greenhead Gate, Lanark.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Thompson, D.J.,</span> 61 Henderson St., Glasgow.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Thornhill, H.,</span> 48 Park Rd., Lenton, Nottingham.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Thorpe, C.,</span> 18 Gordon Hill, Enfield, Middx.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tivey, A.,</span> 5 Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tointon, J.,</span> Elmsford House, Spalding, Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tolhurst, W.G.,</span> 9 Marden Lane, London.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tooke, R.,</span> "Horseshoes," Scottow, Norwich.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tooley</span>, H.A.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tripp, S.H.,</span> 116 Nag's Head Hill, St. George, Bristol.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tubbs, H.C.,</span> 7 Warwick Villas, Homerton, N.E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Turnbull, J.,</span> 16 Lothian St., Hawick.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Turner</span>, G.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Turner, W.E.,</span> "The Admiral Napier," Weedington Rd., Kentish Town, N.W.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Tyler</span>, B.H. School House, Ironville, Derby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Vaughan, T.G.,</span> Rock House, nr. Bewley, Worcester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Veitch, J.</span> (S/Smith), 86 Scott St., Galashiels, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Walker, A.,</span> 150 Moorbottom Rd., Crosland Moor, Huddersfield.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wallace, G.,</span> 828 Argyle St., Glasgow.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Walpole, A.N.,</span> Anthills Farm, Redhall, Harleston, Norfolk.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Walshaw, L.J.,</span> 56 Cannon St., Belgrave, Leicester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wanstall</span>, P.N.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Ward, B.V.,</span> "Sankta Koro," Vallance Rd., Muswell Hill, N.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Waterson, A.,</span> 16 North Junction St., Leith, Scotland.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Watson, B.E.,</span> Rose Cottage, Girton, Cambridge.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Watson, J.,</span> 2 Lightfoot Buildings, Cinque Ports St., Rye, Sussex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Watts, C.P.,</span> 7 Brown's Rd., Plaistow, E.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Weatherley, E.J.,</span> 120 Lovatt St., Grimsby.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Webb, C.J.,</span> 21 Lower Addiscombe Rd., Croydon, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Weighill, A.,</span> 70 Oxford St., Barnsley.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Whitby, J.,</span> 26 Lower Brook St., Long Eaton, Notts.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">White, C.F.,</span> 21 Pelham St., Brighton, Sussex.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">White, S.,</span> Frilsham, Yattendon, Newbury, Berks.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Whitlock, G.H.,</span> 44 Bushy Park, Tottendown, Bristol.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wick, S.,</span> 13 Golden Dog's Lane, Norwich.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wilbraham</span>, ——, Barton, Malpas, Cheshire.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Williams, G.,</span> Collets Green, Porwick, Worcester.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wilson, A.,</span> 21 Chisholm Rd., Croydon, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Winfield, R.J.,</span> Checkendon, nr. Reading, Oxon.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wood, F.,</span> 6 Barfields, Bletchingley, Surrey.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Worthington, J.W.,</span> 41 The Hill, Kirby-in-Ashfield.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wright, T.,</span> "Ivy House," Aixley, Corringham Gainsboro', Lincs.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">Wroot, B.,</span> High St., Misterton, Notts.</li> +</ul> + +<div class="endbox"> + +<p class="figcenter" style="margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;"> +<img src="images/gs197.jpg" width="355" height="46" alt="Roll of Honour" title="Roll of Honour" /> +</p> + +<p style="width: 80%; margin: auto;">As a result of the circular letter dated 3-6-20, +referred to on page 172, the following names have +been received of those Members of the 20th +Machine-Gun Squadron who have made the <span class="smcap">Supreme +Sacrifice</span> in their Country's service:—</p> + +<ul style="list-style-type: none; margin-left: 4em; text-align: left;"> +<li>Major <span class="smcap">L.F. St. John Davies</span>, M.C.</li> +<li>Lieut. <span class="smcap">H.A. Price</span>, M.C.</li> +<li>Sergt. <span class="smcap">W.H. Morden</span>.</li> +<li>Lce. Corpls. <span class="smcap">F. Carr</span>. +<ul style="list-style-type: none; text-align: left;"> +<li><span class="smcap">A. Marriott</span>.</li> +</ul></li> +<li>Privates <span class="smcap">G. Boak</span>. +<ul style="list-style-type: none; text-align: left;"> +<li><span class="smcap">B. Capel</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">P. Chantry</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">H.C. Goldie</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">E. Heathcote</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">J. Johnston</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">F.F. Leafe</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">S. Mellows</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">J. Musson</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">W. Pampling</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">E.A. Riley</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">G. Spencer</span>.</li> +<li><span class="smcap">A. Staniland</span>.</li> +</ul></li> +</ul> + +<p style="width: 80%; margin: auto;">(<i>N.B.—The above, it is feared, does not include all the names +in spite of every effort that has been made to obtain a complete +list.</i>)</p> +</div> + +<hr /> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Note: (Lieut. Macmillan returned to Alexandria on 21st November +1918 from Smyrna, as a repatriated prisoner of war.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Beersheba—"Well of the oath": See Genesis, chaps. xxi and xxvi, +v. 23 and 32.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> The enemy by this time probably thought that a wide out-flanking +movement was to be undertaken at Khuweilfeh, and accordingly +hastily brought up still more reserves. After fighting day and night against +superior numbers, the 53rd Division was, finally, able to capture the +position on November 6th. The drawing of the Turkish reserves to this +part of the line contributed to the success elsewhere.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> At Latron was a castle of the Knights of St. John. It was destroyed +by Saladin in A.D. 1191.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Ramleh was a city of the Crusaders, and suffered in the wars between +the Franks and Saladin. During the French invasion Napoleon made +this town his headquarters.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Naane; Naamah, see Joshua xv, 41.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Akir = Ekron, see Joshua xv, 11, 45, xix, 43; I Sam. vi; III +Kings i; Jer. xxv, 20; Amos i, 8; Zeph. ii, 4; Zech. iv, 5.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Jimzu = Gimzo, see II Chron. xxviii, 18.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Esdud = Ashdod of the Bible, one of the Philistine cities: See Joshua +xiii, 3; I Samuel v; II Chron. xxvi, 6; Isaiah xx, 1; Neh. xiii, 23; +Jeremiah xxv, 20; Amos i, 8, iii, 9; Zeph. ii, 4; Zech. ix, 6. In New +Testament called Azotus, Acts viii, 40.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Gaza, see Judges xvi and l, 18; Genesis x, 19; Deut. ii, 23; Jer. +xxv, 20, xlvii, 1, 5; Josh. xi, 22, xv, 47; I Kings iv, 24 (Azzah); Amos +i, 7; Jeph. ii, 4; Zech. ix, 5; Acts viii, 26.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Yebna = Jabneh of the Bible, see Josh xv, 11; II Chron. xxvi, 6. +There are ruins of a Crusaders' Church here.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> River Auja, the Mejarkon of Joshua xix, 46, one of the boundaries +of the tribe of Dan.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Jaffa, stated to be the scene of the Legend of Perseus and Andromeda, +is the Joppa and Japho of Scripture, see Josh. xix, 46; II Chron. ii, 16; +Ezra iii, 7; Jonah i, 3; Matt. xii, 40; Acts ix, 36, x, 9. A house said +to be that of Simon the Tanner can be seen in the town. In A.D. 1799 +when Napoleon invaded Palestine, he marched 10,000 men across the desert +from Egypt, took El Arish and Gaza easily, but met with great resistance +at Jaffa. Finally, the town was taken, and then 4,000 prisoners were +murdered in cold blood after life had been promised them.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Ludd was the birthplace of St. George, the Patron Saint of England. +A church built here, after his martyrdom, was destroyed on the approach +of the First Crusaders. It was re-built, however, but was destroyed +again by order of Saladin in A.D. 1191. Of this church, two apses, two +bays and the crypt still remain, and to-day the eastern end has been restored +by the Greeks, while the western end is used as a mosque! In the crypt +(belonging to the Greeks) is shown the Tomb of St. George. +</p><p> +Ludd = Lod of the Scriptures, a city of Benjamin, see I Chron. viii, 12; +Neh. xi, 35; Ezra ii, 33; Acts ix, 32.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> The site of the present Jericho has only been occupied since mediæval +times. The ancient Jericho lay near the spring Ain-es-Sultan and the +City of Roman times was more to the south-west. The Biblical references +to Jericho are as follows: Deut. xxxiv; Josh. vi, 26; I Kings xvi, 34; +II Kings ii, 4, 5, 11. Only a mound exists now, to mark the position +of the ancient city, but excavations here have brought to light some interesting +relics.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> See St. John, chap. xi.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> See II Kings v, 10.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> The River Jordan is rich in historical associations, right from its +source on Mt. Hermon to the Dead Sea, into which it flows. The Israelites +crossed the Jordan on dry ground (Josh. iii, 14); our Lord was baptized +there (St. John i, 28 and St. Matt. iii, 13). See also II Kings ii, 8, x, 14; +Matt. iii, 5; St. John x, 40.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> See Isa. xv, 6.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> The Plain of Esdraelon stretches across Central Palestine, and has an +average width of about 10 miles. It forms a wide break between the +Mountains of Galilee on the north and those of Samaria on the south. It +has always been a great battlefield; in the Bible it is called the Plain of +Jezreel; see Judges iv, 3, v, 21, vi, 1; I Sam. xxix, xxxi; I Kings xx, 25; +Josh. xvii, 16.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> Mount Tabor rather resembles a sugar-loaf in shape, flattened at the +top; its height from the plain is about 1,500 feet. It was here that Deborah +commanded Barak to muster his army: "So Barak went down from +Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. And the Lord discomfited +Sisera and all his chariots and all his host, with the edge of the sword before +Barak". (Judges iv, 14, 15). See also Judges viii, 18; Psalms xxxix, +12; Jer. xlvi, 18. The Crusaders built a church and a monastery on Mount +Tabor; they were destroyed in 1187 and the ruins still remain. In 1255 +the Knights of St. John held it but lost it in 1263 to Bibars.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> About a mile south of the site of the present station at El Fule was the +scene of a great battle between the French and the Turks, on April 16th 1799, +called the Battle of Mount Tabor. Kleber with about 1,500 men kept 25,000 +Syrians at bay; he was almost defeated when Napoleon with 600 men +arrived. The Turks, thinking a large army was upon them, fled. Here +also are ruins of a church of the Crusaders, destroyed by Saladin.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Josh xix, 21, xxi, 29.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> In the days of the Romans Sheikh Abreik was the headquarters of +a Tribune.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Mount Carmel extends from the sea coast at Haifa, inland 15 miles, +in a south-easterly direction, thus forming a separating ridge between +the Plains of Sharon and Esdraelon. Its height is about 500 feet at the +sea, and 1,800 feet at its inland extremity. The mountain has always been +associated with the name of the Prophet Elijah. It was here that he was +said to have sought shelter when Ahab was seeking his life. A monastery +stands over what is thought was the spot, and was used as a hospital for the +wounded when Napoleon was besieging Acre. After his withdrawal it +was destroyed by the Turks and afterwards re-built through the energy of a +monk who travelled and begged for 14 years to obtain funds for the present +building. The Biblical references to the mountain are: Josh. xix, 26; +Deut. xiv, 5; I Kings iv, 23, xviii, 13; Isa. xxxv, 2, lv, 12, xxxiii, 9; +Amos i, 2; Song of Solomon vii, 5; Micah vii, 14.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> See Judges iv, 13, and v, 21.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Haifa is notorious on account of its associations with Mount +Carmel. The Latin Carmelites reached Haifa in A.D. 1170 and St. +Simon Stock, from Kent, was their general in A.D. 1245. They were +massacred by the Egyptians in 1291 but regained power in the middle of +the Sixteenth Century.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> There is only one reference to Acre in the Old Testament (Judges +i, 31), and one in the New Testament (Acts xxi, 7), under the name of +Ptolemais. It was taken by the Crusaders in A.D. 1102, and held till 1187, +as a port of the Kings of Jerusalem. After a siege it was re-taken from +Saladin in 1191, and held for a century. It was here that the Knights +of St. John, after they had been driven from every other part of Palestine, +prolonged for forty-three days their gallant resistance to the Sultan of +Egypt and his immense host; 60,000 Christians were on that occasion +slain or sold as slaves. Napoleon besieged Acre in 1799, but was prevented +from taking it by the British under Sir William Sidney Smith. It was +bombarded in 1840, by British and Turkish Fleets, when an explosion of a +magazine destroyed the town.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> Damascus is a very ancient city, and existed even in the time of +Abraham. The story that it was here that Cain killed Abel is alluded to +by Shakespeare (I King Henry VI, I, 3). While other cities of the East, +which were at one time of equal importance, now mostly exist as mounds +in the desert, Damascus is still what it was—the capital of Syria. +</p><p> +The following are some of the numerous Biblical references to +Damascus: Gen. xiv, 15; II Sam. viii, 5 ("David slew of the Syrians +two and twenty thousand men"); II Kings vi, vii, viii, xiii, xiv, xv, +xvi; I Chron. xviii, 5 (accounts of battles between the Kings of Judah +and Israel and the Kings of Damascus); Isa. xvii; Amos i, 3; Jer. xlix, +23 (prophetical). +</p><p> +St. Paul was converted on his way to Damascus (Acts ix) in which +connection see also II Cor. xi, 32 and Acts ix. +</p><p> +In A.D. 1860 a frightful massacre of Christians took place here. By +nightfall on July 9th of that year the whole of the Christian Quarter was +in flames, the water supply cut off and the inhabitants hemmed in by a +circle of steel. As night advanced fresh marauders entered the city and +joined the furious mob of fanatics, who now, tired of plunder, began to cry +out for blood. All through that awful night and the whole of the following +day, the pitiless massacre went on. It is probable that not a Christian +would have remained alive but for the untiring energy of Abd-el-Kader +(himself a Mohammedan of great renown, but a just man) with his faithful +Algerines, who, in 1847, mustering only 2,500 men had completely defeated +the army of the Emperor of Morocco 60,000 strong. +</p><p> +Abd-el-Kader at once set to work rescuing the Christians. Hundreds +were escorted to his house, fed, comforted and forwarded to the castle, where, +finally, nearly 12,000 were collected. Many also reached the British +Consulate. The Mohammedans, furious at being baulked of their prey, +turned their attentions to Abd-el-Kader, who, however, charged into their +midst and said: "Wretches! is this the way you honour the Prophet!... +You think you may do as you please with the Christians, but the day of +retribution will come. Not a Christian will I give up, they are my brothers. +Stand back or I will give my men the order to fire". Not a man among +them dared to raise a voice against the renowned champion of Islam, and the +crowd dispersed. British and French intervention prevented a general +massacre throughout Syria, and as a result of European pressure an +enquiry was held on the Damascus outrage, with the result that the Military +Governor of that city, three Turkish officers and 117 individuals were shot. +In addition about 400 of the lower class and 11 notables were condemned +to imprisonment or exile and £200,000 was proposed to be levied on the +city. This was all that could be obtained to the Christian community for +a loss of 6,000 of their lives, 20,000 rendered homeless, and damage to their +property of at least £2,000,000.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> See John ii, 1; also iv, 46, i, 47 and xxi, 2.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> Tiberias was built by the Romans in A.D. 20. It is only once +mentioned in the Bible (John vi, 23). The modern town is much smaller +than was the ancient one. In 1837, half the population perished by a great +earthquake.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> Lake Tiberias in the Old Testament was called the "Sea of +Chinnereth," and the "Sea of Chinneroth" (Numb. xxxiv, 11; Deut. +iii, 17; Josh. xii, 3, xix, 35). +</p><p> +In the New Testament, in addition to the names in the text above, it +is called the "Lake of Gennesaret" from the plains of that name on its +north-western shore. +</p><p> +In the vicinity of the lake our Lord spent the larger portion of his life, +thus we find it continually mentioned throughout the four Gospels. Some +of the references are: Matt. iv, 13, viii, 24, 28, xiii, 1, xiv, 25, xvii, 27; +John vi, 1, xxi; Luke v, 1. At that time other towns stood upon its shores, +including Capernaum and Bethsaida. +</p><p> +The lake is nearly seven miles across at its greatest width and its +extreme length is just over 12 miles.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> It is a strange coincidence that a stream close to Jedeide is called +"El Maut," which means "Death".</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> "Lebanon" means "White," probably employed because of the +snow which can be seen most of the year on the Lebanon range of mountains, +on the western side of the valley (see Jer. xviii, 14). Lebanon is stated +in the Bible to be on the northern border of the Promised Land (Deut. i, 7, +iii, 25, xi, 24; Josh. i, 4, ix, 1). King Solomon's palace and temple +were built of cedars and firs from Lebanon (I Kings ix, 19), also the second +temple (Ezra iii, 7). Other references to Lebanon are Josh. xi, 17, xiii, 2; +Judges iii, 1; Deut. iii, 25; II Chron. ii, 2; Psalms xxix, 5, xcii, 12; +Isa. xiv, 8, xxxv, 17, xl, 16; Solomon's Song iv, 8, 11, 15.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> After the massacre of 1860, Lebanon was made an independent +province, governed by a Christian Pasha, nominated by the Sultan of +Turkey and approved by the European Powers.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Rayak is the junction of the railway from Beirut to Damascus and +Aleppo to Damascus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Zahle is the largest town in Lebanon, and has a population of about +16,000, nearly all of whom are Christians. During the massacre of 1860, +it suffered terribly, being captured and burnt to the ground.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> There are ruins of three temples at Baalbek—The Great Temple of +the Sun, Temple of Bacchus, and the Circular Temple, built about A.D. +220.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> The Crusaders captured Homs in A.D. 1099. It is the ancient +Zobah, see II Sam. viii, 3, 5. The population is estimated at 65,000.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> Hama (population about 80,000) is the Ancient Hamath, see +I Kings xviii, 34, xix, 13.</p></div> + +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Palestine with the 20th +Machine Gun Squadron, by Unknown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE *** + +***** This file should be named 17109-h.htm or 17109-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/1/0/17109/ + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Sigal Alon and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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diff --git a/17109.txt b/17109.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..11a016d --- /dev/null +++ b/17109.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5448 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Palestine with the 20th Machine Gun +Squadron, by Unknown + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Through Palestine with the 20th Machine Gun Squadron + +Author: Unknown + +Release Date: November 19, 2005 [EBook #17109] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Sigal Alon and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + +[Transcriber's note: + +1. Some of the biblical references in the original seem to be mistaken. All +the references were left as in the original. The following is a list of +uncertain references, usually together with a possible alternate reference. + + +Footnote Original Suggestion + +[7] III Kings i II Kings i + Zech. iv, 5 Zech. ix, 5 + +[10] Judges l, 18 Judges i, 18 + Jeph. ii, 4 Zeph. ii, 4 + +[13] Matt. xii, 40 ? + Acts x, 9 Several times in Acts x, but not verse 9 + +[15] II Kings ii, 11 II Kings ii, 15 + +[20] Judges iv, 3 Judges vi, 33 + v, 21 Mentions the Kishon which borders Esdraelon + vi, 1 Judges vii, 1 + +[21] Psalms xxxix, 12 Psalms lxxxix, 12 + +[25] Deut. xiv, 5 ? + I Kings iv, 23 I Kings iv, 11 mentions Dor, a village in + the vicinity + xviii, 13 xviii, 19 + Isa. lv, 12 ? + +[29] II Kings vi II Kings v + vii ? + xiii ? + xv ? + +[30] John i, 47 ? + +[34] Josh. xiii, 2 Josh. xiii, 5 + Judges iii, 1 Judges iii, 3 + II Chron. ii, 2 II Chron. ii, 8 or 16 + Isa. xxxv, 17 Isa. xxxv, 2 + +[40] I Kings xviii, 34 II Kings xviii, 34 + xix, 13 II Kings xix, 13 + +2. As there is no one way to transcribe Arabic and Hebrew place names, I +left all the names as they appear in the original. Nevertheless, I tried to +keep consistency and used a single spelling when a place was mentioned +using two possible spellings. + +3. The inconsistency of capitalization (e.g., Sub-section/sub-section, +Sergeant/sergeant) and punctuation (mostly inside/outside quotation marks) +are thus in the original book.] + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + + +Through Palestine + +with the + +Twentieth + +Machine-Gun + +Squadron. + +Printed and Published +for private circulation + +by + +J.M. BAXTER & CO., +20 Appold Street, +London--E.C.2. + + + + +Foreword. + + +This Booklet has been compiled with the object of enabling the members of +the 20th Machine-Gun Squadron to recall the principal incidents in its +history, as well as to allow their friends and relations to obtain some +idea of their experiences whilst they were serving with the Egyptian +Expeditionary Force. + +Although no pains have been spared to obtain accuracy, the statements made +must, necessarily, not be regarded as _absolutely_ authoritative. + +Beyond doubt, many brave deeds, fully deserving of mention in these pages, +must have been unavoidably overlooked, in which case the leniency of +readers is requested. + +In view of the probability that the incidents described herein may be read +by many persons who have not been to the East, explanations have frequently +been included, which might appear to some as unnecessary. + +The writer is indebted to several members of the Squadron for their +valuable assistance, without which, obviously, it would have been very +difficult to have given an adequate account of any particular incident at +which he was not present in person. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_1st July 1920._ + + + + +Glossary. + + +The following are a few descriptive terms which occur in the following +pages, with place-names, and the abbreviations used:-- + +ABU Father. +AIN Spring. +BEIT House. +BIRKETT Pool. +BIR Well. +DEIR Monastery. +ED, EL, ER, ES, EZ The definite article THE +JEBEL Mountain. +JISR Bridge. +KEFR Village. +KAHN Inn. +KHURBET (abbrev. KH.) Ruin. +MAKHADET Ford. +NAHR River. +NEBY A Prophet. +RAS Head, cape, top. +SHEIKH (abbrev. SH.) Chief, elder, saint. +TEL Mound (especially one covering ruins). +WADI A watercourse (normally dry). + + +TIME. + +The following table shows the military method of stating the time which is +used throughout this book:-- + +1 a.m. 01.00 +2 " 02.00 +3.15 " 03.15 +6.45 " 06.45 +12 midday 12.00 +1 p.m. 13.00 +2.35 " 14.35 +3.50 " 15.50 +8 " 20.00 +10 " 22.00 +12 midnight 24.00 +12.15 a.m. 00.15 + + + + +THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON. + + + + +PART I. + + +FORMATION OF THE SQUADRON. + +It was on the 4th July 1917 that authority was given to the 7th Mounted +Brigade (then at Ferry-Post, Ismailia), for the formation of a MACHINE-GUN +SQUADRON to be known as the "20th." It was to consist of "Headquarters" and +only three sub-sections, there being but two regiments (instead of the +usual three) in the 7th Brigade. + +On July 4th, Lieut. E.P. Cazalet and Lieut. E.B. Hibbert, machine gun +officers of the Notts (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry and South Notts Hussars +respectively, brought their sub-sections to the new camp. Lieut. C.D. +Macmillan also arrived from the "S.N.H." From these two regiments there +came, in all, 3 officers, 121 men and 98 animals (horses and mules). The +"A" Sub-section was formed of "S.R.Y." men; the "B" Sub-section of "S.N.H." +men, "C" Sub-section being composed of both "S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." men. + +From the commencement, the Squadron "carried on" under very difficult +conditions, as, out of its total strength of 121, only 30 men were +qualified gunners, and 63 had never previously been attached to a Machine +Gun Section. Then there were fresh animals to draw from "Remounts" besides +new saddlery and equipment from "Ordnance". The health of the Squadron, +also, was at first none too good; a large number of men had contracted +malaria whilst with the Brigade in Salonica, and many others were liable to +septic sores, after two years' sojourn in Egypt, Suvla and Salonica. From +time to time, seven days' leave was granted to small parties to the Rest +Camp, Port Said, and lucky were those men whose turn it was to go! + +In due course, on July 30th 1917, Lieut. D. Marshall (Fife & Forfar +Yeomanry), arrived from the 4th "M.G." Company. He had been "posted" as +Commanding Officer, and "took over" from Lieut. Cazalet; shortly afterwards +he was promoted to the rank of Captain. + +The first reinforcements to reach the Squadron from the training centre at +Maresfield Park, England, were Ptes. Ramsay and Wick on August 4th 1917. +Pte. Ramsay at once took up the duties of orderly-room clerk, and was +subsequently promoted sergeant. The work of equipping, organising and +training were hurried on, the new guns tested on the range, and at length, +on August 6th, the Squadron was inspected with the Brigade by General +Bailloud. + +On August 8th, Capt. E. Davies (previously with the 7th Brigade in Egypt) +arrived from "leave" in the United Kingdom, and was posted to the Squadron +as "second in command". Orders were received on August 10th that the +Brigade would move to the Palestine front on the 12th--within a month of +the M.G. Squadron being formed! + + +OUR TREK TO AMR, THROUGH THE DESERT OF THE SINAI PENINSULA. + +The forthcoming continuous trek (which lasted 18 days) through the desert +at the hottest time of the year was no light task for a new unit to +contemplate, and the two days in which to make all the preparations were +none too many; yet, everything _was_ ready by the time ordered for parade, +and from that moment the "20TH M.G. SQUADRON" became a fighting force! +There was, however, a lot of training still to be done, before it could +hope to play its proper part in active operations. + +The organisation of the transport for the unit was one of the greatest +difficulties to be overcome. No one, unless he has actually seen it, would +believe the energy required to pull even a lightly loaded wheeled vehicle +through the desert sand, which, in places, is of the soft "silver" variety +found at many English seaside resorts. + +Each "G.S." (general service) limbered wagon is designed to carry about a +ton, and is drawn by 4 mules. On this occasion, however, 4 cwts. was the +maximum load, and for this 6 mules were required in every case. In spite of +such a team, the going was hard enough, in very truth, and sore shoulders +were not uncommon, owing to the mules being so "soft," and the new +breast-collars so hard! + +It was not long before the advantage a "M.G." Squadron possesses, in being +able to change "pack" mules to "draught" and _vice versa_, was seen, this +method relieving sore shoulders and sore backs by one simple operation. +Although an early start was made every day, many miles had to be traversed +with the sun right overhead; the afternoon was usually well advanced before +the horses had been watered, lines put down, and shelters erected, +blankets, rifles, bayonets and bits of string being used for this purpose. + +The following were the days' marches:-- + +1917. + +August 12th to El Ferdan. + " 13th " Kantara (Hill 70). Long day in great heat. + " 14th at Kantara drawing ordnance stores. + " 15th to Pelusium 13 miles. + " 16th " Romani 7 miles. Heavy going. + " 17th " Khirba 14 miles. + " 18th " Bir el Abd 7 miles. Heavy going. + " 19th " Tilul, watering at Salmana. + " 20th " Bir el Masar 8 miles. + " 21st " Maadan 15 miles. Very heavy going and particularly hot. + " 22nd " Bardawil 8 miles. Good going. + " 23rd " El Arish 8 miles. Heavy going. + " 24th Rested. + " 25th to El Burd 11 miles. + " 26th " Sheikh Zowaid, by the shore. Very heavy. + " 27th " Rafa. + " 28th at Rafa obtaining stores which were sent forward by rail. + " 29th to Amr into camp, 1 mile south of railway. + +It may here be mentioned that, at this time, the Kantara Military Railway +had been completed as far as Shellal, and whilst on the march, rations and +forage were drawn from "dumps" which had been placed at intervals along the +line. As regards drinking water, this was brought up every day on camels. +The supply of water was not too plentiful by any means, and it required a +certain amount of care and self-restraint to make it last the appointed +time, in fact, strict water-discipline was very necessary among all ranks. +It was a tired but wiser Squadron that arrived at Amr! Many were the +difficulties that had been overcome, and many the hardships that had been +silently endured! + + +THE SQUADRON AT AMR. + +Having arrived at Amr, further progress was made in the training of the +unit. Each day one man was "told off" to three animals, the remainder thus +being free for work on the gun. The "horse-men" did one hour on the gun, +remainder of day on animals. "Gun-numbers" worked one hour at stables and +the remainder of the day on the gun. The daily routine was as +follows:--Reveille 04.30; Parades, 06.30 to 10.00 and 15.00 to 17.30. +Horses were watered twice (from troughs at the railway), and fed four times +a day. + +As early as September 8th, there was a test "turn-out" of the Squadron in +full marching order, with guns on packs. The new regulations regarding +rations and forage included "Iron" and two days' emergency-rations (in +wallets) for the man, and one day's emergency-forage (9 lbs. of grain), in +a "sandbag" rolled in a