right over the hill on the eastern side of the wadi, although while this was being done, they would be exposed even more than ever to the enemy’s fire.  This dangerous undertaking was, however, eventually successfully accomplished.  The wadi was now, more or less, clear of men and animals, although the place was littered with killed and wounded.  Here and there were to be seen animals with limbs broken, struggling to follow in the wake of their companions.

In their new position the led-horses, although rather more comfortable, were not, by any means, safe.  All the “packs” and officers’ horses were kept here, but the remainder, including all the horses of the regiments, were taken right back to Zernuka, or rather Akir, to which place the remainder of the Squadron left behind had moved.

At daybreak the next morning, when the enemy’s artillery opened fire, the “packs” received a very severe shaking, and during the morning several of the mules were hit by shell splinters.  Pte.  Heathcote was killed by a shell at 10.30 whilst attending one of the wounded mules here; Pte.  Rush was hit in the shoulder, an hour afterwards, and was taken to the Field Ambulance.

A SAD CEREMONY.

Upon the second (and last) night at Tahta, a very pathetic, but stirring, burial-ceremony was held at about 21.00, which those privileged to attend will remember to the end of their days.  The ground selected for the burials was a little gully running off the main wadi.  Dead animals, horses, mules and camels lay all around; upturned wagons and limbers were to be seen everywhere.  During the deep roar and vivid flashes of our guns, just to the rear, and the sharp crack of bullets striking the rocks just above, the solemn and earnest words of our Chaplain could be heard.  Above all, the full moon, bathing the gully in a bright light, combined to make a fitting background for the laying-to-rest of those who had been called upon to make the “supreme sacrifice”.

On leaving Tahta the Squadron marched on foot to the vicinity of El Burj (guns on packs), arriving before daylight (November 30th).  Here they stayed for the day, in reserve, cleaning guns, etc.  At 18.00, that night, they moved nearer El Burj in support of the Australians, arriving about 21.00.  Nothing happened; but the Squadron stayed all night and the next day.  That night they moved into El Burj; next morning (December 2nd) they returned, and found their horses awaiting them.  Headquarters, “A,” “D” and “E” Sub-sections now re-joined “B” and “C” Sub-sections and transport.  It was not likely that the Squadron would be required again in the Tahta district, except in an emergency, as the country was quite unsuitable for cavalry tactics; as it turned out, they were not destined to do any more fighting for a long time to come.