Primary tabs
Transcription
[page 28]
1916
carried out the drive; no natives or animals were found but good fresh water wa< discovered at Hod Abu Gharrab at a depth of 4 feet, and brackish water was found at Unmaish and at Hannam; all natives kraals were burned in the buffer area between the enemy and Romani. Romani was reached at 1915 after a very hot march. The health of the troops was good, but we had to evacuate one case of scarlet fever.
Another consignment of 60 cases of gifts and extra rations from Comforts Funds was distributed on July 16 and was appreciated as much as ever.
Work was continued day and night by squadrons alternately improving the defences and doing outpost or patrols to Hill 110. On July 19 the machine gun section of 12 other ranks was transferred to the brigade machine gun squadron now being formed with an establishment of 8 officers and 221 other ranks and 12 Maxim guns, which were replaced by Vickers guns later in the campaign. At the same time, each regiment was given 3 Lewis guns, and Lewis gun schools for the instruction of the men were commenced. Enemy aeroplanes continued their reconnaissance over our camp every second day and were fired at by the M.G. Squadron and anti-aircraft guns. Our 'planes, having to come from Kantara or Port Said, had little chance to stop them. Patrols of 1 L.H. reported 16 Turks on camels at Ogratina and large parties were reported at Bir el Abd and Bayoud approaching Romani.
On July 21 the Regiment, with 1 A.L.H. Brigade, marched out at 0300 for Katia en route to Ogratina which was shelled by our artillery, the Turks having occupied the same position as the Yeomanry were captured in during the early part of the year. The Turks were gradually approaching Romani with a front of about 10 miles from Bayoud westward. Two days later there was another reconnaissance, the Regiment leaving Romani at midnight for Katia. "A" Squadron drew fire at Ogratina, "B" Squadron patrolled to Hamisah and "C" Squadron drew fire at Sagia; the enemy held square 4E, Quatia (Katia) Sheet C18. Enemy 'planes met us, Ogratina was shelled, and the enemy's advance checked, the Regiment returning to Katia at 1900 and reaching Romani at midnight. From this date the light horse never lost touch, day or night, with the approaching enemy; the night patrols were officers' patrols, generally two officers together, and much information was gained in this way.