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In accordance with the Arab custom, when rejoicing, rifles were fired in the air—­and this not with “blank” either!

Right through the centre of the town, the Brigade went, and camped in olive groves along the main road, leading out to the north-east.  The following day it retraced its steps to the south of the town where it joined the “C.-in-C.”.  He had with him the remainder of the Division and the Australians.  A triumphal entry into the town with the troops named was then made.

The Machine-Gun Squadron, given the choice, went independently, straight to their next camp at El Judeide, nine miles south-west of Damascus, preferring to rest their horses.  There they camped in orange groves, being re-joined in the evening by the remainder of the Brigade, who had taken part in the “show”.

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AN AMUSING ADVENTURE.

Sec.-Lieut.  Arden in the meantime was having an adventure “on his own”.  When we were ordered back to El Judeide Mr. Arden was told to go into the town and make all the purchases he could, so as to provide the Squadron with a few comforts.  He took with him Q.M.S.  Fisher, the officers’ mess cook, and his groom.  Having made his purchases, Mr. Arden, who had been told that our destination was on the western road, looked it up on the map and found a place marked there on the road to Beyrout about 10 miles distant named “El Jedeide”.  Off they started for this El Jedeide.  What an experience they had!  The road, which had just previously had the close attention of the R.A.F. and other branches of the service, was littered with dead and all kinds of enemy material.  Along they continued, meeting everywhere sights of wreck and confusion such as they had never previously experienced.[33] Having reached Jedeide, but failing to find any trace of British troops, they felt they had made a mistake.  But it was too late to return that night, and there was no help for it, they were forced to spend the night there “and trust to luck”.

Alternately taking post “on guard,” some sleep was obtained.  During the night some troops passed by, which the small party feared was Turkish; fortunately they turned out to be French Colonial Troops, whose dress is somewhat in the Turkish fashion.  At daylight the party retraced its steps toward Damascus, and on the way, met a party of Australians.  “What the devil are you doing here?” the latter demanded.  Upon hearing their story the Australians ejaculated:  “Why, do you know you have been for one night the outpost of the British Army?  No British soldier has been here before”!  But “all’s well that ends well”; in due course, after minor adventures, Mr. Arden’s party reached the Squadron at EL JUDEIDE where, although he had to run the gamut of chaff and banter, he was heartily welcomed!

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