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[page 63]
1918
62
Nejmeh. Day and night outposts were continued until we were relieved on March 15 by the Westminster Dragoons.
Next day 1 L.H. moved to Rummon, drew rations in the pouring rain and proceed to Bettin, arriving in bivouac at 1700. Transport had great difficulty in moving, eight horses dying from exposure, and next morning six more horses and many camels died from exposure. The Regiment left the bivouac at 0930 in pouring rain and marched to Bethlehem, arriving at 1700 and going into billets at an old college, on the hill Beit Jala, which the Germans had used as barracks. This was the first and only occasion during the war when the whole of the 1st Light Horse was under a roof. As there was no wood available, charcoal was bought and braziers lit, all ranks being very wet and a number sick from exposure.
The next day was spent in drying clothes and blankets indoors. Two more horses died, while 61 riding and 4 draught horses were evacuated to M.V.S., and 33 men were sent to the Field Ambulance. Later Lieut. G.S.Frost and 2 men were evacuated to hospital and 11 riding horses to M.V.S. A quantity of equipment was drawn from Ordnance, including boots which were urgently needed.
CHAPTER 8.
March - July August 1918.
Operations on British right flank to deceive the enemy as to Allenby's plan of ultimately advancing up the plain of Sharon, on our left, and to compel the enemy to maintain a considerable part of his forces east of the Jordan River: the Amman raid, March 22 - April 2; the Es Salt raid, April 30 - May 4. Repulse of enemy attack on Abu Tellul, July 14.
Resting and occupying Jordan Valley by turn.
Orders were received to be ready to move with the Brigade in another night march via Talat ed Dumm to Jericho. Four half-limbers were kept to carry S.A.A. and 54 camels were supplied for baggage and water in lieu of other transport. The dismounted men and men off duty were left under Lieut. W.H. James and Lieut. J.A. Markwell, Major F.V. Weir being in charge of