WE TAKE TURKISH TRENCHES.

Until quite recently, the Turk had been content merely to patrol the country south and east of Beersheba, but our concentration at Esani had made him uneasy about his left flank, and he had hastily dug a line of trenches and manned them, hoping to put up a strong opposition to our advance.  These were the trenches we had now taken; and they constituted a strong position too, the hills being particularly steep in front of them.

Having captured the position and enjoyed a short rest, the Brigade pushed on again after dark—­this time in column of route, but “at the walk,” as it was “pitch-black” and the ground rough and rocky.  Well on in the evening, a welcome change in the going occurred, as we came out upon a road (the same one crossed in the morning); a proper road, a real road like one at home in England!  It seemed strange, indeed, after the miles of desert; the horses appreciated it too!  Later, the moon having risen, a long halt was made, after which the road towards Beersheba was resumed.  Every mile or so, by the wayside were now passed remains of Turkish camps, dead animals, overturned wagons, abandoned ammunition, etc., etc.  The enemy had evidently left in “some” haste.  But there were still isolated parties of the enemy in the hills, from which direction shots could be heard from time to time.

BEERSHEBA AT LAST!

After a long and gruelling journey, during which everyone was dead tired and the horses badly in need of water, the outskirts of the “town” of Beersheba were at last reached.  Here the Squadron halted, whilst the units in front “watered”.  It then became known to us that Beersheba had already been occupied by the Australians, who, no doubt, had come in from the flank.  As regards the “water,” this was contained in a long stone trough, and, although it was thick with mud, it was all that could be had.  Yet, of this filth the animals drank deeply, not having tasted a drop of liquid for 24 hours!

After “watering,” a camping-area for the night was allotted to the Squadron near by.  The animals having been off-saddled and fed, everyone was glad to be able to lie down in his clothes and snatch some sleep during the few remaining hours, until it was time to “stand to” in the morning.  Before daybreak the Squadron saddled-up and moved off into the plain outside the town.  Here it halted in “Line of Sub-section Column” and dismounted.  No sooner had the sun risen, however, when machine-gun fire broke out from all directions.  At once the order was given to extend for rifle fire.  Everyone expected to see the dust thrown up all round by the thousands of bullets which were being fired, and prepared for a great melee, but—­nothing happened! A perfect tornado of fire and nothing whatever could be seen!  After a few minutes, to the surprise of all, everything was quiet again!  The explanation was obtained afterwards:  all that had happened was that a Boche plane had appeared over our outpost line.  He must, certainly, have had a hot reception!