MacNamara diary, 19 August 1916-29 May 1919 / John Patrick MacNamara - Page 75
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[Page 75]
Ajua on the Border of Palestine & Sinai. It could be used as a jumping off ground for an attack on our communications at El Arish, say, as it is only about 40 miles from Ajua to El Arish. Altogether 20 miles of line & several bridges were destroyed.
We were on the extreme right of the whole force & while we were blowing up the line the other troops were making a feint attack on Beersheeba to distract attention from us.
The camel corps were down below us at Ajua & were out for some days altogether. There were nearly 25,000 mounted troops on this stunt consisting of the Anzac Divn, Imp Mtd Divn & Camel Corps.
At 10 oclock the whole of Desert Column retired but we did not get home till midnight. We were awfully done up when we got home & it was easily the longest ride that ever I had done.
For the last 10 miles or so I could not sit in one position in the saddle for more than 5 minutes as I was so sore. To add to our miseries we got lost after dark & I am almost sure we passed one certain hill 3 times.
I slept until dinner time next day.