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[Page 17]
continued to check the determined advance of the Turks. One squadron, 8th Light Horse Regiment was sent to the assistance of the 5th Mounted Brigade and the remaining two squadrons to the assistance of the 9th Regiment, where, was now heavily engaged and suffering many casualties.
At 1600, 10th Light Horse Regiment, who had been sent to Falujey to water horses was now brought up at the gallop on account of the general situation, and "C" Squadron thereof was put on the right of the 9th Light Horse Regiment. Owing to enemy pressure on the left the 5th Mounted Brigade was forced to retire, and the 8th and 9th Light Horse Regiments, with 10th Light Horse Regiment supporting on the right, were now compelled to conform and to fall back on to the next ridge, i.e., - the one between Summeil and Berkusie Ridges. As soon as the ridge from which the enemy advance had been checked by 8th and 9th Regiments was retired from, the enemy with extreme boldness occupied same. It was discovered that some wounded had been left behind when the retirement from Berkusie ridge was made and Sergeant James Bowman of the 11th Light Horse Regiment and Lieut. T.N. Rickaby, 3rd Brigade Scout Officer, returned and rescued wounded, the former being subsequently granted the D.C.M. for his action in this affair.
At 1700 the Turkish attack died away. The night outpost line, (9th L.H. Regiment on the left, and 8th L.H. Regiment on the right), from Arrak El Menshiyeh to Summeil was taken up. The Brigade had taken part in a day's very heavy fighting and all ranks and horses were in much need of rest and sleep, little of which had been gained for the past several days, and nights. The question of water for horses was again becoming very acute. The night, 12/13th November passed quietly and at stand to arms at 0430 there was no enemy activity.
Nov. 13.
At 0645, 13th November, enemy were observed to be holding Berkusie ridge in strength, and small enemy parties were dribbling forward on to the low hills north-east of Summeil. The Brigade held the line Arrak El Menshiyeh-Summeil with 8th Light Horse Regiment on right sector and 9th Light Horse Regiment on left sector, and 10th Light Horse Regiment concentrated in neighborhood of B.H.Q. Four sub-sections of the Machine Gun Squadron were placed in support of the troops in the line, and the remainder in the vicinity of B.H.Q. Notts battery opened fire on to Berkusie ridge, shelling the enemy with good effect. The continuation of the strong attack of the previous day was expected, and the Brigade was in readiness. At 1300 the enemy were observed to be once again in retreat. The 3rd A.L.H. Brigade were ordered to extend the line north-east to Sherklye and watch for enemy movements from the direction of Beit Jibrin and Zeita. The line held now by the Brigade was the right flank of the mounted force in pursuit. 4th A.L.H. Brigade and 7th Mounted Brigade took up the attack on the enemy on the left, but owing to the exhausted condition of the men and horses the attack was abandoned.
At 1730 night outpost lines from point 248 to Sherklye was taken up, and at 1800 B.H.Q. was established a mile south of Tel El Turmus. The line was lightly held, rest for as many troops as possible being aimed at. The night 13/14th November was quiet throughout.
Nov. 14.
The brigade stood to arms at 0430 and at 0645, 14th November, 10th L.H. Regt. established a line of observation posts from Tel el Turmus to point 248, the remainder of the Brigade concentrated and at 0830 marched to Wadi Sucerier, north of Esdud, a distance of 10 miles where there was a plentiful supply of water.
At 1300 the Brigade, less 10th L.H. Regiment arrived at Wadi Sucerier. The Brigade Engineers had preceded the main body, and had erected troughs in readiness for the watering of the Brigade in the fine lagoons which exist near the mouth of this Wadi. The Brigade bivouaced 1 mile east of Neby Younis, and received orders to keep in readiness to march at short notice for operations northwards. All ranks at once set about bathing and washing clothes; this was the first time since moving out for operations on 28th October that water had been found to permit of washing. On