The transport was now able to follow close behind the Brigade, and usually arrived in “camp” shortly after the fighting troops.  The “trek” now became a matter of routine, marching usually starting each day at 07.00.  Permission was given for the Squadron to carry some of its guns on its transport, in order to relieve the pack-animals.

October 14th—­To Lebwe; watering from a stream on the way, and camping in groves.

October 15th—­To El Kaa.  The Squadron camped against a fig-grove and figs were purchased for everyone.

October 16th—­To Kusseir.  Camp on plain east of station.

October 17th—­To Homs.  When about half way, in front could be seen what appeared to be a large camp of bell tents, but on getting nearer they turned out to be merely a village of mud huts of that shape, and whitewashed!

Afterwards many similar villages were met with, some of which were whitewashed, some not.  From hereabouts could be seen, away on the left, the large Homs Lake, through which runs the River Orontes (Nahr el Asi).  Two miles south of the town of Homs an hour’s halt was made to allow of watering and feeding, then passing a ruined castle on an artificial mound, we went through the centre of the town (which is an interesting old place, and apparently well supplied with water),[39] to the main road out to the north.  Then, along a track to the north-west, we passed the 13th Brigade camp (the 13th Brigade had been a day ahead from Tel esh Sherif), and bivouacked at 14.45 on a nice piece of ground on the banks of the Orontes, against the village of Deir Mati.

FOOTNOTES: 

    [38] There are ruins of three temples at Baalbek—­The Great Temple of
    the Sun, Temple of Bacchus, and the Circular Temple, built about A.D.
    220.

    [39] The Crusaders captured Homs in A.D. 1099.  It is the ancient
    Zobah, see II Sam. viii, 3, 5.  The population is estimated at 65,000.

PART VI.

THE MARCH TO ALEPPO.

Would we stay here at Homs, or go still further? was the question uppermost in the minds of all.  The nearest troops were at Damascus 100 miles behind us, and Aleppo, the next town of any importance, 100 miles ahead.  We had now covered 325 miles in 28 days, and a rest was much needed.  The question was soon decided for us!  Three days were occupied in washing (men, clothes and horses), grazing and cleaning saddlery.  Then, at 07.00 on October 21st we set out on our long journey, the 15th Brigade (it being their turn to lead), having left the day previously.  Marching was carried on in accordance with the following table:—­

Twenty minutes’ trot, one hour’s walk, 10 minutes’ halt; and the following were the day’s marches:—­

October 21st—­To Er Rastan.

October 22nd.—­To Hama.[40] Through the town and over the River Orontes past the huge water wheels for which it is famous. (These wheels make a loud humming noise and can be heard for miles.  They are used for lifting the water from the river, which is between high cliffs at this point, to irrigate the surrounding country).