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[page 86]
1918
line and three cavalry divisions to follow through, move swiftly via the Plain of Sharon to the Plain of Esdraelon, cut the railway at Afule and Beisan and push on to close the roads from the Jordan valley and Nablus, thus trapping the German Seventh and Eighth Armies - this would necessitate transferring three cavalry divisions and one division from the east flank to the sea; on the west (Jordan) flank, "Chaytor's Force" to form a defensive flank to guard the crossings over Jordan and to be prepared to co-operate, on receipt of orders, in the advance and seize the crossing at Jisr el Damieh. Chaytor's Force comprised the Anzac Mounted Division, 20th Indian Infantry Brigade (Imperial Service Infantry), the Composite Infantry Brigade (two battalions Jews; two battalions W.I. Regiment), and some artillery.
Owing to rumours of a general advance in September, the Regiment was ordered to make dummy horses out of bamboo, which was growing along the spring side, and old blankets. It was hoped that these dummies, stood in rows, would have the appearance in aeroplane photographs of troop lines.
On September 5 an officer from the Wellington M.R. reported to 1L.H. to proceed with Lieut. Cundy on night observation patrol to Tel el Truny, the N.Z.M.R. Brigade taking over the patrolling duties from the Regiment next day.
At intervals of one month, men were sent to cookery schools at Ismalia and Alexandria, and many certificates for proficiency were obtained, but all the men preferred to cook for themselves whenever possible.
On September 6, 79 cases of gift stores were carted from Jericho and distributed to all ranks. These gifts were from the War Chest Australian Comforts fund and consisted of tinned fruit, lime juice, sweets, sauce, chewing gum, milk, jam, writing material, tobacco, cigarettes and other goods - all most useful and appreciated by all of us. Beer was obtained when possible and issued on payment to the men at the nominal price of one shilling per bottle.
There was fair grazing in the vicinity of Ain Duk. Crops had been sown and irrigated by the monks from the monastery on the Mount of Temptation, but these were respected, and damage done was paid for after