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"