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[page 58]
1918
57
man were sent to a gas school at Rafa; there was an inspection of the gas helmets in each squadron by the Gas M.C.O. From January 4 to January 9, Lieut.-Col. Granville, D.S.O., acted as brigadier and Major Irwin took command of the Regiment. Major Weir returned from the 1st Light Horse Training Regiment and took over "A" Squadron. Detachments of men suffering from debility were sent in turn to Part Said rest carp. On January 8 Capt. (Chaplain) Boardman was evacuated sick. It was about this time that the Brigade was first photographed by the Official Photographer, and cinematograph pictures made of the Regiment on the move.
On the 12th 1 L.H. moved with the Brigade at 1000 for Ras Deiran. "A" and "B" Echelon transport accompanied the Brigade but rain fell heavily and only four limbers from "A" Echelon got through, the remainder being forced to oamp at Beshshit, arriving in camp at daylight. We stayed at Ras Deiran for six days and then moved nearer the coast to Ayun Kara where we remained until February 16. A syllabus of training was carried out and during this period Junior officer and N.C.O. classes were held. Major Harris, M.C., represented the Brigade at a meeting at Divisional H.Q. to organise sports. Volunteers for the Australian Flying Corps were called for, and Lieutenants Tomlins and L.H. Smith were sent to be interviewed by the officer commanding the 67th Wing, A.F.C., Lieut. Smith being transferred to that arm on January 21. Capt. O.B. Ryrie, who had been A.D.C. to General Chaytor, the divisional commander, since his return from France, rejoined 1 L.H. on January 24 and was posted to the command of "B" Squadron. On February 2 the commanding Officer and squadron leaders attended a field day of 2 L.H. demonstrating a dismounted attack in depth, which was also practised later on by 1 L.H.
Beyond training the Regiment had few duties at this time; we provided a mounted relay post at G.H.Q., another at the town of Ramleh [Ramla?] and a third at Naaneh. No survey map of the area had been completed, and Major Weir, Captains Ryrie and Battye and officers from 2 L.H. under Capt. McLean commenced a topography class to complete the survey. The weather continued to be bad and parades had frequently to be cancelled owing to rain. On February 15 General Butler inspected the horses, which had improved a great deal in condition. On the same day Lieut. W.H. James, M.C., moved with N.Z.M.R. Brigade to Bethlehem in preparation for guiding