self "up against" a series of strongly-held trenches on Ras-Hablein to
Ras-Ghannam. The 60th Infantry Division was on its left and the Australians
on its right. The plan of attack, as given in the official publication: "_A
Brief Record of the Advance of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force_" was as
follows:--

"... for the 60th and 74th Divisions to seize the enemy works
between the Khalasa Road and the Wadi Saba, while the defences
north of the Wadi were masked by the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade
and two battalions of the 53rd Division. The Anzac Mounted
Division, Australian Mounted Division and 7th Mounted Brigade were
to attack the defences of the town from the north-east, east and
south-east".

The progress of the attack all along the line could be seen from the top of
Itwail. The Turk, everywhere, clung tenaciously to his main positions.
During the whole morning and afternoon, rifle and shell-fire were continued
on both sides. "B" Sub-section covered the advance of the "S.N.H." The
Essex Battery R.H.A., in action at this time, came in for a bad quarter of
an hour, but fortunately escaped with slight casualties, when, at 16.00 (4
p.m.) orders were issued to attack Beersheba!

The Brigade at once formed up in a cloud of dust, and, led by its General
as if on a ceremonial parade at home, started off at the trot to the
attack. Soon, the dust became so dense (especially in the centre of the
Brigade), that it was impossible to see two yards in front. After going a
mile or two, a halt was made under cover of a hill for a few minutes, then
on again. To the surprise of everyone, little opposition was now offered,
and it soon became apparent that the Turk had fled, although reinforced
during the day, the sight of an English Cavalry Brigade advancing, proving
too much for him! Another halt, another trot, then the position was taken!

WE TAKE TURKISH TRENCHES.

Until quite recently, the Turk had been content merely to patrol the
country south and east of Beersheba, but our concentration at Esani had
made him uneasy about his left flank, and he had hastily dug a line of
trenches and manned them, hoping to put up a strong opposition to our
advance. These were the trenches we had now taken; and they constituted a
strong position too, the hills being particularly steep in front of them.

Having captured the position and enjoyed a short rest, the Brigade pushed
on again after dark--this time in