chines were quickly on his "heels," and in spite of all his
attentions, the following day found another British balloon in position
just as if nothing had happened!

[Illustration: At Sarona.

A view from our camp. R.A.F. Hangars can be seen in the distance.]

SQUADRON COMPETITIONS.

The Squadron, by this time, had made great progress in its training. It
was, however, prevented from reaching that high state of efficiency which
is always aimed at--owing to the constant change in its _personnel_, which
was due to such numbers "going sick" to hospital.

A series of inter-sub-section competitions, however, was organised by the
Officer Commanding, which were spread over a few weeks and proved very
popular. The principal events were:--

"_Detachment Competition in Marching Order_"; points being given for
condition of animals and general turn-out--Won by No. 1 Detachment of
"E" Sub-section, under Lance-Corpl. Smith.

"_Limber Competition_"--Won by "D" Sub-section (Drivers Harris and
Collier, who also won a previous competition at Belah).

"_Action Competition_," under Sub-section Sergeants; points given for--

I. _Control_--(A) Drill; (B) Led Horses; (C) Fire Orders, etc.

II. _Time_--taken from command "Action" to when led horses move
back.

III. _Gun Handling, Concealment and Shooting_ (won by "D"
Sub-section, under Sergt. Pearse).

"_Belt Filling by Limber Drivers_" (won by "C" Sub-section).

"_Stripping, Adjustment, Minor Repairs and Immediate Action_" (1st,
Lance-Corpl. Salter; 2nd, Lance-Corpl. Galway).

INSPECTION BY THE "C.-IN-C.".

In consequence of the increased number of cavalry which had arrived in the
country, the 7th Mounted Brigade now formed part of a Division, instead of
being an independent Brigade, as heretofore. This Division, which was
commanded by Major-Gen. H.J.M. MacAndrew, C.B., D.S.O., was at first styled
the "2nd Mounted Division," but, later on, it was altered to the "_5th
Cavalry Division_," comprising the 13th, 14th (the old 7th Mounted), and
15th (Imperial Service), Cavalry Brigades.

On June 27th, the Squadron paraded with the Brigade, in full marching
order, for an inspection of the Division by the "C.-in-C.". They marched to
the plain, north of Rishon-le-Zion, and were there duly inspected and
"marched past," after which units returned to camp, independently. The
"C.-in-C." expressed his high appreciation of the new Div