ially one covering ruins).
WADI A watercourse (normally dry).

TIME.

The following table shows the military method of stating the time which is
used throughout this book:--

1 a.m. 01.00
2 " 02.00
3.15 " 03.15
6.45 " 06.45
12 midday 12.00
1 p.m. 13.00
2.35 " 14.35
3.50 " 15.50
8 " 20.00
10 " 22.00
12 midnight 24.00
12.15 a.m. 00.15

THROUGH PALESTINE WITH THE 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON.

PART I.

FORMATION OF THE SQUADRON.

It was on the 4th July 1917 that authority was given to the 7th Mounted
Brigade (then at Ferry-Post, Ismailia), for the formation of a MACHINE-GUN
SQUADRON to be known as the "20th." It was to consist of "Headquarters" and
only three sub-sections, there being but two regiments (instead of the
usual three) in the 7th Brigade.

On July 4th, Lieut. E.P. Cazalet and Lieut. E.B. Hibbert, machine gun
officers of the Notts (Sherwood Rangers) Yeomanry and South Notts Hussars
respectively, brought their sub-sections to the new camp. Lieut. C.D.
Macmillan also arrived from the "S.N.H." From these two regiments there
came, in all, 3 officers, 121 men and 98 animals (horses and mules). The
"A" Sub-section was formed of "S.R.Y." men; the "B" Sub-section of "S.N.H."
men, "C" Sub-section being composed of both "S.R.Y." and "S.N.H." men.

From the commencement, the Squadron "carried on" under very difficult
conditions, as, out of its total strength of 121, only 30 men were
qualified gunners, and 63 had never previously been attached to a Machine
Gun Section. Then there were fresh animals to draw from "Remounts" besides
new saddlery and equipment from "Ordnance". The health of the Squadron,
also, was at first none too good; a large number of men had contracted
malaria whilst with the Brigade in Salonica, and many others were liable to
septic sores, after two years' sojourn in Egypt, Suvla and Salonica. From
time to time, seven days' leave was granted to small parties to the Rest
Camp, Port Said, and lucky were those men whose turn it was to go!

In due course, on July 30th 1917, Lieut. D. Marshall (Fife & Forfar
Yeomanry), arrived from the 4th "M.G." Company. He had been "posted" as
Commanding Officer, and "took over" from Lieut. Cazalet; shortly afterwards
he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

The first reinforcements to reach the Squadron from the training centre at