g him on the neck with a stick, or putting their toe in his eye!

[Illustration]

On October 1st-3rd "A" Sub-section went on a reconnaissance with the
Brigade, which, however, was "in support" at Reshid Beck, and not called
upon for active work. Meanwhile the training continued--Squadron drill,
section schemes and N.C.O.'s rides. The completion of the Squadron to the
full establishment of six Sub-sections (12 guns) was sanctioned on October
9th, although the supply of horses was stated to be doubtful. On that date
the Squadron was inspected by the G.O.C. the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J.T.
Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O.

DRAFT FROM MARESFIELD PARK, ENGLAND.

Lieut. Raynor arrived with 47 "O.R.'s" on Oct. 9th. These were part of a
draft of 15 officers and 250 men under Capt. R.O. Hutchinson, who had left
England on September 13th. Before starting on their journey the draft had
been complimented upon their appearance by the C.O. of the Training Centre,
and told that "they should consider themselves lucky to be going to a
country where real cavalry tactics could be employed". And so it proved to
be! This draft arrived at Alexandria on September 27th, and proceeded to
the M.G.C. Base Depot, Helmieh, Cairo, after a very pleasant but uneventful
journey, via Southampton, Havre, Marseilles and Malta. The journey through
France was by a route not previously used for troops, and the French people
were very friendly and enthusiastic, cheering frequently. Apparently the
population here were not accustomed to the sight of British troops. At
Marseilles they embarked on H.M.T. "Minetonka" (a splendid ship, but very
crowded), which, being built for the North-Atlantic traffic, was rather hot
for the Mediterranean. Two very efficient Japanese destroyers escorted her
throughout the whole journey.

At first, it was thought that the "draft" was intended to form an entirely
new unit, but they had not long been in Egypt before officers and men were
posted to various existing Squadrons. The importance of this draft is
indicated, to some extent, by the fact that within a short time every
Machine Gun Squadron in the E.E.F. (except one), was commanded by an
officer who had come out with it.

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

Early in October 1917, the C.O.'s of units were informed of the approaching
operations against the enemy, and given a general idea of the plan of
campaign. On the 17th of the month, Headquarters and three Sub-sections
marched, with the Briga