sighted in
the neighbourhood of Tel Hudeiwe, whom the "S.N.H." and "C" Sub-section
were sent to dislodge. This task they accomplished at once, but a sudden
counter-attack forced back our advanced points with a rush, who sustained
some casualties. The position then held was a good one, and there were
little doubts about our being able to hold it, even if outnumbered. The
ground was so steep in the rear, that led-horses could be brought up to
within 20 yards, or less, of the guns. In front, too, the ground sloped
away sharply, and on the other side of the valley was a ridge, similar to
our own, to which the Turks had withdrawn, and where they could be seen in
large numbers. They kept up a very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, which,
however, we heartily returned. Their artillery, evidently, was being
employed elsewhere, as will be shown shortly. During the afternoon the
Turks were seen to be reinforced, and showed every sign of attempting an
attack. "B" Sub-section came up and was in action alongside "C"; "E"
Sub-section also was attached, but was held in reserve for eventualities.
It was soon seen, however, that the Turk had come to the conclusion that
"discretion was the better part of valour," for nothing further happened.

"D" SUB-SECTION'S CASUALTIES.

Meanwhile "D" Sub-section had been having a rough time. They had taken up a
position close to Brigade Headquarters with the Essex Battery, to protect
it from a flank attack. The Essex and Turkish artillery had a lively duel,
during which shells fell thick, around this quarter. Lance-Corpl. Marriott
was, unfortunately, killed, while Lieut. Raynor, Ptes. Taylor and Crane,
and, later, Lance-Corpl. Green, were wounded, in this action. It may be
mentioned here, that Lieut. Raynor was hit in the arm, and after undergoing
several operations in Nasrieh Hospital, Cairo, he was sent home and finally
retired from the Army. The manner in which he had organised "D"
Sub-section, and in a few weeks made it a fighting unit of exceptional
quality, had earned him great praise. Sergt. Fleet, who assumed command
after Lieut. Raynor was hit, did splendid work and was afterwards awarded
the Military Medal.

All was quiet during the night, and at daybreak the patrols sent out,
reported "all clear"; the Turks had "Imshied" (i.e., cleared out). After
watering, under a certain amount of shell fire, the Sub-sections that had
been in the line re-joined the Squadron; the remainder had watered