uring the Evacuation, had been rewarded with the rank of
Brigadier-General. This promotion, apart from being popular, brought
additional prestige to the 7th Brigade.

Notwithstanding the improved conditions of climate and surroundings, the
28th still suffered a few casualties from sickness. During the first
month of the year three officers and 56 other ranks were sent to
hospital. Shower baths were badly needed, and although the waters of the
adjacent canal looked attractive they were reported to be infested with
the bilharzia worm and bathing was forbidden.

The last day of January was spent in brigade work in close formation.
This was not quite a success and, beyond traversing a considerable area
of ground and raising a great deal of dust and sweat, secured little
result. On the following day an exercise in the brigade in defence, and
the occupation of a position by night, were more practical and
interesting.

About this time it was decided, owing to the increasing number of Turks
in the Sinai Peninsula, to strengthen the defences of the Suez Canal.
The orders which followed directed that the 1st and 2nd Divisions should
cross the waterway and establish a new line of defence in the desert on
the east side. The 8th Brigade was to be relieved.

On the evening of the 3rd February, the Battalion, now 17 officers and
891 other ranks strong, climbed into a rake of trucks and was hauled
down to Ismailia--a journey of some 30 odd miles. Detraining at Moascar,
on the west side of the town, a march of some four miles, along a
first-class road, brought the 28th to the bank of the Suez Canal. A
crossing was effected by means of a pontoon bridge constructed by the
Engineers. As the east bank was reached, Signaller Yeldon was heard to
exclaim in tones of great satisfaction, "Well, this is another bally
country I can say I've been in." The march continued for another mile to
a camp (Staging Camp) in which the remainder of the Brigade was already
assembled.

For the comparative ease and order with which this move was carried out,
the Battalion was specially mentioned by the Divisional Commander. Some
two months later, on the return march, General Legge held up the
discipline of the 28th Battalion to the rest of the units in the
Division as an example for them to follow. This is not to imply that the
marches were enjoyed by anybody. No march with full equipment up ever
is, and when dust and heat are added to weight and distance,