Through Palestine with the 20th Machine Gun Squadron | Page 9

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