Nothing unusual happened on this occasion, however, and the next morning (November 6th), the Brigade moved at 08.30 to a point north-east of Karm, near Abu Irgeig, just behind the line.  Two sub-sections were at once sent to a line of observation overlooking Wadi Imleh.  Persistent rumours of an enemy attack from this quarter which, as has been seen, was very lightly held, kept everyone on the alert.

“C” Sub-section watered at Karm during the day and before night the positions were carried by the infantry and the Brigade camped near by.  But it was on the move again the next morning (November 7th) long before daylight (at 04.30).  No person in the Squadron knew what was the destination, and when, at length, day broke, there were many speculations even as to the locality they were then actually in.

Eventually a railway was crossed, and the country appeared just like that north of Beersheba.  It transpired, in fact, that they were only a few miles from that town, but on a different road from that leading to Khuweilfeh.  After having covered about 8 miles since the morning, the Brigade approached Tel-el-Sheria, where it came in sight of the railway station, and under enemy shell-fire, which was pretty hot at times.  At the station itself the shelling was hotter still, as 5.9’s were falling thick just there.  At night, however, all shelling ceased and the troops were able to water their horses at 23.00 in the wadi, close to the station.

Meanwhile at Gaza, on the coast, the intense bombardment of the Turkish lines that had been going on, was more than the enemy could stand, and he began to withdraw his troops.  To such an extent had the withdrawal been carried out, that a British attack on the night of November 6th-7th met with but slight opposition, and Outpost Hill, Middlesex Hill and Ali-Munter were captured without much trouble.  The Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade passed right through the ruins of Gaza.

FOOTNOTES: 

[3] The enemy by this time probably thought that a wide out-flanking movement was to be undertaken at Khuweilfeh, and accordingly hastily brought up still more reserves.  After fighting day and night against superior numbers, the 53rd Division was, finally, able to capture the position on November 6th.  The drawing of the Turkish reserves to this part of the line contributed to the success elsewhere.

THE BRIGADE ADVANCES.

The following day (November 8th), at 05.00, a further advance was made by our Brigade along the railway about 9 miles, and the enemy was sighted in the neighbourhood of Tel Hudeiwe, whom the “S.N.H.” and “C” Sub-section were sent to dislodge.  This task they accomplished at once, but a sudden counter-attack forced back our advanced points with a rush, who sustained some casualties.  The position then held was a good one, and there were little doubts about our being