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[Page 36]
by the reckless and dashing gallantry of the Australian Cavalry."
REFERENCE MAP, PALESTINE 1/63360.
On the afternoon of the 4th May, when the mounted troops retired west of Jordan and into the Ghoraniyeh bridge head, the Auckland Mounted Rifles were left on the east bank of the river at the Auja ford, as it was intended to form another bridgehead there. A pontoon bridge was then thrown over the Jordan, 100 yards south of the ford.
May 5.
Next day, the 3rd A.L.H. Brigade moved to the River Jordan at Auja ford. The 9th and 10th Regts. with 3rd M.G. Squadron, relieved the Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment in the Auja bridgehead defences.
8th Light Horse Regiment watched the country between the river Jordan and the Wadi Mellahah, and provided working parties for wiring the bridgehead defences.
By day, strong mounted reconnoitring parties were sent out through the scrub to get as near as possible to the foothills east-north-west and north and maintain a line of defence. These encountered enemy patrols throughout each day, but enemy patrols usually maintained a defensive attitude and sniped.
The enemy shelled our defences intermittently day and night with H.E. and shrapnel.
Every available man in the Brigade was now day or night digging and wiring a bridgehead defence to the El Auja crossing.
No unusual enemy movement or activity was observed but our defences were frequently shelled. Enemy aeroplanes were active daily over the Auja bridgehead and a great deal of shrapnel and nose caps from A.A. guns fell amongst the Brigade regularly.
The exceptionally dusty conditions which now prevailed in the valley rendered observation difficult, but increased enemy activity on their defensives at and between Tel El Nimrin and Red Hill was detected. Snipers concealed in the scrub were very active and casualties for men and horses of our patrols occurred. Prisoners were captured daily. From these it was found that the enemy water transport arrangements in the Jordan valley area were bad, and the Turks came down to the stream to draw water during the night. Special patrols were sent out to watch for this and capture enemy parties.
May 21.
On 21st May enemy planes bombed our lines but our casualties only slight, a short trench alongside bivouac of each man had been dug when the Brigade first occupied the area.
June 2.
At 0530, 2nd June, the enemy with two machines carried out a severe bombing raid and heavy casualties to horses, mules and donkeys were suffered, but by immediate occupation of the short trenches, comparatively light casualties to personnel. The casualties in the Brigade were:- Personnel, 10 other ranks. Animals, 103.
The heat of the Jordan valley had now become intense and the dusty conditions were very trying. Cases of malaria began to appear.
During this period of garrison of the Auja bridgehead, a great amount of work was carried out and the defenses were considerably improved and strengthened. Close contact with the enemy was maintained day and night. Much valuable information of the enemy was gained and many prisoners taken by our patrols.
June 4.
On the 4th June command of No. 1 sub-sector, (Auja Bridgehead defenses), passed from G.O.C., 3rd A.L.H. Bde. to G.O.C., 22nd Mounted Bde. and the 3rd A.L.H. Brigade withdrew to No. 4 sub-sector with headquarters at Ain Ed Duk.