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"
Sub-section, with the one limber that accompanied it, returned to camp,
independently. On this day the Squadron watering-party was bombed by
hostile aircraft, but no casualties occurred. October 30th was spent in
"resting," and in the afternoon every man was directed to lie down in his
"bivvy" from 13.00 to 17.00 hrs. (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)! Upon being asked by
the Orderly Officer why he was not complying with this order, one man
remarked to his pal: "Well, that's the first time I've been stopped doing
work in the Army"! It was, however, very necessary, as, that night at 20.30
(8.30 p.m.), the Brigade, commanded by Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G.,
D.S.O., started on its approach-march after watering.

THE APPROACH-MARCH TO BEERSHEBA.

The "going" was, most of the way, through thick sand with a lot of green
scrub. Doubtless, everybody who took part in that march will ever remember
the incidents and details of the operations--and the indescribable dust.
Temperature very cold; "loads off"; "loads on"; at frequent intervals.
So--on, through the night; generally at the walk, occasionally trotting;
hearing, at one point, intermittent rifle-fire (on the left flank), and,
with now and then, "VERY LIGHTS" being put up. Later on, a white stone
building was passed (apparently unoccupied) called "Ibn Said".

After several hours' marching, a road and a narrow gauge Turkish railway
were crossed, both of which were understood to lead to Beersheba. At
length, the position was reached on Itwail El Semin, 7 miles south of
Beersheba, just before daybreak, where the transport ("A" Echelon) soon
found us. "A" and "B" Sub-sections were immediately attached to the
"S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." respectively, and took up positions in front of
Ras-Hablein and Goz-el-Naam.

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
it