st to Beit Affe, and then
beyond Summeil, where a line was taken over which had been previously held
by another Brigade. On the way the Turks shelled us heavily. It is
surprising how difficult it is to hit a Brigade on the move, in "Line of
Troop Column"; shells often fell right in the centre of a Regiment, yet not
actually hitting a troop or doing any damage whatever! At night we withdrew
from the line, marched on to Tel-et-Turmus, north-west, and slept there in
a deep wadi. The next day at 05.30 we were "on the move" again and pushed
on to El Tine crossing the railway. It was evident, from the amount of kit,
dead animals, etc., on the road, that "Johnny Turk" had not been _dawdling_
by the way!

From El Tine we went to Kezaze and thence to Junction Station where our
eyes were gladdened by the sight of a BRICK BUILDING. On reaching the crest
of the ridge the railway leading to Jerusalem suddenly came into view, and,
parallel with it, was seen the main road to that town. Visible for several
miles until lost to sight in the distant hills, it was crowded with
retreating Turks who had been thoroughly surprised at our sudden
appearance. The station appeared to be in flames, but the Turk was still
"showing fight," and in a short time "C" Sub-section attached to the
"S.R.Y." was in action on the ridge south of the railway against the enemy,
who had a position on a hill the other side of it. In about a quarter of
an hour, however, the Turk was seen retiring, and the Sub-section came out
of action and advanced across the railway line to "let him have it" again,
in his new position in front of the village of Khulde. Evening was drawing
near, when orders were received to withdraw to the original position for
the night, and close by there, the Squadron settled down. Before that,
however, they had gone to the station to water, but the supply quickly gave
out and they had to return. Towards midnight, a fresh source having been
tapped, they turned out to water again, none having been had the day
before: _they had been 57 hours without water!_

The next day no serious advance was made, but the day following, after
being shelled before starting, the Brigade crossed the railway and went
through Khulde, which had been evacuated. They were heavily shelled and
unable to proceed, as they found the enemy firmly entrenched in the hills.
"D" Sub-section got some targets at Latron.[4] They returned to their old
camp; water by this time had been