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[page 22]
khamsin winds, A with scattered oases of hods, small clumps of palm trees. The railway line and pipe line oonveying fresh water had not passed Hill 70 then, but were being pushed on rapidly by the Egyptian Labour Corps, and for many months it was to be the job of the light horse to reconnoitre ahead and protect the working parties of the E.L.C. as the railway and pipe line were necessary for the success of the desert operations. The water for the men was carried in copper or other metal tins holding about 12 gallons; these tind were known as fantasses. Drinking water for the horses was found in soaksge wells near the palm hods as a rule, and at a depth of about 6 feet, but the water was quite unsuitable for troops. The heat was intense and it was found that a single bell tent was not sufficient covering, so later double belltents were issued in lieu. We in the Regiment had little idea at that time of what the Jordan Valley heat, without any tents, would be like. One troop was constantly employed escorting 160 camels to and from railhead for rations, horsefeed and water, and another troop was busy improving the wells for the horses.
On May 20 Lieut Wright patrolled to Hill 110 and reported all clear, and on the same day "a"Squadron was sent to reconnoitre Katia and Bir el Hamisar, and to burn Bedouin dwellings and bring in any natives as these were hostile in the sense of helping the enemy espionage and intelligence; 2 man, 7 women, 17 goats and 3 sheep were brought back to camp. Other regiments of 2 A.L.H.Brigade by this time had assisted to bury the Yeomanry dead at Katie and reported that the Turks had retired, being only a raiding party in strength and with guns.
Squadrons took turn about in outpost and reconnaisance and on
May 23 "C"Squadron reconnoitred as far as Hill 102, leaving one troop at Hill 110, reporting all clear in front ana bringing in 6 sheep. On May 24 Lieut Wordsworth was evacuated sick, but although the heat was intense both men and horses were becoming acclimatised. The going was very heavy over the sand , the hours