G.O.C. (Brig.-Gen. J.T. Wigan, C.M.G., D.S.O.) went along the whole column
and handed his brandy-flask to those who seemed the most exhausted. Upon
arriving at Beersheba, the town was found to be swarming with more troops,
and it was with the greatest difficulty that any water was obtained at all.
Everyone had gone without just as long as we had done--at least, so they
said!

The next day (November 4th), was spent in watering and cleaning up. Towards
evening, "Saddle-up" was ordered; the Brigade moved at 16.00 and marched to
Karm, a distance of 15 miles--a journey which seemed interminable. The air
was so thick with dust that it was necessary to keep right on to the tail
of the horse in front, or you would have been lost in a second. "'Ware hole
on the right!" "Mind the wire!" and such like orders were passed down the
column from time to time. You had just to do what you were told, as it was
quite impossible to see even a yard ahead!

Arrived at Karm, at about 22.00, the Brigade watered their horses from the
troughs beside the railway line, which were supplied with water brought up
in trucks by train from the pipe line at Shellal or El Arish! After a short
sleep, the Brigade moved on a few miles to Goz el Geleib, and took over a
camping area from the 8th Mounted Brigade.

Our Squadron took over the identical ground just occupied by the 21st
Squadron, and the small party we sent on in advance learnt of the action
they had been in, when strongly attacked, and the praise they had earned
from the Commander-in-Chief. During this action, one of their officers
(Lieut. Stuart) who was known to some of the members of the "20th," was
captured. He was at first reported killed.

The Brigade stayed here for the day in reserve. Glad enough everyone was of
this little rest, which at any time is indeed "very little" for a cavalry
unit, even when halted. That afternoon an officer of the Squadron was
ordered to proceed to a point overlooking the Wadi Imleh and establish
signalling communication with the Australian Headquarters, and to keep
watch for any enemy movement across it. The line, in this part, was held by
small posts, in some places over a mile apart. It would seem to be an easy
matter for the Turk to creep up during the night and at daybreak pour
through the gaps. It was, indeed, at this point that the 21st Squadron had
been so hard pressed.

Nothing unusual happened on this occasion, however, and the next morning
(Novembe