ground-sheet and carried on the front arch of the +saddle, for the horse, in addition to the two days' forage carried in the +nosebags; furthermore one day's rations and forage were carried on the +wagons. The time taken for the turn-out was actually 2 hours 10 minutes. No +doubt many members who read this will smile at the recollection of the +incident--and well they might! Three days later the Squadron paraded in +exactly _half_ that time, and when, on September 13th, there was a test +Divisional "turn-out," all that was needed was 44 minutes--not a bad +achievement for marching-order with nothing ready! + +On September 13th the formation of a fourth Sub-section was approved. It +was just about this time that the "Khamseen" became very troublesome. This +is a strong wind that blows at this season of the year, particularly in the +afternoon. The soil at Amr being a mixture of fine sand and dust, the +result can be better imagined than described; it was so bad that on two +days training was entirely suspended! + +"Mounted" training was started on September 22nd, and in the absence, at +that time, of any "set" official-drill (one actually did exist, but was +known only to those who had passed through the Machine-Gun Cavalry training +centre in England of whom there were not half-a-dozen in the Squadron), the +O.C. (Capt. D. Marshall) thought out, and perfected, a drill that was easy +to pick up, and was one which, in all respects, fulfilled requirements. +Everything was proceeding most satisfactorily, the men were keen, and, +towards the end of September, firing practice was started on a 25-yard +range. Everybody fired the course. + +In a Machine-Gun Squadron every man is mounted on a horse (some Squadrons, +however, had mules for draught as did the "20th"), except the cooks, who +are allowed bicycles. As the speed of bicycles in the middle of a desert +proved to be quite out of proportion to the labour expended, 13 donkeys +were finally issued in lieu thereof. These splendid little animals were +found to be very useful, besides providing a source of amusement for a +long time to come. In camp they would play about just like dogs, standing +up on their hind legs and romping about with each other. The natives' usual +method of riding a donkey in the East is rather comical. They sit _well_ to +the rear, in fact right over the hind-quarters, and with their feet +forward, these they wave in and out between the animal's legs, and thereby +make him increase his pace. A turn to either flank is accomplished by their +hitting him on the neck with a stick, or putting their toe in his eye! + +[Illustration] + +On October 1st-3rd "A" Sub-section went on a reconnaissance with the +Brigade, which, however, was "in support" at Reshid Beck, and not called +upon for active work. Meanwhile the training continued--Squadron drill, +section schemes and N.C.O.'s rides. The completion of the Squadron to the +full establishment of six Sub-sections (12 guns) was sanctioned on October +9th, although the supply of horses was stated to be doubtful. On that date +the Squadron was inspected by the G.O.C. the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J.T. +Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O. + + +DRAFT FROM MARESFIELD PARK, ENGLAND. + +Lieut. Raynor arrived with 47 "O.R.'s" on Oct. 9th. These were part of a +draft of 15 officers and 250 men under Capt. R.O. Hutchinson, who had left +England on September 13th. Before starting on their journey the draft had +been complimented upon their appearance by the C.O. of the Training Centre, +and told that "they should consider themselves lucky to be going to a +country where real cavalry tactics could be employed". And so it proved to +be! This draft arrived at Alexandria on September 27th, and proceeded to +the M.G.C. Base Depot, Helmieh, Cairo, after a very pleasant but uneventful +journey, via Southampton, Havre, Marseilles and Malta. The journey through +France was by a route not previously used for troops, and the French people +were very friendly and enthusiastic, cheering frequently. Apparently the +population here were not accustomed to the sight of British troops. At +Marseilles they embarked on H.M.T. "Minetonka" (a splendid ship, but very +crowded), which, being built for the North-Atlantic traffic, was rather hot +for the Mediterranean. Two very efficient Japanese destroyers escorted her +throughout the whole journey. + +At first, it was thought that the "draft" was intended to form an entirely +new unit, but they had not long been in Egypt before officers and men were +posted to various existing Squadrons. The importance of this draft is +indicated, to some extent, by the fact that within a short time every +Machine Gun Squadron in the E.E.F. (except one), was commanded by an +officer who had come out with it. + + +PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. + +Early in October 1917, the C.O.'s of units were informed of the approaching +operations against the enemy, and given a general idea of the plan of +campaign. On the 17th of the month, Headquarters and three Sub-sections +marched, with the Brigade, across the desert to Bir el Esani. The country, +up to this point, was patrolled by the Imperial Camel Corps (I.C.C.), and +it might be termed the limit of the country so far in British occupation, +as, at Esani, patrols of British and Turks were frequently in the habit of +watering their horses in the wadi _when the other was not about_! The next +day (October 18th), a reconnaissance was made across the Wadi Mirtaba and +towards Goz-el-Naam. "B" and "C" Sub-sections were attached to the "S.R.Y." +and "S.N.H." but saw no "targets" to justify the opening of machine-gun +fire. "A" Sub-section was in reserve. The following day (the 19th), the +Brigade returned to Amr. The experience gained by the Machine Gun Squadron +during these operations proved to be most valuable; the animals were fit, +but certainly rather fagged; the transport was found to be too heavily +loaded, and the pack-animals were also tired. + +Orders were now received that when operations started the Squadron would +move out five Sub-sections strong. This would mean a severe test for "D" +and "E" Sub-sections. "D" Sub-section under Lieut. Raynor, was well in +hand, although only formed a few weeks previously, but the equipment for +"E" (and "F") had only just been drawn! + + +HIGH-SPEED WORK. + +On October 20th, Lieut. Price, M.C., Lieut. Millman and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell +(all from the recent draft from Maresfield) arrived at the Camp. Lieut. +Price at once took over the organization of "E"; Lieut. Millman was +nominally posted to "F" and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell supernumerary, for the time +being. It could hardly be said that the formation of "E" Sub-section had +been "rushed"! The term is hardly suitable--"Cyclonic" would be nearer the +mark! It literally had horses and equipment issued to it one day, and was +fighting the next. At length, on October 25th, definite orders were +received for the first phase of the projected operations against Beersheba +to be undertaken, and, the next day, Sec.-Lieut. Kindell and three O.R.'s +(Ptes. Carr, Ineson and Marshall), with representatives from other units of +the Brigade, proceeded with the Staff Captain and Brigade Intelligence +Officer, to Esani, in order to "take-over" the camping area and reconnoitre +the outpost-line there. + +Lieut. Macmillan and five O.R.'s (Ptes. J. Howlett, A. Jacques, S. Morris, +A. Tivey and E.A. Riley), who were chosen as stout-hearted men, reported to +Col. Newcombe, R.E., D.S.O., at Gamli, for special duty. Bad luck attended +them, however! The whole party was captured a few days later.[1] + +The following is the official account of this adventure:-- + + "To assist in completing the rout of the Turkish troops retiring + from Beersheba, a small mobile force on camels, consisting of Lewis + gunners, machine gunners, and a few Sudanese Arab scouts, under + Lieut.-Col. S.F. Newcombe, R.E., D.S.O., left Asluj on October 30. + It had a number of machine guns and Lewis guns, a large quantity of + small-arms ammunition, and carried three days' rations. Moving + rapidly, it established its headquarters at Yutta, and on October + 31 occupied some high ground west of, and commanding the road + between Dhaheriyeh and Hebron. It was hoped that the Turks, + retiring by night from Beersheba, would encounter this force, + which, taking them by surprise, would, by its large fire-power put + them to rout, and cause a general debacle on the Turkish left-wing. + However, as the Anzac Mounted Division had cut the road further + south, the Turkish forces from Beersheba retired north to Tel esh + Sheria. The force, nevertheless, succeeded in intercepting and + capturing the motor transport with supplies, which was endeavouring + to reach Beersheba from Jerusalem. + + "The Turks were surprised by the appearance of this force, and + having no idea of its numbers, despatched the 12th Depot Regiment + from Hebron, and the 143rd Regiment from Tel esh Sheria--six + battalions in all--to dislodge it. It held out resolutely, but, + after sustaining heavy casualties and having exhausted all its + ammunition, was obliged to surrender on November 2 or 3." + +The personnel (32 O.R.'s) and equipment of "F" Sub-sections, were sent to +"Brigade Details" at Gamli under Lieut. Millman, no horses being then +available. + +[Illustration] + + FOOTNOTES: + + [1] _Note: (Lieut. Macmillan returned to Alexandria on 21st November + 1918 from Smyrna, as a repatriated prisoner of war.)_ + + + + +PART II. + +The Beersheba Campaign. + + +MARCH TO ESANI. + +On the morning of October 28th 1917, the Squadron marched from Amr, across +the 16 miles of desert to Esani. It consisted of-- + + Seven officers, 182 men, 10 guns, 156 riding horses, 70 draught and + 31 pack animals, 13 donkeys; with transport of ("A" Echelon), water + cart, 12 limbered G.S. wagons; ("B.1" Echelon) three L.G.S. wagons, + carrying reserve day's forage and rations; ("B.2" Echelon) one G.S. + wagon. + +So far as can be ascertained now, the following were the W.O. and N.C.O.'s +of the Squadron at this time:-- + + _Headquarters_: S.S.M. Larwood, S.Q.M.S. Harrison, Far.-Sergt. + Robertson, Transport-Sergt. Conuel, Sig.-Corpl. Billam, S.S.-Corpl. + Holmes, Saddler-Corpl. Mellett. + + _"A" Sub-section_: Sergt. Fisher, Lance-Corpl. Rouse, Lance-Corpl. + Keetley. + + _"B" Sub-section_: Sergt. Potts, Corpl. Hazlehurst, Lance-Corpl. + Hughes, Lance-Corpl. Peadon. + + _"C" Sub-section_: Sergt. Wright, Corpl. Gill, Nos. 1. Pte. S. Kidd, + Pte. P. Lee. + + _"D" Sub-section_: Sergt. Fleet, Corpl. Barrett, Lance-Corpl. Green, + Lance-Corpl. Marriott. + + _"E" Sub-section_: Sergt. O'Neill, Corpl. Franklin, Lance-Corpl. + Grice, Lance-Corpl. Thompson. + +Upon arrival at their destination, everyone who had previously been there, +on reconnaissance, was struck by the great changes that had taken place +within such a short time; the locality had, in fact, become one huge camp. +There were armoured cars, R.E.s, motor-tractors, besides thousands of +camels--indeed, every branch of the service was represented. Incidentally, +it may be mentioned that these preparations were not hidden from the Turks, +whose aeroplanes came over every day and dropped bombs, without, however, +doing much damage. + +The camping site for the Squadron proved to be in a wide gully, leading up +from the Wadi Ghuzze, between two hills. After watering in the wadi (to +reach which a rather steep slope had to be negotiated), "lines" were put up +and the new bivouac sheets recently issued, erected, after which, having +had something to eat, the Squadron was able to enjoy a well-earned rest. In +the very early hours of the following morning "C" Sub-section, under +Sec.-Lieut. Kindell (who now took command in the absence of Lieut. +Macmillan), proceeded with the "S.R.Y." to take up the day outpost-line +some few miles north-east of Reshid Beck. It soon became evident that the +Turk had intended to occupy this line, as he contested it with rifle fire; +he was, however, _just a little too late_ and had to withdraw! The position +we now occupied afforded splendid observation of all the surrounding +country. In fact, the ground dropped abruptly to a plain several miles +wide, cut by wadis and studded with low mounds; on the right the Wadi +Ghuzze with a narrow stream of water on one side, wended its way across the +plain, almost to our lines. + +[Illustration] + +On the other side of the plain, on the banks of the wadi, the tents of a +Turkish camp could plainly be seen, and (by the aid of a pair of field +glasses), the Turks themselves, going about their work. During the day +various officers from an infantry division came up to the post in order to +view the ground, over which, they stated, they were going to attack, in two +days' time. At dusk our troops withdrew through the night-outpost line; "C" +Sub-section, with the one limber that accompanied it, returned to camp, +independently. On this day the Squadron watering-party was bombed by +hostile aircraft, but no casualties occurred. October 30th was spent in +"resting," and in the afternoon every man was directed to lie down in his +"bivvy" from 13.00 to 17.00 hrs. (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)! Upon being asked by +the Orderly Officer why he was not complying with this order, one man +remarked to his pal: "Well, that's the first time I've been stopped doing +work in the Army"! It was, however, very necessary, as, that night at 20.30 +(8.30 p.m.), the Brigade, commanded by Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., +D.S.O., started on its approach-march after watering. + + +THE APPROACH-MARCH TO BEERSHEBA. + +The "going" was, most of the way, through thick sand with a lot of green +scrub. Doubtless, everybody who took part in that march will ever remember +the incidents and details of the operations--and the indescribable dust. +Temperature very cold; "loads off"; "loads on"; at frequent intervals. +So--on, through the night; generally at the walk, occasionally trotting; +hearing, at one point, intermittent rifle-fire (on the left flank), and, +with now and then, "VERY LIGHTS" being put up. Later on, a white stone +building was passed (apparently unoccupied) called "Ibn Said". + +After several hours' marching, a road and a narrow gauge Turkish railway +were crossed, both of which were understood to lead to Beersheba. At +length, the position was reached on Itwail El Semin, 7 miles south of +Beersheba, just before daybreak, where the transport ("A" Echelon) soon +found us. "A" and "B" Sub-sections were immediately attached to the +"S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." respectively, and took up positions in front of +Ras-Hablein and Goz-el-Naam. + +It was not long before it became evident that there _was_ "something +doing". Yes, the great event for which the Squadron had been preparing +since its formation was about to take place! The 7th Mounted Brigade found +itself "up against" a series of strongly-held trenches on Ras-Hablein to +Ras-Ghannam. The 60th Infantry Division was on its left and the Australians +on its right. The plan of attack, as given in the official publication: "_A +Brief Record of the Advance of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force_" was as +follows:-- + + "... for the 60th and 74th Divisions to seize the enemy works + between the Khalasa Road and the Wadi Saba, while the defences + north of the Wadi were masked by the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade + and two battalions of the 53rd Division. The Anzac Mounted + Division, Australian Mounted Division and 7th Mounted Brigade were + to attack the defences of the town from the north-east, east and + south-east". + +The progress of the attack all along the line could be seen from the top of +Itwail. The Turk, everywhere, clung tenaciously to his main positions. +During the whole morning and afternoon, rifle and shell-fire were continued +on both sides. "B" Sub-section covered the advance of the "S.N.H." The +Essex Battery R.H.A., in action at this time, came in for a bad quarter of +an hour, but fortunately escaped with slight casualties, when, at 16.00 (4 +p.m.) orders were issued to attack Beersheba! + +The Brigade at once formed up in a cloud of dust, and, led by its General +as if on a ceremonial parade at home, started off at the trot to the +attack. Soon, the dust became so dense (especially in the centre of the +Brigade), that it was impossible to see two yards in front. After going a +mile or two, a halt was made under cover of a hill for a few minutes, then +on again. To the surprise of everyone, little opposition was now offered, +and it soon became apparent that the Turk had fled, although reinforced +during the day, the sight of an English Cavalry Brigade advancing, proving +too much for him! Another halt, another trot, then the position was taken! + + +WE TAKE TURKISH TRENCHES. + +Until quite recently, the Turk had been content merely to patrol the +country south and east of Beersheba, but our concentration at Esani had +made him uneasy about his left flank, and he had hastily dug a line of +trenches and manned them, hoping to put up a strong opposition to our +advance. These were the trenches we had now taken; and they constituted a +strong position too, the hills being particularly steep in front of them. + +Having captured the position and enjoyed a short rest, the Brigade pushed +on again after dark--this time in column of route, but "at the walk," as it +was "pitch-black" and the ground rough and rocky. Well on in the evening, a +welcome change in the going occurred, as we came out upon a road (the same +one crossed in the morning); a proper road, a _real_ road like one at home +in England! It seemed strange, indeed, after the miles of desert; the +horses appreciated it too! Later, the moon having risen, a long halt was +made, after which the road towards Beersheba was resumed. Every mile or so, +by the wayside were now passed remains of Turkish camps, dead animals, +overturned wagons, abandoned ammunition, etc., etc. The enemy had evidently +left in "some" haste. But there were still isolated parties of the enemy in +the hills, from which direction shots could be heard from time to time. + + +BEERSHEBA AT LAST! + +After a long and gruelling journey, during which everyone was dead tired +and the horses badly in need of water, the outskirts of the "town" of +Beersheba were at last reached. Here the Squadron halted, whilst the units +in front "watered". It then became known to us that Beersheba had already +been occupied by the Australians, who, no doubt, had come in from the +flank. As regards the "water," this was contained in a long stone trough, +and, although it was thick with mud, it was all that could be had. Yet, of +this filth the animals drank deeply, not having tasted a drop of liquid +_for 24 hours_! + +After "watering," a camping-area for the night was allotted to the Squadron +near by. The animals having been off-saddled and fed, everyone was glad to +be able to lie down in his clothes and snatch some sleep during the few +remaining hours, until it was time to "stand to" in the morning. Before +daybreak the Squadron saddled-up and moved off into the plain outside the +town. Here it halted in "Line of Sub-section Column" and dismounted. No +sooner had the sun risen, however, when machine-gun fire broke out from all +directions. At once the order was given to extend for rifle fire. Everyone +expected to see the dust thrown up all round by the thousands of bullets +which were being fired, and prepared for a great melee, but--nothing +happened! _A perfect tornado of fire_ and nothing whatever could be seen! +After a few minutes, to the surprise of all, everything was quiet again! +The explanation was obtained afterwards: all that had happened was that a +Boche plane had appeared over our outpost line. He must, certainly, have +had a hot reception! + +Then "lines" were put down, animals off-saddled again and a much needed +wash-up and shave indulged in--after watering and stables. To feel clean +once more and to be able to have a sleep in the heat of the day, which at +this time was intense (in spite of the cold nights), was a treat enjoyed by +all. + +Beersheba was very disappointing. Instead of being a town, as Europeans +understand that term, a place where one can buy such things as cigarettes +and something to eat, nothing at all was obtainable, and the only buildings +in it, that were not mud huts, were empty.[2] + +During our stay at Beersheba, enemy planes, often flying quite low, paid us +several visits, for whose benefit one Sub-section always had its guns +mounted for anti-aircraft work. On one of these raids two men and several +animals, in an Australian Field Ambulance a couple of hundred yards from +the Squadron Camp, were killed. One man had a "narrow shave". He was +standing beside his horse when the plane appeared, and, for safety, he +jumped into a trench that happened to be at hand still holding the reins. +The animal was killed, but he himself escaped without a scratch! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [2] _Beersheba--"Well of the oath": See Genesis, chaps. xxi and xxvi, + v. 23 and 32._ + + +THE COASTAL SECTOR. + +To the 21st Infantry Corps in front of Gaza, had been given the task of +attracting enemy reserves to that neighbourhood, thus to lighten the task +of the troops on the right of the line, in the capture of Beersheba. On +October 27th, a bombardment of the elaborate Gaza defences had been +commenced, assisted by the Navy, and on the night of November 1st-2nd, +"Umbrella Hill" was captured, followed in the early morning _by the whole +of the front-line system of trenches_. + + +OPERATIONS AT TEL KHUWEILFEH. + +After a day's rest, the 7th Mounted Brigade started off again (on November +2nd) at 08.30. "C" Sub-section reported to the "S.N.H."; "D" Sub-section +to the "S.R.Y." The Transport ("B.1" Echelon) just arrived as the Squadron +was timed to move off, and rations had to be issued out on parade. [It may +here be mentioned that the transport had had a "rough time," and without +having accurate knowledge of what was happening to the Brigade, owing to +the many difficulties of communication _en route_, did splendidly in +arriving even when it did.] + +The railway being crossed, the Brigade "carried on," along a sort of old +track north of Beersheba for about 10 miles, where a halt was called. A +short description of the country hereabouts would not, perhaps, be out of +place. Doubtless other people will read this record besides the members of +the Squadron who have seen the "beauties" of that remote part of the world; +a brief reference to the characteristics of the locality may, therefore, be +appreciated by those who would like to spend a short holiday there! + +Now, the ground itself, baked hard by the tropical sun and total absence of +water, is covered with stones, it has practically no vegetation whatever, +any scrub, at all resembling a tree, being something to remark upon. Parts +of the country, however, are cultivated by the natives during the winter +and spring, but at the time of our campaign everything was quite bare. +Then, there are no roads; the tracks made by the natives are inches deep in +dust, which, when used by troops, rises in dense clouds, choking one's nose +and eyes, besides "caking" on the face, so that in a very short time every +man more resembles a performer in a minstrel troupe rather than a soldier +in His Majesty's Army. Everywhere hills are to be seen, upon which there +are outcrops of rock. Upon these hills, also, a small bushy plant manages +to grow (a kind of thyme), which has a very pungent smell. + +In front of the halting place, mentioned above, was a plain about a mile +wide; on each side of this was a range of hills. The "S.R.Y." and "D" +Sub-section made towards Khuweilfeh on their left front, and the "S.N.H." +and "C" Sub-section set off half-right towards the hills. The "S.N.H." met +but slight opposition from the enemy, which they easily overcame. Pushing +forward and taking, on the way, two field-guns and two ambulances abandoned +by the Turks, they, at length, gained the highest point (Ras en Nukb); from +here could be seen the Turkish position on the other side of the plain, +being attacked by the "S.R.Y." + + +A DIFFICULT PROPOSITION. + +It was clear that no further advance could be made until the Turks on the +left were dislodged. This seemed to be a difficult proposition, as enemy +reinforcements could be seen coming up in great numbers. Towards evening an +attempt was made to attack them on the other side, but the ground being +found to be very rocky, and after being shelled considerably and night +setting in, orders were received to withdraw. Then the "S.N.H." came right +back to the point where they had left the Brigade, and "C" Sub-section +remained with them for that night. After several attempts had been made to +bring in the captured guns, it was decided it was impossible to retain +them, so they were turned over a precipice. + +The next morning (November 3rd) before daylight, the "S.N.H." and "C" +Sub-section set out again, and occupied the same position which they had +evacuated the previous night, being relieved about 10.00 by the +Australians. They had, however, to stand-by for a time, as the Turks showed +signs of attacking. On the way back to the Brigade they passed British +infantry on the way up to the attack, moving under artillery fire, which +on both sides was very lively just then. + +In the meantime "D" Sub-section had been having an adventure; the following +incident being related by one who was present:-- + + "D'S" ADVENTURE. + + "Shortly after leaving the Brigade," he writes, "we came into + action on a ridge and gave overhead fire, while the S.R.Y. attacked + the enemy position which was on another ridge about 1,800 yards + off. After a short time, in order to get closer to the enemy, we + advanced to an intervening ridge about 900 yards, bringing us this + distance from the enemy. During this advance, which was carried out + at the gallop, we were subjected to very heavy machine-gun fire, + through which we were lucky to come with the loss of only one pack + mule. The second position was a good one, and we were able to bring + very effective fire on to the enemy who were in a similar position + to ourselves, only rather higher up. Observation was very bad owing + to the hard ground. + + "After being in action for a considerable time and having fired a + large quantity of ammunition, we suddenly became aware that we were + entirely "on our own," not one S.R.Y. or a man of any other unit to + be seen. Mr. Raynor went back to try to re-establish communication, + and just as it was rapidly getting dark he sent up an orderly to + tell us to come out of action, and to lead us down into a gulley + below the position we held, where he was. When we arrived at what + the guide thought was the spot, however, it was quite dark, indeed + "pitch black". He was nowhere to be found, and after sending out + scouts in all directions, and still being unable to find him in the + darkness, we took the opportunity to feed the horses. After a + short rest and being under the impression that the Brigade had + advanced (from information previously obtained) we advanced too! + After passing our former position, and descending the steep slope + beyond, we at last sighted a light, and sent out a man (Pte. + Chantry) to reconnoitre. Our surprise can be imagined, when he got + to within a hundred yards of it he was fired at. It was a party of + Turks! They immediately 'stood to' and let us have it 'hot'. We at + once galloped to cover on the left flank, but unfortunately before + we reached it Francis was hit, and we never saw the poor chap + again! The pack animal he was leading, however, came along with the + rest of the horses. + + "Just after this incident a gun 'pack' (the Bint), got loose (she + was always difficult to lead), and galloped off. But she came in by + herself the next morning, followed shortly afterwards by the horse + poor Francis had been riding when he met his end. After we reached + cover, we found the 'S.R.Y.' Headquarters close by, so we reported + there, when we were told that orders had been issued for us to + re-join the Squadron. The 'O.C.' and Mr. Raynor were there also, who + told us to remain for the night, off-saddling half at a time. The + following morning we again came into action near our original + position of the previous day, but did not fire. During the morning + we were relieved by some machine guns from the Camel Corps, and + then rejoined the Brigade". + + +"B" SUB-SECTION'S WORK. + +"B" Sub-section was early attached to the Australians and advanced, on the +right of the "S.R.Y.," on the edge of the plain. They had tough fighting +and fired a considerable quantity of ammunition. It is regretted that +information is not available, to allow of a detailed description of the +adventures of this Sub-section at Khuweilfeh, being given. It is certain, +however, that the Sub-section rendered the Australians valuable assistance, +which was greatly appreciated. + +The Brigade, having been relieved by the 53rd Division[3], now commenced +the long march back to Beersheba, a distance of at least 10 miles, through +the country we have just described. This journey, and that which followed, +were the most tiring of these operations. It must be remembered that the +horses had not been watered nor the men's water-bottles filled, since the +previous morning. When the intense heat of the day is considered, not to +mention the dust, the hardships suffered can, perhaps, be imagined! The +G.O.C. (Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O.) went along the whole column +and handed his brandy-flask to those who seemed the most exhausted. Upon +arriving at Beersheba, the town was found to be swarming with more troops, +and it was with the greatest difficulty that any water was obtained at all. +Everyone had gone without just as long as we had done--at least, so they +said! + +The next day (November 4th), was spent in watering and cleaning up. Towards +evening, "Saddle-up" was ordered; the Brigade moved at 16.00 and marched to +Karm, a distance of 15 miles--a journey which seemed interminable. The air +was so thick with dust that it was necessary to keep right on to the tail +of the horse in front, or you would have been lost in a second. "'Ware hole +on the right!" "Mind the wire!" and such like orders were passed down the +column from time to time. You had just to do what you were told, as it was +quite impossible to see even a yard ahead! + +Arrived at Karm, at about 22.00, the Brigade watered their horses from the +troughs beside the railway line, which were supplied with water brought up +in trucks by train from the pipe line at Shellal or El Arish! After a short +sleep, the Brigade moved on a few miles to Goz el Geleib, and took over a +camping area from the 8th Mounted Brigade. + +Our Squadron took over the identical ground just occupied by the 21st +Squadron, and the small party we sent on in advance learnt of the action +they had been in, when strongly attacked, and the praise they had earned +from the Commander-in-Chief. During this action, one of their officers +(Lieut. Stuart) who was known to some of the members of the "20th," was +captured. He was at first reported killed. + +The Brigade stayed here for the day in reserve. Glad enough everyone was of +this little rest, which at any time is indeed "very little" for a cavalry +unit, even when halted. That afternoon an officer of the Squadron was +ordered to proceed to a point overlooking the Wadi Imleh and establish +signalling communication with the Australian Headquarters, and to keep +watch for any enemy movement across it. The line, in this part, was held by +small posts, in some places over a mile apart. It would seem to be an easy +matter for the Turk to creep up during the night and at daybreak pour +through the gaps. It was, indeed, at this point that the 21st Squadron had +been so hard pressed. + +Nothing unusual happened on this occasion, however, and the next morning +(November 6th), the Brigade moved at 08.30 to a point north-east of Karm, +near Abu Irgeig, just behind the line. Two sub-sections were at once sent +to a line of observation overlooking Wadi Imleh. Persistent rumours of an +enemy attack from this quarter which, as has been seen, was very lightly +held, kept everyone on the alert. + +"C" Sub-section watered at Karm during the day and before night the +positions were carried by the infantry and the Brigade camped near by. But +it was on the move again the next morning (November 7th) long before +daylight (at 04.30). No person in the Squadron knew what was the +destination, and when, at length, day broke, there were many speculations +even as to the locality they were then actually in. + +Eventually a railway was crossed, and the country appeared just like that +north of Beersheba. It transpired, in fact, that they were only a few miles +from that town, but on a different road from that leading to Khuweilfeh. +After having covered about 8 miles since the morning, the Brigade +approached Tel-el-Sheria, where it came in sight of the railway station, +and under enemy shell-fire, which was pretty hot at times. At the station +itself the shelling was hotter still, as 5.9's were falling thick just +there. At night, however, all shelling ceased and the troops were able to +water their horses at 23.00 in the wadi, close to the station. + +Meanwhile at Gaza, on the coast, the intense bombardment of the Turkish +lines that had been going on, was more than the enemy could stand, and he +began to withdraw his troops. To such an extent had the withdrawal been +carried out, that a British attack on the night of November 6th-7th met +with but slight opposition, and Outpost Hill, Middlesex Hill and Ali-Munter +were captured without much trouble. The Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade +passed right through the ruins of Gaza. