road to the east, were "traversed" and a regiment of Turkish cavalry, which
was in the groves, at length sent a representative under a white flag
expressing a desire to surrender. Outposts were now put out, and the
remainder of the Brigade was moved up to Ashrafie and watered, staying in
that vicinity for the night.

Some splendid grapes and other minor luxuries were obtained at the village
and were very acceptable. That night the country was lit up for miles
around, and the air resounded with explosion after explosion by the
destruction of large ammunition dumps and other stores by the Turks. "No.
3" Section remained with the outposts, owing to the fact that two orderlies
who had been sent out were unable to find them.

In the early morning they obtained some splendid "targets" on the road,
against the tail of the Turkish force which was being driven along by the
4th Division and the Hedjaz troops. Close on their heels came Lieut.-Col.
Lawrence and Major Sinclair of the Sherifian Army in a car. They would have
been fired on, but for the fact that our own troops were in the danger
zone. Their identity was discovered in time, however, and Major Davies, who
had just arrived to see how "No. 3" Section was faring, went down and spoke
to them.

WE ENTER DAMASCUS.

At 07.30 the Australians having got round to the north of the city, our
Brigade moved through Ashrafie and groves eastward to the road, so
frequently referred to above, and marching along it, passed Meidan, at
09.30 entering Damascus--just 12 days from the start of operations, it
being then October 1st 1918. The approximate distance covered by the
Division was 215 miles, the distance due north of our old Line 104 miles.

Probably the town of Damascus proved to be disappointing to the majority of
the troops. It was interesting, certainly, but those who had been long in
the East did not find the expression "_Eastern splendour_" realised here,
any more than in other towns they had seen; such an idea would seem to
exist only in the minds of those who have never been "out East". The
natives, on the whole, seemed pleased to see us, the victors, and
frequently cheered, while Major L.F. St. J. Davies, M.C., at the head of
the Squadron (which followed the Poona Horse, the leading regiment, thus
being the first _white_ troops), was exceedingly popular.

[Illustration]

In accordance with the Arab custom, when rejoicing, rifles were fired in
the air--and this not wi