FOOTNOTES: 

    [11] Yebna = Jabneh of the Bible, see Josh xv, 11; II Chron. xxvi, 6. 
    There are ruins of a Crusaders’ Church here.

INTERESTING TACTICAL INSTRUCTION.

Capt.  St. J. Davies, M.C., often gave each section a special task, or ordered them to concentrate at some place he might select from the map.  Some of these little “stunts” were quite interesting, as often two sections would set off in almost opposite directions and yet they would arrive at the rendezvous at practically the same time!

On one of these occasions the horses were taken to the little River Auja[12] two miles north of the camp, and made to swim across, attached to an endless rope, being afterwards followed by the men.

On May 23rd the Brigade practised a “concentration” just north of the Auja and south-west of Sheik Muannis.  Our Squadron did well!  It arrived at the point three miles away, in full marching order within 40 minutes from the time the order was received.  On May 28th, the Brigade moved forward north of the Auja, in reserve for the attack by the 7th Indian Division, but this movement was merely intended to capture a few enemy posts in order to narrow “no man’s land,” and thus bring ourselves into closer touch with the enemy.  The Brigade remained “standing-by” at half an hour’s notice until the evening of the 30th, when it returned to camp.

A Brigade scheme took place on June 7th, “No. 1” Section operated with the Poona Horse and one Squadron of “S.R.Y.”; Nos. 2 and 3 Sections with the Deccan Horse and “S.R.Y.” (less one squadron).  On the 13th, another scheme was practised, “Defence of the Dahr Selmeh Ridge”.  A regimental scheme with the Poona Horse was also practised, besides several Squadron manoeuvres.

Sometimes the Squadron would go out before breakfast for the whole day, the usual routine of camp being carried on wherever they halted; returning “home” in the afternoon.  One of these excursions brought the Squadron to the Jewish village of Mulebbis, where oranges could be bought by the cart-load.  Two limbers were, therefore, taken back to camp fully loaded up; this was a discovery much appreciated by all, and two days later a fresh supply was sent for.  Another local product bought at Jaffa and distilled at Rishon-le-Zion, was red wine.  It was very good too!  Bought by the Squadron canteen in large barrels, it was sold at 2-1/2 pt. (6d.) a pint.

The Squadron canteen was doing a good trade at this time.  The N.A.C.B. at Jaffa kept a good stock, and Lance-Corpl.  Prior rode down every day and bought large quantities of all kinds of provisions, as well as barrels of beer.