y tactics again, to become a true part of the "E.E.F.".
It was also evident, from the brightness of their steelwork, that they
would be second to none in any _ceremonial_ parade.
Training continued, and the Squadron was getting very efficient, both in
the technical and tactical handling of guns. Barrage-drill (the latest
introduction from Grantham), was practised, and an exhibition barrage,
fired out to sea, proved very instructive. On April 18th, there was an
"Action" competition for sub-sections under their respective Sergeants.
They came into action at the gallop on targets at 400 yards range. "B"
Sub-section was judged "best" with "A" Sub-section second.
Summer was rapidly approaching, and on May 15th "Reveille" had been altered
to 04.45 to allow of the heat of the day being spent, as far as possible,
in rest. An inter-unit sports competition, held with the Essex Battery, was
exciting, and included a race on donkeys between the respective officers
commanding! The total results gained were rather in favour of the Essex
Battery.
During April a subscription list was opened for a Memorial to the fallen in
the campaign, to be built in Jerusalem to which the Squadron subscribed
LE14.
Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M., returned on April 11th, having quite recovered from
the wound he received at Tahta. He was posted to "A" Sub-section. On the
21st Lieut. Cazalet was admitted to hospital.
During April Belah was considerably brightened, two large stationary
hospitals being erected, to manage which _a staff of nurses arrived_! They
certainly must have found Belah a quaint place after the civilised
conditions to which they had been accustomed at Cairo and Alexandria, and
in the course of their journey, as well as subsequently, they must have
suffered many discomforts. Introductions, however, were hastily effected,
and very soon, on afternoons, ladies could be seen out, riding with members
of the British forces of the opposite sex.
[Illustration]
Several ladies graced a concert given in the Squadron camp, being conducted
there by certain gallants in two "G.S." wagons and "fours-in-hand"! Another
diversion to the monotony here, was a trip to Jerusalem, which was well
worth the tiring journey, although many were disappointed in the
"side-show-at-an-exhibition" effect, which many of the most sacred spots
presented. It was, however, gratifying to think, that this, the home of our
religion, for which the Crusaders had fought and d
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