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[Page 26]
carried out and as an intermediate line of defence between enemy and our own position a line along the high ridge on south of and overlooking Wadi Sad was selected. From information gained from deserters and prisoners it was learnt that the Turks were holding the line Namah-Harith-Jurdeh-Kuddis with dismounted cavalry and that many of these were being transferred to Ramallah and Birgeh. The enemy was massing his troops in these areas in preparation for a big counter attack against Jerusalem. The rain and wintry conditions continued and wintry conditions continued and slight shortages of rations were being experienced.
Dec. 23.
On 23rd December information had been received by General Headquarters that the enemy intended to attack on Christmas Day with the object of regaining Jerusalem, and the Brigade was ordered to stand to in readiness to co-operate with the 29th Infantry Brigade (10th Division) on the right.
On 24th December it rained unceasingly all day. A parcel and letter mail was received from the led horse camp now at Katra. This day and on the morning of Christmas Day, Christmas gifts from the A.I.F. Comforts Funds arrived, and were immediately distributed to the troops. The goods received were chiefly eatables, and at such a time were very highly appreciated by all ranks. Christmas Day, 1917, well [will] be remembered by members of the Brigade who were on the hills at the time as one of the wettest and one of the coldest days ever experienced on active service.
Reference map - Palestine 1/63360, sheet 14.
Dec. 26.
At 1100 orders were received from the Division to occupy by 1745 a line half mile north of Wadi Sad, from the Wadi Shamy on the left, in support of and in co-operation with 29th Infantry Brigade on the right, carrying out operations to occupy Namah ridge. 10th Light Horse Regiment on right and 9th A.L.H. Regt. on the left occupied this line at 1745 as ordered. This constituted the first in series of stages in operations to be carried out against the enemy to prevent him from transferring his troops eastward.
At 1930 an advanced line with 10th Light Horse Regiment on right sector and 9th Light Horse Regiment on left sector was occupied as night outpost line. The situation was quiet throughout the night.
Dec. 27.
At 0835 main defensive line from Belain eastward to Wadi Shamy was occupied with 10th Light Horse Regiment holding right sector and 9th L.H. Regiment left sector. Touch was gained with 6th Royal Irish Fusiliers on the right and 11th Light Horse Regt. on left. Enemy shelled neighbourhood of B.H.Q. but otherwise there was only slight enemy activity in front of the Brigade sector. 29th Infantry Bde. was meeting with strong enemy opposition in their advance to occupy the Namah ridge. The demonstrating patrols pushed forward by 10th L.H. Regt. and 9th L.H. Regt. from the main defensive line reached line north of Wadi Shamy, drawing machine gun and rifle fire from enemy positions at Khurbetha Ibn Harith. On strong patrols of the 10th L.H. Regt. threatening the right flank of the Turgs [Turks] on Namah ridge the latter withdrew.
At 1200 the 29th Infantry Bde. after a strong enemy opposition gained their objective and occupied the Namah ridge. The situation became quiet and at 1800 the demonstration patrols of 10th and 9th Regts. were withdrawn. Casualties in the Bde. for the day's operations had been nil.
Dec. 28.
At 0600 strong patrols pushed out and at 1100 discovered Khurbetha Ibn Harith clear of enemy. Small enemy posts were located at Kh El Meidan. The country over which the Bde. were now operating was extremely high, rough and rocky and transport difficulties were increased. Camels were used and found to be very unsatisfactory over the high and rocky hills, and very slow in movement; their feet were cut on the rocks and their further use off the tracks was forbidden. Improvised roads