Through Palestine with the 20th Machine Gun Squadron | Page 4

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