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [3] _The enemy by this time probably thought that a wide out-flanking + movement was to be undertaken at Khuweilfeh, and accordingly hastily + brought up still more reserves. After fighting day and night against + superior numbers, the 53rd Division was, finally, able to capture the + position on November 6th. The drawing of the Turkish reserves to this + part of the line contributed to the success elsewhere._ + + +THE BRIGADE ADVANCES. + +The following day (November 8th), at 05.00, a further advance was made by +our Brigade along the railway about 9 miles, and the enemy was sighted in +the neighbourhood of Tel Hudeiwe, whom the "S.N.H." and "C" Sub-section +were sent to dislodge. This task they accomplished at once, but a sudden +counter-attack forced back our advanced points with a rush, who sustained +some casualties. The position then held was a good one, and there were +little doubts about our being able to hold it, even if outnumbered. The +ground was so steep in the rear, that led-horses could be brought up to +within 20 yards, or less, of the guns. In front, too, the ground sloped +away sharply, and on the other side of the valley was a ridge, similar to +our own, to which the Turks had withdrawn, and where they could be seen in +large numbers. They kept up a very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, which, +however, we heartily returned. Their artillery, evidently, was being +employed elsewhere, as will be shown shortly. During the afternoon the +Turks were seen to be reinforced, and showed every sign of attempting an +attack. "B" Sub-section came up and was in action alongside "C"; "E" +Sub-section also was attached, but was held in reserve for eventualities. +It was soon seen, however, that the Turk had come to the conclusion that +"discretion was the better part of valour," for nothing further happened. + + +"D" SUB-SECTION'S CASUALTIES. + +Meanwhile "D" Sub-section had been having a rough time. They had taken up a +position close to Brigade Headquarters with the Essex Battery, to protect +it from a flank attack. The Essex and Turkish artillery had a lively duel, +during which shells fell thick, around this quarter. Lance-Corpl. Marriott +was, unfortunately, killed, while Lieut. Raynor, Ptes. Taylor and Crane, +and, later, Lance-Corpl. Green, were wounded, in this action. It may be +mentioned here, that Lieut. Raynor was hit in the arm, and after undergoing +several operations in Nasrieh Hospital, Cairo, he was sent home and finally +retired from the Army. The manner in which he had organised "D" +Sub-section, and in a few weeks made it a fighting unit of exceptional +quality, had earned him great praise. Sergt. Fleet, who assumed command +after Lieut. Raynor was hit, did splendid work and was afterwards awarded +the Military Medal. + +All was quiet during the night, and at daybreak the patrols sent out, +reported "all clear"; the Turks had "Imshied" (i.e., cleared out). After +watering, under a certain amount of shell fire, the Sub-sections that had +been in the line re-joined the Squadron; the remainder had watered late the +previous night, and were not allowed the time to water again. Then +commenced an exciting race across country towards the coast, in an +endeavour to cut off the Turkish garrison at Gaza, which was stated at this +time to be in full retreat. The Brigade advanced 16 miles that day--"Point +375," Simsin-Bureir, Huliekht, Julis--right through the ancient land of the +Philistines. + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + +A different kind of country was being met with now, much of it being, +evidently, cultivated during certain times of the year. Many villages were +also passed, some of which looked quite pretty from a distance, clustering +among their cactus hedges and a few trees. But anything green would have +looked pleasant at that moment to the men who, for so long, had seen +nothing but the arid desert. It was a case, however, of "distance lending +enchantment to the view", as a close inspection proved disappointing. The +filth in which these people live must be seen to be realised. Language +fails in this case! Their houses are simply mud huts consisting, generally, +of only one room, in which the whole family live! During the day strong +healthy men sit about outside, while the women do all the work, even to the +toilsome labour of tilling the ground! A search for water in such places is +not a very hopeful matter; at the most there might be two wells, from which +water could be got up, _a bucketful at a time_--a hopeless look out, when +there are thousands of thirsty men and horses! Nothing was seen of the +enemy that day, and when the sea came in view (what a splendid sight!), it +was evident the Gaza forces had escaped. + +What an enormous amount of ammunition and stores they had left behind! It +has been stated, unofficially, it would have been enough to last them 12 +months! Evidently, the enemy did not expect to leave in such a hurry. + +That night the Brigade bivouacked at Julis, and the next morning (November +10th), in attempting to water "B" Sub-section was shelled out of Es Suafir +el Gharbiye. The Squadron then returned to Julis, and was ordered to +off-saddle and look for water at one of the villages near the coast. +Eventually they found a moderate supply at Hamame, 3-1/2 miles away, +together with--quite unexpectedly--oranges. To say that these were +appreciated is hardly adequate, it can well be imagined that they _were_ a +luxury just then! + +Having returned to camp, Capt. Davies and Lieut. Price excited the envy of +the other officers. They had been to El-Mejdel, a few miles south of +Hamame, which turned out to be quite civilised compared with the +surrounding villages, and they had bought some tobacco and, actually, had +had a cup of coffee! + + +A REST AT HAMAME. + +An hour or two afterwards we had great news! The Brigade was to go to +Hamame for a rest and clean up, and perhaps a swim in the sea! After our +experiences it would certainly be difficult to think of anything that could +be more appreciated, unless it were a square meal; but then, there were +oranges to be had, to make up for shortcomings in that respect. + +Only 11 days since leaving Esani, yet how much had been crowded into that +short period! As much work had been done every day as was usually done in a +week. It was not the fatigue of the trekking and fighting that "told" so +much, but the lack of adequate rest; generally "turning-in" very late at +night, and often having to sleep in boots ready to move before daylight the +following morning, with nothing but "bully beef," biscuits, and (a very +little) jam to eat. Sometimes tea was available, but frequently without +sugar or milk. As regards "bully beef," this may be very sustaining, but it +is a fact difficult to believe when having nothing else to eat for weeks on +end. The look of it was enough to make one sick! Of course, in the +circumstances, no other rations were possible, and the Supply Department +certainly did wonders to keep units supplied with _any_ kind of food, when +they did not know, from one hour to another, where they would be located +next, without taking into consideration the distances that had to be +covered over roads hardly worthy to be called tracks. + +Two days were spent at Hamame, and how glorious they were! The Squadron +rode down "bare-back" to the beach each day (two miles away) and bathed, +the horses going into the sea as well. They were watered from wells just +dug by the Field Troop (R.E.). It is a curious fact that all along this +coast one has only to dig down in the sand a few feet, and there an +inexhaustible supply of fresh water is to be found. It only remains to put +up canvas troughs and hand pumps, and any number of horses can be watered, +as easily as if they were in the best watered country in the world. It is +unfortunate that this is not possible away from the coast. + + +AT JUNCTION STATION. + +At 04.30 on the morning of November 13th, the Brigade moved from its +comfortable quarters at Hamame, nearly due east to Beit Affe, and then +beyond Summeil, where a line was taken over which had been previously held +by another Brigade. On the way the Turks shelled us heavily. It is +surprising how difficult it is to hit a Brigade on the move, in "Line of +Troop Column"; shells often fell right in the centre of a Regiment, yet not +actually hitting a troop or doing any damage whatever! At night we withdrew +from the line, marched on to Tel-et-Turmus, north-west, and slept there in +a deep wadi. The next day at 05.30 we were "on the move" again and pushed +on to El Tine crossing the railway. It was evident, from the amount of kit, +dead animals, etc., on the road, that "Johnny Turk" had not been _dawdling_ +by the way! + +From El Tine we went to Kezaze and thence to Junction Station where our +eyes were gladdened by the sight of a BRICK BUILDING. On reaching the crest +of the ridge the railway leading to Jerusalem suddenly came into view, and, +parallel with it, was seen the main road to that town. Visible for several +miles until lost to sight in the distant hills, it was crowded with +retreating Turks who had been thoroughly surprised at our sudden +appearance. The station appeared to be in flames, but the Turk was still +"showing fight," and in a short time "C" Sub-section attached to the +"S.R.Y." was in action on the ridge south of the railway against the enemy, +who had a position on a hill the other side of it. In about a quarter of +an hour, however, the Turk was seen retiring, and the Sub-section came out +of action and advanced across the railway line to "let him have it" again, +in his new position in front of the village of Khulde. Evening was drawing +near, when orders were received to withdraw to the original position for +the night, and close by there, the Squadron settled down. Before that, +however, they had gone to the station to water, but the supply quickly gave +out and they had to return. Towards midnight, a fresh source having been +tapped, they turned out to water again, none having been had the day +before: _they had been 57 hours without water!_ + +The next day no serious advance was made, but the day following, after +being shelled before starting, the Brigade crossed the railway and went +through Khulde, which had been evacuated. They were heavily shelled and +unable to proceed, as they found the enemy firmly entrenched in the hills. +"D" Sub-section got some targets at Latron.[4] They returned to their old +camp; water by this time had been developed and was no difficulty. The +infantry too had arrived. + +Nothing was done the next day, and everyone was glad of the rest. +Sec.-Lieut. Kindell having contracted dysentery, was sent to hospital. It +was now November 17th, and the Squadron had become seriously reduced in +strength. More men had been lost than horses, and men leading three animals +each accompanied the transport. Two officers and 50 men had been killed, +wounded, or evacuated sick (more than a quarter of the whole Squadron), +whereas only 15 animals had been lost. This left 35 riding horses +_surplus_, men to lead which had to be found. It should be remembered that +losses in a machine gun unit are much more serious than in a regiment. The +teams for the guns have to be maintained, and when these are reduced in +strength an enormous amount of extra work falls on those who remain. + +At 05.30 on November 18th the Brigade went to Khurbet Deiran, 6 miles +north-west, arriving the same morning. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [4] _At Latron was a castle of the Knights of St. John. It was + destroyed by Saladin in A.D. 1191._ + + +THE JEWISH COLONIES OF PALESTINE. + +The first sight of really civilised country was obtained at this period. On +the way, the cultivated areas round Ramleh[5] were visible as far as the +eye could reach. This was indeed a very pleasant change from the barren +and uncultivated tracts--the interminable stretches of rocky and +boulder-strewn ground, intersected by apparently unbounded areas of flat, +dust-covered wastes:-- + + "Dust in heaps and dust in piles, dust in shifting ridges; + Dust and dust for miles and miles, and what 'aint dust is midges". + +So quoth the cynic; and the peculiar part about it is that, wherever are +large stretches of dusty ground, so also _there is the wind!_ and nothing +need be said of the result of a combat between these two forces. + +[Illustration] + +All thoughts of the country left behind, however, were immediately banished +from the mind at the sight of that which lay before us, and anticipation +ran high in the belief that these were the wonderful orange-groves which, +one had heard, were supposed to be situated in this part of Palestine. +Expectations were realised, and on nearing Deiran, orchard upon orchard +were passed with trees bending under the weight of hundreds of large and +delicious Jaffa oranges! Everyone purchased as many as it was possible to +carry, and those who had no available cash, managed to satisfy their wants +by means of barter--incidentally, be it whispered, many an odd tin of +"bully" found its way into the local inhabitants' larders. + +Practically the whole of this part of Palestine, reaching from Deiran to +several miles north of Jaffa, is split up into a number of Jewish Colonies, +settlers under the Zionist movement, and they form the nucleus of the +renascent Jewish nation. Deiran was found to be a well-laid-out village +composed of substantially-built houses of white stone, with red-tiled +roofs, "up-to-date" furniture, and with nice white lace curtains at the +windows. One could almost delude himself into the belief that he was home +again. And the delusion almost became a reality as one caught sight of +pretty young girls dressed in quite smart European frocks, standing in the +doorways with welcoming smiles, and motherly old ladies beaming with +pleasure, who handed large bunches of luscious grapes to the men as they +rode by. It must be remembered that it was only two days since that the +Turks had been somewhat hurriedly ejected from this place. The great +pleasure that these hard-working people experienced could be quite +understood when some of the barbarous acts of the Turks are brought to +mind, they being too well known to be dwelt upon here. Afterwards it was +learned from the inhabitants, that many and great were the impositions +placed upon them; the Turk simply took what he wanted, and should he happen +to take a dislike to anyone, the latter was in danger of having all his +property confiscated, without any explanation whatever being given. + +The day after the Brigade arrived at Deiran they moved via Naane[6] and +Annabe to between Harmash and Nalin, 14 miles north-east. Here they stayed +three days, watering twice daily, at Hadithe, about 3 miles east-north-east +of Ludd. About this time the weather broke and heavy rain set in. This +downpour, accompanied as it was by a considerable fall in the temperature, +was a severe trial for troops attired in summer clothing who, until a few +hours previously, had been suffering from excessive heat! + +At 09.00 on November 23rd they went through Ludd about 16 miles south-east +to Zernuka. The 24th was spent there, and on the 25th they moved in the +afternoon to Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun Kara), 6 miles due north, in reserve to +the Anzacs, as the enemy was becoming active in this quarter. They stayed +here the following day, and men were allowed to go into the town. +Rishon-le-Zion is a pretty little place, and another example of the Zionist +movement. Here are large wine distilleries, and very good wine they make +too! Before the War large quantities were regularly sent to England. + +The next morning (November 27th), the Brigade returned to Zernuka (close to +Akir[7]). They arrived about midday and watered. Late in the afternoon +Lieut. Oakley arrived, bringing 40 remounts and reinforcements for the +Brigade (none for this Squadron unfortunately); he had ridden the 70 miles +from Belah in 30 hours, and had, in fact, only left Cairo at 18.15 on the +24th. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [5] _Ramleh was a city of the Crusaders, and suffered in the wars + between the Franks and Saladin. During the French invasion Napoleon + made this town his headquarters._ + + [6] _Naane; Naamah, see Joshua xv, 41._ + + [7] _Akir = Ekron, see Joshua xv, 11, 45, xix, 43; I Sam. vi; III Kings + i; Jer. xxv, 20; Amos i, 8; Zeph. ii, 4; Zech. iv, 5._ + + +THE BEIT UR ET TAHTA OPERATIONS. + +The British line had been advanced and now extended from the River Auja +north of Jaffa on the coast, south-east to a few miles north-east of +Jerusalem and thence due south. The Turk at this time, although greatly +demoralised, was making some desperate counter-attacks. + +At 17.00 on November 27th, orders were received for a move that night at +21.00. The Brigade was required, in a great hurry, to fill a gap in the +line that the Turks had discovered, and of which they appeared to intend to +take advantage. + +Of the Machine-Gun Squadron, only Headquarters and three sub-sections ("A" +"D" and "E") were to go, but were made up to working strength by men from +"B" and "C" Sub-sections. The Officer Commanding, Capt. Marshall, was +there, and the "second in command," Capt. Davies. Lieut. Price, M.C., still +commanded "E," but Lieut. Cazalet being sick, Lieut. Hibbert took his place +in command of "A". "D" Sub-section was under Sergt. Fleet, who had just +been notified that he had been awarded the Military Medal for his splendid +work at Hudeiwe and elsewhere. + +The forced march to Tahta (a distance of 22 miles), all through the night, +after the previous operations, was "killing". The horses, however, stood +the fast going over rocky ground remarkably well, and a part of the +distance was even covered at the canter! A faint glimmer of dawn was just +visible over the tops of the surrounding hills when the Brigade, on the +morning of the 28th November, arrived, tired, dusty and dishevelled, in the +vicinity of Beit ur et Tahta, a desolate native village, about 12 miles +north-west of Jerusalem and situated at the end of a wadi along the centre +of which ran the road leading from Jimzu.[8] + + FOOTNOTES: + + [8] _Jimzu = Gimzo, see II Chron. xxviii, 18._ + + +A TURKISH SURPRISE ATTACK. + +Immediately upon arrival the horses were off-saddled and fed, the "dixies" +were unearthed from off the pack-saddles and everything pointed to an early +mug of tea and a much-needed rest. Unfortunately, the fates decreed +otherwise, for just as the water was "on the boil" a terrific fusillade of +rifle-fire broke out, seemingly from all sides. Previously to this, there +had been intermittent shelling just to the north of the village, and on the +commencement of the rifle-fire this increased in intensity until things +began to look extremely awkward. A quick glance up at the hills surrounding +the wadi gave no indication as to the source from which the firing +emanated, until, a few minutes later, when several men were seen "doubling +back" down the slope of the hill on the western side of the wadi. These +men were afterwards found to be those holding the outposts in that +particular point of the line. They came with the ominous news that the +outposts were driven in and the Turks were upon us! Almost at once this was +seen to be the case, as the enemy reached the top of the ridge and his fire +began to take its toll of men and animals. + +To gain a proper appreciation of the serious predicament in which the +Brigade was placed at this moment, it will be necessary to understand the +nature of the ground thereabouts. On both sides of the wadi were high +banks, or hills, 60 to 80 feet high, the surface of these being strewn with +large rocks and boulders. The wadi itself was about 20 yards wide with the +road winding its tortuous way down the centre between rocks and boulders +worn smooth by the passage of water which, ages ago, had run its course +from the hills. Packed in this wadi was the Brigade, absolutely at the +mercy of the withering fire of the enemy, almost from overhead. + +Immediately everything became an orderly bustle and excitement. Squadrons +of the two Yeomanry regiments were dispatched to take up defensive +positions. The Officer Commanding ordered "E" Sub-section to come into +action on the side of the hill, about 400 yards away to the left, against +a Mosque which was strongly held, and whence most of the fire appeared to +be coming. They "man-handled" their guns and took up good positions, the +rocks affording them a certain amount of cover. The gun-teams at that time +consisted of four men each, who were naturally rather exhausted after the +"trek" and rush-into-action, carrying the guns. + +These teams were composed as follows:-- + +Lance-Corpl. Grice Lance-Corpl. Thompson. +Pte. Willmore Pte. Duncan + " Crossman " Joiner + " Goldie " Roberts. + +They opened fire upon the Mosque at a range of 700 yards with good effect, +silencing two enemy machine-guns. + +After being in action about half-an-hour the "S.R.Y." sent to Lieut. Price +to deal with a party of Turks who were bringing fire to bear on their rear. +The Turks were found to be in a trench with a machine-gun. Fire was opened +on them, and all were killed except one man who escaped, mounted. Attention +was then directed to the Mosque, where the Turks were still causing some +trouble. "Covering-fire" was given to the "S.R.Y." who attacked, but +without entire success and had to withdraw. In the end the Turk was +ejected, however, and he was not able again to occupy it. + +During the day's fighting Pte. Crossman had been wounded. + + +DEATH OF LIEUT. PRICE, M.C. + +At night both guns were placed about 50 yards apart, facing up the hill. +Working hard during the night, the enemy built a breastwork on the top of +the hill, and the flash of their machine-gun fire could be seen directed +from that position across the front of the Mosque, apparently to prevent it +being occupied. About midnight Lieut. Price was walking along the line +having a look-out and had just passed his right-hand gun when he was +unfortunately hit by a bullet in the groin. Lance-Corpl. Grice at once had +him bandaged up and carried down to the dressing station by Ptes. Baker and +Roberts. To the sorrow of all his comrades, however, he died in the Field +Ambulance. He was taken to Ramleh, where he was buried. + +Just after Lieut. Price was hit, Sergt. Hawkins, who had only arrived a few +days previously, but rendered splendid service on this his first day's +fighting, was wounded (he was afterwards awarded the Military Medal) and +Corpl. Franklin then came up to take charge. He reported the casualties to +Squadron Headquarters when S.S.M. Larwood came up and "took over," sending +him to resume charge of the led horses. + +In the morning, before daylight, the guns were moved further up the hill in +line with the infantry (Scottish Rifles), who had arrived the previous +evening and advanced after dark. It was during this morning's operations +that Pte. Cowley was unfortunately wounded. The Turkish defenders of the +breastwork, after being submitted to heavy fire, came in under a German +N.C.O. and surrendered, upon which the infantry went up and occupied their +late position. The infantry soon had to fall back again, however, owing to +heavy shell fire, when the Turks re-occupied it. During the day there was a +certain amount of bombing and sniping on both sides, during which Pte. +Joiner was killed. He had been trying to account for the sniper himself, +and upon being ordered to go down the hill to see about the rations for his +sub-section he was hit as soon as he moved. + +After dark our infantry once more attacked the position, but were again +unsuccessful. At about 01.00 infantry machine-gunners came up to relieve, +being shown the way by Corpl. Franklin. The guns had to be carried down to +the led horses, as firing was still pretty hot; the ground, besides, was so +rough that it was impossible even to lead the pack animals over it. Just +before coming out of action S.S.M. Larwood and Pte. Goldie were both +unfortunately wounded, the latter so seriously that he passed away six days +later and was buried at Junction Station. + + +"A" SUB-SECTION IN ACTION. + +In the meantime the other Sub-sections had been "doing things" too. For +example, as soon as the enemy opened fire, "A" Sub-section was detailed to +join the "S.N.H." and moved over to the western side of the wadi, under +cover of the hill, where this regiment was situated; orders were received +to mount the guns on the top of this hill. After a difficult passage, under +a heavy fire, to the position indicated, the guns were brought into action +and opened fire immediately. + +It was not even necessary to adjust sights, as the enemy were within +"point-blank" range. Enfilading the enemy these guns were raking his flank +with fire, whilst he was preparing to make a final rush down into the wadi. +Had not this move been circumvented in the "nick of time," it is +impossible to estimate the disastrous consequences which would have ensued. +Almost at once, the deadly fire of the two machine-guns began to tell their +tale, and odd Turks here and there suddenly remembered "a very urgent +appointment". Within an hour the top of this hill was cleared, and the +enemy were seen to be concentrating on the further ridge. From this +vantage-point he kept up a brisk fire, both with machine-guns and rifles, +and it was an extremely risky undertaking to show one's head above the +particular rock behind which one was taking cover. Their fire, however, was +returned with interest, and it helped to make "Johnny" arrive at the +decision that it would be a very unwise thing to attack again that day, +although he _did_ once make a half-hearted attempt to regain his former +position, which was promptly frustrated. + +This state of things continued throughout the day, but the exposed position +of these two guns began to make itself very evident, as the enemy's field +guns, firing from the right flank, began to get the "hang of things" there. +It was, indeed, only by a miracle that both gun-teams were not entirely +wiped out! Night fell with the position of affairs pretty much the same, +but, later on, a welcome respite was afforded by the cessation of the +shell-fire, although machine-gun and rifle fire still continued, and if +anything, with greater intensity. + +At about midnight, a tremendous "strafe" commenced a little to the left, +bombs and flares were freely used, and although no attempt was made to +force the position, everything was in readiness, should the Turk have +decided to do so. Our left-hand gun had been moved forward to command the +approach to the ridge from which the Turks were driven earlier in the day. +At daybreak enemy shells again commenced to fall, and it soon became quite +apparent that no rest would be obtained that day. The enemy's artillery +left little to be desired from his point of view, as regards accuracy of +range, although considering the amount of shells expended our casualties +were comparatively slight. + +At about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, figures were observed to be moving on +the top of a hill about 500 yards away on our left; they seemed to be +making towards a mosque, situated at the end of the ridge. Our two machine +guns were immediately turned upon them, when the whole of the hill-side +suddenly became _alive_ with Turks, who, scared out of their cover, fled +to the further side of the ridge. A trench-mortar battery, which had come +up during the previous night, and had taken up a position about a quarter +of a mile in the rear, opened fire at once; it is feared that "Johnny" then +had a very rough and uncomfortable 10 minutes. Chase was given by some +troops in the vicinity, with the result that practically the whole of these +enemy forces were either killed or taken prisoner. This little +_contretemps_ stirred up the wrath of "our friend the enemy" somewhat, and +he strafed us continually until nightfall. At 10 o'clock, word was received +that the Brigade was to be relieved, the situation now being considered +well in hand; accordingly, about an hour later, a Lewis gun detachment of +the Scottish Rifles took over our position, and the Sub-section then +withdrew. + +Meanwhile, "D" Sub-section had been strenuously engaged, and held back the +enemy on their part of the line. Full advantage was taken of every target +that presented itself, and heavy losses were inflicted upon the Turk. + + +OUR LED-HORSES AT TAHTA. + +When we first arrived at Tahta, as soon as fire was opened on us, the +led-horses were saddled as quickly as possible and sent back under +Sub-section Corporals to cover. They had moved off only 20 yards, when +Lance-Corpl. Carr was killed. He was buried by Corpl. Rose and Pte. Wick +that day, close to where the Brigade-Major was buried, a cross being, +temporarily, put up to mark his grave. + +The disposal of the led-horses presented a serious difficulty from the +outset; their numbers were being fast reduced by casualties, and something +had to be done to save them. It was impossible, obviously, to withdraw them +the same way as they had been brought, the Turk having got astride of the +road about half a mile below. Ultimately it was decided "to make a dash for +it," and to take the horses right over the hill on the eastern side of the +wadi, although while this was being done, they would be exposed even more +than ever to the enemy's fire. This dangerous undertaking was, however, +eventually successfully accomplished. The wadi was now, more or less, clear +of men and animals, although the place was littered with killed and +wounded. Here and there were to be seen animals with limbs broken, +struggling to follow in the wake of their companions. + +In their new position the led-horses, although rather more comfortable, +were not, by any means, safe. All the "packs" and officers' horses were +kept here, but the remainder, including all the horses of the regiments, +were taken right back to Zernuka, or rather Akir, to which place the +remainder of the Squadron left behind had moved. + +At daybreak the next morning, when the enemy's artillery opened fire, the +"packs" received a very severe shaking, and during the morning several of +the mules were hit by shell splinters. Pte. Heathcote was killed by a shell +at 10.30 whilst attending one of the wounded mules here; Pte. Rush was hit +in the shoulder, an hour afterwards, and was taken to the Field Ambulance. + + +A SAD CEREMONY. + +Upon the second (and last) night at Tahta, a very pathetic, but stirring, +burial-ceremony was held at about 21.00, which those privileged to attend +will remember to the end of their days. The ground selected for the burials +was a little gully running off the main wadi. Dead animals, horses, mules +and camels lay all around; upturned wagons and limbers were to be seen +everywhere. During the deep roar and vivid flashes of our guns, just to the +rear, and the sharp crack of bullets striking the rocks just above, the +solemn and earnest words of our Chaplain could be heard. Above all, the +full moon, bathing the gully in a bright light, combined to make a fitting +background for the laying-to-rest of those who had been called upon to make +the "supreme sacrifice". + +On leaving Tahta the Squadron marched on foot to the vicinity of El Burj +(guns on packs), arriving before daylight (November 30th). Here they stayed +for the day, in reserve, cleaning guns, etc. At 18.00, that night, they +moved nearer El Burj in support of the Australians, arriving about 21.00. +Nothing happened; but the Squadron stayed all night and the next day. That +night they moved into El Burj; next morning (December 2nd) they returned, +and found their horses awaiting them. Headquarters, "A," "D" and "E" +Sub-sections now re-joined "B" and "C" Sub-sections and transport. It was +not likely that the Squadron would be required again in the Tahta district, +except in an emergency, as the country was quite unsuitable for cavalry +tactics; as it turned out, they were not destined to do any more fighting +for a long time to come. + +But the British advance had by no means been stopped, in spite of the check +in the hills. The absence of roads and shortage of water here, made +operations exceedingly difficult, and it was decided to attack the Turkish +positions covering Jerusalem, from the south-west and west, instead of from +the north-west. The troops were moved into position, and the main attack +was launched at dawn on December 8th. This attack was immediately +successful and resulted in the surrender of Jerusalem by the Turks to the +60TH DIVISION on the morning of Sunday, December 9th. Thus, after four +centuries of conquest, the Turk was ridding the land of his presence in the +bitterness of defeat. _On this same day_, 2082 years before, another race +of conquerors, equally detested, were looking their last on the city which +they could not hold, and, inasmuch as the liberation of Jerusalem in 1917 +will probably ameliorate the lot of the Jews more than that of any other +community in Palestine, it was fitting that the flight of the Turks should +have coincided with the national festival of the Hanukah, which +commemorates the re-capture of the Temple from the heathen Seleucids by +Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. + + + + +PART III. + + +AFTER JERUSALEM--A REST! + +During the last-mentioned operations, the Squadron had lost three officers +and 67 men (out of the total of seven officers and 182 men, with which it +started from Amr), and had only received one officer and three men as +reinforcements. The losses in animals were: 50 riding horses, 15 draught +and pack animals and one donkey. Of these animals, 25 had been killed at +Tahta alone, and, considering that the Squadron had covered nearly 300 +miles in five weeks, the losses due to fatigue, etc., were remarkably +small. It was now necessary that the Squadron be re-equipped and +re-organised, but reinforcements and remounts had first to be obtained, +when training could be re-commenced. At length on December 5th Sergt. +Knowles and Sergt. Lewis, with 10 reinforcements, arrived from the base; +Sergt. Knowles being posted to "D" Sub-section and Sergt. Lewis to "E". +Both these Sergeants did excellent work. Unfortunately, Sergt. Lewis went +to hospital shortly after he arrived, and was not able to return for a long +time; owing to ill-health and bad luck, neither of them was able to go into +action with the sub-sections they did so much towards making efficient. A +fortnight was spent at Akir in complete rest, after which the Brigade +moved, via El Mughar and Beshshit, to the sand hills north-east of Esdud +and about 1-1/2 miles from the coast. + + +"RE-GROUPING" AT ESDUD.