full of interest; it was sweeping, undulating ground, cut up
by many deep wadis, and generally the only way to be sure that there was
no enemy movement in a wadi was to have a post in it or on the bank.

Yapton Redoubt was the most curious in formation; a deep wadi ran
through the middle of it and the wire blocks on the enemy side were so
ingenious that on a dark night it was extremely difficult for patrols to
find the way in. An attack up the wadi would have been difficult, as
small bombing posts had been constructed on the top of the high banks,
and while they could have lobbed over bombs into the gully, they were
almost out of bomb range themselves. However, the scheme of defence was
never put to the test. In an old cactus-bound garden about 1500 yards in
front of Yapton we had a day observation post perched in a tree. The
cactus hedge was a mass of ripe prickly pears, and the art of eating
them was only learnt after a lengthy period spent in extracting the fine
thorns from one's fingers, mouth, tongue and throat. Within the hedge
were fig trees, small vines, tomatoes, pomegranates and a small native
hut, but huts in this part were not entered as they swarmed with small
insects more desirous of making our acquaintance than we were of making
theirs. One step within was sufficient. "C" Company sent nightly patrols
to the Wadi Sihan and to Two Tree Post, but they returned each morning
with no tale to tell. Except when an enterprising member of a patrol
entered the back door of a hut unknown to the officer who entered the
front door. A little mutual stalking was indulged in with bombs ready,
but fortunately recognition took place before attrition.

The only excitement was the end of the Ramadan fast and the entrance on
the Bairam month of feasting. G.H.Q. thought that the enemy might
celebrate his release from the month of denial by doing something rash
or risky, and orders were sent broadcast for extra vigilance and doubled
sentries. The eventful hour came and he sent over half-a-dozen battery
salvoes on Dumb-bell Hill and Brighton Redoubt and peace reigned once
more over our corner of Asia. The same situation occurred in Gallipoli
in 1915 when we were facing the Turk and the result was also the same.
On the 23rd July the Battalion was relieved by the 4th R.S.F. and passed
into Divisional reserve at Wadi Simeon. It was about this time that fate
transplanted in our midst a medical officer from Kirkliston.

At this time