Item 03: Gordon Macrae diary, 20 January 1917-18 April 1918 - Page 41

[Page 41]

May 1917
moved out across the Wadi after dark & we travelled E.S.E. to El Bugger getting there before daylight. The Turks were not occupying it in force & their patrols retired, so there was nothing doing. Enemy planes raided the Hospital & burnt our aerodrome at Belah. There were 60 casualties, mostly in the hospital

Monday 7th
We returned from El Bugger early & got back to camp at 9 oclock. We were all feeling tired & after getting a feed we got in a good sleep.

Tuesday 8th
We were detailed in the morning for putting out wire over the Wadi. We fixed up over ½ a mile & finished up at 4 oclock. Got in a supply of canteen stuff so ought to live well for a day or two.

Wednesday 9th
Reveille at 3.30 am. Had breakfast & the Brigade got away at 4.45, watered & travelled towards Beersheba. We came under fire at 7.30 am. The Turkish cavalry patrols withdrew to their prepared positions so we sat all the morning on two hills watching each other We returned after lunch & got back to camp at 3 oclock. 2 enemy planes came over about 5 oclock & dropped 20 bombs. Ernie Paul came over to see me

Thursday 10th
Had a quiet day in camp

Friday 11th
Another day in camp, no fatigues In the afternoon saw a duel in the air