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[page 66]
1918
unsuccessful. Nevertheless there had been minor demolitions on the railway south of Amman and the affair, though with heavy casualties to the British, did influence the enemy to maintain a larger force in that area, fearing perhaps a greater attack while Allenby was really planning to strike hard up the coast.
On April 2, after drawing rations we received orders to re-cross the Jordan and relieve the infantry on the left bank who were covering the bridgehead. Our right flank was posted on the river and the left was in touch with 2 L.H. All camel transport and limbers were sent back to the right bank of the Jordan. That evening an enemy patrol was sighted 2000 yards in front and a party sent in pursuit succeeded in capturing two cavalrymen.
The Regiment stood to arms each morning at 0400 and sent out early morning patrols as usual. Trenches were improved and machine and Hotchkiss gun emplacements made. A few enemy deserters came through our lines and were sent on to Brigade H.Q.
On the morning of April 5, 2/Lieut. Upton and his troop took up a position in some undergrowth in front of the lines to try and ambush an enemy patrol, but were unsuccessful. The enemy were increasing in activity; barbed wire was drawn and erected during the night in front of our lines, and work in improving our trenches was continued. During the evening Lieut. Markwell and 25 men with 7 riding and 10 draught horses, 9 mules, 3 G.S. waggons, 2 G.S. limbers, 1 Maltese cart and 6 donkeys marched in from the Brigade detail camp at Bethlehem and reported that the Bedouins had stolen six valuable collapsible water troughs and a large tarpaulin used as a tank from the protection of the Royal Engineers' guard at Bethlehem, and also two horses, some stores and rifles from 2 L.H. Details.
The early morning patrol on April 6 discovered an enemy patrol lying in ambush about 1000 yds. away, in front of our trenches. The enemy reserved their fire until the patrol was on top of them; their shots missed our nen, who inflicted some casualties on them, causing them to withdraw. More barbed wire was erected in front of "C" Squadron.
On April 7 the G.O.C. 60th Division inspected the sector of the line held by 1 A.L.H. Brigade and decided to make more barbed wire available, so next day four limber loads arrived for the Regiment. Lieut.