No sooner had the Brigade settled down in its new quarters than very strenuous training was re-commenced—­in addition there were inspections galore—­besides tactical schemes, almost every other day.  Reinforcements came up, which included many men new to the Squadron, which was, in consequence, soon nearly up to strength.  Lieut.  King returned from hospital, but still being far from well had, soon afterwards, to go back there.  On September 13th Lieut.  Millman returned from hospital and Lieut.  Kindell from his course of instruction.  Lieut.  Millman resumed command of his late section ("No. 3").  On September 14th the Squadron turned out in complete marching order with transport, for a Divisional “scheme,” the Division moving south on a six-mile frontage, sections coming into action with an imaginary enemy at various points.

[Illustration]

PART V.

THE GREAT ADVANCE OF 1918.

So well had the secret of the great operations, that were in view by the Commander-in-Chief, been kept, that no one in the Squadron had any idea of a general attack being in contemplation.  It was, in fact, not until the day that the Squadron was ordered to strike camp, that any officer or man (except perhaps the officer commanding), became aware that a serious movement was about to take place!  An attack at any time would not, of course, have been entirely unexpected, as we were always prepared for something of the kind, but on this occasion the rumours that usually precede operations of importance were entirely absent—­although the number of tactical schemes recently practised should have indicated that some particular purpose was in view.

At 18.00 on September 17th, the Squadron paraded in full marching order, and moved off, leaving all tents and buildings standing. We never returned to those quarters!

The strength of the Squadron at this time was six officers, 212 O.R.’s, 181 riding horses, 80 draft mules, 43 pack animals.  So far as can be ascertained now, the following were the officers and N.C.O.’s:—­

Headquarters:

Major L.F.  St. John Davies, M.C. 
Capt.  R.H.  Fairbairns, M.C. 
S.S.M.  Fleet, M.M. 
S.Q.M.S.  Fisher. 
Farr.-Staff-Sergt.  Robertson. 
Sergt.  Conuel (Transport). 
Sergt.  Ramsay (Orderly Room). 
S.S.-Corpl.  Anderson. 
Sig.-Corpl.  Foster. 
Saddler-Corpl.  Mellett.

"No. 1” Section:

Sec-Lieut.  J.W.  Cummer.

"A” Sub-section: "C” Sub-section:

Sergt.  Larwood, D.C.M.  Sergt.  Roberts. 
Corpl.  Rouse.  Corpl.  Gage. 
Lance-Corpl.  Holt.  Lance-Corpl.  Rose.
     " Moverley. " Sneddon.

"No. 2” Section:

Lieut.  A.O.W.  Kindell.