"C” Sub-section:  Sergt.  Wright, Corpl.  Gill, Nos. 1.  Pte.  S. Kidd,
   Pte.  P. Lee.

   "D” Sub-section:  Sergt.  Fleet, Corpl.  Barrett, Lance-Corpl.  Green,
   Lance-Corpl.  Marriott.

   "E” Sub-section:  Sergt.  O’Neill, Corpl.  Franklin, Lance-Corpl. 
   Grice, Lance-Corpl.  Thompson.

Upon arrival at their destination, everyone who had previously been there, on reconnaissance, was struck by the great changes that had taken place within such a short time; the locality had, in fact, become one huge camp.  There were armoured cars, R.E.s, motor-tractors, besides thousands of camels—­indeed, every branch of the service was represented.  Incidentally, it may be mentioned that these preparations were not hidden from the Turks, whose aeroplanes came over every day and dropped bombs, without, however, doing much damage.

The camping site for the Squadron proved to be in a wide gully, leading up from the Wadi Ghuzze, between two hills.  After watering in the wadi (to reach which a rather steep slope had to be negotiated), “lines” were put up and the new bivouac sheets recently issued, erected, after which, having had something to eat, the Squadron was able to enjoy a well-earned rest.  In the very early hours of the following morning “C” Sub-section, under Sec.-Lieut.  Kindell (who now took command in the absence of Lieut.  Macmillan), proceeded with the “S.R.Y.” to take up the day outpost-line some few miles north-east of Reshid Beck.  It soon became evident that the Turk had intended to occupy this line, as he contested it with rifle fire; he was, however, just a little too late and had to withdraw!  The position we now occupied afforded splendid observation of all the surrounding country.  In fact, the ground dropped abruptly to a plain several miles wide, cut by wadis and studded with low mounds; on the right the Wadi Ghuzze with a narrow stream of water on one side, wended its way across the plain, almost to our lines.

[Illustration]

On the other side of the plain, on the banks of the wadi, the tents of a Turkish camp could plainly be seen, and (by the aid of a pair of field glasses), the Turks themselves, going about their work.  During the day various officers from an infantry division came up to the post in order to view the ground, over which, they stated, they were going to attack, in two days’ time.  At dusk our troops withdrew through the night-outpost line; “C” Sub-section, with the one limber that accompanied it, returned to camp, independently.  On this day the Squadron watering-party was bombed by hostile aircraft, but no casualties occurred.  October 30th was spent in “resting,” and in the afternoon every man was directed to lie down in his “bivvy” from 13.00 to 17.00 hrs. (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)!  Upon being asked by the Orderly Officer why he was not complying with this order, one man remarked to his pal:  “Well, that’s the first time I’ve been stopped doing work in the Army”!  It was, however, very necessary, as, that night at 20.30 (8.30 p.m.), the Brigade, commanded by Brig.-Gen. J.T.  Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O., started on its approach-march after watering.