ed to remain
with his company, and eventually pulled round.

The weather was now becoming cold and unsettled. A third blanket was
issued to each man. These blankets were of varied colours and when
spread out to dry or air gave the landscape an appearance that must have
puzzled any hostile aviator. On the 15th the wind began to rise early in
the morning and blew clouds of dust about. The sea also became troubled.
Two days later the atmospheric conditions got worse. Several boats were
blown ashore and the piers damaged. About 8 p.m. rain descended and
drenched those whose dugouts afforded little protection. During the
worst period the enemy became "jumpy" and opened a heavy fire on the
hill above. The prospect of having to ascend the slippery tracks was
forbidding. However, quiet returned and daybreak revealed the sea
rapidly subsiding.

About this time, the Battalion witnessed an enemy aeroplane pass over
our positions--dropping several bombs and arrows. One bomb fell near to
the main ammonal magazine, but, very fortunately, failed to explode.
This was the first of many similar experiences in other theatres of war.

That the war had not destroyed the humane instincts of the soldiers was
evidenced by an incident which occurred near the beach and was witnessed
from Happy Valley. Two mules, secured together by neck chains, were
being led northwards by a native attendant. Inadvertently, it would
seem, the man left the cover of the excavated road, which was used for
traffic and took his charges out into the open. Here they came into full
view of the enemy snipers, who promptly killed one of the animals. The
attendant immediately took to his heels and left the live mule anchored
by the chain to his dead companion. Bullets began to throw up the dust
around him--and it seemed to be only a matter of seconds before he would
go too--when a Light Horseman ran out from cover, some 50 yards away,
undid the chain, and, under an increasingly rapid fire, led the second
animal to safety.

At the head of Malone Gully there was a small projecting cliff, which
was in the possession of "Jacko." This and the ground behind it gave a
command over a limited portion of the beach, which was only a few
hundred yards away. In order to clear out the Turk and strengthen the
hold on Russell's Top, a plan for an advance in this direction was
considered during the month of November. It was proposed that the 28th
Battalion should carry out the operatio