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ammunition, signalling gear, (such as telephones), oil for motor cycles, etc. Note
This transport always goes with the fighting troops, if it is possible for wheels to go over the ground.
B1. Echelon. Carries one day's rations for men and one day's fodder for horses.
B2. Echelon. Carries Cook's gear and necessary baggage.
Note. This transport is left behind on the slightest provocation.
Rations are either ordinary, mobile special emergency or iron, fodder is ordinary, mobile or special emergency. Full particulars are set out in appendexis "E" and "F" hereto.
8th Light Horse Regiment and 3 sub-sections, (6 guns), M.G.S., had been detailed as escort to Divisional wheeled transport, and at 1700, the Divisional column, (307 vehicles), moved from Tel El Fara to Esani.
At 1500 the Brigade, less 8th Light Horse Regiment and 6 guns, of 3rd M.G.S. moved from bivouac at Um Urgan in column of route, and at 1730 passed the Divisional starting point, 2 miles south east of Tel El Fara, forming column of squadrons in line of troop column, and following in rear of 4th Brigade.
By 2245 the Brigade, less transport, was in bivouac at Esani, and by 2330, the rear of transport column had arrived at Esani. B squadron, 8th Light Horse Regiment, and 2 machine guns continued the march on to Khasala, as escort to Divisional Troops and Divisional wheeled transport. The march was a severe one for transport animals. The track was heavy.
Oct.29
At 1700 the Brigade moved to Khalasa, (8 miles), in column of route, crossing Wadi Malaaga at a point 1½ miles south of Esani. Khalasa reached at 2130 and horses watered at Khalasa wells, which had been blown in by the Turks and partly repaired by our Engineers, assisted by the Camel Brigade.
Horses and men were marching well, although the dusty conditions along the line of march were becoming very stifling. Transport difficulties were increasing on account of the state of the track caused by the traffic of the Anzac Mounted Division, which had proceeded the Australian Mounted Division. The original track, earth and sand, was in an extremely soft condition on account of the absence of rain for many months previously.
Oct.30.
8th Light Horse Regiment and 1 sub-section, M.G.S., were detailed to march to Asluj, reporting to General Staff, Anzac Mounted Division, by 0500 in 30th October. They moved from Khalasa at 0130 0n 30th.
Between 0900 and 1000 a hostile aeroplane flew over Khalasa and was engaged by our own aircraft. Enemy plane was driven down. Thus, information of the movement of our mounted troops was not received by the enemy, and the attack on Beersheba from the east on the following morning was a great surprise to him.
At 1700 the Brigade, less 8th Light Horse Regiment, and 1 sub-section 3rd M.G.S. was formed up, in column of route, and joined in rear of Divisional Headquarters as the Australian Mounted Division moved forward. 10th L.H. under Lieut. Colonel T.J.Todd, D.S.O., with one sub-section M.G.S. formed the advanced guard to the Divisional column.
"A" echelon transport travelled in rear of it's own Brigade group. B1 and B2 echelon remained at Khalasa until daylight, 31st October, and then travelled forward under orders of A.A. & Q.M.G., Division.
Asluj was reached at 2200, but owing to small water supply the column was delayed near 2 hours. Draught animals only were watered, the supply would not allow of more. There had been several large wells at Asluj furnishing a good supply of water. These wells were some 70 feet deep. The wells, had, however, lately been blown in by the Turks. The 2nd Brigade had during the preceding week been engaged in day and night shifts clearing them out. The original flow, however, was not forthcoming and the supply was not up to expectations or requirements.
At 2400 the Brigade moved Asluj for the point of Divisional concentration Iswaiwan - a march of 31 miles. Heavy rain had fallen over the area two days