The absence of the “S.R.Y.” left the 7th Mounted Brigade with only the B.H.Q. 20th M.G.  Squadron, Essex Battery, Cav.  F.A. and M.V.S.  But it soon became known that Indian Cavalry Regiments had arrived from France, and were to take the place of the regiments that had been dismounted for the M.G.C., and also to increase the number of cavalry in the country.  An advance-party at length arrived in the Brigade, consisting of an officer from each regiment that was to join it, and these proved to be the “20th Deccan Horse” and “34th Poona Horse”.  Soon afterwards the regiments themselves arrived by train, with their horses.  How these regiments would settle down in this country after their experience in France was at first a subject of interest to the Squadron.  But the surroundings resembled, in some respects, their native India, and they were soon “at home”.  They only needed to forget the cramped warfare of the trenches in France and to practise real cavalry tactics again, to become a true part of the “E.E.F.”.  It was also evident, from the brightness of their steelwork, that they would be second to none in any ceremonial parade.

Training continued, and the Squadron was getting very efficient, both in the technical and tactical handling of guns.  Barrage-drill (the latest introduction from Grantham), was practised, and an exhibition barrage, fired out to sea, proved very instructive.  On April 18th, there was an “Action” competition for sub-sections under their respective Sergeants.  They came into action at the gallop on targets at 400 yards range.  “B” Sub-section was judged “best” with “A” Sub-section second.

Summer was rapidly approaching, and on May 15th “Reveille” had been altered to 04.45 to allow of the heat of the day being spent, as far as possible, in rest.  An inter-unit sports competition, held with the Essex Battery, was exciting, and included a race on donkeys between the respective officers commanding!  The total results gained were rather in favour of the Essex Battery.

During April a subscription list was opened for a Memorial to the fallen in the campaign, to be built in Jerusalem to which the Squadron subscribed LE14.

Sergt.  Larwood, D.C.M., returned on April 11th, having quite recovered from the wound he received at Tahta.  He was posted to “A” Sub-section.  On the 21st Lieut.  Cazalet was admitted to hospital.

During April Belah was considerably brightened, two large stationary hospitals being erected, to manage which a staff of nurses arrived!  They certainly must have found Belah a quaint place after the civilised conditions to which they had been accustomed at Cairo and Alexandria, and in the course of their journey, as well as subsequently, they must have suffered many discomforts.  Introductions, however, were hastily effected, and very soon, on afternoons, ladies could be seen out, riding with members of the British forces of the opposite sex.