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[page 47]
1917
46
and early in the morning left the Brigade and proceeded to Bir Ibn Turkia; the squadrons then scattered out to different objectives:- "B" (Capt. F.C. W. Wright) to Gitwail el Semin; "C" with one section of the 1 M.G. Squadron, to Ge Naam; Lieut. Moore remained with a troop at Ibn Said; the rest of the unit remained at Bir Ibn Turkia. "C" Squadron's patrols pushed back some cavalry and camelry, capturing 11 prisoners and 3 camels and later also 11 Bedouin prisoners. At 0825 a four-gun battery on Hill 1070 opened fire on "C" Squadron,
firing 53 shells. The Regiment re-formed and withdrew, "A" Squadron acting as rearguard. Casualties were 1 killed and 3 wounded.
Another reconnaissance to the same area was made on August 15. On this occasion 1 L.H. was the brigade reserve. Scattered enemy patrols were captured by the Brigade and "C" Squadron was detailed to bring them back to camp.
Men and horses being much fatigued, the Regiment was given a spell on the beach at Marakeb. While at Marakeb beer was procured and issued on payment twice a week. All ranks were re-inoculated, and had their teeth examined by an officer of 1 L.E.F. Ambulance. Officers attended lectures, other ranks received gas and Hotchkiss gun instruction, and live bomb throwing was carried out in the sea, a few being procured thereby. Sea bathing did a lot of good to the septic sores, the men becoming very fit.
On September 7 Lieut. F.H. Otton and 18 other ranks were detailed to assist the engineers in railway construction towards Beersheba. On the 18th we moved with the Brigade to a new comp at Kilo 9 and the Brigade's transport rejoined. Twenty-two donkeys, known as 'Allenby's white mice', were allotted to each regiment, but later experience showed that they could not keep pace with the cavalry. The syllabus of training was carried out, the unit taking part in a brigade tactical scheme in which the 2nd-in-command of regiments and squadrons took command.
We remained at Kilo 9 until October 3 when we returned to the beach area, all wheeled traffic proceeding via Rafa. By this time the horses had much improved and they were inspected on the 5th by General Butler, Inspector General of Remounts, who gave permissions to commence clipping. The railway construction party rejoined us and 48 remounts were taken on strength. On October 24 all ranks were issued with box