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[page 27]
1916
to Bir el Abd, got a little brackish water out of the well there and located the 'plane at 2000, making prisoner two Bedouins who were guarding it for the Turks, the pilot and observer having walked along the beach towards Romani. One troop of "C" Squadron returned to Debabis with the prisoners' information, the Regiment following and reaching Ogratina at 0200 on June 23. Horses and men were parched with thirst and spent the day resting under the palms, marching out at sundown for Romani which was reached at 2200. Two enemy camel patrols were seen near Bir el Abd but offered no resistance and retired north towards el Arish.
The next few days were spent in digging and entrenching at Katib Gannit, patrolling to Hill 110 and finding outposts in turn; the days were hot but a heavy dew fell every night. On June 28 an enemy 'plane flew over early in the morning, no doubt photographing our defences; our battle plane gave chase and both were apparently hit, ours making a forced landing near railhead, slightly damaged. Our nearest aerodrome at the time was at Port Said. Major T.E.W. Irwin returned from Australia and took charge of "A" and "C" Squadrons on the outpost line usually held by 2 A.L.H. Brigade for the night of June 29 /30, that brigade having now gone out on reconnaissance. The horses were standing the work well and becoming exceptionally good walkers; the farriers' work was really unnecessary in the sand, but the horses were made to carry heavy shoes all the months they worked in the desert in readiness for the stony country ahead. On July 6 "C" Squadron sent men to Kantara for remounts, with 24 of which they returned on the 27th 11th.
At 2300 on July 8 we left Romani on a brigade reconnaissance to Salmana, the advanced guard being found by "C" Squadron. The 1st Brigade after passing Ogratina was in support of the 2nd Brigade. On our return to Romani it was found that an enemy aeroplane had again been over the camp.
On July 12 another reconnaissance and drive were ordered, to clean up all Bedouin sympathisers with the enemy in the area covered by the square E4 on the Quatia (Katie) map, and, as per operation order No. 8 of 12.7.16, 1 L.H. camped at Ogratina until 0200 on the 13th; it then
marched to Debabis, arriving there at 0424. "A" and "C" Squadrons