ys
produces the desired result. The camel gets down in a series of bumps
and not without cautious glances at his head, the men unfasten the
complication of ropes and commence the work of unloading. Somebody
shouts: "Mail up!" and this brings out a number of interested faces from
the entrances to "bivvies." After the rations have been sorted out, word
quickly goes round, "Six to a loaf again, and no fresh meat to-day," so
everyone looks gloomily ahead to the prospect of swallowing quantities
of bully beef and biscuits. Other camels have carried up trench and
wiring materials, and when all are off-loaded they get up wearily and
solemnly depart leaving the outpost to its solitary existence. If there
is only one officer he feels his solitude very much, for in spite of the
camaraderie with the men and particularly the senior N.C.O's. there is a
feeling of restraint due to the requirements of military discipline, and
he misses the value of perfectly free intercourse.[1]

[Footnote 1: Quoted from an Officer's Diary]

[Illustration: _PLATE III_

1. Bivouac Shelters on the Desert

2. Making the Railway over the Desert

3. At El Mazar

4. Digging a Well]

It soon became apparent that an advance across the desert in the
direction of El Arish was contemplated, and that the speed of such an
advance would depend upon the rate at which the railway and water pipe
line could be constructed. The function of the troops was to protect it
from raiders so that work could proceed in comfort, a duty shared by the
mounted troops and the 52nd and 42nd Divisions. In September, therefore,
the 7th Manchesters left Romani for garrison duty at Negiliat, about
twenty kilos. further east. About this time Capt. Chadwick, who along
with Lt.-Col. Cronshaw, had been decorated with the Serbian Order of the
White Eagle in long delayed recognition of their magnificent work in
Gallipoli, left the battalion to join the R.F.C. in England and France.
Capt. Townson succeeded him in the command of "C" Company.

As the health of the desert troops was not good after their long strain
under the tropical sun, a system of rest and holiday cure, suggested by
the medical authorities, was begun. Batches of men and officers were
sent off to Alexandria and encamped at Sidi Bishr, just outside the town
for a week, during which time they were free to do more or less as they
pleased, a concession highly relished by everyone. The sight of
civilisation alone was in itse