The organisation of the transport for the unit was one of the greatest difficulties to be overcome.  No one, unless he has actually seen it, would believe the energy required to pull even a lightly loaded wheeled vehicle through the desert sand, which, in places, is of the soft “silver” variety found at many English seaside resorts.

Each “G.S.” (general service) limbered wagon is designed to carry about a ton, and is drawn by 4 mules.  On this occasion, however, 4 cwts. was the maximum load, and for this 6 mules were required in every case.  In spite of such a team, the going was hard enough, in very truth, and sore shoulders were not uncommon, owing to the mules being so “soft,” and the new breast-collars so hard!

It was not long before the advantage a “M.G.”  Squadron possesses, in being able to change “pack” mules to “draught” and vice versa, was seen, this method relieving sore shoulders and sore backs by one simple operation.  Although an early start was made every day, many miles had to be traversed with the sun right overhead; the afternoon was usually well advanced before the horses had been watered, lines put down, and shelters erected, blankets, rifles, bayonets and bits of string being used for this purpose.

The following were the days’ marches:—­

1917.

August 12th to El Ferdan.
  " 13th " Kantara (Hill 70).  Long day in great heat.
  " 14th at Kantara drawing ordnance stores.
  " 15th to Pelusium 13 miles.
  " 16th " Romani 7 miles.  Heavy going.
  " 17th " Khirba 14 miles.
  " 18th " Bir el Abd 7 miles.  Heavy going.
  " 19th " Tilul, watering at Salmana.
  " 20th " Bir el Masar 8 miles.
  " 21st " Maadan 15 miles.  Very heavy going and particularly hot.
  " 22nd " Bardawil 8 miles.  Good going.
  " 23rd " El Arish 8 miles.  Heavy going.
  " 24th Rested.
  " 25th to El Burd 11 miles.
  " 26th " Sheikh Zowaid, by the shore.  Very heavy.
  " 27th " Rafa.
  " 28th at Rafa obtaining stores which were sent forward by rail.
  " 29th to Amr into camp, 1 mile south of railway.

It may here be mentioned that, at this time, the Kantara Military Railway had been completed as far as Shellal, and whilst on the march, rations and forage were drawn from “dumps” which had been placed at intervals along the line.  As regards drinking water, this was brought up every day on camels.  The supply of water was not too plentiful by any means, and it required a certain amount of care and self-restraint to make it last the appointed time, in fact, strict water-discipline was very necessary among all ranks.  It was a tired but wiser Squadron that arrived at Amr!  Many were the difficulties that had been overcome, and many the hardships that had been silently endured!

THE SQUADRON AT AMR.