called. A
short description of the country hereabouts would not, perhaps, be out of
place. Doubtless other people will read this record besides the members of
the Squadron who have seen the "beauties" of that remote part of the world;
a brief reference to the characteristics of the locality may, therefore, be
appreciated by those who would like to spend a short holiday there!

Now, the ground itself, baked hard by the tropical sun and total absence of
water, is covered with stones, it has practically no vegetation whatever,
any scrub, at all resembling a tree, being something to remark upon. Parts
of the country, however, are cultivated by the natives during the winter
and spring, but at the time of our campaign everything was quite bare.
Then, there are no roads; the tracks made by the natives are inches deep in
dust, which, when used by troops, rises in dense clouds, choking one's nose
and eyes, besides "caking" on the face, so that in a very short time every
man more resembles a performer in a minstrel troupe rather than a soldier
in His Majesty's Army. Everywhere hills are to be seen, upon which there
are outcrops of rock. Upon these hills, also, a small bushy plant manages
to grow (a kind of thyme), which has a very pungent smell.

In front of the halting place, mentioned above, was a plain about a mile
wide; on each side of this was a range of hills. The "S.R.Y." and "D"
Sub-section made towards Khuweilfeh on their left front, and the "S.N.H."
and "C" Sub-section set off half-right towards the hills. The "S.N.H." met
but slight opposition from the enemy, which they easily overcame. Pushing
forward and taking, on the way, two field-guns and two ambulances abandoned
by the Turks, they, at length, gained the highest point (Ras en Nukb); from
here could be seen the Turkish position on the other side of the plain,
being attacked by the "S.R.Y."

A DIFFICULT PROPOSITION.

It was clear that no further advance could be made until the Turks on the
left were dislodged. This seemed to be a difficult proposition, as enemy
reinforcements could be seen coming up in great numbers. Towards evening an
attempt was made to attack them on the other side, but the ground being
found to be very rocky, and after being shelled considerably and night
setting in, orders were received to withdraw. Then the "S.N.H." came right
back to the point where they had left the Brigade, and "C" Sub-section
remained with them for that night. After s