It was not long before it became evident that there _was_ "something
doing". Yes, the great event for which the Squadron had been preparing
since its formation was about to take place! The 7th Mounted Brigade found
itself "up against" a series of strongly-held trenches on Ras-Hablein to
Ras-Ghannam. The 60th Infantry Division was on its left and the Australians
on its right. The plan of attack, as given in the official publication: "_A
Brief Record of the Advance of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force_" was as
follows:--

"... for the 60th and 74th Divisions to seize the enemy works
between the Khalasa Road and the Wadi Saba, while the defences
north of the Wadi were masked by the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade
and two battalions of the 53rd Division. The Anzac Mounted
Division, Australian Mounted Division and 7th Mounted Brigade were
to attack the defences of the town from the north-east, east and
south-east".

The progress of the attack all along the line could be seen from the top of
Itwail. The Turk, everywhere, clung tenaciously to his main positions.
During the whole morning and afternoon, rifle and shell-fire were continued
on both sides. "B" Sub-section covered the advance of the "S.N.H." The
Essex Battery R.H.A., in action at this time, came in for a bad quarter of
an hour, but fortunately escaped with slight casualties, when, at 16.00 (4
p.m.) orders were issued to attack Beersheba!

The Brigade at once formed up in a cloud of dust, and, led by its General
as if on a ceremonial parade at home, started off at the trot to the
attack. Soon, the dust became so dense (especially in the centre of the
Brigade), that it was impossible to see two yards in front. After going a