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[page 23]
1916
were long and most of the marching was done at night by compass bearings; the following reotinmaisance is a sample of what we were doing : €” On May 29 the Regiment moved out of camp at 2300; "B" Squadron as advanced guard had left at 2200, taking up a position to await the main body before reaching Katia. The New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade Field Ambulance and part of the 2 A.L.H. Brigade Field Ambulance were attached, together with 700 camels carrying rations for Ogratina and Debabis; the former place was reached at 0830 next morning, outposts were put out and the unit camped until 0200 on the morning of the 31st, when orders were received to march to Hod el Debabis which was reached by 0400, and a line of outposts was taken up. At 1145 the Regiment less "B" Squadron and one troop of "A" left Hod el Debabis on the return to were 0gratina; here two troops were left to escort the camels back to railhead, and the Regiment at 1600 left Ogratina for Romani where it arrived at 2000, no enemy having been seen by outposts or patrols.
It was on June 1 that 1 L.H. had its first experience in this theatre of war of being bombed, a Hun 'plane dropping several bombs near our camp. In the soft desert sand bombs sink in and do comparatively little harm. One horse was wounded and many broke away, 46 being missing for several days, but most were eventually recovered. On June 2 squadrons were taking their turn at outpost and patrol work to Hill 110. On the 3rd Capt. Weir was appointed as Acting Adjutant. Five other ranks had been evacuated sick during the last few days. The high temperature and strong khamsin wind made life in the drifting sand very unpleasant. On June 5 "A" Squadron was sent to Hod el Sagia to dig and timber a fresh water soak and try to make sufficient water for a brigade. The line held by 1 L.H. was known as No.1 Outpost; "C"Squadron less three troops patrolled to Hill 110 on the following day an "B"Seuadron continued the work at Sagia, good fresh water in small quantities being found. Next day permanent