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[page 68]
1918
flank; it was ordered to withdraw at 1450; its casualties had been slight. A patrol sent to the south chased an enemy patrol, killing one man and capturing another after shooting several horses.
The enemy withdrew after suffering heavy losses and next day early mornIng patrols reported all clear for a distance of 2 miles in front of 1 L.H. sector. Lieut. Jarrett's patrol captured 11 prisoners and saw a number of enemy dead, mostly killed by shellfire on the 11th. A patrol under Lieut. Ross to the east during the afternoon saw no enemy movement beyond a few patrols. Deserters came in during the day and the nearest enemy dead were buried.
Next morning, April 13, the early patrol saw no Turks; a working party was detailed to bury the dead end the regimental limbers were sent to Jericho for supplies from the A.I.F. Canteen, which were then sold to the men under regimental arrangements. Lieut. 0.N. Hayes and 60 men with 63 horses marched in from Details on April 14, and the Regiment was further strengthened by having a squadron of the Hyderabad Lancers and a company of the Alwar Infantry attached for duty and instruction in patrolling so as to be able to take over the line in a few days and leave the light horse free for an intended raid on Es Salt.
On April 15 Major-General Chaytor presented ribbons to the following members:- Captain and Adjutant M.E. Wright, Order of the Nile, 4th Class; 1567 Cpl. Poole J.W., 3065 Tpr. Kelleher C.E., and 2649 Tpr. West W., Millitary Medals. Tpr. West was later commissioned.
Two sections of the Hyderabad Lancers accompanied our early morning patrols at 0400. A troop accompanied Lieut. Ross and his troop on patrol at 0700; moving east towards an enemy patrol of 12 nen, ours gave chase and captured 5 Turks. Each day ambushes were laid for enemy patrols but they were not always successful. The Indian cavalry were most keen to take part in all "stunts". The enemy appeared to be well supplied with shells as their artillery would fire if only a couple of scouts ventured to the foothills.
On April 18 orders were received to hand over trenches to the Alwar Infantry and to be ready to move at short notice. Next morning at 0300 1 A.L.H. Brigade moved across the Wady Nimrin and, with the N.Z.M.R. Brigade on our right, demonstrated against the foothills where the enemy