[9] + +Conditions were not too pleasant here, but they might, perhaps, have been a +great deal worse! The weather was very wet and cold and the sudden change +from summer to winter was trying, even for the strongest constitutions. +Being upon sand, the camp and district was certainly free from mud, but in +order to water the horses a great sea of mud had to be gone through twice a +day in order to reach the troughs that were erected at the Wadi Sukereir, +two miles away. Warm clothing was issued out to all, and when fresh meat +came up from the base, the members of the Squadron felt that they were +enjoying luxury indeed! + +December 21st brought a draft of 18 good fellows; the N.C.O.'s included +Lance-Corpls. Gage, Laycock, Peach, Prior and Salter. + +December 22nd saw the return of six old members of the Squadron who had +gone to hospital during the last days of the "stunt," including Corpl. +Franklin; he, however, had only been away a fortnight. Lieut. Millman and +the personnel of "F" Section who went to Gamli from Amr, and afterwards to +Belah, re-joined the Squadron at Esdud. + +The Officer Commanding now grouped the Sub-sections together to form three +sections. "No. 1" Section (consisting of "A" and "C" Sub-sections), under +Lieut. Cazalet and Lieut. Oakley; "No. 2" Section ("B" and "D" +Sub-sections) under Lieut. Hibbert and Sec.-Lieut. Kindell (now returned +from hospital); "No. 3" Section ("E" and "F" Sub-sections) under Lieut. +Millman ("F" Sub-section was still without horses). Sergt. Fleet, M.M., of +"D" Sub-section had been promoted S.S.M., after S.S.M. Larwood had been +wounded. Sergt. Knowles took his place in "D" on arrival. Reinforcements, +and the Belah party, brought the five Sub-sections up to a reasonable +strength: such was the position of affairs when Xmas drew near. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [9] _Esdud = Ashdod of the Bible, one of the Philistine cities: See + Joshua xiii, 3; I Samuel v; II Chron. xxvi, 6; Isaiah xx, 1; Neh. xiii, + 23; Jeremiah xxv, 20; Amos i, 8, iii, 9; Zeph. ii, 4; Zech. ix, 6. In + New Testament called Azotus, Acts viii, 40._ + + +A "MERRY" XMAS, 1917. + +Everyone had been hoping to have _a real good time_ this Christmas, to make +up for the hardships endured through the "stunt". Puddings, beer and other +good things, it was known, were on the way up, but, owing to difficulties +with the bridge over the Wadi Ghuzze which interrupted railway traffic, +when the day arrived, nothing had reached camp! The "goods" eventually +turned up in time for the New Year but, there being a not very large +percentage of Scotsmen in the Squadron, this did not make up for the +disappointment at Xmas. Further, the weather on the day itself was +certainly about the worst of the whole winter; blowing hard and raining +incessantly, it was scarcely with a feeling of contentment that the men +"turned in" that night--all doubtless thinking of brighter surroundings in +the old country! + + +A BAD START IN 1918--BETTER TIMES FOLLOW! + +The first thing to happen in 1918 was a _MOVE_ to Belah; nights being spent +at Medjel and Gaza on the way. The animals in the Brigade had not yet +recovered from their previous exertions, and many a horse, unable to go +further, had unfortunately to be led away and shot. Crossing the railway at +Belah and turning to the west towards the fresh-water lake, the Brigade +went round the north-end of the latter, right on to the low cliffs at the +sea-shore, where the camp was to be located. There seemed to be promise of +better times here than had been experienced at Esdud. The water for the +horses was fairly close at hand _and there was no mud_. + +The Brigade being now south of the bridge over the Wadi Ghuzze, rations +were also likely to be better and the mail more regular; there was, in +addition, a _CANTEEN_ at Belah! + +Many changes in personnel took place about this time. Before leaving Esdud +S.Q.M.S. Harrison, Corpl. Barrett, Lance-Corpl. Blenkin, Ptes. Dransfield, +F.W. Harrison, Ellams and Hadden left to become cadets in the R.A.F. Sergt. +Fisher was promoted S.Q.M.S. Capt. Spencer, M.C., had arrived, being posted +as second in command, but was reposted a few days later, to the same +position which he had previously held in the 18th Squadron. Capt. L.F. St. +John Davies, M.C., arrived from the 21st Squadron the day Capt. Spencer +left, and became second in command. Lieut. G.M. King was posted from the +17th Squadron (January 8th), and Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. Arden arrived from the +base (January 19th); Sec.-Lieut. Kindell was admitted to hospital again, +but he returned within a few weeks. + +Reinforcements continued to arrive, consisting of both old and new faces: +January 6th, Lance.-Corpl. Keatley and six men; January 7th, Lance.-Corpl. +G. Neal and 11 men; January 17th, Lance.-Corpl. Smith and 15 men; January +23rd, Saddler Hayward and eight men. Sec.-Lieut. Arden formed "F" +Sub-section; remounts being now available. The Squadron thus became +complete, having six Sub-sections. The training commenced, mounted drill, +elementary gun drill, mechanism, "I.A.", special classes for range-finding, +signalling, also lectures. N.C.O.'s were instructed in indirect fire. +Lieut. Hibbert left for leave in the United Kingdom on February 10th, and +Lieut. King took his place in "B" Sub-section, and O.C. "No. 2" Section. + +[Illustration] + +On February 18th, Capt. D. Marshall, M.C., proceeded on leave to the United +Kingdom, and Capt. L.F. St. John Davies, M.C., became O.C., with Lieut. +Oakley second in command. On returning to the E.E.F. Capt. Marshall was +posted to the 17th Squadron. On February 22nd the Brigade moved north to +Gaza,[10] or rather to about 1-1/2 miles south of it. Here there was a +fair amount of grazing, and the animals were taken out every day for that +purpose. They had been very slow in picking up condition, and it was hoped +that this would do the necessary, as indeed it did. + +The camp was arranged in the form of a square, a favourite formation with +the Squadron, and a safe one during air raids. Water was a mile away in the +Wadi Ghuzze, and rations were drawn from Gaza. On February 25th, Lieut. +Oakley went to hospital; Lieut. King became second in command. On February +26th, Lieut. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., arrived, and was posted to "No. 1" +Section, taking command of "C" Sub-section. Training continued as at Belah, +and on February 28th there was a Divisional Field Day--"crossing the Wadi +Ghuzze," in which the 20th and 21st Squadrons were combined under Capt. +R.O. Hutchinson, M.C., of the 21st. + +On March 4th another Divisional Scheme took place on the hills south-east +of the camp, the object being to intercept and defeat an imaginary enemy +(represented in skeleton), advancing from Tel el Jemmi. This manoeuvre was +satisfactorily performed. + +On the 7th a pleasant diversion was made by a race meeting held by our +neighbours, the 22nd Mounted Brigade. They had taken great trouble in +preparing the course for both steeplechases and flat races, and on the day, +a scene was presented very similar to a meeting at home, except for the +absence of the ladies. On March 13th, Sec.-Lieut. J.W. Cummer arrived, and +was posted to "C" Sub-section, Lieut. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., being now +second in command of the Squadron--a post which he held without +interruption until he became Officer Commanding. On March 22nd, Sergt. +Wright, who had been with the Squadron since its formation, left for an +infantry cadet course at Zeitoun. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [10] _Gaza, see Judges xvi and l, 18; Genesis x, 19; Deut. ii, 23; Jer. + xxv, 20, xlvii, 1, 5; Josh. xi, 22, xv, 47; I Kings iv, 24 (Azzah); + Amos i, 7; Jeph. ii, 4; Zech. ix, 5; Acts viii, 26._ + + +INSPECTION BY H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT. + +News was at this time received that H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught would +shortly inspect our Brigade, which was now commanded by Brig.-Gen. G.V. +Clarke, D.S.O. Several preliminary parades were, therefore, held, the +inspection ultimately taking place on March 15th. After the march-past the +Brigade was formed into a Square and H.R.H. expressed his high satisfaction +with its appearance, and congratulated all ranks on their work of the +previous year. After this speech he decorated the officers, N.C.O.'s and +men, who had won distinction during the operations. + +[Illustration: At Belah. + +Officers, Warrant Officer and Sergeants.] + +The 7th Brigade races were held on the 21st, and provided a good day's +sport, but the engagement was rather spoiled by an almost continuous +downpour of rain. Towards the end of March the "O.C." stated that he would +shortly hold two test "turn-outs". At last, one morning, sub-sections were +suddenly ordered to parade at once, in _marching order_ by the troughs at +the Wadi Ghuzze a mile away. "D" Sub-section was the first to arrive there, +and the whole Squadron was at the rendezvous _within 55 minutes_--a most +creditable performance! + +The next "turn-out" was a practice "Air alarm". Ten guns were mounted +outside the camp itself, all men took cover and the line-guards tripled in +1 minute 50 seconds! + +A pleasant day's sport was provided by a friendly competition between the +Squadron and the Field Ambulance--races, mounted sports, jumping, driving, +etc.--and our Squadron proved successful in most of the events. + +On April 1st, orders were received that the Brigade would move, the next +day, back to the area previously occupied at Belah! They duly arrived, and +the Machine-Gun Squadron took over identically the same camp as before, +except that the "lines" were 100 yards further south. A few days after +arriving here, rumours got around that several units _were to be +dismounted_! Up till this time it was thought that this was the last thing +that was likely to happen after their success in the last operations, and +the knowledge of the country and open warfare that the troops had thereby +gained. Unfortunately, the rumour proved to be only too true, and _two +regiments in each Brigade_ were ordered to hand over their horses and +proceed to the base. Here they underwent a course of training for the +Machine-Gun Corps, after which they embarked for France, formed into +Machine-Gun Battalions. The 7th Brigade having only two regiments, lost +only one--the South Notts Hussars, that being the junior. At least two +"graves" may be seen at Belah, each bearing an inscription headed by +"R.I.P." and a broken spur! Also an "IN MEMORIAM" to the lost horses of the +South Notts Hussars and the Warwick Yeomanry! The mock-ceremonies, however, +were carried out _in all sincerity_, as, who was there who did not feel +that he had lost a true friend, in being parted from his horse? + +On April 7th, the 20th Squadron lent its horses to the Warwick Yeomanry to +take them to the station, and on the 8th, to the "S.N.H." for the same +purpose. Ill-luck, however, attended these regiments. After going through +their course of training they embarked at Alexandria, but they were no +sooner out at sea than their vessel was torpedoed and sunk! Many lives were +lost, including Lieut. Morris, who will be remembered by all for his +activities in the theatrical line, as, under his able direction, the +"S.N.H. AND THE 20TH COMBINED CONCERT PARTY" provided us with a very +excellent performance at Gaza. + +Shortly after the departure of the "S.N.H.", the "S.R.Y." were called upon +to assist in an attack on the other side of the Jordan. This operation was +pushed right into the enemy country, past Es Salt, which is the most +difficult ground imaginable for cavalry, but, circumstances developing in +an unexpected manner, a withdrawal had to be made. This movement was +accomplished in a truly splendid fashion. The affair, however, was not +carried out without casualties, unfortunately, and the "S.R.Y." had to +mourn the loss of Capt. Layton, one of its most prominent Squadron leaders. + + +ARRIVAL OF INDIAN TROOPS. + +The absence of the "S.R.Y." left the 7th Mounted Brigade with only the +B.H.Q. 20th M.G. Squadron, Essex Battery, Cav. F.A. and M.V.S. But it soon +became known that Indian Cavalry Regiments had arrived from France, and +were to take the place of the regiments that had been dismounted for the +M.G.C., and also to increase the number of cavalry in the country. An +advance-party at length arrived in the Brigade, consisting of an officer +from each regiment that was to join it, and these proved to be the "20th +Deccan Horse" and "34th Poona Horse". Soon afterwards the regiments +themselves arrived by train, with their horses. How these regiments would +settle down in this country after their experience in France was at first a +subject of interest to the Squadron. But the surroundings resembled, in +some respects, their native India, and they were soon "at home". They only +needed to forget the cramped warfare of the trenches in France and to +practise real cavalry tactics again, to become a true part of the "E.E.F.". +It was also evident, from the brightness of their steelwork, that they +would be second to none in any _ceremonial_ parade. + +Training continued, and the Squadron was getting very efficient, both in +the technical and tactical handling of guns. Barrage-drill (the latest +introduction from Grantham), was practised, and an exhibition barrage, +fired out to sea, proved very instructive. On April 18th, there was an +"Action" competition for sub-sections under their respective Sergeants. +They came into action at the gallop on targets at 400 yards range. "B" +Sub-section was judged "best" with "A" Sub-section second. + +Summer was rapidly approaching, and on May 15th "Reveille" had been altered +to 04.45 to allow of the heat of the day being spent, as far as possible, +in rest. An inter-unit sports competition, held with the Essex Battery, was +exciting, and included a race on donkeys between the respective officers +commanding! The total results gained were rather in favour of the Essex +Battery. + +During April a subscription list was opened for a Memorial to the fallen in +the campaign, to be built in Jerusalem to which the Squadron subscribed +LE14. + +Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M., returned on April 11th, having quite recovered from +the wound he received at Tahta. He was posted to "A" Sub-section. On the +21st Lieut. Cazalet was admitted to hospital. + +During April Belah was considerably brightened, two large stationary +hospitals being erected, to manage which _a staff of nurses arrived_! They +certainly must have found Belah a quaint place after the civilised +conditions to which they had been accustomed at Cairo and Alexandria, and +in the course of their journey, as well as subsequently, they must have +suffered many discomforts. Introductions, however, were hastily effected, +and very soon, on afternoons, ladies could be seen out, riding with members +of the British forces of the opposite sex. + +[Illustration] + +Several ladies graced a concert given in the Squadron camp, being conducted +there by certain gallants in two "G.S." wagons and "fours-in-hand"! Another +diversion to the monotony here, was a trip to Jerusalem, which was well +worth the tiring journey, although many were disappointed in the +"side-show-at-an-exhibition" effect, which many of the most sacred spots +presented. It was, however, gratifying to think, that this, the home of our +religion, for which the Crusaders had fought and died, was at last _rescued +from the hands of the infidel_. Ten days' leave was granted to Cairo, Port +Said and Alexandria, but "turns" were necessarily very slow in coming +round. + + +WE MOVE TO SARONA. + +The month of May heralded another "move," and at 09.00 on the 4th, the +Brigade concentrated at the north end of Belah lake and set off northwards. +Nights being spent, successively, three miles north-east of Gaza; two miles +north-east of El Mejdel; one mile east of Wadi Sukereir (heavy downpour of +rain on this day). On the 7th the trail led along the edge of the +sand-dunes and through Yebna[11] to Wadi Hanen. Here a halt of two hours +was made, to water and feed. The country was very picturesque, being +thickly planted with orange-groves, whilst here and there a red-tiled +building was to be seen. At 13.00 the march was continued through +Rishon-le-Zion to the main Jaffa-Ramleh road which is a thoroughly good +metal one. Along this a few miles, thence north to Sarona, two miles +north-east of Jaffa. + +Arriving at Sarona at 16.30, the Squadron encamped beside an orange-grove +and adjoining the Aerodrome. It may here be mentioned that Sarona before +the war was a German colony, and from its appearance, must have been a +prosperous one. The main street is lined on both sides with detached and +semi-detached houses, mostly with red tiles, prettily designed. Fir trees +are abundant and help to make a pleasing picture. Outside the village there +are many orange-groves and vineyards, each with its red-tiled house, which +has, either inside or in a separate building, a well with an engine for +pumping water into a stone cistern, from which it is allowed to run, as +required, along concrete gullies, and thus distributed over the land, +irrigating it. + +In consequence of the camp proving insanitary the morning after arrival, +the Squadron moved about half a mile nearer the coast into a vineyard! This +was an exceedingly pretty spot, from which an excellent view of Jaffa could +be obtained; a few trees provided us with the unaccustomed luxury of some +shade. The Brigade was attached to the 21st Infantry Corps and was "Corps +Reserve". A training-area was allotted, and every morning the Squadron went +out for mounted training through the village across the narrow gauge "Heath +Robinson" railway, and through the orange-groves out to the area beyond +Point 275 and north of the Village of Selmeh. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [11] _Yebna = Jabneh of the Bible, see Josh xv, 11; II Chron. xxvi, 6. + There are ruins of a Crusaders' Church here._ + + +INTERESTING TACTICAL INSTRUCTION. + +Capt. St. J. Davies, M.C., often gave each section a special task, or +ordered them to concentrate at some place he might select from the map. +Some of these little "stunts" were quite interesting, as often two sections +would set off in almost opposite directions and yet they would arrive at +the rendezvous at practically the same time! + +On one of these occasions the horses were taken to the little River +Auja[12] two miles north of the camp, and made to swim across, attached to +an endless rope, being afterwards followed by the men. + +On May 23rd the Brigade practised a "concentration" just north of the Auja +and south-west of Sheik Muannis. Our Squadron did well! It arrived at the +point three miles away, in full marching order within 40 minutes from the +time the order was received. On May 28th, the Brigade moved forward north +of the Auja, in reserve for the attack by the 7th Indian Division, but this +movement was merely intended to capture a few enemy posts in order to +narrow "no man's land," and thus bring ourselves into closer touch with the +enemy. The Brigade remained "standing-by" at half an hour's notice until +the evening of the 30th, when it returned to camp. + +A Brigade scheme took place on June 7th, "No. 1" Section operated with the +Poona Horse and one Squadron of "S.R.Y."; Nos. 2 and 3 Sections with the +Deccan Horse and "S.R.Y." (less one squadron). On the 13th, another scheme +was practised, "_Defence of the Dahr Selmeh Ridge_". A regimental scheme +with the Poona Horse was also practised, besides several Squadron +manoeuvres. + +Sometimes the Squadron would go out before breakfast for the whole day, the +usual routine of camp being carried on wherever they halted; returning +"home" in the afternoon. One of these excursions brought the Squadron to +the Jewish village of Mulebbis, where oranges could be bought by the +cart-load. Two limbers were, therefore, taken back to camp fully loaded up; +this was a discovery much appreciated by all, and two days later a fresh +supply was sent for. Another local product bought at Jaffa and distilled at +Rishon-le-Zion, was red wine. It was very good too! Bought by the Squadron +canteen in large barrels, it was sold at 2-1/2 pt. (6d.) a pint. + +The Squadron canteen was doing a good trade at this time. The N.A.C.B. at +Jaffa kept a good stock, and Lance-Corpl. Prior rode down every day and +bought large quantities of all kinds of provisions, as well as barrels of +beer. + +Jaffa, where the well-known Jaffa oranges are grown, is rather more like a +European town than others in the country, but still is not to be compared +in any respect with a British town of the same size.[13] A very good +Y.M.C.A. was established there, in which was a picture-house which provided +welcome amusement in the evening. Daily bathing parades were instituted; +the camp being barely a mile from the sea. The usual procedure was to ride +to the shore and "link" horses. The men would then bathe and ride back. +Quite half the horses were taken in the sea with the men, and they seemed +to enjoy the sea just as much, after the first experience. + +[Illustration] + +Reinforcements to the Squadron during May included Lieut. F.R. Wilgress +(Lovats Scouts), who was posted to "A" Sub-section (and became Officer +Commanding No. 1); Sergt. Lewis ("E" Sub-section), Lance-Corpls. Collett, +Fuller and S.S. Fox. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [12] _River Auja, the Mejarkon of Joshua xix, 46, one of the boundaries + of the tribe of Dan._ + + [13] _Jaffa, stated to be the scene of the Legend of Perseus and + Andromeda, is the Joppa and Japho of Scripture, see Josh. xix, 46; II + Chron. ii, 16; Ezra iii, 7; Jonah i, 3; Matt. xii, 40; Acts ix, 36, x, + 9. A house said to be that of Simon the Tanner can be seen in the town. + In A.D. 1799 when Napoleon invaded Palestine, he marched 10,000 men + across the desert from Egypt, took El Arish and Gaza easily, but met + with great resistance at Jaffa. Finally, the town was taken, and then + 4,000 prisoners were murdered in cold blood after life had been + promised them._ + + +INSECT LIFE IN PALESTINE. + +[Illustration] + +As has been said, the camp, when it was first taken over, was a +particularly pleasant one, but, as the summer advanced, flies became so +numerous as to affect the health of the Squadron; the trees and bushes +which at first had been looked on as an advantage, now provided excellent +breeding places for the pests. South of Beersheba there are places where +the ground is so thick with beetles that it is difficult to walk without +treading on them at every step; at other places lizards are just as +numerous, and they are as active as mice. In most parts of Palestine +centipedes abound; these, if knocked off the skin in any other but the +direction in which they are moving, are liable to cause a very bad +inflammation and perhaps blood poisoning. Scorpions and tarantula spiders +(which are just as poisonous); snakes which are deadly; sandflies, which +cause a bad fever for several days; mosquitoes, which can inject malignant +malarial germs capable of causing death in a few hours--these are a few of +the many tortures. But of all these pests _the common house fly_, if in +sufficient numbers, is a greater source of annoyance than any, besides +being a spreader of disease. There certainly must have been millions upon +millions of these flies, even within (say) 20 square yards! + +Every effort was made to keep the flies down and "straffers" (a piece of +wire gauze about three inches square provided with a handle) were issued. +With these instruments, the flies were killed as fast as the "straffers" +could be brought down upon them. Medical officers inspected the camp and +pronounced the sanitation excellent; yet the flies continued to flourish! +The result of this fly-pest is seen in the number of men that were admitted +to hospital from our Squadron: weeks ending May 10th, three; 17th, six; +24th, eight; 31st, three; June 7th, six; 14th, eight; 21st, nine; 28th, +sixteen (including two officers, Lieut. Millman and Lieut. King); total 59, +_i.e._ more than a quarter of the whole strength _within eight weeks_, and +all for sickness, believed to be caused by flies! + + +THE "R.A.F." AT SARONA. + +As mentioned before, the Squadron camp overlooked the Aerodrome, and many +fine exhibitions of flying were seen there. Boche planes paid us a visit +occasionally, but that was only when none of ours were "up," and as soon as +our men got moving he made off at top speed. Yet, the Boche brought off two +_coups_ that were, no doubt, pleasing to him! It should be mentioned that +the British had one, sometimes two, observation balloons in this sector, +from which the enemy's line, and the country behind it, could be seen very +distinctly indeed, thus enabling our artillery to make it very unpleasant +for any of the enemy's troops, not entrenched; the Turk, on the other hand, +had no such opportunities. Our balloons, therefore, became special objects +of the Turk's attention, and on two occasions, when he flew over to attack +them, he was successful in bringing down on the first occasion two, and the +second time one--in flames! Fortunately, the observers were all able _to +make their descent in parachutes_! The Turk escaped, but only just in +time--our machines were quickly on his "heels," and in spite of all his +attentions, the following day found another British balloon in position +just as if nothing had happened! + +[Illustration: At Sarona. + +A view from our camp. R.A.F. Hangars can be seen in the distance.] + + +SQUADRON COMPETITIONS. + +The Squadron, by this time, had made great progress in its training. It +was, however, prevented from reaching that high state of efficiency which +is always aimed at--owing to the constant change in its _personnel_, which +was due to such numbers "going sick" to hospital. + +A series of inter-sub-section competitions, however, was organised by the +Officer Commanding, which were spread over a few weeks and proved very +popular. The principal events were:-- + + "_Detachment Competition in Marching Order_"; points being given for + condition of animals and general turn-out--Won by No. 1 Detachment of + "E" Sub-section, under Lance-Corpl. Smith. + + "_Limber Competition_"--Won by "D" Sub-section (Drivers Harris and + Collier, who also won a previous competition at Belah). + + "_Action Competition_," under Sub-section Sergeants; points given for-- + + I. _Control_--(A) Drill; (B) Led Horses; (C) Fire Orders, etc. + + II. _Time_--taken from command "Action" to when led horses move + back. + + III. _Gun Handling, Concealment and Shooting_ (won by "D" + Sub-section, under Sergt. Pearse). + + "_Belt Filling by Limber Drivers_" (won by "C" Sub-section). + + "_Stripping, Adjustment, Minor Repairs and Immediate Action_" (1st, + Lance-Corpl. Salter; 2nd, Lance-Corpl. Galway). + + +INSPECTION BY THE "C.-IN-C.". + +In consequence of the increased number of cavalry which had arrived in the +country, the 7th Mounted Brigade now formed part of a Division, instead of +being an independent Brigade, as heretofore. This Division, which was +commanded by Major-Gen. H.J.M. MacAndrew, C.B., D.S.O., was at first styled +the "2nd Mounted Division," but, later on, it was altered to the "_5th +Cavalry Division_," comprising the 13th, 14th (the old 7th Mounted), and +15th (Imperial Service), Cavalry Brigades. + +On June 27th, the Squadron paraded with the Brigade, in full marching +order, for an inspection of the Division by the "C.-in-C.". They marched to +the plain, north of Rishon-le-Zion, and were there duly inspected and +"marched past," after which units returned to camp, independently. The +"C.-in-C." expressed his high appreciation of the new Division. The next +morning (June 28th 1918) a Divisional tactical scheme was carried out, and +it was somewhat surprising to all ranks upon returning to camp, that orders +were received _for the Brigade to move that night at 01.00_! + +[Illustration] + + + + +PART IV. + + +MARCH TO THE JORDAN VALLEY. + +Before proceeding with a description of the Squadron's "trek" to the Jordan +Valley, it might be desirable to enlighten the reader as to the actual +position of affairs at the "front". + +[Illustration] + +After the capture of Jerusalem on December 9th 1917, the Turk made one +forlorn effort to re-capture it. This attempt met with not the slightest +success, and afterwards (in February 1918), he was driven down into the +Jordan Valley, where he had to yield up the town of Jericho to us. Since +then (in March and April), two raids had been made into Turkish territory +on the eastern side of the Jordan in the hills (in which the Sherwood +Rangers Yeomanry, and Essex Battery R.H.A. participated), and on each +occasion, the towns of Es-Salt and Amman were reached. A large number of +prisoners were taken, together with machine-guns and ammunition, added to +which several bridges were destroyed, and the Hedjaz railway from Damascus +to Mecca cut, thus endangering the Turkish troops, which were operating +against the Arab Sherifian Army, further south. Elsewhere on the front, the +position of the "line" had not materially changed, and at the time of the +"20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON'S" tour of duty in the Jordan Valley, it +extended from the coast north of Jaffa south-eastwards across country +(through a point 18 miles north of Jerusalem), to the Jordan Valley, +thence, due south along the eastern bank of the river to the Dead Sea. + +Now, it will be readily imagined that when a unit has remained for any +length of time in one place it has automatically collected large quantities +of stores, equipment, etc., which naturally cannot be carried, when on the +march. On this occasion the principal difficulty lay in the stock of +"canteen goods" that we had accumulated. Fortunately the "R.A.F." came to +the rescue and bought the whole lot, "lock, stock and barrel". + +As has been stated, there was much sickness in the Squadron at this time, +but many men were able to keep themselves out of hospital because of the +fact that the Squadron was "at rest," besides, they preferred to rough it, +rather than leave their duties. A "sick-parade" was now hurriedly called in +order to dispose of those who could not be expected to take part in the +next "trek". This parade, however, was _vetoed_ from the start, and was, in +fact, unpopular. Only two men turned up! These, with the two officers +previously mentioned (all of whom ought to have "gone down the line" +several days before), were accordingly sent to hospital. Many men were +suffering from septic sores on their legs and feet; permission was asked +(and granted), for these cases, to wear "slacks" or shoes, as might be +necessary. Strange as it might seem, these men preferred to suffer and +remain with the Squadron, when there seemed a chance that they might be +able to come to grips with the enemy and do something really useful. + +In these circumstances, it was not a _very_ smart Squadron that paraded +that night, but its spirit would require a lot of beating! The _route_ lay +past Yazur, on the Jaffa road, to Ramleh, which town they were approaching +as day broke, and Ludd[14] could also be seen. The latter town will be +remembered by all who had occasion to go to Egypt for leave or to take a +course of instruction, also by reinforcements who joined the Squadron about +this time, as it was the British railhead; the journey from here to Kantara +on the Suez Canal being accomplished overnight. From Ludd, also, there is a +branch line to Jerusalem, and a narrow gauge railway to Sarona. At Ramleh, +turning off the road to the right, and passing Lieut. Price's grave, we +halted, off-saddled, watered and fed. At 14.00 a further march, arriving at +the water troughs east of Latron at 17.00, camping for the night further up +the road. Fairly on the way to the famous Jordan Valley, ill-accounts of +which they had often heard, we were soon to find that these reports had not +been at all exaggerated! + +The next morning (June 30th), the road in front being very steep, rising +continually, with often a drop of several hundred feet on either side, +units started at half-hour intervals. