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[page 38]
1917
Turks. All this time very strict precautions were taken against interference with the Arabs' property. On the 25th Lieut. Kater was appointed Adjutant, vice Capt. Weir who resumed duty as O.C. "B" Squadron. "C" Squadron under Major Smith made a special patrol to Sheikh Zowaiid and brought in 4 prisoners; 34 reinforcements from Moascar were taken on strength as we were much below strength owing to sickness, having been losing an average of one man per day.
On January 29 we were relieved by 5th Mounted Brigade and returned to el Arish, camping on the north side of Wady. The enemy still had better aeroplanes than the British; we received daily visits but were not always bombed. A fumigating engine and trucks were now made available and all ranks were glad to be "put through", lice being prevalent in the winter.
Hotchkiss guns, one to each troop, were given us in place of the Lewis guns, of which we had had but one per squadron. As the unit was now in reserve the opportunity was taken of sending officers to schools of instruction, Capt. Harris, M.C., Lieutenants Gray, Gregory and Garbett going to Zeitoun and Lieut. Edwards to a Hotchkiss gun course. A rifle range was built and a syllabus of training carried out during the next fortnight.
The Regiment on February 10 moved back parallel with the coast to Bardawil and next day to Mazer. We were travelling as a light mobile force, all heavy gear having been sent back to Bir el Abd, and our destination was Bayoud which was reached on the 14th; here we relieved the Staffordshire Yeomanry. One officer and 32 other ranks from the 1 M.G. Squadron were attached for duty. "C" Squadron was posted at Mageibra and the Regiment less "C" Squadron took up an outpost line to the east, sending patrols to Rubisat.
Major Irwin rejoined on February 14; two days later Brigadier-General Meredith, our former C.O., now commanding 4 A.L.H. Brigade, paid Bayoud a visit, Capt. Wordsworth going back with him to join his brigade. The usual patrols were carried out, a company of I.C.C. alternating with us in this work. The "Camels" on February 20 reported tracks of an enemy patrol at Oee Geisi, but nothing more than tracks could be found. While we were at Bayoud a very severe sandstorm was experienced, the contours of the sand hills changing in a few hours;