From El Tine we went to Kezaze and thence to Junction Station where our eyes were gladdened by the sight of a BRICK BUILDING.  On reaching the crest of the ridge the railway leading to Jerusalem suddenly came into view, and, parallel with it, was seen the main road to that town.  Visible for several miles until lost to sight in the distant hills, it was crowded with retreating Turks who had been thoroughly surprised at our sudden appearance.  The station appeared to be in flames, but the Turk was still “showing fight,” and in a short time “C” Sub-section attached to the “S.R.Y.” was in action on the ridge south of the railway against the enemy, who had a position on a hill the other side of it.  In about a quarter of an hour, however, the Turk was seen retiring, and the Sub-section came out of action and advanced across the railway line to “let him have it” again, in his new position in front of the village of Khulde.  Evening was drawing near, when orders were received to withdraw to the original position for the night, and close by there, the Squadron settled down.  Before that, however, they had gone to the station to water, but the supply quickly gave out and they had to return.  Towards midnight, a fresh source having been tapped, they turned out to water again, none having been had the day before:  they had been 57 hours without water!

The next day no serious advance was made, but the day following, after being shelled before starting, the Brigade crossed the railway and went through Khulde, which had been evacuated.  They were heavily shelled and unable to proceed, as they found the enemy firmly entrenched in the hills.  “D” Sub-section got some targets at Latron.[4] They returned to their old camp; water by this time had been developed and was no difficulty.  The infantry too had arrived.

Nothing was done the next day, and everyone was glad of the rest.  Sec.-Lieut.  Kindell having contracted dysentery, was sent to hospital.  It was now November 17th, and the Squadron had become seriously reduced in strength.  More men had been lost than horses, and men leading three animals each accompanied the transport.  Two officers and 50 men had been killed, wounded, or evacuated sick (more than a quarter of the whole Squadron), whereas only 15 animals had been lost.  This left 35 riding horses surplus, men to lead which had to be found.  It should be remembered that losses in a machine gun unit are much more serious than in a regiment.  The teams for the guns have to be maintained, and when these are reduced in strength an enormous amount of extra work falls on those who remain.

At 05.30 on November 18th the Brigade went to Khurbet Deiran, 6 miles north-west, arriving the same morning.

FOOTNOTES: 

    [4] At Latron was a castle of the Knights of St. John.  It was
    destroyed by Saladin in A.D. 1191.

THE JEWISH COLONIES OF PALESTINE.