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [14] _Ludd was the birthplace of St. George, the Patron Saint of + England. A church built here, after his martyrdom, was destroyed on the + approach of the First Crusaders. It was re-built, however, but was + destroyed again by order of Saladin in A.D. 1191. Of this church, two + apses, two bays and the crypt still remain, and to-day the eastern end + has been restored by the Greeks, while the western end is used as a + mosque! In the crypt (belonging to the Greeks) is shown the Tomb of St. + George. + + Ludd = Lod of the Scriptures, a city of Benjamin, see I Chron. viii, + 12; Neh. xi, 35; Ezra ii, 33; Acts ix, 32._ + + +AN EXCITING MARCH ALONG THE EDGE OF PRECIPICES. + +The necessity of this soon became evident. The road was crowded with motors +of all kinds, and it was by no means a joke to ride a restive horse while +leading an obstinate mule, along the brink of a precipice! At 13.00 Enab +was reached, where the Squadron was allotted its ground, rather stony, but +next to the water troughs, which, however, saved a lot of work. + +The following afternoon (July 1st), the road being steeper still, the +transport ("A" Echelon), went ahead of the Brigade. The Squadron started at +14.30 (units still moving at half-hour intervals), and proceeded along the +main Jerusalem road through the new town, past the Damascus Gate (at +17.30), to the eastern side of the town, where the transport was passed and +the Brigade concentrated, the highest point having now been reached (2,590 +feet above sea level). A halt of two hours was made, and at 20.00 the +descent to the Jordan was commenced. Henceforth it was "down," "down," all +the way, with roads just as precipitous as before, but the mountains being +so high and steep on both sides, not a breath of air reached us. At 02.30 +after a tiring march, and after passing the "Inn of the Good Samaritan," we +arrived at the water troughs at Talat-ed-Dumm (1,018 feet above sea level). +After watering, about half an hour later, the Squadron found its camping +ground, a space barely large enough for a section. In this cramped area the +whole of the Squadron was crammed "as tight as sardines in a tin," with, +literally, not an inch to spare! + +Early next morning, when the sun began to rise, some idea was gained of +what might be expected in the Jordan Valley. Although Talat-ed-Dumm, as +already stated, is 1,018 feet above the level of the sea, shut in, as it +is, among the mountains away from any breeze, the heat there is almost +unbearable; the rays of the sun seem to take on a hundred times more power +than ever could be believed possible, blazing down from right overhead, and +leaving no shade, thus turning the place into a veritable furnace. + +The Brigade did not continue the march again until 19.00, when it moved +along the old Roman road. Still "down," "down," round sharp bends, and +still along the edges of precipices hundreds of feet deep! At length a +final, particularly steep slope, brought us to Jericho,[15] on the plain +of the Jordan Valley, and _820 feet below the level of the sea_. A halt was +made here for a short time, and then the Brigade marched north-east +(through clouds of dust), to its camping area in the Wadi Nueiame, arriving +at midnight. Here, on dismounting in the dark, _one seemed to be standing +in mud_, but, upon closer examination, this was found to be merely several +inches of fine dust! Sec.-Lieut. Cummer, whose turn it was to be with the +advance party that day, was waiting to show the Squadron its camping +ground, which turned out to be as good as could be expected, and alongside +a stream. A few bell-tents were already standing, which were appreciated. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [15] _The site of the present Jericho has only been occupied since + mediaeval times. The ancient Jericho lay near the spring Ain-es-Sultan + and the City of Roman times was more to the south-west. The Biblical + references to Jericho are as follows: Deut. xxxiv; Josh. vi, 26; I + Kings xvi, 34; II Kings ii, 4, 5, 11. Only a mound exists now, to mark + the position of the ancient city, but excavations here have brought to + light some interesting relics._ + + +THE "BEAUTIFUL" VALLEY OF JORDAN. + +The following are a few extracts from the notes of a member of the +Squadron, which gives a vivid description of his experiences on the road to +the Jordan. He says:-- + + "The sun was just setting as we approached Jerusalem, and the + ancient walls of the Holy City were bathed in orange light against + an opalescent sky. The long dusty column of the Brigade toiled its + way up the steep hill into the city, and passing close by the Jaffa + Gate 'turned left' and followed the main thoroughfare towards the + Damascus Gate. Outside of Fast's Hotel (a former German concern, + but now famous throughout the E.E.F.) stands a group of officers + and soldiers, watching our brigade pass, and cheering us on as we + move into the dusk. + + "Over the Mount of Olives, past the Garden of Gethsemane (the black + points of its many cypress trees now silhouetted against the sky), + what thoughts are ours as we cross this hallowed ground amid + surroundings so deeply associated with our religion! Some of us may + never return, but yet we shall have followed to our fate along a + path that still holds memories of that greatest sacrifice the world + has ever known! + + "Dark has fallen, and the stars shine bright in a velvet sky. At + length we approach the little Village of Bethany,[16] 'the town of + Mary and Martha'; near which we dismount and breathe our horses for + a space; finding a little shop close at hand, we buy some fruit and + 'take a pull' at the water-bottle. + + "Leaving our last link with civilization we begin our long weary + descent to the Jordan Valley. Before we have covered a mile, it is + obvious that the road is falling steeply. 'Take a good breath now + of the fresh air,' say those who have already experienced the + Jordan Valley, 'for it's the last you'll get for many a day!' + + "The road now enters a valley, or more rightly passes between two + lines of rocky hills, and for a time, as it is pitch dark, we + stumble along to keep our places in the column. But soon, the + eastern crest is silhouetted by the rising moon, and as the silver + light pours down the slope we see the road before us, zig-zagging + its way 'into the depths,' and there, a mile in front, the head of + the Brigade worming its way, like a great black snake. + + "So steep is it now, and so sharp the 'hairpin' turns, that + although one hears the voices and sees the heads of troops on the + winding road forty yards below, yet these are possibly half a mile + ahead in the column! 'Down' and 'down' we go, _hotter and hotter it + grows_, dustier and dustier the atmosphere! + + "Great difficulty is now experienced in keeping touch with the + regiment in front, for in such cases it is always the Machine-Gun + Squadron that is in rear of the column and 'enjoys' the dust. In + action or danger--quite another thing; up, then, just behind the + leading regiment.... + + "Arrived at Talat-ed-Dumm, too tired now to eat or drink (having + fed our animals) we lie, or rather, fall down on a blanket. In two + minutes we are dreaming that we are back in the 'old country,' + sitting in that cool breeze under the great sycamore tree; drinking + that fine old 'home-brewed,' and talking to the sweetest of all + women. Far away in the distance is the rumbling of a coach; round + the corner it comes into sight, the horses' hoofs thudding on the + hard old Roman road! The guard raises his long coaching horn to his + lips and blows a stirring call. Someone shakes us from behind! Lo! + we open our eyes and--gone is the lovely green country, the shady + trees and the coach! 'Get up! Reveille has gone'. + + "All day we rest here, and shall move on the latter part of our + 25-mile journey as soon as dark has fallen. Horses to water--but + luckily not far to go, and though two men have fainted with the + heat already, the majority are still 'merry and bright'. + + "About 11 o'clock Talat-ed-Dumm becomes literally an oven; no + trees, no water, nothing but rock and dust--dust six inches deep; + the only protection, a single piece of canvas between one and the + pitiless sun! Gasping for breath, one reaches for the water-bottle, + but it is quite warm. Still, a warm drink brings perspiration, and + _that_ is cooling to a certain extent--in its after-effects! + + "Night falls, welcomely, and saddled up the Squadron waits for the + advance to begin and to drop into its place in the line of march as + the Brigade moves past. Voices in the darkness, then shadowy forms, + and, their horses' hoofs muffled by the dust, Brigade Headquarters + passes by. Then the three regiments, one British and two Indian, + each of the latter followed by crowds of donkeys looking ghostly + white in the gloom. At length it is _our_ turn, and behind the last + regiment we 'walk march' and once more get the clouds of dust for + our portion. Now, along the level for a time--and then down again, + down towards the valley, to many a valley of death! + + "The impression we get, on leaving Talat-ed-Dumm, is rather + different from that ascribed to tourists in the guide book to + Palestine. '_It is with regret_,' it says, '_that we drag ourselves + away from a spot of such historic interest, where so many of the + patriarchs have rested_'. God help 'em! _we_ never wish to see it + again. No wonder to us, now, that Naaman the Syrian objected to go + down to the Jordan and wash seven times in it![17] + + "The horses slip and slide as they pick their way down the old + Turkish road, and once more the moon looks over the hills and + floods her silvery radiance over all--the same moon that in two + hours will rise upon the old homestead in Blighty. But here are we, + among great mountains, rugged and cleft, fantastic shapes in high + relief, in the moonlight. We might be in the moon itself! Not a + sign of life, not a bird nor an animal! + + "By mid-night we have dropped 1,100 feet, and gradually the ground + grows less rocky, the hills on the right swing away, and on the + left, just ahead, is the square-topped El-Kuruntal, the so-called + 'Mountain of Temptation,' and the gateway of the Jordan Valley. + Reaching the plain the pace grows faster, and clouds of dust arise + worse than ever. Our connecting files find great difficulty in + keeping in touch, so that every now and then those in rear must + gallop to keep up. A small wadi to be crossed makes the pace still + more uneven. We cross the Wadi Nueiame and reach our camping + ground. Again the putting down of lines; again supperless and tired + out to lie down on a blanket in the dust, in that unnatural hollow + 1,250 feet below the SEA-LEVEL, THE PLACE OF SWELTERING SUN, + SAND-SPOUTS, SCORPIONS, SNAKES, SPIDERS AND SEPTIC SORES; OF + SCORCHING WIND AND SHADOWLESS WASTE; THAT HELLISH PLACE--THE JORDAN + VALLEY!" + + FOOTNOTES: + + [16] _See St. John, chap. xi._ + + [17] _See II Kings v, 10._ + + +INCIDENTS IN THE JORDAN VALLEY CAMPAIGN. + +A few days were necessarily spent in the Wadi Nueiame in exercising the +horses and becoming acclimatized to the temperature, which rarely falls +below 100 deg., even at night, and is usually 120 deg. in the shade (or over) +during the day. On July 7th, "No. 1" Section paraded at 19.00 and proceeded +to the east of the Jordan to relieve a section of the 21st Squadron in the +line. "A" Sub-section took over the emplacements in No. 3 Post, and "C" +Sub-section those in No. 5 Post. The relief was completed by 23.00. The +next evening, the remainder of the Squadron relieved the 21st Squadron +in their camp at the Ghoraniyeh Bridge. One section only going at a time to +avoid attracting attention and being shelled by the Turks, who were posted +in the hills. The new camp was within 100 yards of the Jordan,[18] nearly +surrounded by cliffs, the tops of which were level with the plain above. +The cliffs themselves only being formed by the depression in the plain +before it gives way to the lower ground in the immediate vicinity of the +River Jordan and the east of it. The river at this point is actually 1,250 +feet below the level of the sea! + +[Illustration: Squadron Camp in the Jordan Valley. "No. 2" Section.] + +On arriving in the camp, "No. 2" Section took over the machine-gun +positions for the inner defences of the bridgehead. These had to be manned +at night only, and were on the tops of the cliffs near the camp, commanding +all the crossings of the river. Every evening just before dusk (sometimes +in a severe dust storm), the four guns were taken up on the pack-mules by +the gun-teams and brought back after light the next morning. "No. 3" +Section was in Divisional reserve, and liable to be called on at short +notice to proceed to any part of the line. It provided also all the camp +fatigues. + +It was soon found that summer-life in the Jordan Valley was about the limit +of discomfort; only those who have been there at that season can have any +idea of what it is like. If only our turn had been in the winter, when +according to all accounts the weather _is_ bearable! Needless to say that +as much work as possible was done in the early morning and evening, but +even this was extremely trying for all. Fortunately, water was available +from a small stream just outside the camp. Rush-huts and bivouacs provided +the best protection against the sun. Material for these was obtained from +the banks of the Jordan, where, for a few yards on either side, there was +luxurious vegetation--in striking contrast with the rest of the country; +during the day men were allowed to bathe in the river. + +All wheels had to be covered over during the day in order to prevent the +wood shrinking; if this had not been done, very little transport could have +been brought out of the valley at the end of the Brigade's tour of duty! + +There is, a little over a mile east of the Jordan, a series of low isolated +hills; upon these was situated our line of defence. Each hill, fortified +with barbed-wire and trenches, constituted a "post". This line was held by +Indian Infantry, the regiments of the cavalry brigade providing the patrols +in "no man's land," which, _several miles wide_, was intersected by +thousands of wadis (providing excellent cover for a stealthy enemy), also a +certain amount of tall grass. + +The enemy's position was on the mountains at the eastern side of the Jordan +Valley, completely overlooking ours. Earlier in the year they had crossed +the intervening ground, under cover of darkness, and attempted to send us +to "Jericho". They had found the posts too strong for them, however, and +had retired to the positions now mentioned. + +"C" Sub-section was on the left, on the banks of the Wadi Nimrin[19]--a +broad wadi with a small stream running along its centre. This wadi ran +right from the Turkish positions to the Jordan near the Squadron camp. "A" +Sub-section was about half a mile away to the right in the centre of a +cluster of small hills. "A's" horses were between the two Sub-sections, and +"C's" were a few hundred yards behind its position under a cliff beside the +Nimrin. If anything, it was probably more pleasant to be with the sections +in the line than in the Squadron Camp. + +Nothing of importance happened during our first week. Shells came over +every day at unexpected moments in odd places, and Boche planes paid +regular visits, dropping bombs, always, however, receiving a bombardment +from our "Archies". But on the morning of July 14th, after a night of more +than the usual amount of artillery fire, shells began to fall all around, +not to mention the shrapnel exploding overhead; this state of affairs +continued throughout the whole morning. "No. 2" Section in camp was well +protected by a high cliff, but "No. 3" was not so fortunate and had to be +moved. All the horses had been taken to another spot, and Sergt. Lewis with +some men were seeing that everything required had been removed, when a +shell pitched right in the centre of the "lines" and wounded him and Ptes. +H. Reed and L. Peach. All the day the shelling continued; the immediate +neighbourhood of the bridges over the Jordan being the "warmest" spot. A +field ambulance, close to the Squadron, behind the right reserve gun +position, suffered badly. In the evening all shelling stopped--more +suddenly even than it had started! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [18] _The River Jordan is rich in historical associations, right from + its source on Mt. Hermon to the Dead Sea, into which it flows. The + Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground (Josh. iii, 14); our Lord + was baptized there (St. John i, 28 and St. Matt. iii, 13). See also II + Kings ii, 8, x, 14; Matt. iii, 5; St. John x, 40._ + + [19] _See Isa. xv, 6._ + + +A THWARTED TURKISH ATTACK. + +Afterwards was learnt the cause of the excitement. The Turk, it was +ascertained, _had intended an attack all along the line_. At one point, +only, had the movement matured, and this was opposite the Australian +Section, on our left. Here, German troops succeeded in getting right round +some of the posts and endangering our bridgehead defences; they had moved +guns up, which enabled them to reach places previously out of range of +anything but their "heavies". Although surrounded, the posts named still +held out, and the Boches were finally driven back to their starting point, +where, it is said, they were fired on by the Turks! + +On July 17th, "No. 2" Section relieved "No. 1" in the line. "No. 3" took +over the inner defences, and "No. 1" became Divisional reserve. Lieut. E.B. +Hibbert (who left in February 1918 for leave and a course in the United +Kingdom) returned on July 25th and took command of "No. 3" Section. On +August 3rd "No. 3" Section relieved "No. 2", the inner defences being taken +over by "No. 1". A few days later "No. 3" Section was withdrawn from the +posts and camped close to Brigade Headquarters to be employed as Mobile +Reserve for the outer defences, but owing to shortage of personnel in the +posts, the guns had to be mounted in their previous positions at night. + + +THE "VALLEY" A DEATH TRAP. + +The "Valley" soon began to affect the health of the Squadron. All kinds of +fever became rampant, particularly malaria. Men would suddenly become sick, +or collapse in a fainting fit, their temperature quickly rising to 104 deg. or +thereabouts! Doctors and medical orderlies were much overworked, and became +almost unable to cope with the "rush"; men had to be undressed and tended +on the spot by their own comrades, who sponged them down in order to reduce +their temperature. The Squadron's thanks are due to Pte. Ineson, who, as +its own medical orderly, was untiring in his attention to the sick. +Undoubtedly, but for his efforts, the list of men admitted to hospital +would have been considerably larger. + +During July, the O.C. (Capt. L.F. St. J. Davies, M.C., who soon returned, +however, although not quite recovered), and 38 men, were admitted to +hospital. On August 10th, Lieut. Wilgress and Lieut. Hibbert went to +hospital. + +When the Squadron left the Valley on August 15th (being relieved by the +21st Squadron), the total casualties were _three officers and 113 O.R.'s_. +Fortunately, a number of reinforcements had arrived, including many from +Yeomanry regiments recently dismounted. The first halt was Talat-ed-Dumm, +where the 17th Squadron was passed at 02.30 on its way down to the valley. +A better camping site was available than the last time, when we camped +here. + +The following evening the march was continued, and Jerusalem was passed +through at midnight. The next morning the Brigade arrived at Enab, having +watered at the troughs at Ain el Foka, on the way. + + +KHURBET DEIRAN + +The same evening the Brigade moved via Latron, Barriyeh and Naane to +Khurbet Deiran arriving at 07.30 the next morning, the rest of the day +being spent in laying out the new camp. That day Lieut. Cazalet returned +from hospital and temporarily took command of "No. 2" Section (while Lieut. +Kindell went on a course at Zeitoun), afterwards taking over his old +section ("No. 1"). + +No sooner had the Brigade settled down in its new quarters than very +strenuous training was re-commenced--in addition there were inspections +galore--besides tactical schemes, almost every other day. Reinforcements +came up, which included many men new to the Squadron, which was, in +consequence, soon nearly up to strength. Lieut. King returned from +hospital, but still being far from well had, soon afterwards, to go back +there. On September 13th Lieut. Millman returned from hospital and Lieut. +Kindell from his course of instruction. Lieut. Millman resumed command of +his late section ("No. 3"). On September 14th the Squadron turned out in +complete marching order with transport, for a Divisional "scheme," the +Division moving south on a six-mile frontage, sections coming into action +with an imaginary enemy at various points. + +[Illustration] + + + + +PART V. + + +THE GREAT ADVANCE OF 1918. + +So well had the secret of the great operations, that were in view by the +Commander-in-Chief, been kept, that no one in the Squadron had any idea of +a general attack being in contemplation. It was, in fact, not until the day +that the Squadron was ordered to strike camp, that any officer or man +(except perhaps the officer commanding), became aware that a serious +movement was about to take place! An attack at any time would not, of +course, have been entirely unexpected, as we were always prepared for +something of the kind, but on this occasion the rumours that usually +precede operations of importance were entirely absent--although the number +of tactical schemes recently practised should have indicated that some +particular purpose was in view. + +At 18.00 on September 17th, the Squadron paraded in full marching order, +and moved off, leaving all tents and buildings standing. _We never returned +to those quarters!_ + +The strength of the Squadron at this time was six officers, 212 O.R.'s, 181 +riding horses, 80 draft mules, 43 pack animals. So far as can be +ascertained now, the following were the officers and N.C.O.'s:-- + +_Headquarters:_ + +Major L.F. St. John Davies, M.C. +Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C. +S.S.M. Fleet, M.M. +S.Q.M.S. Fisher. +Farr.-Staff-Sergt. Robertson. +Sergt. Conuel (Transport). +Sergt. Ramsay (Orderly Room). +S.S.-Corpl. Anderson. +Sig.-Corpl. Foster. +Saddler-Corpl. Mellett. + + + _"No. 1" Section:_ + + Sec-Lieut. J.W. Cummer. + +_"A" Sub-section:_ _"C" Sub-section:_ + +Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M. Sergt. Roberts. +Corpl. Rouse. Corpl. Gage. +Lance-Corpl. Holt. Lance-Corpl. Rose. + " Moverley. " Sneddon. + + + _"No. 2" Section:_ + + Lieut. A.O.W. Kindell. + +_"B" Sub-section:_ _"D" Sub-section:_ +Sergt. Hazlehurst. Sergt. Salter. +Lance-Corpl. Lawson. Lance-Corpl. Fox. + " Stokes. " Fuller. + Corpl. Pearse. + + + _"No. 3" Section:_ + + Lieut. A.G.P. Millman. + Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. Arden. + +_"E" Sub-section:_ _"F" Sub-section:_ +Sergt. Potts. Sergt. Grice, M.M. +Corpl. Thompson. Corpl. Keetley. +Lance-Corpl. Pountain. Lance-Corpl. Buckingham. + " Woodhouse. " Patterson. + +The route taken was familiar to everyone. Passing Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun +Kara) the Squadron came upon its old friend the Jaffa Road, thence, past +Yazur to Sarona, by exactly the same way as was taken in the previous May. +Bearing to the left, past the village, we arrived at Summeil and the camp +south of the River Auja, where Sec.-Lieut. Arden, who had been sent on in +advance to take over the Squadron area, showed us our position in the camp. +Arriving at dusk the whole Brigade (horses, wagons and men), were hidden +in orange groves; it was certainly not an easy task to fit everything up in +the dark, the avenues between the trees being narrow and in most places +only allowing horses to be led in single file. + +The orders for the morrow (equally unenlightening) were to the effect that +no unnecessary movement was to take place, and that no one, on any account, +_was to go outside the groves_; the horses were to be watered at stated +hours from the stone gullies used by the natives for the irrigation of the +plantations; no fires were allowed; and all cooking was to be done with the +methylated spirit blocks which were issued out for the purpose. + +The daytime was passed without incident, but 18.30 found the Brigade +paraded outside the groves ready to march at dusk. Crossing the Auja by the +wooden bridge, and proceeding stealthily along the sea shore, below the +cliffs, about five miles to west of El Jelil, it halted in "column of +troops," off-saddled, watered from a trough, supplied by water from a well +dug beside it, "linked" horses and laid down on the sand to get some sleep. +It may be imagined that by this time everyone was wondering what the next +day would bring forth! + + +ADVANCE TO LIKTERA (EL HUDEIRA). + +Before daylight we were saddled up and "standing to"--a vigorous +bombardment of the Turkish trenches (which we had been told the previous +night to expect) was in full swing. Suddenly, it stopped! Who was there +among us who did not think of the part the infantry were then playing, and +upon whose successful attack so much was to depend? + +When would orders arrive for us, on the beach, to move? Patiently waiting +and expecting, nothing however came! Suddenly at 07.00, the troops in front +were seen mounting, and at length the surprising order came through to us +that the entire Division was _to make its way to Nazareth_--quite 50 miles +behind the enemy's line, as the crow flies! + +The 13th Brigade, being on the sands in front of the 14th, was to lead this +movement. The Poona Horse were to be the leading regiment of the 14th, with +ourselves (the 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON) immediately behind them. + + +"GET BACK OUR GUNS". + +Upon advancing a short way up the coast, we reached what had been the +British front line, and evidences of the morning's action were to be seen, +as here and there several dead men and mules were lying about. As we passed +by this spot, an officer of an Infantry Machine-Gun Company called out to +us: "Good luck, get us back our guns. They raided us this morning and +captured two!" + +A few yards further on, the old Turkish line was reached and a number of +killed and wounded Turks and animals were to be seen here also. + +Right along the coast we went, "without let or hindrance," the high cliffs +affording us protection from the few shells coming over, nearly all of +which fell into the sea. The pace was killing, and the sand and rocks made +it heavy going for the horses. They were very fit though, thanks to the +hard training they had had at Deiran! + +Still proceeding northward, about six miles along the coast, the cliffs +suddenly gave way to flatter ground; here we turned inland in a +north-easterly direction. Reports reached us that about 200 enemy infantry +(with transport) were in a wood on our right flank. "No. 1" Section and one +squadron of Poona Horse were detailed as "flank guard" to prevent the enemy +leaving the wood until the Brigade had passed by. The flank guard, however, +were instructed not to trouble to dispose of this small party, as bigger +"fish" were in view. + +At 11.30 the Brigade had reached the Nahr Iskanderun. After crossing slowly +by two small, very shaky, bridges, units hurriedly watered here, +independently, by means of buckets, the banks of the stream being very +steep. The country now became delightful, cultivated, everywhere, with +orange groves and gardens. At 12.30 the Brigade, winding its way through +the groves, came out into the pretty little Village of Liktera (a Jewish +settlement called by them Hudeira), 26 miles from the starting point. The +inhabitants were overjoyed to see us, and as a halt was made here, and +horses off-saddled and fed, they soon made us at home with gifts of bread, +eggs and milk, refusing to take any payment therefor. + +Until the inhabitants had seen the head of our Division, about a mile off, +they had not the slightest idea that there had even been a British attack! +They were particularly anxious to know how the people were faring in such +villages as Mulebbis, and other places, south of our old line, where they +had friends and relatives. As indicative that our advance was carried out +with speed and secrecy--while we were resting here, _a Boche motor lorry +arrived_! The driver, being unaware of anything unusual, drove quietly +into the town; he nearly fell off his seat when he was suddenly surrounded +by British troops! This lorry proved to be the advance guard of several +more, all of which were, of course, captured. + + +CAPTURE OF EL FULE. + +After a sleep in the afternoon (what a luxury for the first day of a +"stunt!") and tea, the Brigade saddled up and moved off at 18.00, just +before dark. What a cheery crowd it was! But they had "some" march in front +of them, the object being the capture of Nazareth and the cutting of the +Turk's principal line of communication, _which would isolate practically +the whole of his army west of the Jordan_! Just outside the village, two +large marquees--a German Field Ambulance--hurriedly evacuated, were passed. +Earlier in the day an officer of the 13th Brigade had found an untasted +breakfast here, for which he had much reason to be thankful! + +[Illustration] + +Further on, the track taken (the main route being avoided) proved very +bad, and in many places the whole division had to proceed in "single file". +In some places, also, horses were led. The natives, who had gathered upon +the road-side from the villages which we passed, stood silently watching +us. They must have been amazed, and the troops must have appeared to them +veritable "ghosts of the night". At 23.30 a halt of 30 minutes was made, at +a small village, and horses fed. In the early hours of the morning many +horses, belonging to the forward part of the column, were passed by the +wayside. They were completely "done". No doubt they were, in some cases, +able, later on, to join up, but in their present state their riders had +taken their saddles off and had lain down beside them, to sleep. For the +moment these men had nothing further to do, but they must have run a +serious risk from hostile natives when the Brigade had passed by. At 04.00 +the next morning we emerged upon the open Plain of Esdraelon.