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[Page 60]
1918
59
left flank near the Dead Sea. With this object in view Lieut. Parbury and troop were detailed to reconnoitre the road along Wady Kumran; they found it clear of the enemy to the level plain near the Dead Sea, and reported it passable for mounted troops. Major Weir with two troops rejoined from N.Z.M.R. Brigade, having had 3 men wounded and 2 horses killed by shell fire. Early next morning the Regiment moved towards Nebi Musa in support of 3 L.H.
Portion of our brigade was now behind the enemy's trenches and the Turks, appreciating the danger when a brigade of horse was free to strike at their communications on the Jordan plain, withdrew their whole force in the dark from both sides of the Jericho road.
We halted for breakfast and then marched on Jericho which place had also been evacuated. One N.C.O. and 4 men were detailed to accompany the Intelligence officers into Jericho to arrest undesirables and one N.C.O. and 8 men were detailed to escort prisoners. The outpost line that night, from Kabur Ailharb to Wady ed Nejimeh was held by 2 L.H., and 1 L.H. bivouacked in support to 2 L.H. Two of our troops were digging trenches all night, returning to camp at 0400. The weather on the hills was bitterly cold and wet, and although light showers fell in the Jordan valley it was very much warmer there. "Old man" saltbush was seen growing and hares and partridges were plentiful.
As the enemy had retired across the Jordan we were ordered to withdraw to the foothills and return to Kudr by way of the main Jerusalem-Jericho road, which was now clear of the enemy, though blown up in several places. Rations were drawn at Talat ed Dumm ("Field of Blood", named from the colour of the soil). After a meal there we marched all night back past Bethany and Jerusalem, arriving wet and cold at 0430. Two days were spent at Kudr in trying to dry blankets, etcetera, but it rained all the time and the Regiment was pleased to get orders to return to Richon, via Junction Station. Richon was reached on February 27; there Lieut. C.A. Hordern and 12 men were taken on strength. On March 1 the unit was inspected by Major-General Chaytor who paid a compliment on the condition of the horses after traversing such country as they had, and on the horsemastership of the men.
On March 5 we moved with the Brigade for operations with the 159th Infantry Brigade against the enemy at Taibiyeh and el Munatir (not to be