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[Page 7]
This extract of a letter received by Mr.Flint, Water and Sewage Office, on 4th inst. Has been prepared at the express wish of the Brigadier for your own keeping. And I am requested to say he will write to you direct next mail.B.F. 6:3:16
H.S.Williams, Esq.
On the Desert
East of the Canal
27th January, 1916.
…. The Kaleidoscope has changed, and I am now well out in the Desert, I cannot say where, East of the Suez Canal with my Brigade, which forms portion of the Army destined to repel the threatened attack by the Turco-German Army now at Beersheba, etc., specially organised and equipped for the march across the desert. You will remember that last February they got right to the canal much to the surprise of most people. On that occasion it was only a small force, this time it is to be a large one, but this time we will not be surprised.
There are only, I should say, three probable routes which are determinable solely I imagine by the condition of wells along the route. Just now these considerations are in their favour for good rains have fallen, indeed as I now write it is raining heavily, and it is very cold indeed. As a matter of fact, rain has fallen every day since we have been here, so you see this is the most favourable time of the year, and if the threatened attack is to materialize it must come by end of March, after that, I believe, it will be too hot and dry. Wheel transport across the desert is impracticable, therefore, resort must be had solely to baggage-camels, mules and donkeys. A small force would be worse than useless, you may, therefore, picture the problem that faces any considerable army that attempts the job. After arriving here, they htave to get back, and they cannot well expect us to supply them with water. Of course, they may? Succeed, I say only may? Advisedly, in the meantime we are preparing to give them a real hearty welcome. I do hope they will not disappoint us by declining our hospitality.
I have visited Ismailia which is a most interesting place, very French, of course, as it is kept going almost by the Canal requirements. Very fine residences, occupied mostly by high officials (nearly all French) or the Suez Canal Company. Very fine flowering