[20] + + FOOTNOTES: + + [20] _The Plain of Esdraelon stretches across Central Palestine, and + has an average width of about 10 miles. It forms a wide break between + the Mountains of Galilee on the north and those of Samaria on the + south. It has always been a great battlefield; in the Bible it is + called the Plain of Jezreel; see Judges iv, 3, v, 21, vi, 1; I Sam. + xxix, xxxi; I Kings xx, 25; Josh. xvii, 16._ + + +A GREAT MOVE! + +Now was to take place an interesting development in the operations. With +Nazareth within fairly close reach, our objective was at hand. We formed up +as quickly as possible in "Line of troop column," and then moved along the +plain to the east, heading slightly towards the north, gradually nearing +the north side as we proceeded forward. The objective for the 14th Brigade +was to cut the main road to Nazareth from the south, thus cutting off all +communication between the Turkish General Headquarters at Nazareth and +their line, which ran across the country from Arsuf to the north of the +Dead Sea. The 13th Brigade, which, it will be remembered, up to this point +had been the leading one, after forming up, made for the hills on the other +side of the plain, and, reaching them, turned to the east, towards their +objective which was _the Turkish General Headquarters at Nazareth_! + +The "going" on the plain was very bad, especially in the dark, the ground +being a network of cracks and covered with a species of tall needle-grass, +the latter making it very painful for the horses, whilst the former, +continually giving way under their weight made the risk of broken legs a +real one. Fortunately, however, no serious accidents took place. What +wonderful creatures horses are! Those who were on that trek could not fail +to realise it, if they had never done so before! As time went on and the +goal was still not reached, it seemed that they _must_ drop at any minute, +_but still they kept on_, never faltering! A few dropped out, it is true, +but they were a very small percentage of the whole. What courage and +endurance they showed, to carry a weight of (say) 18 stone, _50 miles in 24 +hours_ over the worst country imaginable! + +About half way across the plain, the railway to Haifa was "cut," and, +pushing on, there were still some miles to go when day began to break. Many +thought they would now be "in for" a hot time, and expected guns to open +upon them from all sides. + +But the Turk was still quite ignorant of our presence. In any case he was +not prepared for an attack at that distance behind his line! When it became +fully light the 13th Brigade could be seen on the top of the ridge on the +left moving parallel with us, and, in front of us, there was Mount +Tabor[21] which served as a "guide" for direction. At 05.30 enemy motor +lorries were seen crossing our front going towards Nazareth. We opened fire +upon them but they did not stop. + +Proceeding up the hill, they discovered that our 13th Brigade troops were +on the top, when they stopped about half way up and opened fire with +machine-guns. Upon this our "No. 2" Section came up and "peppered" them. +One lorry caught fire and after a short time the occupants of the convoy, +trying to escape up the hill, were captured by the 13th Brigade. Shortly +after this incident, Turkish troops were seen marching up the road towards +us, but a squadron from the Sherwood Rangers and Deccan Horse with our "No. +3" Section quickly caused them to be quite in a hurry to surrender. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [21] _Mount Tabor rather resembles a sugar-loaf in shape, flattened at + the top; its height from the plain is about 1,500 feet. It was here + that Deborah commanded Barak to muster his army: "So Barak went down + from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. And the Lord + discomfited Sisera and all his chariots and all his host, with the edge + of the sword before Barak". (Judges iv, 14, 15). See also Judges viii, + 18; Psalms xxxix, 12; Jer. xlvi, 18. The Crusaders built a church and a + monastery on Mount Tabor; they were destroyed in 1187 and the ruins + still remain. In 1255 the Knights of St. John held it but lost it in + 1263 to Bibars._ + + +THE ENEMY PANIC-STRICKEN. + +From a small rise could be seen, looking down the road, a large camp and El +Fule railway station with trucks, carriages and engines, also large dumps +of material. Everywhere, crowds of enemy troops were to be seen rushing +about; apparently in a state of great panic. In these circumstances a +squadron of the Deccan Horse went down to "look into things" and after +"dealing" with a few of the excitable "Johnnies" the remainder surrendered. +About 900 prisoners were taken that morning. Later on in the day the +Brigade moved down to the station and encamped, the horses being watered +from a trough which was discovered about a mile along the railway.[22] + +Here, there was found a large quantity of stores of all descriptions, +including Turkish cigarettes, which were not refused as a ration on such an +occasion. The capture of El Fule released an R.A.F. pilot, who, having to +land in consequence of engine trouble that morning, had been taken prisoner +by some Austrian gunners who, with their horses only, were retreating. They +were anxious to know which way the British were coming, in order to decide +which road they should take. Of course they did not learn anything, but +fortunately came along this road and thus fell into our hands. + +Here it might be mentioned that the work of the R.A.F. was truly wonderful. +Prior to the "stunt," in order to ensure that the enemy should not be aware +of the massing of our cavalry just before the attack and their subsequent +movements after the infantry had broken through, they flew continually over +the enemy aerodromes and prevented enemy airmen from rising. Perhaps it +should be said they rather tempted them to do so, but--they never did! +Consequently, on the day of our attack, the enemy had no information at all +of what was happening, as his planes were on the ground and remained there +until they were either burnt or captured. They certainly would not rise! At +El Fule a very large aerodrome had been established, and a large collection +of enemy machines was found there. It was not long before these were joined +by some of our own which arrived almost as soon as it had been taken. + +During the day the 13th Brigade had been dealing with Nazareth, and that +night our Brigade slept at El Fule. Next morning we were to go southwards +to Jenin (which might or might not have been captured), and clear the +intervening country. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [22] _About a mile south of the site of the present station at El Fule + was the scene of a great battle between the French and the Turks, on + April 16th 1799, called the Battle of Mount Tabor. Kleber with about + 1,500 men kept 25,000 Syrians at bay; he was almost defeated when + Napoleon with 600 men arrived. The Turks, thinking a large army was + upon them, fled. Here also are ruins of a church of the Crusaders, + destroyed by Saladin._ + + +JENIN[23] CROWDED WITH ABANDONED MATERIAL. + +With this end somewhat in view, Lieut. Kindell was ordered to fix up two +machine-guns in a captured Boche motor-car, and, acting as left "flank +guard" to the Brigade, was directed to go to Jenin by a road running +parallel to, and on the left of, the one to be taken by the Brigade. When +fitted up the car looked quite formidable. Lance-Corpls. Fox and Fuller and +Ptes. Boak (with signal flags) and Franklin accompanied him. The driver of +the Brigade car was lent for this special occasion. + +After re-filling with German petrol in the morning, they started off upon +their journey. They soon came up with all kinds of derelict enemy transport +and Turkish stragglers coming in. At one point ahead, could be seen a crowd +of people (which proved to be natives) around some deserted enemy motor +lorries. A troop of "S.R.Y." (detached from the Brigade for the purpose), +came galloping over, but, as already stated, they proved to be only +villagers looking about for some "plunder," and they were soon sent about +their business. Further on Lieut. Kindell's car was joined by two other +cars of the "Light Car Patrol" each with a machine-gun, so that the party +now consisted of three cars with four guns. + +On arriving at Jenin they found the streets simply choked with abandoned +Turkish transport. It was only by moving each wagon aside by hand that +they were able to proceed through the town and meet the Brigade before it +arrived there on the other side; the cars were then sent off again on a +patrol. Unfortunately, upon returning through the town, the driver of our +car, on turning a corner, ran into the pole of a wagon, and broke the +radiator. Such was the end of the Squadron "armoured" car, much to the +disappointment of the occupants, who were just beginning to enjoy their +novel experience. + +It should be stated that the town of Jenin, together with a very large +number of prisoners, had been captured the previous night by the +Australians. Here, too, was an aerodrome and several burnt enemy +planes--more evidence of the splendid work of the R.A.F. + +Our Brigade remained in the Jenin area until evening, when, having watered, +we went back along the El Fule road towards Nazareth and about half way, +bore off to the right, encamping upon the hills south-east of El Fule and +south of the El Fule-Beisan Road. The next morning (22nd September), we +moved down the hills northwards and camped just south of the Beisan Road, +near water. The day was spent in a well-earned rest. + +The transport arrived at the camp complete, and allowed of forage and +rations being replenished. How it had been able to come through the enemy +country by roads suitable for transport without being attacked, remained a +mystery to those who do not know the circumstances! During the day +thousands of Turkish and German prisoners were marched along the road from +Beisan, usually in the charge of only a few mounted men. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [23] _Josh xix, 21, xxi, 29._ + + +ON TO HAIFA AND ACRE! + +The next day (September 23rd), everything having been cleared up in this +district, the Division set out for Haifa and Acre on the coast. A glance at +the map will show that these towns are about 12 miles distant from each +other, both being about 23 miles from Nazareth--there being two separate +roads. The northern road to Acre was taken by the 13th Brigade and the +southern to Haifa by the 15th and 14th. As regards our Squadron the first +part of the journey to Haifa was just in the nature of a "route march," +although the pace ridden was fast at times. The 15th Brigade was the +leading one and the 13th Brigade as stated above made straight to Acre from +Nazareth. Passing through El Fule the 15th and 14th followed the railway +for some distance, then bearing off to the right they joined the main road +from Nazareth to Haifa along the hills bordering the plain. + +From Sheikh Abreik[24]--the highest point on the road--the sea could be +seen in the distance, a beautiful blue, whilst a refreshing breeze met the +face. A short distance further on, a halt was made. During this the sound +of guns was heard in the distance from the direction of the sea. No +opposition having been expected, all sorts of reports came down the column +concerning the cause of the firing, such as-- + +(1) British destroyers in the bay have mistaken the 15th Brigade for the +enemy! + +(2) The enemy have got a naval gun with which they are shelling the head of +the column! + +But all rumours proved to be false. What _was_ really happening was the +Turkish garrison at Haifa (about 1,000 strong) with field and machine-guns +were defending the town against our advance--a hopeless affair, considering +that they were entirely cut off, without any chance of obtaining supplies +or reinforcements. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [24] _In the days of the Romans Sheikh Abreik was the headquarters of a + Tribune._ + + +CAPTURE OF HAIFA BY THE 15TH BRIGADE. + +The Sherwood Rangers went to the assistance of the 15th Brigade which +really had a very difficult task, as the plain before Haifa was, in many +places, boggy and almost impassable; in addition there were many streams +flowing across it. The main road to Haifa runs right along the foot of +Mount Carmel[25] on the left of the plain, and bordering it. It was here +that the enemy had established themselves, covering every part of the +ground with their guns. With great dash, however, the 15th Brigade galloped +the enemy positions, and within a short time had captured the town! Much to +everybody's regret, the son of General Sir Pertab Singh was killed during +this attack. His loss was much regretted by his comrades, and all who knew +him. + +While this action was taking place, we (the 14th Brigade) descended the +hill from Sheikh Abreik, crossed a bridge, which was at a great height over +the river Kishon[26], and, turning to the right off the road, dismounted +and watered from it with buckets. It was here that, owing to over-keenness +on the part of two horses in the Squadron, they broke away, and, trying to +drink from the river, fell in! Fortunately both were rescued, but not +without great difficulty. Meanwhile, shelling was going on; luckily the +shells all fell short of us, although having descended the hill, as +mentioned, we had attracted the attention of the Turkish gunners. Later on +in the day we moved into Haifa[27] along the road which had been the scene +of the action. Passing the results of the work of the 15th Brigade and of +the "S.R.Y." which, to judge from the numbers of killed and wounded along +the road (which were being dealt with by the Cavalry Field Ambulance), must +have been of a very strenuous character, we at length encamped upon the +sea-shore, under date palms, within a mile north of the town! The distance +covered that day was 25 miles. + +The 13th Brigade, meantime, had captured Acre[28] on the north, after only +slight opposition, yet it had effected, within a few hours, the feat which +Napoleon had entirely failed to accomplish after a siege of 60 days! +Incidentally, it may be mentioned, that heaps of his cannon-balls were +found at Haifa. + +The next morning (24th), our men and horses bathed in the sea! A short +distance out, underwater, it was found that barbed wire had been fixed. +This the Turks had evidently placed in position with the object of +preventing a landing _from the sea_. These entanglements, however, in no +way impeded the bathing as they could easily be seen in the clear water. +Our troops were also allowed to visit the town, which was found to be very +interesting; there being many modern houses, it was, in several respects, +superior to any town we had previously visited in the interior. It is not +too much to say that many of the inhabitants were delighted to see the +British. They even said that they had expected us the previous year! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [25] _Mount Carmel extends from the sea coast at Haifa, inland 15 + miles, in a south-easterly direction, thus forming a separating ridge + between the Plains of Sharon and Esdraelon. Its height is about 500 + feet at the sea, and 1,800 feet at its inland extremity. The mountain + has always been associated with the name of the Prophet Elijah. It was + here that he was said to have sought shelter when Ahab was seeking his + life. A monastery stands over what is thought was the spot, and was + used as a hospital for the wounded when Napoleon was besieging Acre. + After his withdrawal it was destroyed by the Turks and afterwards + re-built through the energy of a monk who travelled and begged for 14 + years to obtain funds for the present building. The Biblical references + to the mountain are: Josh. xix, 26; Deut. xiv, 5; I Kings iv, 23, + xviii, 13; Isa. xxxv, 2, lv, 12, xxxiii, 9; Amos i, 2; Song of Solomon + vii, 5; Micah vii, 14._ + + [26] _See Judges iv, 13, and v, 21._ + + [27] _Haifa is notorious on account of its associations with Mount + Carmel. The Latin Carmelites reached Haifa in A.D. 1170 and St. Simon + Stock, from Kent, was their general in A.D. 1245. They were massacred + by the Egyptians in 1291 but regained power in the middle of the + Sixteenth Century._ + + [28] _There is only one reference to Acre in the Old Testament (Judges + i, 31), and one in the New Testament (Acts xxi, 7), under the name of + Ptolemais. It was taken by the Crusaders in A.D. 1102, and held till + 1187, as a port of the Kings of Jerusalem. After a siege it was + re-taken from Saladin in 1191, and held for a century. It was here that + the Knights of St. John, after they had been driven from every other + part of Palestine, prolonged for forty-three days their gallant + resistance to the Sultan of Egypt and his immense host; 60,000 + Christians were on that occasion slain or sold as slaves. Napoleon + besieged Acre in 1799, but was prevented from taking it by the British + under Sir William Sidney Smith. It was bombarded in 1840, by British + and Turkish Fleets, when an explosion of a magazine destroyed the + town._ + + +CAPTURE OF DAMASCUS.[29] + +After another day spent at Haifa, back again the Division went (leaving the +"S.R.Y." as a garrison), along the same road by which they had come, as +far as the top of the hill above the river. Here we branched off to the +left through Beit Lahm (a German colony), and Seffurie to Kefr Kenna, four +miles north-east of Nazareth on the Tiberias Road, said to be the "Cana of +Galilee" where the water was turned into wine[30]. The latter part of the +road was very narrow and rocky, being in parts merely a goat-track. Our +animals had no water that day--it being quite unobtainable in spite of +previous advices. + +At 02.00 the next morning (September 26th) the Division started for +Tiberias[31]. "No. 1" Section going with the advance guard, the remainder +of the Squadron following the Deccan Horse. The 14th Brigade reached the +shores of Lake Tiberias[32] (Sea of Galilee) just north of the town at +08.30 and halted until 12.00 to allow the Australian Mounted Division to +pass through on their way towards Damascus. Here, horses were "off-saddled" +and watered twice during the halt, the water being quite fresh and clear. +Being upon the shore, which was gently shelving, they were able to walk in +and drink to their hearts' content. A number of men also took the +opportunity to bathe; it was fairly hot, being 680 feet below the level of +the sea. + +The River Jordan runs right through the lake, and it is interesting to know +now that this point was 64 miles (as the crow flies), up the river from the +site of the late Squadron camp when it was previously in the Jordan Valley. +It was reported to us that the 4th Division had had tough work in the +streets of Tiberias in order to capture it. They had now gone round the +southern shores of the lake and joined forces with the Sherifian Troops, +who had been harassing the enemy's Fourth Army east of the Jordan and were +now pursuing them northwards. Practically the whole of the Turkish Seventh +and Eighth Armies, which previously held the line west of the Jordan, had +now been accounted for. + +At 12.00 we continued the advance along the shores of the lake through +pleasant, cultivated country, to the north-west corner; then northward, for +about six miles, and down an avenue of trees, past the pretty little Jewish +village of Jataine. + +The Australians, in front, were held up at Kusa Atra on the Jordan by +artillery and machine-guns at the bridge, which the enemy had destroyed. +That night the 14th Brigade encamped within two miles of this bridge, +having marched over 30 miles that day. Early the next morning (September +28th) the Australians crossed the river by the ford, and "scuppered" the +party which had been holding them up, but, unfortunately, with the loss of +a few of their number. The 14th Brigade accordingly moved down to the river +at 09.00 and watered, and at 15.00 crossed by the bridge which had, by +then, been repaired by the Royal Engineers ("No. 2" Section with advance +guard fording), and continued north-easterly along what would have been a +good road with the help of a steam roller (but at present was the reverse, +owing to the large stones put down not being rolled in), to Kuneitra (14 +miles by the map but actually hardly less than 20), arriving 23.00. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [29] _Damascus is a very ancient city, and existed even in the time of + Abraham. The story that it was here that Cain killed Abel is alluded to + by Shakespeare (I King Henry VI, I, 3). While other cities of the East, + which were at one time of equal importance, now mostly exist as mounds + in the desert, Damascus is still what it was--the capital of Syria. + + The following are some of the numerous Biblical references to Damascus: + Gen. xiv, 15; II Sam. viii, 5 ("David slew of the Syrians two and + twenty thousand men"); II Kings vi, vii, viii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi; I + Chron. xviii, 5 (accounts of battles between the Kings of Judah and + Israel and the Kings of Damascus); Isa. xvii; Amos i, 3; Jer. xlix, 23 + (prophetical). + + St. Paul was converted on his way to Damascus (Acts ix) in which + connection see also II Cor. xi, 32 and Acts ix. + + In A.D. 1860 a frightful massacre of Christians took place here. By + nightfall on July 9th of that year the whole of the Christian Quarter + was in flames, the water supply cut off and the inhabitants hemmed in + by a circle of steel. As night advanced fresh marauders entered the + city and joined the furious mob of fanatics, who now, tired of plunder, + began to cry out for blood. All through that awful night and the whole + of the following day, the pitiless massacre went on. It is probable + that not a Christian would have remained alive but for the untiring + energy of Abd-el-Kader (himself a Mohammedan of great renown, but a + just man) with his faithful Algerines, who, in 1847, mustering only + 2,500 men had completely defeated the army of the Emperor of Morocco + 60,000 strong. + + Abd-el-Kader at once set to work rescuing the Christians. Hundreds were + escorted to his house, fed, comforted and forwarded to the castle, + where, finally, nearly 12,000 were collected. Many also reached the + British Consulate. The Mohammedans, furious at being baulked of their + prey, turned their attentions to Abd-el-Kader, who, however, charged + into their midst and said: "Wretches! is this the way you honour the + Prophet!... You think you may do as you please with the Christians, but + the day of retribution will come. Not a Christian will I give up, they + are my brothers. Stand back or I will give my men the order to fire". + Not a man among them dared to raise a voice against the renowned + champion of Islam, and the crowd dispersed. British and French + intervention prevented a general massacre throughout Syria, and as a + result of European pressure an enquiry was held on the Damascus + outrage, with the result that the Military Governor of that city, three + Turkish officers and 117 individuals were shot. In addition about 400 + of the lower class and 11 notables were condemned to imprisonment or + exile and L200,000 was proposed to be levied on the city. This was all + that could be obtained to the Christian community for a loss of 6,000 + of their lives, 20,000 rendered homeless, and damage to their property + of at least L2,000,000._ + + [30] _See John ii, 1; also iv, 46, i, 47 and xxi, 2._ + + [31] _Tiberias was built by the Romans in A.D. 20. It is only once + mentioned in the Bible (John vi, 23). The modern town is much smaller + than was the ancient one. In 1837, half the population perished by a + great earthquake._ + + [32] _Lake Tiberias in the Old Testament was called the "Sea of + Chinnereth," and the "Sea of Chinneroth" (Numb. xxxiv, 11; Deut. iii, + 17; Josh. xii, 3, xix, 35). + + In the New Testament, in addition to the names in the text above, it is + called the "Lake of Gennesaret" from the plains of that name on its + north-western shore. + + In the vicinity of the lake our Lord spent the larger portion of his + life, thus we find it continually mentioned throughout the four + Gospels. Some of the references are: Matt. iv, 13, viii, 24, 28, xiii, + 1, xiv, 25, xvii, 27; John vi, 1, xxi; Luke v, 1. At that time other + towns stood upon its shores, including Capernaum and Bethsaida. + + The lake is nearly seven miles across at its greatest width and its + extreme length is just over 12 miles._ + + +TWO SNIPERS SHOT. + +The next day we rested. Troops having been sniped at by natives, a party +from the Squadron was detailed to make an example of two offenders who had +been caught "red-handed". They were taken back to their village, and after +their crime had been publicly announced by an interpreter to the chief of +the tribe and the inhabitants, they were shot by the firing party. At 18.00 +the Brigade moved off through the village along the main Damascus Road. +About nine miles out they were brought to a halt, as the Australians in +front were "held up". Later, they cleared the way, however, and we moved on +again at 04.30. A halt of half an hour was made at 07.00 to water in the +Nahr Mughaniye, after which part of the distance was covered at the trot. +At 11.30 the head of the column reached Khan-esh-Shiha, 14 miles south-east +of Damascus. + +The enemy was seen on the Deraa Road, eight miles to the east, retreating +northward, evidently being chased by the 4th Division and Hedjaz troops +(Sherifians). It was reported by aeroplanes that the enemy force numbered +about 3,000, and the 14th Brigade (less the one regiment left at Haifa), +was allotted the task of cutting them off. + + +ALL SECTIONS DO GOOD EXECUTION. + +Turning to the right across country, we proceeded at a fast pace through +fields of maize, gardens, orchards and then open country, arriving at the +hills north of Kiswe overlooking the Deraa Road. These we occupied, and +came in touch with the enemy who had sent out troops to attack. "No. 1" +Section was in action along with two squadrons of Deccan Horse. They only +reached their positions a few minutes in front of the enemy's flank guard, +who, owing to the steepness and rocky nature of the ground, was able to +approach within a few yards of the guns before being repulsed. During this +encounter it is much regretted that Pte. Staniland was killed. + +"No. 2" Section was in action on the hill occupied by Brigade Headquarters +against the enemy, on a hill 600 yards to the front. After repulsing them, +they went round and occupied the hill, being joined shortly afterwards by +"No. 1" Section. Here an extensive view was obtained of the surrounding +country--in front, the Deraa Road from Kiswe village and station, on the +right (and beyond) and on the left the town of Damascus itself. It is +impossible to imagine a more beautiful sight than that which Damascus +presented from this spot, with its white minarets shining in the sunlight, +above the orange groves, vineyards and orchards which surround it. The +panorama was more particularly striking because of the contrast it +presented with the rest of the country we had previously seen. Some good +"shooting" was obtained from here, and the road was soon cleared. Parties +of the enemy could be seen making off eastward up the hills, but out of +range. The railway from Damascus runs parallel to the road, and beyond it. +A train which was then _en route_ was fired at, but it was also rather out +of range. + +Just then the Turk got some field guns in action and sent a few shells over +at us, the very first one falling right on top of Brigade Headquarters; +fortunately, it did not hit anyone! + +"No. 3" Section accompanied the Poona Horse on the left flank, and there +had some "practice" on the road, similar to the other sections. It was +joined there by "D" Sub-section, Nos. 1 and 2 having come out of action, +as there were no further "targets" for them. "No. 1" Section was now sent, +with one squadron of Deccan Horse, to occupy a hill south-east of Ashrafie +and due north of the position they had been holding. Machine-gun fire was +met with half a mile from the hill, but only one casualty was sustained +(Pte. Knott, wounded). The Deccan Horse charged the hill, and the section +came in action on the top of it, firing upon the retreating enemy and +silencing two of their machine-guns. The groves round Ashrafie, and the +road to the east, were "traversed" and a regiment of Turkish cavalry, which +was in the groves, at length sent a representative under a white flag +expressing a desire to surrender. Outposts were now put out, and the +remainder of the Brigade was moved up to Ashrafie and watered, staying in +that vicinity for the night. + +Some splendid grapes and other minor luxuries were obtained at the village +and were very acceptable. That night the country was lit up for miles +around, and the air resounded with explosion after explosion by the +destruction of large ammunition dumps and other stores by the Turks. "No. +3" Section remained with the outposts, owing to the fact that two orderlies +who had been sent out were unable to find them. + +In the early morning they obtained some splendid "targets" on the road, +against the tail of the Turkish force which was being driven along by the +4th Division and the Hedjaz troops. Close on their heels came Lieut.-Col. +Lawrence and Major Sinclair of the Sherifian Army in a car. They would have +been fired on, but for the fact that our own troops were in the danger +zone. Their identity was discovered in time, however, and Major Davies, who +had just arrived to see how "No. 3" Section was faring, went down and spoke +to them. + + +WE ENTER DAMASCUS. + +At 07.30 the Australians having got round to the north of the city, our +Brigade moved through Ashrafie and groves eastward to the road, so +frequently referred to above, and marching along it, passed Meidan, at +09.30 entering Damascus--just 12 days from the start of operations, it +being then October 1st 1918. The approximate distance covered by the +Division was 215 miles, the distance due north of our old Line 104 miles. + +Probably the town of Damascus proved to be disappointing to the majority of +the troops. It was interesting, certainly, but those who had been long in +the East did not find the expression "_Eastern splendour_" realised here, +any more than in other towns they had seen; such an idea would seem to +exist only in the minds of those who have never been "out East". The +natives, on the whole, seemed pleased to see us, the victors, and +frequently cheered, while Major L.F. St. J. Davies, M.C., at the head of +the Squadron (which followed the Poona Horse, the leading regiment, thus +being the first _white_ troops), was exceedingly popular. + +[Illustration] + +In accordance with the Arab custom, when rejoicing, rifles were fired in +the air--and this not with "blank" either! + +Right through the centre of the town, the Brigade went, and camped in olive +groves along the main road, leading out to the north-east. The following +day it retraced its steps to the south of the town where it joined the +"C.-in-C.". He had with him the remainder of the Division and the +Australians. A triumphal entry into the town with the troops named was then +made. + +The Machine-Gun Squadron, given the choice, went independently, straight to +their next camp at El Judeide, nine miles south-west of Damascus, +preferring to rest their horses. There they camped in orange groves, being +re-joined in the evening by the remainder of the Brigade, who had taken +part in the "show". + +[Illustration] + + +AN AMUSING ADVENTURE. + +Sec.-Lieut. Arden in the meantime was having an adventure "_on his own_". +When we were ordered back to El Judeide Mr. Arden was told to go into the +town and make all the purchases he could, so as to provide the Squadron +with a few comforts. He took with him Q.M.S. Fisher, the officers' mess +cook, and his groom. Having made his purchases, Mr. Arden, who had been +told that our destination was on the western road, looked it up on the map +and found a place marked there on the road to Beyrout about 10 miles +distant named "_El Jedeide_". Off they started for this _El Jedeide_. What +an experience they had! The road, which had just previously had the close +attention of the R.A.F. and other branches of the service, was littered +with dead and all kinds of enemy material. Along they continued, meeting +everywhere sights of wreck and confusion such as they had never previously +experienced.[33] Having reached Jedeide, but failing to find any trace of +British troops, they felt they had made a mistake. But it was too late to +return that night, and there was no help for it, they were forced to spend +the night there "and trust to luck". + +Alternately taking post "on guard," some sleep was obtained. During the +night some troops passed by, which the small party feared was Turkish; +fortunately they turned out to be _French Colonial Troops_, whose dress is +somewhat in the Turkish fashion. At daylight the party retraced its steps +toward Damascus, and on the way, met a party of Australians. "What the +devil are you doing here?" the latter demanded. Upon hearing their story +the Australians ejaculated: "Why, do you know you have been for one night +the outpost of the British Army? No British soldier has been here before"! +But "all's well that ends well"; in due course, after minor adventures, Mr. +Arden's party reached the Squadron at EL JUDEIDE where, although he had to +run the gamut of chaff and banter, he was heartily welcomed! