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[page 43]
stacks of grain and crops, but the latter were so thin that the fires soon died down, and not much damage to the standing crop was done though many tones of hay were burned.
The Regiment returned to Hisia but did not have more than 24 hours rest, as we were ordered to move out at 0500 on May 26 for el Nagili to cover a personal reconnaissance by the G.O.C. Eastern Force (Chetwode) and commander of the Desert Column (Chauvel). Several hundred enemy cavalry and camelry were seen just south of Erk, but these retired towards el Sana on the approach of the Regiment. At 1200 the Regiment withdrew leaving Lieut. Moore with two troops of "A" Squadron to patrol to Sausage Ridge.
On May 28 we moved to Kazar where we put down a new camp, and during the next three weeks usual routine was carried out. The Mark III rifles were exchanged for Mark IV vintage and likewise all Mark VI S.A.A. was handed in and we received Mark VII, which has a higher velocity. Gas demonstrations were carried out and every man was sent through a chamber filled with poisonous gas; a rifle range was built and Hotchkiss gun and live bomb throwing classes were held. It is truly said that behind the lines a regiment gets little rest. Major D.W.A. Smith left on June 3 and was invalided to Australia on June 11, Capt. Harris, M.C., being promoted to Major and to command "C" Squadron. On June 9 a field day was held and 1 L.H. was inspected by the French General Bailloud, who decorated Major Irwin with the Croix de Guerre won at Rafa. Next day Major Wells, R.M.O., was evacuated sick and Capt. C.S. Molesworth took up duty in his place. During the next few months - Allenby took over the command of the Eastern Force on June 28 - great preparations were made for another attack on Gaza: the railway line was thrown out from Rafa to Shellal, more guns came along and more guns came along and more aeroplanes were seen, huge dumps of ammunition, forage and stores grew daily larger. As for 1 L.H., training in all branches was carried out and the men kept fit by frequent marches to the beach; later the whole Brigade moved to Marakeb, close to the Mediterranean, and as the heat was intense the sea bathing was very welcome to all ranks. Mile at Marakeb fifty-one cases of comforts were distributed and an issue of beer (on payment) arranged for; some of the beer came from Japan. On June 22 Lieut-Col. Granville, D.S.O., went to hospital and Major Irwin