MacNamara diary, 19 August 1916-29 May 1919 / John Patrick MacNamara - Page 100
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[Page 100]
We did not enter Beersheeba [Beersheba] but went next morning to a place about 6 or 7 miles to the left of Beersheeba [Beersheba] & on the line to Gaza, over very heavy & rough country.
Got into position about 4 pm & found that there was no infantry in front of us. We could see troops moving about at Irgig [Bir Abu Irgeig] stn only 2 miles in front of us & thought they were our own.
The 10th Div was supposed to have been in front of us but did not arrive until just about dusk so that we had to withdraw our guns about 2,000 yds. Rather a peculiar position to be in for a Heavy Battery to be out in front of infantry but of course it was an unusual occurence.
Next morning, November 2nd, we had to go back to Karm 8 miles as our horses had had no water for over 48 hours & were nearly done. We were in just as bad a plight & could get only about a pint of water a day.
The 10th Div took Irgig [Irgeig] this morning without much opposition.