On March 4th another Divisional Scheme took place on the hills south-east of the camp, the object being to intercept and defeat an imaginary enemy (represented in skeleton), advancing from Tel el Jemmi.  This manoeuvre was satisfactorily performed.

On the 7th a pleasant diversion was made by a race meeting held by our neighbours, the 22nd Mounted Brigade.  They had taken great trouble in preparing the course for both steeplechases and flat races, and on the day, a scene was presented very similar to a meeting at home, except for the absence of the ladies.  On March 13th, Sec.-Lieut.  J.W.  Cummer arrived, and was posted to “C” Sub-section, Lieut.  R.H.  Fairbairns, M.C., being now second in command of the Squadron—­a post which he held without interruption until he became Officer Commanding.  On March 22nd, Sergt.  Wright, who had been with the Squadron since its formation, left for an infantry cadet course at Zeitoun.

FOOTNOTES: 

    [10] Gaza, see Judges xvi and l, 18; Genesis x, 19; Deut. ii, 23; Jer.
    xxv, 20, xlvii, 1, 5; Josh. xi, 22, xv, 47; I Kings iv, 24 (Azzah);
    Amos i, 7; Jeph. ii, 4; Zech. ix, 5; Acts viii, 26.

INSPECTION BY H.R.H.  THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT.

News was at this time received that H.R.H.  The Duke of Connaught would shortly inspect our Brigade, which was now commanded by Brig.-Gen. G.V.  Clarke, D.S.O.  Several preliminary parades were, therefore, held, the inspection ultimately taking place on March 15th.  After the march-past the Brigade was formed into a Square and H.R.H. expressed his high satisfaction with its appearance, and congratulated all ranks on their work of the previous year.  After this speech he decorated the officers, N.C.O.’s and men, who had won distinction during the operations.

[Illustration:  At Belah.

Officers, Warrant Officer and Sergeants.]

The 7th Brigade races were held on the 21st, and provided a good day’s sport, but the engagement was rather spoiled by an almost continuous downpour of rain.  Towards the end of March the “O.C.” stated that he would shortly hold two test “turn-outs”.  At last, one morning, sub-sections were suddenly ordered to parade at once, in marching order by the troughs at the Wadi Ghuzze a mile away.  “D” Sub-section was the first to arrive there, and the whole Squadron was at the rendezvous within 55 minutes—­a most creditable performance!

The next “turn-out” was a practice “Air alarm”.  Ten guns were mounted outside the camp itself, all men took cover and the line-guards tripled in 1 minute 50 seconds!

A pleasant day’s sport was provided by a friendly competition between the Squadron and the Field Ambulance—­races, mounted sports, jumping, driving, etc.—­and our Squadron proved successful in most of the events.