Item 02: Henry Frederick Wallace Tucker diary, 1 January - 31 December 1916 - Page 109

[Page 109]

Sunday 7 May 1916
General Chavel & party here.
Brigade left Camp here at 1-30 p.m. for Qualia, Orgratina & --- where the Enemy is supposed to be, passed numbers of Graves & some Dead Turks lying about decomposed. Stayed 2 hours at Qualia & arrived at Orgrantia 11 p.m., stood to Horses throughout night.
Both Water & Feed was brought along by Camels, also 2nd L.H.F. limber came with light Carts & Slides in the event of a scrap.
The long line of Troopers 4 abreast in absolute silence presented in the still night an impressive spectacal.

Monday 8 May 1916
Left Orgratina at 4 p.m. for Bir-el-Abd very open & Bleak Country, heavy sand & pulling difficult – arrived at 8-20 a.m. with 6th Reg. as advance party. Sighted Enemy Protrol, otherwise the place deserted, the only evidence of their recent stay was fresh tracks & Trenches. Major Fuller & body Guard went 3 miles further out to inspect, caught two Bedwin prisoners.'
The Brigade left at 11-15 a.m. on their return journey, all arrived at Romani by nightfall. Both Horses & men had a severe trip. Outposts as usual at night. Received 2 letters from Home.

Tuesday 9 May 1916
Outposts & Protrols as usual, men digging wells for Infantry Battion. who arrive in day or two.
Major Bruxner Field Officer.
Doing a bit of washing & writing Home.
Owing to the line being laid so near Romani Camp, our Details at Anzac Siding shift camp to spot where Train unloads being within 2 miles of our present Quarters.

Wednesday 10 May 1916
Everything Quiet in Camp.
Major Fuller & Gen. Ryrie out to Rail Head which is now within 1½ miles of our Camp.
General Ryrie's Horse (Rainbow) very lame owing to thorn running in near fetlock.
A Protrol went to Ogratina & report "all clear".
More Wells sunk & pumps erected, water very Brakish.
Pardre Mullins (R.C.) over from 5th Regiment on visit.
Major White went to Cairo for Health reasons. Reed went to Kantara.