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[Page 18]
account of continued action with the enemy, rations had not been able to be kept up to all forward troops regularly. There was opportunity now for cooking, sheep were purchased by our troops from the local inhabitants and the fresh meat was appreciated. Bread, (brown), was also obtainable, and augmented the short issue of biscuits which had been unavoidable on account of continued active operations.
Nov. 15.
The Brigade enjoyed a much needed rest. At 1445 10th L.H. Regiment rejoined the Brigade from night outpost duty point 2448 - Te El Tumus line. 10th A.L.H. Regiment horses had been kept saddled for 2 whole days and nights and had been without water for that period. On examination of the horses of the Brigade, only a very small percentage of sore backs was disclosed. There had been very few opportunities for off saddling of horses ever since the morning of the 7th November when the Brigade moved from Karm area.
Nov. 16.
The Brigade continued to rest, but was kept in readiness to move at short notice. Horses were watered as often as they would drink. The weather kept fine, and the rain still held off. Men and horses were feeling the benefit of the resting, the full rations were now being received. Attention was given to mending and adjusting of saddlery and equipment.
No. 17.
At 1000 the Brigade moved en route for Wadi Surbar, preparatory to relieving 7th Mounted Brigade at El Kubab early the following morning, (18th November). The Brigade halted at 1530, and bivouaced in the vicinity of Junction Station and received orders to be prepared to move at half an hours notice from 0600 on 18th November. The enemy was found to be holding Latron and Amwas in strength, and an attack on these places was to be carried out on the morning of 18th November by the Australian Mounted Division. The low hills and undulating country were now left. Latron and Amwas were the first places in the more mountainous parts to which the enemy had fallen back.
Nov. 18.
At 0500 9th Light Horse Regiment with two sub-sections machine guns moved forward to relieve Regiment of 7th Mounted Brigade at El Kubab. The Yeomanry Mounted Division would operate against the enemy to the north whilst the Australian Mounted Division was directed on Latron and Amwas.
At 0800 the remainder of the Brigade moved forward and reached Kubab at 1100, coming under enemy shelling. Patrols from 9th Light Horse Regiment were sent east and north-east, and gained touch with the left of the Yeomanry Division at Annabeh. Owing to the Mountainous nature of the country, great difficulty was being experienced in moving to the required position. The guns and wheeled ambulance had to be left to the north of Amwas. Horses had to be led as the ground was too rocky to ride them. 4th Light Horse Brigade was to co-operate on the right of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. One squadron 9th Light Horse Regiment was directed on Bir Main-Beit Sira to maintain communication with the 8th Mounted Brigade on their left. The remainder of the 9th Regiment moved to occupy Yalo, and Beir Eyub with a view to cut the main Latron-Jerusalem road beyond Latron. The 8th Light Horse Regiment in moving to support the 9th Light Horse Regiment also came under artillery fire. Owing to the rough and rocky nature of the locality, the movement of the Mounted Troops became very difficult and touch with flanking troops was continually lost. The 9th Light Horse Regiment was unable to reach its objective in the rear of the Turkish position owing to the heavy fire from numerous machine guns which the Turks had emplaced on the right flank of their position. Sergeant Masson of the 9th Regiment with a patrol reconnoitred Yalo village and reported that place clear but high ground to east strongly held by enemy.
At 1625 the Divisional Commander ordered a general withdrawal. The guns of