post of the Crusaders. There we began a hard programme
of training in musketry, bayonet-fighting, physical and close-order
drill and movements by night, a plain showing that we were entering
again the valley of decision. On the 19th, General Hill, the commander
of the 52nd Division, inspected the Brigade, and, after complimenting it
on the steadiness of drill and marching, foretold the near approach of
the day when all its steadiness and valour would be required. The last
week spent at Sheikh Nahkrur we were attached to the 155th Brigade, the
remainder of our Brigade having gone nearer the line as they had come
out before us. Left to ourselves we thoroughly enjoyed life. The
training on the open country was a delightful change, and after our
recent experiences we were easily able to devise small night operations
of the most hair-raising kind. It was here that our Battalion Concert
Party made their debut. There were seven of them, Corpl. Hamilton, Ptes.
F. Williams, A. Heron, J. M'Ardle (Ella Rish), Sergt. R. Lyon, Ptes. T.
Elliot and J.B. Smith. The pioneers rigged up a stage with its back to a
high cactus hedge and from the performance the future success of the
company was assured, and to the company, as well as to the pioneers who
afterwards erected and decorated stages in the open or in nullahs, we
owed much for the entertainments given. Battalion sports were also held.
Most who were there will remember the stalwart Pte. Little walking round
the tiny transport donkey with the "Bint" up. Another worthy effort of
the pioneers was the erection of a palatial hut when an officer's mess
dinner was held, our first since leaving Mahamdiya. A move was made on
the 29th when the battalion arrived in the Abbas sector, coming under
the command of the G.O.C. 234th Brigade. The remainder of the Brigade
took over the Edinburgh sector of the line from Outpost Hill westwards.
A change was made on October 5th when we moved into reserve at Apsley
House where the other battalions of the Brigade joined us a week later.
Training was continued. Particular attention was paid to the
specialists, and Brigade Bombing and Sniping Schools were started. Lewis
gunners, in their little groups, sweated over the dusty ground and
picked their weapons to pieces almost every hour. The men were exercised
in attacks over the open and in surprise attacks on unknown positions.
Parties of officers visited the coastal sector and examined diligently
the enemy lin