Primary tabs
Transcription
[page 72]
1918
that the enemy were advancing on Red Hill, and at 1730 another message stated that the advance had stopped. Casualties up to this time were 7 men wounded, one horse killed and several wounded.
On May 1 the Regiment less "B" Squadron rejoined the Brigade, and Capt. Wright returned as Adjutant from 2 A.L.H. Brigade. Moving on at 0945 we reached Es Salt, which had been taken the day before by 3 A.L.R. Brigade, fed and watered and at 1530 moved with Brigade H.Q. about two miles south, towards Shunet Nimrin. "A" Squadron with a subsection of machine guns was ordered to attack the enemy holding el Howeij and to co-operate with the 5th Mounted Brigade (Yeomanry) on their left. As the yeomanry could not be seen, "A" Squadron pushed forward and drove back the enemy's advanced posts. Later "C" Squadron moved up on the left of "A" Squadron, and as it was now dark, with still no sign of the Yeomanry, an outpost line was held by the two squadrons, horses being watered from a native cistern. The country was so rough that it was impossible for even a camel cacolet to reach the outpost line and one man had to be carried by mates all the way to Es Salt, a distance of about four miles.
The Beni Sakhr failed entirely to play their part, but although that was upsetting to the plans it was of small concern compared to the smashing attack made on May 1 on 4 A.L.H. Brigade and our "B" Squadron guarding our rear in the Red Hill area.
Meanwhile the Australian Mounted Division had collected many prisoners at Es Salt and Lieut. Markwell and his troop were detailed to escort them down to the plain near Jericho. Next day, May 2, orders were received for the Regiment to take over the defence of a certain road (Road No. 7, it was known as) and to patrol the west and south so as to keep the road clear for all convoys and to closely watch any enemy movements. "A" Squadron took over this line, but an hour later fresh orders were received for 1 L.H. to return to Es Salt. At 1615 we reported at the Australian Divisional H.Q. at Es Salt and were ordered to stand by. Later on the same night, after fresh orders had been given and cancelled, "C" Squadron eventually proceeded along No. 6 Road and became engaged with the enemy at 0450, but there were no signs of the infantry and no shots could be heard; the enemy appeared to be strongly entrenched.