irst meal most men had
had since breakfast. Numbers of prisoners came in during the night,
each of them carrying a full water bottle. The Turk knew how to preserve
a water supply, and what was of greater interest to us, he knew where to
get it. It speaks well, however, for the chivalry of the British soldier
that none deprived their prisoners of their water, although they were
probably almost without themselves. This sporting attitude towards the
enemy, the spirit of "play the game" whether fighting the clean Turk or
the not so reputable German, I never failed to observe throughout the
war.

Stand to at 3.30 the following morning indicated that work was still to
be done, for in the half light, troops of Light Horse could be seen
collecting behind a hill preparatory to a sweep forward. When they
emerged in the increasing light, the enemy could be seen fleeing from a
trench about 1,200 yards away. Very soon word came through that we were
to go in pursuit, and while we were exercised in mind as to what we
should do for water, we were greatly relieved when we were ordered back
to the ridge to fill our bottles. There the welcome sight of camels
loaded with water fantassies met our eyes and the men eagerly assisted
in the work of distribution. Three-quarters of a bottle and a "buckshee"
drink was the ration, and this obtained, men felt more fit for their
labours. Food, however, there was none, and we had to be content with
what remained of yesterday's rations. But it was felt that food was not
so important if only the water would not fail.

By seven o'clock the whole Brigade were on the move, and in tropical
countries in the hot season, the sun's heat is considerable at this
time. After we had travelled some distance the hardship of desert
marching under these conditions began to really hit us, and undoubtedly
the exertions of the previous day were having their effect. Every moment
the heat increased, the sand seemed to become softer and softer, and the
whole ground sloped gradually upwards. Men dropped and officers had to
use all the powers they possessed to get them on, but many had to be
left behind to struggle along afterwards in their own time. Meanwhile
another long column of prisoners could be seen streaming away towards
Romani, which we were now leaving well to our left rear. The battalion
proceeded over the desert in this manner in artillery formation with
platoons as units, and halting as frequently as possible. Af