On April 1st, orders were received that the Brigade would move, the next day, back to the area previously occupied at Belah!  They duly arrived, and the Machine-Gun Squadron took over identically the same camp as before, except that the “lines” were 100 yards further south.  A few days after arriving here, rumours got around that several units were to be dismounted!  Up till this time it was thought that this was the last thing that was likely to happen after their success in the last operations, and the knowledge of the country and open warfare that the troops had thereby gained.  Unfortunately, the rumour proved to be only too true, and two regiments in each Brigade were ordered to hand over their horses and proceed to the base.  Here they underwent a course of training for the Machine-Gun Corps, after which they embarked for France, formed into Machine-Gun Battalions.  The 7th Brigade having only two regiments, lost only one—­the South Notts Hussars, that being the junior.  At least two “graves” may be seen at Belah, each bearing an inscription headed by “R.I.P.” and a broken spur!  Also an “IN MEMORIAM” to the lost horses of the South Notts Hussars and the Warwick Yeomanry!  The mock-ceremonies, however, were carried out in all sincerity, as, who was there who did not feel that he had lost a true friend, in being parted from his horse?

On April 7th, the 20th Squadron lent its horses to the Warwick Yeomanry to take them to the station, and on the 8th, to the “S.N.H.” for the same purpose.  Ill-luck, however, attended these regiments.  After going through their course of training they embarked at Alexandria, but they were no sooner out at sea than their vessel was torpedoed and sunk!  Many lives were lost, including Lieut.  Morris, who will be remembered by all for his activities in the theatrical line, as, under his able direction, the “S.N.H.  AND THE 20TH COMBINED CONCERT PARTY” provided us with a very excellent performance at Gaza.

Shortly after the departure of the “S.N.H.”, the “S.R.Y.” were called upon to assist in an attack on the other side of the Jordan.  This operation was pushed right into the enemy country, past Es Salt, which is the most difficult ground imaginable for cavalry, but, circumstances developing in an unexpected manner, a withdrawal had to be made.  This movement was accomplished in a truly splendid fashion.  The affair, however, was not carried out without casualties, unfortunately, and the “S.R.Y.” had to mourn the loss of Capt.  Layton, one of its most prominent Squadron leaders.

ARRIVAL OF INDIAN TROOPS.