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [33] _It is a strange coincidence that a stream close to Jedeide is + called "El Maut," which means "Death"._ + + +THE VALLEY OF LEBANON-RAYAK. + +Henceforward, the 5th Cavalry Division was to become an entirely separate +force in its operations--indeed, at one time, its nearest support was 100 +miles distant. Two days were spent at El Judeide, grazing horses and +cleaning guns and saddlery, before making another move forward. A force of +Turks some 7,000 strong was reported to be at Rayak Junction on the Beirut +Railway 30 miles north-east of Damascus, and on October 5th at 06.00 the +Division, with the 14th Brigade leading (the "S.R.Y." had re-joined from +Haifa), set off to deal with them. "No. 2" Section was with the advance +guard. + +Across country to Sabura, they reached the main Beirut Road at Khan Dimez, +15 miles from Damascus, and halted for the night at Khan Meizebun a few +miles further on, with outposts out. Following the road to the bridge over +the river, south of Bar Elias (where a halt for water was made), the +advance guard ("No. 1" Section with it), was much surprised at the +extraordinary behaviour of the natives, who, sighting them from a distance, +galloped to meet them, firing their rifles in the air and shouting. Such +was their method of giving us welcome; it would have been their own fault +if they had been mistaken for the enemy, as they very nearly were! + +At this point, turning north along a track up the Valley of Lebanon[34] +(many miles wide) the Brigade pushed on to Rayak. All along the road, right +from Khan Dimez, the previous day, there was evidence of the sorry plight +of the Turk. Hundreds of dead horses, dead bodies (stripped by the +villagers), broken wagons and even overturned "gharries" strewed the route. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [34] _"Lebanon" means "White," probably employed because of the snow + which can be seen most of the year on the Lebanon range of mountains, + on the western side of the valley (see Jer. xviii, 14). Lebanon is + stated in the Bible to be on the northern border of the Promised Land + (Deut. i, 7, iii, 25, xi, 24; Josh. i, 4, ix, 1). King Solomon's palace + and temple were built of cedars and firs from Lebanon (I Kings ix, 19), + also the second temple (Ezra iii, 7). Other references to Lebanon are + Josh. xi, 17, xiii, 2; Judges iii, 1; Deut. iii, 25; II Chron. ii, 2; + Psalms xxix, 5, xcii, 12; Isa. xiv, 8, xxxv, 17, xl, 16; Solomon's Song + iv, 8, 11, 15._ + + +AN UNWELCOME WELCOME. + +Upon our approaching Rayak, as if at a word of command, suddenly, a +tremendous burst of rifle fire broke out! This outburst, however, proved +to be merely a demonstration of the population's welcome! Rayak, and some +of the villages in this district, are Christian,[35] and it may well be +imagined that the population was simply delirious with joy at the arrival +of the British. + +As the Brigade marched through the streets on each side there were crowds +of people occupied in competing with each other to keep up the most rapid +fire! They were none too particular where their shots went either!! It was +rather difficult for us to feel pleased to see our new friends, when they +were letting off their rifles under our very noses! Fortunately there were +no casualties from the spent bullets, but there were several very narrow +escapes! The Turk, it seemed, had fled two days previously, and left at the +aerodrome the remains of no fewer than 30 aeroplanes which he had burnt, +together with large quantities of stores and rolling stock.[36] + +An outpost line was established at Hosh el Ghanin, and "No. 1" Section +returned to the Squadron, which had encamped to the east of the town south +of the village of Maazi. October 7th-12th were spent in grazing, cleaning +up and resting (not much of the last). On Oct. 10th, the 13th and 14th +Brigades had moved on four miles to Tel esh Sherif, the 15th Brigade being +at Zahle, a fair-sized town on the slopes of the hills on the western side +of the plain.[37] + +At this time enemy aeroplanes began to arrive, and drop bombs, killing, on +one occasion, some Gloucesters. A few days afterwards they were chased to +their lair by the R.A.F. and--_finished off_! + + FOOTNOTES: + + [35] _After the massacre of 1860, Lebanon was made an independent + province, governed by a Christian Pasha, nominated by the Sultan of + Turkey and approved by the European Powers._ + + [36] _Rayak is the junction of the railway from Beirut to Damascus and + Aleppo to Damascus._ + + [37] _Zahle is the largest town in Lebanon, and has a population of + about 16,000, nearly all of whom are Christians. During the massacre of + 1860, it suffered terribly, being captured and burnt to the ground._ + + +THE JOURNEY TO HOMS. + +The 14th Brigade, following the 13th Brigade one day's march behind, moved +up to Baalbek on October 13th. Here we ascertained that the leading brigade +had had a similar reception to ours from the natives at Rayak. Passing +through the town and the ruins of the celebrated Roman Temple of the +Sun[38] on the left, we camped east of the Turkish barracks. + +North of Baalbek our maps were found to be very inaccurate and unreliable, +the actual position of places often proving to be many miles away from +where shown; frequently roads followed quite a different route! In one +place a railway line was omitted altogether from the map, while in another, +a river marked thereon did not exist! + +Rations, now being brought up by motor lorries nearly every day, were +issued to units as soon as they had camped for the night; mutton was the +principal meat ration, sheep being requisitioned locally, all along the +route, as also was forage. + +The transport was now able to follow close behind the Brigade, and usually +arrived in "camp" shortly after the fighting troops. The "trek" now became +a matter of routine, marching usually starting each day at 07.00. +Permission was given for the Squadron to carry some of its guns on its +transport, in order to relieve the pack-animals. + +October 14th--To Lebwe; watering from a stream on the way, and camping in +groves. + +October 15th--To El Kaa. The Squadron camped against a fig-grove and figs +were purchased for everyone. + +October 16th--To Kusseir. Camp on plain east of station. + +October 17th--To Homs. When about half way, in front could be seen what +appeared to be a large camp of bell tents, but on getting nearer they +turned out to be merely a village of mud huts of that shape, and +whitewashed! + +Afterwards many similar villages were met with, some of which were +whitewashed, some not. From hereabouts could be seen, away on the left, the +large Homs Lake, through which runs the River Orontes (Nahr el Asi). Two +miles south of the town of Homs an hour's halt was made to allow of +watering and feeding, then passing a ruined castle on an artificial mound, +we went through the centre of the town (which is an interesting old place, +and apparently well supplied with water),[39] to the main road out to the +north. Then, along a track to the north-west, we passed the 13th Brigade +camp (the 13th Brigade had been a day ahead from Tel esh Sherif), and +bivouacked at 14.45 on a nice piece of ground on the banks of the Orontes, +against the village of Deir Mati. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [38] _There are ruins of three temples at Baalbek--The Great Temple of + the Sun, Temple of Bacchus, and the Circular Temple, built about A.D. + 220._ + + [39] _The Crusaders captured Homs in A.D. 1099. It is the ancient + Zobah, see II Sam. viii, 3, 5. The population is estimated at 65,000._ + + + + +PART VI. + + +THE MARCH TO ALEPPO. + +Would we stay here at Homs, or go still further? was the question uppermost +in the minds of all. The nearest troops were at Damascus 100 miles behind +us, and Aleppo, the next town of any importance, 100 miles ahead. We had +now covered 325 miles in 28 days, and a rest was much needed. The question +was soon decided for us! Three days were occupied in washing (men, clothes +and horses), grazing and cleaning saddlery. Then, at 07.00 on October 21st +we set out on our long journey, the 15th Brigade (it being their turn to +lead), having left the day previously. Marching was carried on in +accordance with the following table:-- + +Twenty minutes' trot, one hour's walk, 10 minutes' halt; and the following +were the day's marches:-- + +October 21st--To Er Rastan. + +October 22nd.--To Hama.[40] Through the town and over the River Orontes +past the huge water wheels for which it is famous. (These wheels make a +loud humming noise and can be heard for miles. They are used for lifting +the water from the river, which is between high cliffs at this point, to +irrigate the surrounding country). + +October 23rd.--To Khan Shaikhun. + +October 24th.--To Ma'arit en Na'aman, camping east of the town. In the +afternoon rain came on and continued overnight. It was the first rain of +the season. + +October 25th.--To Seraikin, camping against some groves south-east of town. + +October 26th.--At 05.00 to Khan Tuman. The ground being suitable, the 14th +Brigade marched with its Squadrons in line of troop column on the right of +the road, and the 13th Brigade in the same formation on the left, while the +transport was in the centre, on the road itself. + +Early in the afternoon, arriving at the banks of the Kuwaik-Su, the stream +that flows through Aleppo from the north, the 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON +off-saddled and settled down, the latest information being that they would +not be required till morning. However, orders were shortly received to +continue the advance to Aleppo! The guns were also to be withdrawn from the +transport. The Squadron therefore moved off with the Brigade about 17.00. + +What had been happening in front, in the meantime? No definite news was to +hand, but an armoured-car tender came back for a fresh supply of "S.A." +ammunition for the 15th Brigade Machine-Gun Squadron, so evidently some +fighting had taken place. We had already heard that armoured cars, which +had for some time past been doing "yeoman service," had arrived before +Aleppo and scattered enemy patrols, and that an officer had been to the +town and demanded its surrender. He was received with every courtesy, but +the gallant commander _regretted_ that he was unable to surrender the city +as he had received orders from Constantinople to hold out at all costs, in +order to cover the retirement of the Mesopotamian forces! That was some +days previously. Later, we learnt that on the day in question, the 15th +Brigade, having arrived before the "city gates," the Turks withdrew after +destroying bridges, etc., and they (the Brigade) pushing on, met them on +the Alexandretta Road, put spurs to their horses, and charged them. + +Now, it may be remarked, the Turk outnumbered the 15th Brigade _by at least +five to one_, and after the Brigade had passed through them, the enemy +realised their strength, and picking up the very rifles they had thrown +down, _fired at their backs_, Lieut.-Col. Holden and many other valuable +lives being lost in this manner! + +But the Turk had really no fight left in him; his was a beaten army! He +continued his retreat, and the 15th Brigade took up an outpost-line north +and north-west of the city. + + FOOTNOTES: + + [40] _Hama (population about 80,000) is the Ancient Hamath, see I Kings + xviii, 34, xix, 13._ + + +OUR BRIGADE REACHES ALEPPO. + +The 14th Brigade heard of the capture of Aleppo when they arrived within a +few miles of it after dark. + +Reaching the southern outskirts of the town, they entered it by the road +leading past the prison up to the Clock Tower. Leaving this on the right, +they turned sharply to the left (past the present Officers' Club) almost up +to Divisional Headquarters (_then already established_), where they bore to +the right, down to the bridge under the railway, at the French railway +station. The bridge had been blown up and a truck which was hanging down, +completely blocked the roadway, causing considerable delay, as the whole +Brigade had to lead their horses in "single file" up the steep embankment, +across the railway lines, and down the other side, in order to regain the +road. Two and a half miles along the Alexandretta Road the Brigade turned +to the left off the road, east of Bileramum, and halted for the night, it +being then 23.45. + +The next morning, at 05.30, the 14th Brigade took over the outpost-line +from the 15th Brigade. The Deccan Horse and "No. 3" Section held the ground +west of the road. The Poona Horse and "No. 1" Section held the road itself +and east of it. An enemy rearguard patrol was seen retiring, and was +followed up by Sherifian troops, but nothing more was seen of the Turk. +During the morning the 13th Brigade took over the ground to the west of the +road, thus relieving the Deccan Horse and "No. 3" Section. "No. 2" Section +relieved "No. 1" Section. + +At night, "No. 1" Section with "S.R.Y." and "No. 3" with Deccan Horse took +over the line. Members of the Squadron who took part in the operations from +Khan Tuman onwards, will remember that "No. 2" and "No. 3" Sections, owing +to shortage of personnel due to sickness (principally malaria or +dysentery), had only been able to man three guns each, instead of their +full complement of four, so that when "No. 2" Section was on duty "No. 3" +Section supplied a detachment to make them complete, "No. 2" doing the same +when "No. 3" was on duty, whilst in order to have all the guns in the +Squadron available in case of emergency, the Squadron headquarter troops +manned the remaining two guns. The next two days (October 28th and 29th) +the outpost-line was still held, and nothing in the way of active +operations occurred; men not on duty were granted passes to visit Aleppo. + + +ARMISTICE WITH TURKEY. + +On the morning of October 30th, our Brigade was relieved by the "13th," and +moved eastwards across the railway, then northward to MUSLIMIE JUNCTION. No +enemy being encountered, an outpost line was established about two miles +north, "No. 1" Section with "S.R.Y." and "No. 2" (with one detachment of +"No. 3") with the Poona Horse. The latter section was entirely alone during +the day, as it was not considered necessary to have so many troops on duty +as at night time, and the Squadron being too far away to allow of the +Section doing the double journey with any degree of comfort, it remained +where it was. + +At 12.00 on October 31st _an armistice with Turkey was proclaimed_, the +good news being communicated to the Sections on outpost duty by orderlies +from Headquarters. The Sections, however, had orders to remain at their +posts. November 4th brought the further news of an armistice with Austria, +and early the following day Indian prisoners, released by the Turks, began +to return to us through our outpost line. + +It was at this time that Major Davies, our O.C. (who had not been well +since leaving the Jordan Valley, and for some time past had only been able +to keep out of hospital by dint of great strength of mind and powers of +endurance, in spite of the advice of his own, and medical, officers), was +at last sent to the hospital in Aleppo, which had been established by the +14th C.F.A. He had only been there a few days, however, when, to the grief +of all, he passed away in the clutches of that dread disease, malignant +malaria. + +He was buried in the Aleppo Protestant Cemetery on November 11th 1918, in +the presence of the Divisional Commander, the Brigade Commander, the C.O.'s +of all the units in the Brigades, and many members of his Squadron, all of +whom felt how regrettable it was that he had not been spared to hear THE +GREAT NEWS which we all then felt was so close at hand, and towards the +obtaining of which he had, ever since the outbreak of the War, contributed +so much energy and ability. The "H.A.C." kindly provided us with a +gun-carriage upon which to convey him to his resting place, and Capt. +Powell, C.F., the Brigade Chaplain, officiated. + + +NEARING THE END. + +As those who had been present at the ceremony were waiting for the motor +lorries to take them back to Muslimie the momentous news was received that +_an armistice had been signed with Germany!_ + +It was universally felt to be a sad coincidence that he who had come +through the war from start to finish should thus have been laid low at the +very end of his labours. That Major St. John Davies, M.C., was undoubtedly +a great leader and very considerate of his men's welfare, was universally +known. There can be no doubt that he would have had a successful career, +had he been spared, in any profession he might have chosen. + +Malaria was taking its toll, and a few days later Signaller Boak, who had +been the Squadron's Brigade Orderly throughout the last operations, fell +another victim to its clutches. He was buried in the Military Cemetery, +Aleppo, a number of his comrades being present at the graveside. + + +AFTER THE ARMISTICE. + +Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C., now took command, with Lieut. A.O.W. Kindell +as Second-in-Command. The strength of the Squadron was now four officers, +145 O.R.'s, 116 riding horses, 77 draught mules, 36 pack animals, and, as +no reinforcements had reached the Squadron since the start of operations on +September 19th, these figures represented a loss of two officers, 67 +O.R.'s, 65 riding horses, three draught mules and seven pack animals. +Considering that the Squadron had covered 450 miles in 43 days, in addition +to the fighting, the loss in animals (especially draught) was extremely +small, and results show that the Squadron has every reason to be proud of +its horsemastership. + +The Sections were now withdrawn from "outpost" and the Squadron moved into +Muslimie station, where a certain number of buildings appeared to be +available, and capable of affording protection from the wet weather, which +showed signs of coming on. + +Unfortunately, after clearing out several buildings, these had to be +relinquished to a regiment of the 15th Brigade, which came up to take over +the station. The Squadron, however, was allowed to use, as billets, some +old railway trucks which could not be moved, owing to the points being +blown up. It was expected, at one time, that the Division would proceed to +Alexandretta, on the coast, for the winter, but this did not eventuate. + +[Illustration: Muslimie Junction Station.] + +About this time we had to say farewell to our old friend, Capt. Powell, +C.F., the Brigade Padre, who was compelled to go into hospital after +repeated attacks of malaria, and was eventually invalided home to England. +Capt. Powell had been with the Brigade since its original formation as the +"7th Mounted," and was a great favourite amongst all ranks. + +The following brief record of the events and doings of the Squadron during +its long spell of duty at Aleppo (and Muslimie) may be interesting to some +members:-- + +1918. + +Nov. 13--"No. 3" Section absorbed in "Nos. 1 and 2". + " 15--Inspection of horses by Corps Commander. + " 17--Memorial service in main station building. + " 18--Headquarters attached to "Nos. 1 and 2" Sections. + " 22--Inspection of Transport by Divisional Commander. + " 28--Inspection of horses by G.O.C. Brigade. + " 30--Ration strength: 4 officers, 122 O.R.s, 208 animals. +Dec. 4--Divisional Commander inspects horses. + " 5--Preparation for visit of "C.-in-C.". + " 9--Capt. J.B. Oakley and Lieut. E.P. Cazalet, with 60 reinforcements, + arrive from base. Capt. Oakley becomes Second-in-Command of + Squadron. + " 10--Four officers and 80 O.R.'s proceed to Aleppo mounted for-- + " 11--"C.-in-C.'s" procession, and return to camp. + " 17--Thanksgiving Day. + " 24--"B" Echelon (and donkeys) arrive. + " 25--Anthrax in Brigade. + " 27--One case of anthrax in Squadron. + +1919. + +Jan. 3--Inspection of Transport by Divisional Commander. + " 4--"No. 1" Sub-section proceeds to Aleppo with two troops "S.R.Y." to + escort "C.-in-C." by train to Jerablus. + " 6--Return of party. + " 20--Short range practice. + " 25--Classes opened in Brigade for shorthand, engineering, lectures, + etc. + " 27--Coalminers leave for "demob.". + " 28--G.O.C. Brigade inspects horses. +Feb. 1--Classification of horses: A.30, B.33, C.II.42, D.8. + " 3--Divisional Commander inspects animals and first line transport. + " 11--Orders to move to Aleppo. Dismounted party with surplus equipment + proceeds by train. + " 12--Squadron moves to Aleppo. + " 14--Corps Commander visits lines during stables. + " 19--Sec.-Lieut. Arden appointed Brigade Educational Officer and + promoted Captain whilst so employed. + " 20--Move to old 19th Squadron camp. + " 23--Twenty-two farmers proceed "homeward" ("demob." camp at Kantara). + " 26--Divisional Commander visits lines during stables. + " 27--Eleven O.R.'s to "Homeward". + " 28--An Armenian massacre; Squadron proceeds to centre of town, four + guns in position, one sub-section ("D") to Brigade Headquarters + for night. +Mar. 1-3--Fifteen O.R.'s "demob.". + " 6--Move to camp in the centre of Aleppo. + " 11--Twenty-seven horses evacuated to M.V.S. + " 17--Farewell parade to the G.O.C., Desert Mounted Corps, Lieut.-Gen. + Sir H.G. Chauvel, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. + " 19--Fifteen reinforcements arrive from base. + " 20--Twenty horses and 26 mules to Corrals (paddocks formed by the + Division to take the surplus animals resulting from + demobilization). + " 27--One sub-section short-range practice. + " 29--Eleven horses and 32 mules to Corrals. + " 31--Squadron strength: four officers, 124 O.R.'s, 185 animals. +Apr. 1--G.O.C. Brigade inspects horses. + " 3--One sub-section short-range practice. + " 15--"Stand-to" 05.30-08.00, one sub-section mounted, six guns on + limbers. + " 16--Ditto (as precaution against further massacre of the Armenians). + " 22--Practice scheme with Brigade. + " 23--Issue of summer clothing. + " 30--Divisional Horse Show. +May 1-2--Ditto. Squadron won Special Prize with pack mule "Pansy," and had + one limber and G.S. wagon in final; Pte. Carruthers also + qualified for jumping finals. + " 31--Squadron strength: four officers, 75 O.R.'s, 189 horses and + mules. +June 18--Inspection of horses and transport by Divisional Commander. + " 30--Peace celebrations. The Squadron, reduced to the strength of one + sub-section, took part in "march past". Strength: three officers, + 48 O.R.'s, 30 horses, 23 mules. + +[Illustration] + +The following, by a member of the Squadron, is typical of the life in the +ARMIES OF OCCUPATION. He says:-- + + "Although these (the Armies of Occupation) officially have only + existed since February 1st 1919, they have in reality, on certain + fronts, been in operation since November 1918. The 5th Cavalry + Division, pressing hard on the heels of the flying Turk, entered + Aleppo on the evening of 26th October last. Trek-tired and weary, + the Fighting Division under Major-Gen. H.J.M. MacAndrew, C.B., + D.S.O., wound its lengthy column over the Kuwaik-Su Bridge and + entered the ancient Turkish stronghold. Some of the units were at + once stationed close to the town, taking over the barracks and vast + stores and depots vacated by the enemy, whilst some of us, not so + lucky, were pushed forward to Muslimie, the important junction of + the Mesopotamian and Palestine Railways; and there formed a line of + outpost defence, just 300 miles due north of the line held six + weeks previously. + + + "LOW VITALITY OF TROOPS. + + "On the 4th November the Armistice with Turkey was signed, and + shortly after several cavalry units were sent still further north + to Killis, Jerablus (on the Euphrates), and Aintab, and the outpost + line near Aleppo was thus no longer required. Now followed a period + even more difficult to put up with than actual war itself. A trek + of over 400 miles in a space of two months, following that + nightmare of a sojourn in the Jordan Valley, had reduced the + vitality of both man and horse to a very low ebb, and consequently + the sick roll in both cases was large. Malignant malaria contracted + in the valley took toll of many brave lives, and an outbreak of + anthrax, coupled with debility, caused havoc among the horses. + + + "LIFE AT MUSLIMIE. + + "Railway communication not being completed, and roads rendered + unfit by heavy rains, delayed the passage of canteen stores, and + the rations had perforce to consist chiefly of mutton caught, + killed and eaten the same day. Shall we ever forget the taste of + it? Of course, we _did_ get goat sometimes as a variation. Xmas Day + was on the horizon and no hope of any puddings, but most units were + able to produce some kind of Xmas dinner, and a pudding concocted + from local ingredients. Followed special trains to the 'Palmtrees' + Concert Party in Aleppo, and a fox hunt on New Year's Day. Whist + drives and 'sing-songs' helped to break the deadly monotony of the + long winter evenings, and during the day there was plenty to occupy + one; roads to make in the mud, stones to be carted, buildings and + shelters erected, and more than all, the attempt to get a little of + the dirt off one's animal, and a little more flesh on his bones. + After the 130 degrees or so of heat (in the shade) in the Jordan + Valley, the cold in Syria, during the winter, seemed intense, and + ice had frequently to be broken before the morning wash. The snow + on the Taurus Mountains was not reassuring either, and firewood and + coal became almost unobtainable. + + [Illustration] + + + "SEEING THE NEW YEAR IN. + + "The only beverages obtainable at this time were native wines and + army rum, and as the former consisted chiefly of sweet Alicante, + methylated cognac and Arak, one became quite a connoisseur of the + latter and the different methods of making rum punch. + + "One Quartermaster-Sergeant in particular made quite a reputation + for himself as a punch mixer, and I know that among his favourite + ingredients were oranges, lemons, figs, condensed milk, cloves, + nutmeg, pepper, ginger, boiling water. + + "New Year's Eve saw (and heard) an officers' dinner, and all those + from far and near flocked to a small building near the station, and + under the able Presidency of popular Lieut.-Col. Wigan, of the + Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, and the direction of a Yorkshire vet. + and a Captain of the Deccan Horse, the Old Year (and in some cases + two Old Years) was seen out amid a score of toasts, the fumes of + aromatic punch, and the strain of a buckshee piano. Personally, I + crossed eight sets of Bagdad railway track in three strides. + + + "THE BRIGADE RACE MEETING. + + "In February the 14th Cavalry Brigade held a Race Meeting on a + short grass track of two and a half furlongs, discovered hiding + among the rocks. A 'totalisator' run by an Australian in the + interest of the Brigade, was run on sound lines, and if your horse + won you got your money back and a little over, which isn't the case + with some totalisators that we know of! Several 'scurries' and mule + races took place, and everyone enjoyed the fun thoroughly, + especially the mules. The machine-gun element sprung a surprise on + all by winning the Grand Prix, open to the 5th Cavalry Division, + with 'Nobbler,' a horse which was to have run at Gaza in 1918, but + was 'scratched' owing to lameness. 'Lion,' a mobilisation horse of + the Sherwood Rangers, and a prime favourite, came in second, and + both horses were ridden at 11-7. + +[Illustration: Aleppo. + +Squadron camp in the town.] + + + "THE FIRST ALEPPO MEETING. + + "In March the 14th Cavalry Brigade took over its Aleppo quarters + from the 13th, and the latter were moved many miles to the north, + where they also held a local meeting. Capt. Fraser of the R.H.A. + was now given the task of turning a waste piece of ground on the + western side of the town into a racecourse, and, by dint of much + hard work and begging of materials, he completed a quite good + course of four furlongs. The Royal Engineers erected a grand stand + of sandbags, and a totalisator. The first Aleppo Race Meeting was + held on March 8th, and a goodly representative gathering of the + army and civilian inhabitants of Aleppo assembled. After this, race + meetings were held regularly every alternate Saturday throughout + the summer. The course was laid on fairly level ground, and at the + start of the season had a thin covering of grass, which, + unfortunately, soon was burnt up by the fierce sun and worn bare by + frequent use, being replaced afterwards by litter. Though at first + only a four furlong 'scurry,' the course has now been extended to + eight furlongs, and laid much in the same fashion as Kempton Park + with a 'straight' of four furlongs and the remainder an oval. One + drawback to this course is that it crosses a high road in two + places. On race days mounted military police are stationed outside + the rails to keep order, and British troops are on duty in the + enclosures keeping the gates, serving refreshments, and assisting + in the totalisator. The latest attraction has been the admirable + rendering of popular music by the Band of the Queen's Bays. + + + "INCIDENTS AT THE RACES. + + "Of amateur jockeys and gentlemen riders there have been plenty; + among the most successful being Lieut.-Col. Vincent, R.A.S.C., + Major Walker, R.A., Capt. Sir Robin Paul, Lieut. Dowling. We much + missed Lieut. Stanley Wooten, of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, who + has hitherto been such a popular rider in the E.E.F. Major-Gen. Sir + Harry MacAndrew, C.B., D.S.O., Lieut.