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[page 40]
1917
Next day all ranks attended a gas lecture at Brigade H.Q., although up to this time the enemy had not been known to use gas shells on this front.
The Regiment, with the Brigade, left Khan Yanus on April 16 and marched all night to Shellal, arriving at 0500 and finding the outpost line that night from Wady Sheikh Maran via Tel el Fara to Hill Goz el Geleib. During the day the enemy bombed the Division from the air; 1 L.H. had no casualties. The Regiment was relieved by 22nd Mounted Brigade at 0615 and returned to bivouac near the Wady Ghuzse; this wady was a string of permanently running water holes, in places connected underground.
At 2030 on April 18, the Regiment crossed the Wady Ghuzze and joined the rest of the Division for the advance on Gaza. The ensuing battle is known as the Second Battle of Gaza. With "C" Squadron as advanced party, 1 L.H. acted as vanguard to the Anzac Mounted Division, which deployed near Erk; the Regiment's objective was the enemy position at Baiket el Sana. "C" Squadron under Major Smith galloped in extended order and got into position, followed by "B" Squadron under Major Weir which extended to Wady Sheria. Both squadrons were shelled but casualties were light. Lieut. W.J.M. Edwards with 12 other ranks patrolled to the left but failed to reach his objective, the Gaza-Beershaba Road, as they were heavily fired on from Um Adrah. One troop, led by Lieut. W.F. Ross, was detailed to escort the guns. At 1500 the enemy commenced to move against Baiket el Sana and their artillery fire increased in intensity and accuracy. The 2 L.H. relieved "B" Squadron but could not relieve "C" Squadron owing to the enemy counter attack. By 1700 it seemed that the attack on Gaza by the main force had failed, and it was seen that the enemy all along the line were pushing up their guns and cavalry. At 2030 the order was given to withdraw to Tel el Jemmi, a tactical landmark on Wady Ghuzze and where sufficient water had been made for the Division.
The Regiment marched all night, neither man nor horse getting any rest until dawn. A few hours later the order to move off was given and 1 L.H., with the Brigade, moved to a point a mile north of Wady Sheikh Nuran where it formed a splendid target for the enemy 'planes which bombed the Division heavily, many horses being lost and Lieut. J. Egan