-Gen. Sir H.G. Chauvel, + K.C.B., K.C.M.G., have all, in turn, shown much interest in the + races, and Gen. Geaffar Pasha, the Military Governor of Aleppo, and + successor to Gen. Shukri Pasha (generally known to us as 'Sugary + Parsnips'), often enters one of his beautiful Arab chargers in the + Arab class races, and is often successful. His jockey rides in the + colours of the Hedjaz Army, red, white, black and green. + + [Illustration] + + "But the horses are now paraded in the paddock, and we must go and + inspect them. This is an Arab race, and all sorts of conditions of + men and horses are in the ring, and a terrific hubbub is going on. + Some of the ponies are well groomed, and fit, others thin and badly + cared for. Some have long unkempt manes and tails, others are + bedecked with beads and shells and long scarlet tassels. Saddle + cloths of brilliant hue are numerous, while the riders are a + curious and a motley assembly. Some bare-foot, some booted and + spurred (and a spur is a spur with an Arab, something after the + implement mother marks the pastry with). Others are in long flowing + robes with the burnous and kafeia of the Bedouin flying in the + wind, some with knives, some with swords, some with pistols, and + some with sticks, and lastly two are dressed like real jockeys, and + they know it, and show it too! Just now there is a little of chaos + as half the competitors are evidently of the opinion that they + should go round the paddock in one direction, while the other half + wishes to go the reverse. Wherefore there is loud shouting and much + gesticulating, with many 'Waheds' and 'Achmeds' and 'Macknoons'. + + + "ALL THE WORLD AND HIS WIFE THERE. + + "But there, the bell goes, and the starters begin to file out of + the gate as they struggle out of the seething mass. Away down the + course to the starting point; and here the starter will no doubt + have his work cut out. A variegated crowd is lining the rails on + the opposite side of the track. Turbaned Abduls and Yussefs, boys + and little girls, men and donkeys, fruit-sellers, arabiyehs, + camels, all in brightest colours and a pandemonium of noise. Stray + pi-dogs are continually being warned off the course, and venerable + Arab Sheiks who don't understand, and start for a nice walk along + the wide grass track. Yes, there is plenty for the smart military + policemen to do, and their burnished swords and bright shoulder + epaulets flash in the sun as they 'chivvy' the crowd out of danger. + In the officers' enclosure there are many strange types. Abdul + Achmed Yussef is there with a scimitar in one hand like the Sultan + of Turkey, and a huge white umbrella in the other hand, and on his + head he wears a red tarbush. _Iskanderianabedian_ is there with his + fat wife, and two fat daughters, all the latter in black silk gowns + and white silk stockings, and if the girls' ankles aren't as thick + as my calves, call me a liar, but this is the Turkish style of + beauty you know. The better bred the fatter is their standard, and + very nice too. Arab troops and Arab gendarmerie in their quaint + spiked head-gear; while hundreds of British staff officers (where + they come from, or what they do I don't know), with tabs of all + colours (and as one officer remarked to me only the other day, + 'When the blue and green tabs appear it's time to capture another + town'!) And a sprinkling of combatant officers, English sisters, + French attaches, and American Red Cross workers, represent the + western world. + + + "THE RACING. + + "Now we go and place our solitary 10 pt. on a promising pony ridden + by one of the two 'real' jockeys. It is all we can spare, as the + Field Cashier happens to be away (as usual). Suddenly a bugle + blows, and we hear the usual cry 'They're off!' But they aren't; at + least two are and there's no stopping those two. No, they mean to + carry on now; neck and neck they go, and soon they are round the + distant corner, and thundering past the four furlong point. On they + come shouting for Allah and Mohammed, and standing high in their + stirrups they wave their sticks madly in the air, yelling at each + other with all the frenzy of the faithful followers of El Islam! A + dead heat they reach the post and gallop wildly on, to end up + somewhere on the banks of the Kuwaik Su! + + "Now, the bugle goes again, and the start has really begun this + time, the field getting away something like a compact lump. But + soon they string out, and we notice our two orthodox men well in + rear. This time the race is even more exciting, and as the post is + neared the yells of defiance, the flowing robes, the waving arms + and the bump, bump, bump of the riders brings pictures to the mind + of the fiery followers of Saladin, or an attack by the Arabs in the + 'Tragedy of the Korosko'. + + + "HOME AGAIN! + + "Well, it's over at last, and our 'choice' and the other smartly + dressed jockey are miles behind. But that doesn't matter as I hear + the winner is only paying out 5 pt. Oh! that 'Tote'! Six races are + the usual number run; and then the sun sinks behind the Taurus + Mountains, the shadows fall long and blue, and the high-up Citadel, + flanked by mosques and minarets, becomes bathed in the orange light + of the setting rays. As the last horse is led in, the crowd flows + back towards the town, and then the arabiyehs crack their whips, + the camels grunt, the staff start up their motor cars, and the + combatant officers with light hearts and lighter pockets mount + their chargers, and wend their way back to camp. + + "Such is an Aleppo Race Meeting, and so do we attempt to pass the + monotony of an enforced exile in a barren and a dreamy land. + + "Very soon the rain will come, and then the mud, and then we shall + look for the Christmas parcels, British books, local papers, and + more than all--that long-promised holiday for the + Army-of-Occupation-Volunteer!!". + +[Illustration] + + + + +PART VII. + +Epilogue. + + +The following extract from a letter from an officer at Aleppo to a former +"O.C." of the Squadron (now demobilized) will perhaps serve as a fitting +close to the record of the service of the 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON. + +"Aleppo. +"4-10-19. + + "Dear..... + + "Just a line to let you know how we are getting on. The 14th B'de + has been abolished and several Units disbanded. The Cadre of the + Sherwoods also, who are now in the 13th Brigade, is going home, but + there are only a few of them to go to U.K. The 20th M.G.S. is to be + disbanded, and the personnel to go to the 19th Squadron. We got + orders yesterday to wind up the '20th' and send the personnel to + the '19th' and I have to report to the 10th Cav. Bde. at Homs. What + for I don't know yet. One consolation, all the men but five are now + eligible for U.K.!! Well, well, it can't be helped, and perhaps it + is as well we were broken up now as the men will perhaps be home by + Xmas if the Strike is over. + + "Hope you are enjoying 'Civvy' life. + +"Yours, &c., +".....". + +The following are extracts from THE TIMES of the 24th July 1919 and the +DAILY MAIL of 28th July 1919. They will not be read without sincere regret +by all those members of the 20th "M.G.S." who had previously served in the +5th Cavalry Division. + + + + GENERAL SIR HENRY MACANDREW. + + Major-General Sir Henry John Milnes Macandrew, K.C.B., D.S.O., died + from heart failure, resulting from burns, on the 16th inst. in + Syria, where he was serving in command of the 5th (Indian) Cavalry + Division. + + A son of the late Sir Henry Macandrew, of Aisthorpe, Inverness, he + was born on August 7th 1866, and joined the 2nd Batt. Cameron + Highlanders in 1884, being transferred to the Lincoln Regiment two + years later. Entering the Indian Army in 1888, he joined the 5th + Cavalry, to which regiment he belonged until his promotion to + major-general in 1917, and of which he was honorary colonel when he + died. + + He had extensive staff experience, being a graduate of the staff + college and having spent about one-third of his service in the + Indian Army on the staff. He went through the Tirah Campaign as + brigade transport officer in 1897-98 (dispatches and frontier medal + with two clasps), and he served through the South African War in + various capacities, gaining the South African medal and four + clasps, the King's medal and two clasps, and the D.S.O., and being + twice mentioned in dispatches. He was brigade-major to the + Inspector-General of Cavalry in India in 1903-5. + + He served in France on the staff of the Indian Cavalry divisions + from 1914 till 1917, when he was promoted major-general and + received command of the 5th Cavalry Division. His services in + France secured four mentions in dispatches and the K.C.B. He + proceeded to Palestine with the Indian Cavalry Corps, and served + under General Allenby in his successful advance from the Egyptian + border to Aleppo. The division under his command was prominent in + these operations, and the general was mentioned by Sir Edmund + Allenby in dispatches for his excellent services. + + General Macandrew was well known as a rider across country and on + flat. He earned the reputation of being one of the best and most + dashing of our cavalry leaders in the war, and his untimely death + is a severe loss to the Indian Army. He married, in 1892, the + youngest daughter of Mr. H.R. Cooper, J.P., of Ballindalloch, + Stirlingshire, and leaves a young daughter. + + From "The Times," July 24th 1919. + + * * * * * + + GENERAL MACANDREW. + + KILLED BY PETROL ON TUNIC. + + CAIRO, Friday. + + Major-Gen. H.J. Macandrew, commander of the Fifth Division, + stationed at Aleppo, died a tragic death last week. His tunic had + been cleaned with petrol and was hanging in a room to dry when the + general, wearing pyjamas, entered smoking a cigarette. The petrol + vapours exploded, burning General Macandrew so severely that he + died in hospital a week later.--Reuter. + + It is possible that too much petrol was used or that the heat of + the sun vaporised the petrol and thus rendered it so easily + inflammable. An exactly similar accident is not recorded in our own + climate. + + From "Daily Mail," July 28th 1919. + + + FRENCH IN SYRIA. + + BRITISH WITHDRAWN. + + Cairo, Dec. 10th 1919. + + In accordance with arrangements with the Government concerned a + change has been made in the military administration of Syria (north + of Arabian Desert, including Palestine and Cilicia), the Valley of + Adana, and Tarsus (which since the Allied occupation have been + under the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force). + The administration of Cilicia and the area known as "occupied enemy + territory (west)," including Lebanon, Beirut, Tripoli, and + Alexandretta, has been handed over to General Gouraud, the French + High Commissioner. + + The British military posts in the Marash, Aintab, Urfa, and + Jerablus areas, where the administration remains under the Turkish + authorities, have also been relieved by the French. + + The territory known as "occupied enemy territory (east)" including + Damascus, Homs, Hamah, and Aleppo, has been handed over to the Arab + administration under the Emir Feisul (whom the Syrians welcome). + + All the British troops have been withdrawn from Syria, and the + military administration of Syria by the British Commander-in-Chief + has ceased.--Reuter. + +[Illustration] + + + + +Names and Addresses of the Members of the 20th Machine-Gun Squadron. + + +NOTE:--_A copy of this list has been sent by post to the address of every +member for verification before going to Press._--AUTHOR, _1st June 1920_ + + +Officers. + +Major L.F. ST. JOHN DAVIES, M.C., Antringham Rectory, North Walsham, +Norfolk (Died 10-11-18). + +Major R.H. FAIRBAIRNS, M.C., 63 Alleyn Park, Dulwich, S.E. + +Capt. E. DAVIES, c/o Messrs. Cox & Co., 16 Charing Cross, S.W. + +Capt. D. MARSHALL, M.C., Margaret Place, Dollar, Fife. + +Capt. J.B. OAKLEY, Grimston Hill, York. + +Capt. F.A. SPENCER, M.C., c/o Messrs. Sir C.R. McGrigor, Bart., & Co. +Panton St., S.W. + +Lieut. E.P. CAZALET, Brunswick Rd., Sutton, Surrey. + +Lieut. E.B. HIBBERT, "Babworth," Watson Ave., Mansfield, Notts. + +Lieut. A.O.W. KINDELL, Rolle Cottage, Bourne End, Bucks. + +Lieut. G.M. KING, York House, Headroomgate Rd., St. Annes-on-Sea, Lancs. + +Lieut. C.D. MACMILLAN, Brackenhurst Hall, Southwell, Notts. + +Lieut. A.G.P. MILLMAN, Liskeard, Cornwall. + +Lieut. H.A. PRICE, M.C., "Homewood," Branksome Ave., Bournemouth (killed). + +Lieut. R. RAYNOR, Jingewick Rectory, Bucks. + +Lieut. F.R. WILGRESS, c/o The Bank of Montreal, Waterloo Place, London. + +Second-Lieut. J.K.W. ARDEN, "Mayhills," nr. Petersfield, Hants. + +Second-Lieut. J.W. CUMMER, 1221 13 Avenue, West Calgary Alta, Canada. + + +Squadron Sergeant Majors. + +FISHER, H., 65 Crosby Rd., West Bridgford, Notts. + +FLEET, T., M.M., 32 Trinity St., Dorchester, Dorset. + +JACKSON, J.B., M.M., "Denstone," Rocester, Staffs. + +LARWOOD, E., D.C.M., Thorpe Farm, Shadwell, Thetford. + +PHILLIPS, H., 21 Sutherland Rd., Bow, London, E. + +SALTER, E.G., 16 Grays Rd., Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. + + +Squadron Quartermaster Sergeants. + +CRISP, J., 14 Spencer Rd., Mitcham, Surrey. + +FISHER, H., _See_ under S.S.M.'s. + +HARRISON, N.M., Pocklington, Yorks. + + +Staff Farrier Sergeant. + +ROBERTSON, T., 85 Bo'ness Rd., Grangemouth, Scotland. + + +Sergeants. + +ANDERSON, W. (Farrier), Steetley Farm, Whitwell, nr. Mansfield, Notts. + +BUCKINGHAM, T., Lower Hayford, nr. Weedon, Northants. + +COLLETT, J.H., High Rd., Vange, Essex. + +CONUEL, T. (Transport), "Elmton," Chesterfield, Derby. + +DUGUID, L.W.J., 42 Blenheim Gardens, Reading. + +FELL, R.O. (Transport), 14 King's Avenue, Rhyl, N. Wales. + +GAGE, L., Camden Stores, Lower Bristol Rd., Bath. + +GRICE, T., M.M., 70 Olbury Rd., Smethwick, Staffs. + +HAWKINS, E.W., M.M., 26 Springfield Rd., Gorleston-on-Sea, Suffolk. + +HAZLEHURST, C.E., Low St., Carlton, nr. Worksop, Notts. + +HOLT, F.F., 18 Sandhill St., Worksop, Notts. + +KIRKE, C. (Orderly Room), 6 Curzon St., Derby. + +KEETLEY, H., S. Megby, nr. Mansfield, Notts. + +KNOWLES, G., "Tredethy," Bodmin, Cornwall. + +LEWIS, R., "Craiglea," Penparke, Aberystwith, N. Wales. + +MORDEN, W.H., 89 Ashburton Avenue, Addiscombe, nr. Croydon, Surrey (died at +Havre, 4th March 1919, _en route_ for home). + +O'NEILL, W., Barford Cottages, Churt, nr. Farnham, Surrey. + +PARKER, W.R. (Farrier), Hermitage St., Crewkerne, Somerset. + +PEADON, S., 103 Nottingham Rd., Long Eaton, Derby. + +PEARSE, T., Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxon. + +POTTS, C., 9 Castle Hill Square, Worksop, Notts. + +POUNTAIN, J., 79 Derby St., Derby. + +RAMSAY, G. (Orderly Room), 94 Highfields, Coalville, nr. Leicester. + +ROBERTS, C, 319 Ropery Rd., Gainsborough, Lincs. + +ROUSE, F., Park Rd., Mansfield, Woodhouse, Notts. + +SNEDDON, H., West Calder, Midlothian. + +THOMPSON, S.C. (Transport), 11 Canterbury Rd., West Croydon, Surrey. + +WRIGHT, W.J.P., 3 Beacon Hill Rd., Newark, Notts. + + +Corporals and Lance-Corporals. + +ADCOCK, H., 34 York Terrace, Gainsborough, Lincs. + +BAGGS, F., Brook House, West Malling, Kent. + +BARRATT, J.G., Ashby Rd., Loughboro', Linc. + +BARTHORPE, F., 2 Ebenezer Place, Gainsboro', Lincs. + +BITCHILY, H., 37 Park Terrace East, Hors ham, Sussex. + +BILHAM J. (Signaller Corporal). + +BINNINGTON, C. (Signaller Corporal), "Beaconsfield," Anlaby Rd., Hull. + +BRADLEY, W., 46 Healey St., Nottingham. + +CARR, F., Doncaster (killed at El Tahta). + +CHINNERY, T.A. (Signaller Corporal), 7 Ashmead Rd., St. John's, Lewisham, +S.E. + +CLARK, G.H., Syston, Leicester. + +FAIRLEY, J., 2 Brandfield St., Edinburgh. + +FOSTER, G. (Signaller Corporal), Sgt. 3rd M.G. Sqdn., Risalpur, N.W.F.P., +India. + +FOX, P.W., Rollerton Mill Farm, R.S.O., Notts. + +FRANKLIN, R.H., 13 Hyde Park Corner, Leeds. + +FULLER, E.J., 2 Surrey St., Luton, Beds. + +GALWAY, L., 54 Firgrove Rd., Freemantle, Southampton. + +GAVAGAN, T., The Bazaar, Shrewton, Wilts. + +GILL, H., 98 St. Anne's Well Rd., Nottingham. + +GREEN, A., 16 Maria St., West Bromwich, Staffs. + +GORING, A.C. (Signaller Corporal), 92 Coleridge St., Hove, Sussex. + +HALEY, J., 3 Queen Victoria St., Wakefield, Yorks. + +HOLMES, C. (S/Smith Corporal), 56 Mar Hill Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +HUGHES, J., Queens Walk, Nottingham. + +HUTCHINGS, F.G., "Maesgwyn," Ton Pentre, Glamorgan. + +INESON, C., 20 Primrose Lane, off Burton Rd., Leeds. + +IRELAND, C, "Bay Villa," Rosehill Rd., Ipswich. + +JAMES, J., 76 Llangyfelach St., Swansea, S. Wales. + +KIDD, S., 18 Aviary Mount, Armley, Leeds. + +KINGS, E., 1 King Barton St., Gloucester. + +KNIGHT, T.N., 29 Millicent Rd., West Bridgford, Notts. + +LAWSON, A.P., 36 Castle Terrace, Nottingham. + +LAYCOCK, F.J., 34 Highcroft Terrace, Brighton. + +MARRIOTT, A., 65 Nottingham Rd., Stapleford, Notts, (killed). + +MELLETT, C.W. (Saddler Corporal), 1 Park Terrace, Hillingdon Rd., Uxbridge, +Middlesex. + +MOVERLEY, S., 26 Wharncliffe St., Hull. + +NEAL, G., 16 Nova Scotia St., Failsworth, Lancs. + +PALMER, C.P., 26 Drake St., Gainsborough, Lincs. + +PATTERSON, W., 72 High St., Dumfries, Scotland. + +ROE, A.E., 184 St. Paul's Rd., Canonbury, London, N. + +ROGERS, L.B., 122 Hillaries Rd., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham. + +ROSE, J.B., 44 Ball St., Wells Rd., Nottingham. + +SEDDON, H., 54 The Avenue, Leigh, Lancs. + +SHARPE, H.E., 138 Sherrard Rd., Forest Gate, Essex. + +SMALL, F., Earls Common, nr. Droitwich, Worcester. + +SMITH, C.C., West St., Oundle, Northants. + +STOKES, H., Sir John Barleycorn Hotel, Cadnam, Southampton. + +UFF, G., 28 St. James St., Walthamstow, London. + +WADDLOW, J. (S/Smith Corporal), Marylands, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough. + +WAKE, T., 14 Roxburgh Place, Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne. + +WALSHAW, L.J., 56 Canon St., Belgrave, Leicester. + +WILLMORE, A.C., 2B Lakefield Villas, Westbury Avenue, Wood Green, N. + +WOODHOUSE, H., 11 Queen St., Whittingtonoor, Chesterfield, Derby. + + +Privates. + +ACE, E., 7 Carlos St., Port Talbot, S. Wales. + +ADAMS, C.W., Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, Staffs. + +ADDISON, A., High St., Navenby, Lines. + +ALLEN, L., 20 Liddington St., Basford, Notts. + +AMOR, L.G., Road Common, Southwick, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. + +APPLEY, T., Station Rd., Laughton Common, Yorks. + +ARNELL, F., 35 Fernie Avenue, Melton Mowbray, Leicester. + +ARNOLD, H.T., 29 High St., Old Basford, Notts. + +ASHALL, R., 5 Bolton St., Park Rd., St. Helens, Lancs. + +ASHE, A.E., 5 Barley Close, Chippenham, Wilts. + +ATTWATER, L. (Signaller), 22 Dryburgh Rd., Putney, S.W. + +AVERILL, R., Fox and Hounds Hotel, Brynmenyn, Bridgend, Glam. + +BAKER, A., The Row, Eltham, Kent. + +BAKER, C.E. + +BALL, F., 1 Gladstone Terrace, Bunbury St., Nottingham. + +BARTRAM, R., Froy Moor Farm, Briston, Melton Constable, Norfolk. + +BEESTON, T., The Green, Middleton, Winkworth, Derby + +BOAK, G., 3 St. Thomas' Place, Stockport, Cheshire (died at Aleppo). + +BOHN, A. + +BOYLING, F., 1 Claughton Villas, Priory Rd., Dudley. + +BRADY, W., 7 Mill St., Kingston-on-Thames. + +BRAMALL, T., "Broom Cottage," Carlton, Worksop, Notts. + +BRANTON, F., 306 High St., Walton, Felixstowe. + +BRETT, J., Highland Cottages, Clavering Newport, Essex. + +BROWNE, R.A., "Rosemoyne," Warwick Rd., Sutton, Surrey. + +BUTCHER, P.F., 34 Nursery Rd., Chelmsford, Essex. + +CANE, E.W., "The Hollies," Swallowfield, nr. Reading. + +CAPEL, B., "Woodbine Cottage," Dysart, Fife (died 17th Oct. 1918). + +CARDER, W., Raynes Park, nr. Braintree, Essex. + +CARRUTHERS, W., Keppoch, Kardros, Dumbarton Scotland. + +CASH, J., 17 Ard Lane, Kiverton Park, nr. Sheffield. + +CHANTRY, P., 5 St. James' St., Grantham (died of wounds). + +CHARTERS, H.J., "Loch Lomond," Cheltenham Rd., Southend-on-Sea. + +CHATTERTON (Transport), Flixton, nr. Manchester. + +CHILDS, J.L. (S/Smith), "Holly Bank," Bourne End, Bucks. + +CHIPPENDALE, E., 30 Moore St., Nelson, Lancs. + +CLARKE, F.J., Post Office, Harpole, Northants. + +CLARKE, H., 450 Leeming St., Mansfield, Notts. + +CLARKE, S.H., 112 Aberdeen Rd., Winson Green, Birmingham. + +CLARKE, W.E., Middle St., Wickham Market, Suffolk. + +CLARKE, W.J., 88 Whitley Wood Lane, Reading, Berks. + +CLAY, T., 24 High St., Kimberley, Notts. + +CLAYTON, H., 3 Rutland Terrace, Meadows, Nottingham. + +CLUTTEN, E.G., Church House, Wangford, Suffolk. + +COLES, A.R. (S/Smith), The Forge, Epwell, Banbury. + +COLLIER, A., 12 Rice St., New Basford, Notts. + +COMRIE, G.E.L., 15 Dixon Avenue, Crosshill, Glasgow. + +COOK, J., 32 Glen St., Paisley, Scotland. + +COOKE, H.S., 19 Rosina St., High St., Homerton, N.E. + +COOPER, J.E., Easton Royal Farm, Pewsey, Wilts. + +CORY, P.F.P., Morecombe Farm, Milton Damerell, Brandis Corner, Devon. + +COWELL, E., 47 Earl St., Lower Broughton, Manchester. + +COX, A., 17 Belvedere St., Mansfield, Notts. + +COZENS, C.F., 27 Acres St., Wandsworth, S.W. + +CRANE, W.R., 6 Seventh Row, Ashington, Northb. + +CRANFIELD, F., 72 Farnley Rd., South Norwood, S.E. + +CROSSMAN, H., Bridgwater, Somerset. + +CUNDALL, C.F., 12 Milton St., Middlesbrough, Yorks. + +CURTIS, J., 96 Merchant St., Bullwell, Nott. + +CURTIS, W., Royston House, Misterton, Doncaster, Yorks. + +DALE, A.M., Crawford Gardens, North Down, Cliftonville, Margate. + +DAVIES, C.L., 32 Carlton Rd., Sneinton Market, Notts. + +DAVIES, H.C.P. (S/smith), 13 Artesian Rd., Bayswater, W. + +DEWEY, C., 192 Ealing Rd., South Ealing, W. + +DIPLOCK, P.H., 8 Everest Rd., Eltham, Kent. + +DOWNS, A.F., Alnwick Villas, Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +DRANSFIELD, D.V., Newlands Farm, Mansfield, Notts. + +DRANSFIELD, S.A., Newlands Farm, Mansfield, Notts. + +DREW, T.C., 25 Hamilton Rd., Long Eaton, Notts. + +DROUET, A.G.E., "Ajow House," Speedwell Rd., Egbaston, Birmingham. + +DUNCAN, J.C., 1 Wellgate, Kirriemuir, Forfar. + +EALDON, E., 11 Railway Terrace, Sittingbourne, Kent. + +EDGAR, W.J., 73 Sugarfield St., Belfast. + +EDWARDS, A., 44 Greaves Rd., Lancaster. + +EDWARDS, A.E., 18 Prospect Terrace, King's Cross, N. + +ELLAMS, G., Capenhurst, nr. Chester. + +ELLIOTT, G.W., 51 Shipstone St., New Basford, Notts. + +ELLIS, C.L. (S/smith), 4 King Edward Rd., Brentwood, Essex. + +ELPHICK, J., 15 George St., Fishergate, Sussex. + +EWELS, P., Preston-on-Severn, nr. Shrewsbury. + +FARDELL, A., 3 Hertford St., Colchester, Essex. + +FARMER, J., 103 Newcombe Rd., Handsworth, Birmingham. + +FEAR, J., 1 Greenhill Cottages, Cwmtillery, Wales. + +FEWELL, H.P., 162 Upper Bridge Rd., Chelmsford, Essex. + +FLETCHER, W., 54 Cranmer St., Nottingham. + +FLORY, C., 7 Castle Rd., Colchester, Essex. + +FOSTER, S., Wharncliffe Nurseries, Christchurch Rd., Boscombe. + +FOX, W.H., 7 Nelson Terrace, Hutchinson St., Nottingham. + +FRANCIS, H., Broxhall Farm, Lower Hardis, Canterbury. + +FRANCIS, R.C., The Dairy, Woolaton, Notts. + +FROST, E., c/o Mrs. Coleman, Forest View, Skegley, Notts. + +FRYER, C.S., "A" Squadron, M.G.C. (Cav.) Depot Shorncliffe. + +GALLAGHER, C. (Signaller), 47 Alderson Rd., Liverpool. + +GARDNER, S.J.M., Billingford, Scole, Norfolk. + +GENT, A., Baggholme Rd., Lincoln. + +GILL, J., 117 Gloucester Rd., Bootle, Liverpool. + +GODFREY, W., 1 Gladstone St., Carlton, Notts. + +GOLDIE, H.C., 12 Morpeth St., Spring Bank, Hull (died of wounds, +3-12-1917). + +GOODWIN, C.S., 24 Hawksley Rd., Nottingham. + +GOODWIN, G., Robine Cossall, nr. Nottingham. + +GRANT, R., 5 Gilburn Place, Bo'ness, Scotland. + +GREENBAUM, ----, 94 Bridge St., Burdett Rd., London, E. + +GREENBURY, W.H., 73 Sleaford, Newark, Notts. + +GREGORY, R.H., "Pomona House," Furlong Avenue, Arnold, Notts. + +GREIG, L.C., Braunstone, Leicester. + +GRESSWELL, W.F., 110 Percival Rd., Sherwood, Notts. + +GRIFFITHS, W., 43 East Side, Prendergast, Haverfordwest. + +GYTE, J., Taylor Barn, Wessington, nr. Alfreton, Derby. + +HADDEN, W.E., 228 Sharland Rd., Maida Hill, London. + +HALL, J.E., 10 Clark St., Leicester. + +HALLAM, F., 45 Labden St., Long Eaton, Derby. + +HARDY, R.M., Cropwell Bishop, nr. Ratcliffe-on-Trent, Notts. + +HARMSWORTH, A., "Dowend," Chatsworth Rd., Worthing, Sussex. + +HARNESS, H., 66 Barnby Gate, Newark, Notts. + +HARRIS, S.A., Lower Herne, Herne, Kent. + +HARRIS, T., 5 Baranden St., Notting Hill, London. + +HARRISON, A.E., 123 Philip St., Patricroft, Manchester. + +HARRISON, F.W., 18 Seeley Rd., Lenton Sands, Notts. + +HARRY, R.R., 110 Nolton St., Bridgend, Glam. + +HART, E., 32 Church St., Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. + +HART, J., 5 Arundel Drive, Mansfield, Notts. + +HARTILL, E., Smyth Cottage, Maidstone, Kent. + +HAYES, H., Belle Eau Park Farm, Kirklington, Notts. + +HAYES, J.C., Belle Eau Park Farm, Kirklington, Notts. + +HAYMAN, J.T., Foresters Arms, High St., Reynsham, Bristol. + +HAYWARD, J. (Saddler), 33 Princess Rd., Lower Broughton, Manchester. + +HEARN, G., 3 Westfield Rd., Edinburgh. + +HEATHCOTE, E., 16 Cromwell Rd., Nottingham (killed at Tahta). + +HEMMINGWAY, F., 21 High St., Batley Carr, Batley, Yorks. + +HENDERSON, A., The Smithy, Carnoustie, Scotland. + +HENSON, T., 47 Chaplain St., Lincoln. + +HERRINGTON, R., South Carlton, nr. Worksop, Notts. + +HESKETH, E., Newton Green, Alfreton, Derbyshire. + +HESLOP, W., 53 Heath St., Stepney, E. + +HICKING, J.S., Chatham House, Munday St., Henor, Derby. + +HOLBOROW, J., Didmarton, Badminton, Glos. + +HOLDER, J., 40 Braydon Rd., Clapton, N. + +HOLLINGWORTH, T., 74 Westfield Rd., Caversham, nr. Reading. + +HOODLESS, J., Bridgend, Dalston. + +HORSTEAD, H., 23 Winterton Rd., Sunthorpe, Lincs. + +HOWLETT, J., 119 Brookdale Rd., Catford, S.E. + +HUDSON, G.H., 5 Blackfriar St., Stamford. + +HUDSON, L., 84 Low St., Keighley, Yorks. + +HUDSON, ----, Westgate Rd. Fire Station, Newcastle-on-Tyne. + +HUGGETT, G., 19 Cornwall Rd., Brixton, S.W. + +HUNT, B., 140 Armagh Rd., Bow, E. + +HUNT, E., 5 Bartholomew Cottages, Gillingham, Kent. + +HUNT, J., 68 St. Paul's Terrace, Holgate Rd., York. + +HUNT, S.F.R., Box 53 P.O., Prince George, British Columbia. + +HUTCHINS, G. (Saddle Cpl.), Orchard Lane, Alton, Hants. + +HYDE, E.W., 141 Glyn Rd., London, N.E. + +INGRAM, F.A., 85 Broad St., Tottenham, London, N. + +INKLEY, E.A., 96 St. Anne's Well Rd., Nottingham. + +IRVINE, R.J., 140 Roebank St., Dennistoun, Glasgow. + +JACQUES, A., 3 Halls Cottages, Stapleford, Notts. + +JACQUES, J., " " " + +JAMES, C.F., 34 Newcastle Hill, Bridgend, Glam. + +JARVIS, E., 75 Lyndhurst Rd., Sneinton Dale, Nottingham. + +JARVIS, W.B., 70 Eldon St., Greenock, Scotland. + +JENKINS, E., West Farm, Llantwith Major, Cardiff. + +JOHNSTON, J., 52 Hyde Park St., Anderston, Glasgow (died 15-10-18, +Damascus). + +JOHNSTON, R., Charleston-by-Glamis, Forfar. + +JOYNCE, C. + +KAVANAH, R., 14 Park Grove Rd., Leytonstone, Essex. + +KEARN, G., Dean Farm, Willey Broseley, Salop. + +KEMP, A., 13 Baumont St., Sneinton, Notts. + +KEMSLEY, J., Breadgar, nr. Sittingbourne, Kent. + +KENNY, R., Newton-on-Ouse, nr. York. + +KENT. S.C., 28 Scaresdale St., Carr Vale, Bolsover, Derbyshire. + +KITE, W.J., Witney Rd., Finstock, Charlbury, Oxon. + +KNIGHT, L.J., Hanescombe, nr. Brookthorpe, Gloucester. + +KNOTT, E., Lord St., Mansfield, Notts. + +LAKE, J., 8 King St., Tibshelf, nr. Alfreton, Derby. + +LAMBDEN, E.J., Ivy Bridge, Bourne End, Bucks. + +LAMBIE, J., 21 Shamrock St., New City Rd., Glasgow. + +LAND, F., Lynton Rd., Porlock, Somerset. + +LARCOMBE, W., Chardstock, Chard, Somerset. + +LAURIE, W., 27 Margaret St., Hixbourne, Birmingham. + +LEAFE, F.F., 5 Birkland Avenue, Peel St., Nottingham (killed Tel el +Quelfi). + +LEE, P., 7 Strawberry Terrace, Newtown, Retford, Notts. + +LEEDALE, J.B., Victoria House, Bourne, Lincs. + +LESLIE, C., 145 Princess St., Dundee. + +LEVERTON, C., Abbott St., Asworth, Notts. + +LINES, A.J., 66 Church St., Oldbury, Staffs. + +LOWE, W.H., Cuckney, Mansfield, Notts. + +LOY, P.A., "St. Malo," Mildmay Rd., Romford, Essex. + +LUMB, P.J., 2 Upper Oxford St., Doncaster. + +MACINTOSH, A., 157 Ewart Rd., Forest Fields, Nottingham. + +MACKENZIE, W., The Cottage, Balfour Place, Kirkcaldy. + +MANN, J., Seafield St., Cullen, Banffshire. + +MAPLETOFT, L., The Cottage, Great Gonerby, Grantham. + +MARRIOTT, J., 63 Nottingham Rd., Stapleford, Notts. + +MARSHALL, F., 19 Lawrence St., York. + +MARSHALL, J.L., 257 Sherwood St., Nottingham. + +MATHEWS, W.H., 39 Eperns Rd., Fulham, S.W. + +MATTOCKS, W.J., 122 Lower Addiscombe Rd., East Croydon, Surrey. + +MCDONALD, M., Sabbell Village, Carradale, Argyleshire. + +MCLELLAN, E.R., 110 Leddard Rd., Langside, Glasgow. + +MCLENNAN, J., 80 Culdrethal Rd., Inverness. + +MELLOWS, S., 12 Whyburn St., Hucknall, Nott. (died). + +MILES, A.H., 25 Rutland St., Pimlico, S.W. + +MILES, A.H. (Wheeler), 49 Greet Rd., Brentford, Middlesex. + +MILLAN, T., West Bank Place, Falkirk, Scotland. + +MILNTHORPE, H., 28 South Parade, Doncaster. + +MITCHELL, J.P., 99 Whitfield St., Fitzroy Square, London. + +MORRIS, S., 64 Darrel Rd., Retford, Notts. + +MOYES, A.E., 6 West Lane, Sittingbourne, Kent. + +MURRAY, J.J., Porters Well, Uddingston, Lanark. + +MUSSON, J., 176 Foxhill Rd., Carlton, Notts. (killed in action, Damascus, +30-9-18). + +NIX, T.V., Cherry House, Red Hill Rd., Arnold, Notts. + +OLDHAM, J.J., Carleton-on-Trent, Newark. + +OLIVANT, G., Nettleham Lodge, Nr. Lincoln. + +ORDISH, E.A., 17 Sketchley St., Bluebell Hill, Nottingham. + +OSBORNE, A.W., 32 New St., Chelmsford, Essex. + +PAMPLING, W., 193 Newmarket Rd., Cambridge (died). + +PARKIN, F.W., The Lodge, Scrooby, Bawtry, Yorks. + +PARKIN, S., 31 Kilbourne St., Nottingham. + +PATTERSON, W., Monaltrie Rd., Ballater. + +PEACH, L., Eccleston, Amersham, Bucks. + +PEARSON, H., 32 Hope St., Brampton, Chesterfield. + +PEARSON, T., 20 Bloomsgrove St., Radford, Notts. + +PEEL, A., Newport, Lincoln. + +PERRY, A., Sturtingale Cottage, Rush Hill, Bath. + +PHILLIPS, C., 29 Thorn St., Derby. + +PITTS, J., 10 South Parade, Bath. + +PRICE, E., The Turfs, Norton Canes, Camrock, Staffs. + +PRICE, M., Quinton, Pennfields, Wolverhampton. + +PRICE, W.A.C.H., 8 Camden Rd., Stamford. + +PRITCHARD, S., Rosemount, Ponkey, Wrexham. + +QUESTED, R., Park Gate Farm, Elham, nr. Canterbury, Kent. + +RATCLIFFE, J., 17 Old Paradise St., Lambeth, S.E. + +REED, H., 33 Church Terrace, Tower Rd., Erith. + +REEKMANS, W. (Saddler), 20 Ducie St., Brixton, S.W. + +RICHMOND, E.J., Moorgate Hill, Retford, Notts. + +RIDGWAY, A., "Goat's Head," Lillingstone, Daysell, Bucks. + +RILEY, E.A., 31 Weston St., Nechells, Birmingham (taken prisoner 1-11-17, +supposed wounded, not since heard of, presumed dead by W.O.). + +RIPPIN, F., 10 King's Head Place, Market Harboro', Leics. + +ROBERTS, W., 82 Brunswick St., The Mount, York. + +ROBERTSON, A., 192 New City Rd., Glasgow. + +ROBINSON, H. (Signaller), 120 Nottingham Rd., Mansfield, Notts. + +RUARK, A.C., 8 Wanlip Rd., Plaistow, E. + +RUSH, E., Co-Operative Yard, Worksop, Notts. + +SAVORY, S.W., St. Peter's Rd., Cleethorpes, Lincs. + +SCOTT, W., 20 Thames St., Retford, Notts. + +SEAMAN, C.W., 60 Lee St., Holderness Rd., Hull. + +SEARS (S/Smith), 9 Back Cottages, Commercial Rd., Bullwell, Notts. + +SHARPE, C.A., 51 Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +SHARPE, W.F., 119 Ryland Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham. + +SHEPHERD, J., 37 Plantation St., Wallsend-on-Tyne. + +SHERRATT, C., 4 Crown Terrace, Basford, Notts. + +SHORT, P.C., North Aston, nr. Deddington, Oxon. + +SIDDALL, J.C., 11 Sedd St., Ratcliffe, nr. Manchester. + +SINCLAIR, J., 42 Stewart Terrace, Edinburgh. + +SISSON, A., 41 Hempshill Lane, Bulwell, Notts. + +SISSONS, E., 3 Honey Place, Main St., Bulwell, Notts. + +SLEIGHTHOLME, A., Atworth, Melksham, Wilts. + +SMITH, C., Kneeton Rd., East Bridgford, Notts. + +SMITH, C.W., 37 Bishopbridge Rd., Norwich. + +SMITH, E.C., 1 Fern Cottages, St. Osyth Rd., Clacton-on-Sea. + +SMITH, H., 4 Dulwich Rd., Radford, Notts. + +SMITH, W., 94 Blackstone St., Nottingham. + +SMITH, W.J., The Barracks, Westcott, nr. Dorking, Surrey. + +SOPER, W., 36 Brandon Buildings, Clifton, Bristol. + +SOUTHEY, G.E., 46 Brownlow Rd., Putney, S.W. + +SPENCER, F., 80 Laughton Rd., Dennington, nr. Rotherham. + +SPENCER, G., 37 Ortzen St., Radford, Notts. + +SPENCER, G., 37 Padiham Rd., Burnley, Lancs. (died). + +SPINKS, W.K., West End, Ely, Cambs. + +SPRATT, B., 13 Methley St., Meadow Rd., Leeds. + +SPRINGETT, A.J., Avon's Dale, Colchester. + +STANILAND, A., 6 Howard Rd., Mansfield, Notts. (killed Damascus). + +STANLEY, A.B. (Signaller), 16 New Rd., Ridgwood, Uckfield, Sussex. + +STAPLETON, H., Bulcot Lodge Farm, Burton Joyce, Notts. + +STRANKS, T.H., 43 Quarry St., Milverton, Leamington. + +STRAW, A., 2 Tennyson Terrace, Hawksley Rd., Nottingham. + +STROSS, G., 40 Brighton Rd., Birkdale, Southport. + +TALBOTT, F.C., 134 Church Square, Newport, Salop. + +TANNER, H.G., Police Station, Amesbury, Wilts. + +TAYLOR, E.E., "Brim Cottage," Griffiths Crossing, Carnarvon. + +TEGGIN, H., "The Pentre," St. Martins, Oswestry, Salop. + +THOMAS, J.E., Pillford, Milford Haven. + +THOMPSON, A., Whitwell, Mansfield, Notts. + +THOMPSON, A.M., Greenhead Gate, Lanark. + +THOMPSON, D.J., 61 Henderson St., Glasgow. + +THORNHILL, H., 48 Park Rd., Lenton, Nottingham. + +THORPE, C., 18 Gordon Hill, Enfield, Middx. + +TIVEY, A., 5 Gedling Rd., Carlton, Notts. + +TOINTON, J., Elmsford House, Spalding, Lincs. + +TOLHURST, W.G., 9 Marden Lane, London. + +TOOKE, R., "Horseshoes," Scottow, Norwich. + +TOOLEY, H.A. + +TRIPP, S.H., 116 Nag's Head Hill, St. George, Bristol. + +TUBBS, H.C., 7 Warwick Villas, Homerton, N.E. + +TURNBULL, J., 16 Lothian St., Hawick. + +TURNER, G. + +TURNER, W.E., "The Admiral Napier," Weedington Rd., Kentish Town, N.W. + +TYLER, B.H. School House, Ironville, Derby. + +VAUGHAN, T.G., Rock House, nr. Bewley, Worcester. + +VEITCH, J. (S/Smith), 86 Scott St., Galashiels, Scotland. + +WALKER, A., 150 Moorbottom Rd., Crosland Moor, Huddersfield. + +WALLACE, G., 828 Argyle St., Glasgow. + +WALPOLE, A.N., Anthills Farm, Redhall, Harleston, Norfolk. + +WALSHAW, L.J., 56 Cannon St., Belgrave, Leicester. + +WANSTALL, P.N. + +WARD, B.V., "Sankta Koro," Vallance Rd., Muswell Hill, N. + +WATERSON, A., 16 North Junction St., Leith, Scotland. + +WATSON, B.E., Rose Cottage, Girton, Cambridge. + +WATSON, J., 2 Lightfoot Buildings, Cinque Ports St., Rye, Sussex. + +WATTS, C.P., 7 Brown's Rd., Plaistow, E. + +WEATHERLEY, E.J., 120 Lovatt St., Grimsby. + +WEBB, C.J., 21 Lower Addiscombe Rd., Croydon, Surrey. + +WEIGHILL, A., 70 Oxford St., Barnsley. + +WHITBY, J., 26 Lower Brook St., Long Eaton, Notts. + +WHITE, C.F., 21 Pelham St., Brighton, Sussex. + +WHITE, S., Frilsham, Yattendon, Newbury, Berks. + +WHITLOCK, G.H., 44 Bushy Park, Tottendown, Bristol. + +WICK, S., 13 Golden Dog's Lane, Norwich. + +WILBRAHAM, ----, Barton, Malpas, Cheshire. + +WILLIAMS, G., Collets Green, Porwick, Worcester. + +WILSON, A., 21 Chisholm Rd., Croydon, Surrey. + +WINFIELD, R.J., Checkendon, nr. Reading, Oxon. + +WOOD, F., 6 Barfields, Bletchingley, Surrey. + +WORTHINGTON, J.W., 41 The Hill, Kirby-in-Ashfield. + +WRIGHT, T., "Ivy House," Aixley, Corringham Gainsboro', Lincs. + +WROOT, B., High St., Misterton, Notts. + + +Roll of Honour. + +As a result of the circular letter dated 3-6-20, referred to on page 172, +the following names have been received of those Members of the 20th +Machine-Gun Squadron who have made the SUPREME SACRIFICE in their Country's +service:-- + +Major L.F. ST. JOHN DAVIES, M.C. +Lieut. H.A. PRICE, M.C. +Sergt. W.H. MORDEN. +Lce. Corpls. F. CARR. + A. MARRIOTT. +Privates G. BOAK. + B. CAPEL. + P. CHANTRY. + H.C. GOLDIE. + E. HEATHCOTE. + J. JOHNSTON. + F.F. LEAFE. + S. MELLOWS. + J. MUSSON. + W. PAMPLING. + E.A. RILEY. + G. SPENCER. + A. STANILAND. + +(_N.B.--The above, it is feared, does not include all the names in spite of +every effort that has been made to obtain a complete list._) + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Palestine with the 20th +Machine Gun Squadron, by Unknown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE *** + +***** This file should be named 17109.txt or 17109.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/1/0/17109/ + +Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Sigal Alon and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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